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Transfer balls: 13 days after Manchester United sign Paul Pogba Real Madrid ‘gazump’ the deal

Paul Pogba Watch: It’s been 13 days since the Daily Mirror told us Manchester United had “signed” Paul Pogba. Today the trusty Daily Mirror says:

“Paul Pogba jets into New York and sparks fears that Real Madrid could gazump Man United’s £100m bid.”

Paul Pogba has not signed for Manchester United. But he could sign for Real Madrid because “Zinedine Zidane’s side play Bayern Munich at the MetLife Stadium on Thursday morning”.

Before we go on, let’s recall what the Mirror reported as fact:

Pogba signs United Daily Mirror

 

The Mirror now adds:

United continue to play the waiting game with no official agreement in place for Pogba’s signature.

No official agreement. Is that the same as no agreement whatsoever?

The Express states: “Man United meltdown as Paul Pogba jets into New York ahead of Real Madrid game.”

The Sun says: “Paul Pogba to Manchester United: Fans worried Real Madrid will hijack deal as midfield star flies to New York City.” Adding: “Real Madrid being in the same city is believed to be purely coincidence.”

The Telegraph just has a question:

Manchester United transfer news and rumours: Could Paul Pogba be heading to New York for a medical today?

The paper has no idea. And having asked its readers, it still has no idea.

Over in the Daily Mail, news is that “Manchester United are on the brink of breaking the world transfer record to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus.”

On the brink? Fours days ago it was a done deal. Martin Samuel and Simon Jones told us the deal had been “finally agreed”.

 

pogba daily mail

 

It took two reporters to tell us the facts:

Paul Pogba is set to be officially confirmed as a Manchester United player again after his world record £100million move was finally sealed on Thursday night.

He hasn’t signed yet.

After weeks of negotiations, United have agreed a huge fee for the Juventus star to complete Jose Mourinho’s summer spending spree.

He hasn’t signed yet.

United are eager to parade their new signing – who completed a medical in Los Angeles.

He hasn’t signed yet.

Over in Spain, news in AS is that Pogba is expected to sign for United on Wednesday. Madrid have given up the hunt.

Such are the facts.

Posted: 2nd, August 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports | Comment


Transfer balls: teasing Paul Pogba says his Manchester United medical was ‘nonsense’

Paul Pogba Watch: It’s been 12 days since the Daily Mirror told us Manchester United had “signed” Paul Pogba. Today Sky Sports has more news: “Paul Pogba prepares to fly to England to complete Man Utd transfer.”

He’s not signed for Manchester United.

After news that Pogba has been “partying” in Las Vegas, we learn that “Pogba offered no significant update on his pending move to Old Trafford”.

But he’s preparing to fly to England to complete his move to Man United, right? Maybe. Because having made that claim, deep into the story Sky admits it doesn’t know what Pogba plans to do:

Pogba was due to return to Miami after his weekend in Las Vegas, however it is unknown whether he then travels to Turin or flies straight to Manchester from the United States.

The Express has more: “Paul Pogba to fly to England to complete Man Utd move: Responds to question about transfer.”

How did he respond? Well, the paper says, he was “coy”. No. He was taking the mick. He wrote on Instagram: “news: we catch Pogba with his contract in Universal Studios LA amusement park #Imonholidays #nonsense.”

The Mirror adds that he did say something:

Sky Sports News presenter doorstepped Pogba in Vegas on Monday to ask him about the prospect of him going back to Old Trafford.

“We’ll see,” Pogba teasingly replied.

The Indy hears those words and says:

Paul Pogba has hinted that his long-awaited move to Manchester United is nearing completion while speaking to a journalist in the United States.

Spain’s AS newspaper says Pogba is “oblivious to everything” as he went partying in Hollywood with his entourage.

Such are the facts.

 

Posted: 1st, August 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment (1)


Transfer Balls: Paul Pogba takes his Manchester United medical at Universal Studios

Paul Pogba Watch: It’s been 11 days since the Daily Mirror told us Manchester United had “signed” Paul Pogba. Today the Metro says Pogba remains a “Man United target”.

The Telegraph says “Paul Pogba move edges towards completion”.

The Mail says Enligsh footballer’s first £1m player, Trevor Francis, is “surprised at Manchester United’s record bid for Paul Pogba”. Says Francis on BBC Radio 5 Live:

“I’m surprised £100m is going to be paid for a midfield player.  I really thought if it was paid, it was going to be for a striker who could be a match-winner and probably provide you with 30 goals a season.”

 

The Sun says “Juventus replace Manchester United-bound Paul Pogba with Marko Pjaca – ‘a mix of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka’”. Cost of the Ronaldo-Kaka hybrid: £20m

The Mirror, which told us Pogba had already joined Manchester Untied, now tells us that he hasn’t.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hinted Paul Pogba ‘s Manchester United transfer could be getting closer. Pogba is nearing a world record move to Old Trafford with negotiations over a £100million switch nearly finalised… “It looks very interesting,” he told Swedish television station Kanal 5 . “Let’s see if Pogba will also (come), then it will be even more interesting.”

Meanwhile, Pogba tells his followers:

“Pogba passing a medical at the Universal Studios park”

 

pogba medical

Such are the facts.

Posted: 31st, July 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports | Comment


Transfer balls: Paul Pogba signs Manchester United shirt and is better than Messi

Paul Pogba Watch: 10 days since the Daily Mirror told us Manchester United had “clinched” Paul Pogba, The Telegraph says: “Paul Pogba drops MAJOR hint he’s joining Man Utd.”

A hint? Sky Sports explains:

Paul Pogba has been photographed signing a Manchester United number six shirt with his name on the back. The snap was taken by United fan Jonathan Perkins in Los Angeles, where Pogba has been finishing up his post-Euro 2016 holiday.

United fan asks footballer to sign his shirt. Footballer graciously does so. And that’s news?

Jack Pitt-Brooke has more news in the Indy, where Pogba as Jose Mourinho are revered:

Both Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba could each claim to be the most talented, intelligent, individualistic and talked-about man in his field and of his generation.

Jose is a top manager. But do position Pogba above Ronaldo, Bale, Neymar, and Messi is nonsense.

The Sun says “POG DEAL CLOSE – Paul Pogba to Man United: Agent Mino Raiola reveals deal for Juventus midfielder should be completed by next week.”

Super-agent Raiola, who also represents United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, reportedly said: “Next week [the deal] can be closed.”

Can be. Not will be. Can be.

The final word in this ball comes from the Daily Mirror, which having confirmed Pogba’s signing ten days ago, today reports:

Paul Pogba signs Manchester United shirt for fan in LA as £100m world record transfer looms..

Paul Pogba has given possibly the clearest sign yet he will join Manchester United – by signing a Red Devils shirt with his name on the back.

What, clearer than when he agreed to join them?

paul pogba united

 

Pogba signs shirt. Pogba does not sign contract.

Such are the facts.

Posted: 30th, July 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment


Transfer balls: nine says after Manchester United ‘clinch’ Paul Pogba his agent says they haven’t

Paul Pogba Watch: Nine days since the Daily Mirror stated that Manchester United had “signed” Paul Pogba, we read on the BBC that Jose Mourinho is “planning a clearout at United with nine players set to leave to make way for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, 23.”

 

the sun pogba

 

WOW!. Paul Pogba is as good as nine players. He’s that good. Play Pogba in the centre, De Gea behind him and maybe a defender and United are as good as they were last season. Utter balls, of course.

The nine killed in what the Sun calls a “brutal cull” – Tyler Blackett, James Wilson, Will Keane, Andreas Pereira, Paddy McNair, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Adnan Januzaj, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Guillermo Varela – don’t play that much for United.

But they all might play more than Paul Pogba, because the Manchester Evening News says Manchester United are considering alternatives to Pogba, and are looking at Blaise Matuidi, 29, who plays for Paris St-Germain.

 

The Express says Real Madrid want Pogba.

But the Mail now agrees with the Mirror:

Pogba set for United medical after £100m transfer with Juve is agreed…United are eager to parade their new signing – who completed a medical in Los Angeles and will wear the No 6 shirt – and are set to officially announce his arrival…

Pogba had a medical in Los Angeles after his recent holiday in Florida before signing a five-year contract worth £290,000 a week.

Pogba REal MAdrid Mancheste

 

Meanwhile, over in Spain AS reports that Pogba to Real is still on:

Mino Raiola , agent Paul Pogba has broken out against the English and Italian press. “Journalists, parrots. There is nothing between the clubs. Everything is a game between the English pair Italian press and see who is first and who is the worst  ” he wrote in his profile Twitter .

Or as the BBC puts it:

Real Madrid are planning a move for Paris St-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti, 23, after accepting defeat in their pursuit of Paul Pogba. (AS)

Such are the facts.

Posted: 29th, July 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports | Comment


Arsenal: Wenger makes way for Eddie Howe because the Press are clueless

Is Arsenal Wenger going to sign a new contract and extend his tenure as Arsenal manager? The BBC leads with that AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is “well-placed to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal”.

The Daily Mirror agrees. It says “Eddie Howe touted as possible Arsene Wenger replacement?”

The Mirror and BBC’s source is the Daily Star. 

 

Wenger Arsenal manager Eddie Howe

 

In an “EXCLUSIVE” David Woods says “Arsenal earmark Englishman as potential Arsene Wenger replacement”. Arsenal fans should be pleased. Howe is erudite, young, talented, a winner and a fast learner. But on what is the story of Howe to Arsenal based? What is Woods’ evidence that Howe is in line to replace Wenger? Is it just an educated guess?

Wenger has been at Arsenal for 20 years and is entering the final 12-months of his current contract. Although there is no suggestion he is heading for the chop immediately, Starsport can reveal the Gunners board would not have stood in Wenger’s way if he had wanted to take over as England boss next summer, as the FA had originally wanted.

Would. If. Not many facts there.

England never did go for Wenger. The FA never did wait a year for him to leave Arsenal, as the Star reported they would do.

 

wenger

 

Woods adds:

It’s a clear signal that Arsenal are now preparing for life after the 66-year-old.

Wenger is 66. Of course Arsenal are preparing for life after the man has left. Wenger is in the final year of his current deal. They would be mad not to have a plan. Just look at what happened to Manchester United when Ferguson left.

And Arsenal have advance warning. The Mirror “set the date” of Wenger’s leaving, telling us in January 2016 that the Frenchman will leave the Gunners on June 30 2017:

 

june 30 wenger

 

There is not a single fact to support the story of Howe to Arsenal. The Press are as clueless about what Arsenal will do after Wenger as they were when the Gunners hired the man. Back in 1996, Johan Cruyff was the favourite to replace Bruce Ricoh.

As Nick Hornby put it:

“I remember when Bruce Rioch was sacked, one of the papers had three or four names. It was Terry Venables, Johan Cruyff and then, at the end, Arsène Wenger. I remember thinking as a fan, I bet it’s fucking Arsène Wenger, because I haven’t heard of him and I’ve heard of the other two. Trust Arsenal to appoint the boring one that you haven’t heard of.”

And the Press asked “Arsene who?”

 

arsene-who-headline-evening-standard

London Evening Standard on Wenger – 1996

 

 

Posted: 28th, July 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Key Posts, Sports, Tabloids | Comment


Transfer balls: seven says after Manchester United ‘clinch’ Paul Pogba Real ‘gazump’ the deal

Paul Pogba Watch: Seven days since the Daily Mirror stated that Manchester United had “signed” Paul Pogba, we read on the BBC that the player’s agent, Mino Raiola, “has cancelled Juventus and France midfielder Paul Pogba’s medical with Manchester United”.

The BBC links to the Daily Star, wherein we read:

…the super agent phoned the doctor to tell him not bother jetting home from a holiday in Europe to undertake the medical, as a deal for Pogba isn’t close.

The source for this is AS. It says Pogba is waiting for Real Madrid. It is his “dream to train under the orders of Zidane”.

Or as the Sun puts it:

POG IN BAG.. .Manchester United have sealed a world-record £105million deal for Paul Pogba – just as SunSport told you on Saturday.

Or as the Guardian writes: “Manchester United expect to seal £100m Paul Pogba deal within 48 hours.”

So not sealed, then?

Pogba express

 

ESPN says “some among the United hierarchy even suspect Pogba may be ‘stalling them’ to see if Real Madrid come in with an official bid… There has long been a suspicion Pogba is still holding out for his first choice and Real finally acted on that in the last 48 hours by making contact with Juventus.”

As ever, we’ll end with a look at what the trusty Daily Mirror are saying today:

Zinedine Zidane has claimed Real Madrid could gazump Manchester United in their world record pursuit of Paul Pogba…

The Reds are set to make a fresh bid of £92m for the France midfielder, but Madrid coach Zidane raised the prospect of the Spanish giants stepping in to beat United to his signature.

Zidane said: “I don’t know if he will come. Until the 31st of August anything can happen. Everyone is interested in Pogba. “

So much for “CLINCHED”.

 

paul pogba united

Posted: 27th, July 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports | Comment


Transfer balls: 6 days after Manchester United sign Paul Pogba Real Madrid make their move

paul pogba united

 

Paul Pogba Watch: Six days since the Daily Mirror stated that Manchester United had “signed” Paul Pogba, we read on Sky Sports:

Manchester United transfer rumours: Paul Pogba deal – on or off?

So much for United having “clinched” Pogba, as the Mirror told us. Sky hasn’t a clue. It asks: “Which are the most credible Manchester United transfer rumours right now?”

None of them, which is they they are rumours. None of them are credible.

 

pogba deal

Daily Star balls

 

Sky then says only United are in for Pogba, which sounds absurd. Are they bidding against themselves?

It is understood Juventus have now accepted Pogba wants to leave the club, although the cost of the deal has already priced Real Madrid out of the market.

It is all laughable. Indeed, Paul Pogba and his agent Mino Raiola are laughing themselves silly.

 

pogba agent

 

The Mirror sees that photo are conjures the news:

Pogba is close to completing his £100million transfer to United but has kept tight-lipped over his future despite posting a cryptic post on Instagram

Got that? According to the Mirror, Pogba is now talking in codes via Instagram. What can it all mean? He and his agent are laughing in Miami. The soon-to-be stinking rich player and his soon-to-even-richer agent are laughing.

AS says Raiola is looking at a €20m commission from any sale. The Spanish paper also says Pogba is waiting for Real Madrid to make their move.

Vacations in Palm Island, Miami, United States. A 7,758 kilometers from Turin, on an artificial island of Key Biscayne where the famous mobster Al Capone lived his last days in a luxurious mansion of 2,800 square meters, Pogba hung yesterday a photo in bathing suit with his agent, Mino Raiola, and a message: “we say everything without saying anything. Holidays”.

The Indy says Paul Pogba’s move to Manchester United is nothing to do with Pogba’s “dream” to play for Real. It’s being held by a disagreement over who pays Mino Raiola’s £25m agent fee, according to the Sun.

United and Raiola are happy for both clubs to pay £12.5m. But Juve refuse to pay Raiola a penny from the money they will get from United for Pog, 23.

Raiola is laughing. Pogba is laughing. United are desperate and sweating. The Press are clueless.

Posted: 26th, July 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment


Transfer Balls: Manchester United have not signed Paul Pogba

It’s been two days since the Mirror newspaper reported that Paul Pogba had signed for Manchester United. Today the BBC reports that Man United are “keen to sign” Paul Pogba.

Mourinho said of Pogba:

“We set four targets for us, we got three of them and we are going to get the fourth… Everybody speaks about one, but it wouldn’t be a surprise for me if it is not him and it is another one because we went for profile.”

The Telegraph says Pogba to United is just a “rumour”.

“Paul Pogba believes he is heading back to Old Trafford, according to reports,” says the Star.

The Express says “Jose Mourinho to pull plug on deal if Juventus continue to stall.”

A quick reminder, then, of what the Mirror stated:

 

Pogba signs United

 

No. They haven’t. As the Mirror says today, the deal to sign Pogba has not been done:

 

pogba deal

 

 

And as Spain’s AS newspaper says:

Mino Raiola, agent Pogba, denied yesterday on Twitter that Manchester United have completed the signing of French after Italy leave all the covers wearing his player Red Devil: “There is no closed Pogba agreement, much blah, BLA bla…”.

Such are the facts.

Posted: 22nd, July 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment


Transfer balls: Manchester United sign Paul Pogba (but not everyone agrees)

The Daily Mirror says Manchester United have signed Paul Pogba for £100m. The Juventus and France midfielder will very soon be back at Manchester United, the club he left when they didn’t give him enough playing time.

 

paul pogba united

 

The Mirror delivers the Pogba facts:

Man United CLINCH Paul Pogba deal

Manchester United have now SEALED a world-record £100million deal to sign Paul Pogba .

They have agreed to pay Juventus the massive fee for their France superstar and will hand Pogba a five-year contract worth £210,000-a-week, net.

Marca agrees that Pogba has agreed to join Manchester United for 120 million euros.

The Mail says “Manchester United have agreed personal terms to re-sign Paul Pogba’.

But Sky Sports Italia says nothing has been signed, and Real Madrid are set to make their move.

More to follow…

Posted: 20th, July 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports | Comment (1)


Transfer Balls: Chelsea snubbed, Manchester United linked and Joao Mario’s vanishing ink

Trasnfer balls spots the Sun’s report on “Chelsea transfer target Joao Mario”.

On Jul 14, it was disappointing news for the Blues. Mario “snubs Blues to seal Inter Milan move” stated the Sun.

 

transfer balls, Chelsea

 

Two Sun journalists told readers:

The Portugal star, 23, has agreed a five-year deal with the Serie A giants, after Sporting Lisbon accepted a £29million bid for the midfielder.

Today the Sun delivered an update. The agreement was no agreement after all. The “exclusive” was utterly wrong.

 

Chelsea tranfers

 

Anthony Chapman had new news:

MUST BE JOAO-KING Joao Mario to Chelsea: Manchester United target won’t be on the move this summer as Sporting Lisbon rule out transfer away

Euro 2016-winning Portugal midfielder linked with Premier League duo and Inter Milan but looks set to stay put.

Such are the facts.

Posted: 19th, July 2016 | In: Back pages, Chelsea, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment


Transfer Balls: Manchester United sweat as Pogba waits for Real Madrid

More top-notch reporting on overrated France and Juventus footballer Paul Pogba, currently valued at £100m.

The Manchester Evening News spins no news into the news that Paul Pogba’s agent “has not set a deadline for the player to complete a move to Manchester United”. In other words, Pogba has not agreed to join Manchester United.

The paper than adds that “all parties want to conclude the deal quickly”. What deal? Samuel Luckhurst’s entire story is thus:

Paul Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola is understood not to have set Manchester United a deadline to sign the Juventus midfielder. However, it is understood all parties are thought to want to conclude the deal quickly and do not want to drag the saga out all summer.

Understand? No, us neither.

The Times sticks to the facts and reminds readers that Poga plays for Juventus.  It then quotes Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri: “Anyone who has the opportunity to leave Juventus has to consider things very carefully, because right now Juve are among the top four European clubs. This is not a selling club that just lets its players go. Pogba belongs to Juve.”

True enough. Pogba is under contract to a resurgent Juve.

Over in Spain, AS reports: “Real Madrid asks Pogba and his agent to be patient as they work out their finances.” The paper says Real don’t have a 120 million euros to buy Pogba, and need to make a big sale to raise funds. Real have debts of 620 million euros. Pogba will wait for Real because his “dream is still to be at the orders of Zidane”.

Raiola hasn’t set a deadline because Pogba is waiting for Real to make their move. Well, maybe.

The Indy reminds its readers that Pogba “described the Old Trafford club as his ‘first family’”.  It fails to add that Pogba also called Juventus his “family” and Real Madrid the “white house” of football teams. When handed a Manchester United shirt, Pogba’s first reaction was to laugh.

Such are the facts.

Posted: 18th, July 2016 | In: Back pages, Sports | Comment


Transfer Balls: Paul Pogba makes Manchester United his last choice

Juventus and France midfielder Paul Pogba, 23, says Manchester United “are his first family“. The BBC says this “confirms” the player’s interest in joining the club.

The BBC’s story is rooted in a TV interview Pogba gave to Spanish TV. The headline of the story is “Manchester United target Paul Pogba unsure on future, happy at Juventus”.  Pogba spoke in Spanish to ESPN Deportes.

 

Paul Pogba receives Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid shirt on pre ESPYS award talk

Sun: “Paul Pogba receives Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid shirt on pre ESPYS award talk” – but not in that order.

 

The interviewer showed Pogba shirts from Juventus, Real Madrid and Manchester United, asking him for a view on each.

On Juventus, the first shirt produced, Pogba said: “This is my team, my family, where I am playing. I am happy there, I play football, and do things I wanted to do when I was small.”

On Madrid, the second shirt produced, Pogba said: “…the white house — which won the Champions League this year, a great club.”

On Manchester United, the last shirt produced, Pogba said: “I don’t know this one… It was my first family.

Was his family. Not is his family, as the BBC put it.

On getting a call from Jose Mourinho to join United, Pogba added: “My response would be ‘I don’t know.’ I don’t know when. We will see. For the moment, I am here [Juventus] and I am happy here. I don’t know where I want to go.”

Which when put through the journalisamobile, becomes:

The Guardian: “Paul Pogba hints that he is open to joining Manchester United”

The Telegraph: “Paul Pogba refuses to rule out Manchester United transfer”

The Sun spins the shirts, noting: “ESPN host awkwardly hands Paul Pogba a Juventus shirt before laying a Manchester United and Real Madrid shirt alongside.” The United top was third out of the bag.

In other words, and as they say at Real, United are in Pogba’s past and only his third choice of three.

Such are the facts.

PS: Is Pogba really that good?

Posted: 15th, July 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports | Comment


Manchester United’s secret deal for Ighalo and Liverpool get Clyne by default

Here are a couple of stories that offer insight into how football transfers work. First up the news that last January Manchester United offered a massive £35m for Watford’s Odion Ighalo. You didn’t know about this because both clubs kept quiet. Watford didn’t want to upset their striker. Manchester United didn’t want the markets and money men to know their pulling power was so diminished that signing a Watford player for a huge fee was beyond their reach.

On the upside, Marcus Rashford got his chance and the then United manager Louis Van Gaal looked like he knew what he was doing.

The second story is that Barcelona have not bought Liverpool’s Nathaniel Clyne. Barcelona don’t buy lots of players, of course. Clyne’s story is newsworthy because the story goes that his people offered him to Barcelona. The Catalans  weren’t interested. Good for Clyne that he sees himself in one of Europe’s top sides but surely bad for his Liverpool career.

Clubs and players are not always in harmony.

Posted: 10th, July 2016 | In: Back pages, Liverpool, manchester united, Sports | Comment (1)


Transfer balls: Manchester Untied offer Paul Pogba £11m a year and Mata to Juventus

football transfers mata juventus paul pogba manchester unitedTransfer balls (with the Daily Paul Pogba) brings facts from Spain’s ASManchester United have agreed to pay Paul Pogba £11m a year and will table a £100m offer to Juventus for the France midfielder.

It only seems like yesterday (it was – ed) the media was telling readers Pogba to Man united was a”agreed”.

Does the mainstream media know anything?

Just one month ago, Pogba was a player who had joined Chelsea for £69m. A few days ago, Pogba was on his way to Real Madrid, his dream destination. And there was reporting on an agreement for Pogba to join Barcelona, his, er, dream destination.

Today’s Sun on Sunday reports that to fund Pogba’s purchase, Manchester United manager will sell Marcos Rojo, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Juan Mata and four others.

The Sunday Express says Mata will head to Everton for £20m. The Sunday People says Mata will head to Juventus as part payment for Pogba.

Mata says nothing.

PS: If Pogba does join United for £100m, the player’s agent Mino Raiola stands to pocket around a quarter of it, says the Sunday Times

Posted: 10th, July 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment


Transfer balls: Manchester United ‘agree’ Pogba deal amongst ‘friends’

Transfer balls hears a few more words on Paul Pogba and Manchester United, the club chasing the Frenchman they let go.

The Mirror says United are “closing in” on the Frenchman.

The IBTimes says United have “agreed a deal in principle” with Juventus. The player has “informed his friends” he wants to play for United. Friends like his agent, perhaps.

Sky Sports says “Paul Pogba’s priority is to join Real Madrid over Manchester United this summer”.

The Guardian says, “Paul Pogba has hinted he will join Manchester United only if his first choice of Real Madrid proves impossible.”

With the facts established, Sky Sports asks former Man United player Paul Ince what he thinks of Pogba:

“I think his style of football will suit the Premier League more than the Spanish league. I remember when I first went to Inter Milan in Serie A and I was that kind of aggressive player and every time I made a tackle I was getting booked, that was frustrating.”

Pogba plays for Juventus in Serie A. Ince played in Serie A for inter Milan. He did not play in Spain. Ince seems unaware that Inter Milan is in Italy.

Pogba joined Juventus in the summer of 2012. Every year since Pogba and Juventus have won Serie A.

Ince adds:

“So Pogba now coming into a league where it is tough, where he can show what he’s all about, I think is a perfect fit for him and for Man United.”

It’s worth looking at Pogba’s disciplinary record in Italy, where ‘every time Ince made a tackle he was booked’:

2012: Matches, 22; Yellow Cards, 2; Red Cards, 1

2013: Matches, 45; Yellow cards, 5

2014: Matches, 35; Yellow cards, 7

2015: Matches, 42; Yellow cards 10

As for joining Inter and playing in Italy, this is the Paul Ince who said of leaving Manchester United: “When I look back it’s the best thing I did because I went to Inter Milan and had a great time.”

Leaving United was the best thing Ince ever did. Pogba might well agree.

Posted: 9th, July 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports | Comment


Transfer Balls: Pogba to Manchester United as talks progress

Is Paul Pogba on his way to Manchester United? Jason Burt explores the story with his Telegraph readers:

Big problem for Man Utd with Pogba remains persuading him to leave Juve and come back to them. Plus all the fees.

It’s that kind of insight that gets you the top reporting jobs.

The Guardian says United will pay the £84m for Pogba but Real Madrid is the player’s preferred destination.

Jose Mourinho wants United to agree to Pogba’s wage demands and cough up €300,000 (£250,000) a week. But – get this – Juventus, where Pogba plays, say £84m is just the starting point. They want more.

The paper adds that United’s club’s chief executive, Ed Woodward, is “holding face-to-face talks” with the player’s representatives. No negotiations via fax machines this summer at Jose’s more determined United.

Marca says United are favourites in the betting markets to land Pogba. So put your shirt on Pogba to Barcelona, then.

The Metro says Paul Pogba is heading to United because he “recently followed Memphis Depay, Jesse Lingard and Adnan Januzaj on Instagram”. How many of those three will be at United next season is uncertain, but you’d not bet on Januzaj and Depay making the cut.

Pogba also follows Justin Bieber. Make of that what you will…

Posted: 6th, July 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports | Comment (1)


Manchester United sign Mkhitaryan and cash in on fans

More Manchester Untied news now. Having been graced with a year-long audience with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Red Devils have secured the services of Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The Armenian will complete his move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United today, says the Daily Mail.

Sky says the deal has already been done.

Man United have posted pictures on the club website with Henrikh Mkhitaryan name on away shirts.

 

Manchester united Mkhitaryan

 

 

“An accident,” asks the Star. No. It’s marketing, of course. The United site crashed amid the interest.  “Unfortunately an error has occurred on the page you were trying to view,” the website told fans. “The Store Technicians have been informed of this error and will deal with it as soon as possible, in the meantime please use the menu at the top of this screen to navigate to other areas of the site.”

As United buy the message from the club’s owners continues: spend! spend! spend!

Posted: 2nd, July 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Reviews, Sports | Comment


Transfer balls: Manchester United get Zlatan and ‘close in’ on Paul Pogba

Manchester United are all over he tabloids backpages. The Star leads with news that Paul Pogba is on his way to United in a deal worth £80m. Looking for facts to support the story is like looking for one of Jeremy Corbyn’s Jewish “friends”. You get the words without the facts to support them.

The Star says United are “closing in” on the deal for Pogba. How close? The Star doesn’t say. But its sister organ, the Daily Express, has told us “Juventus and Barcelona agree pre-contract deal over Paul Pogba sale” and “PAUL POGBA has agreed in principle to join Paris Saint-Germain in the summer”.

Meanwhile, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as the Sun reports, is on his way to Old Trafford. “Time to let the world know,” said the ageing star before one last tour. “My next destination is @manchester united.” He then added the sticky-fingered hastag to  #iamcoming.”

As Zlatan catches sight of his reflection and reaches for the tissues, the Sun says the Swede “can be United’s next Cantona”. Only better. After all, Zlatan is a black-belt in martial arts, whereas Canton was a mere amateur enthusiast. But, like Cantona, Zlatan is shy and retiring, stating: “The legend can still deliver.”

As the Mirror adds, “The ego has landed.” And on £220-a-week, he can come and go as he please.

The Mail is less sure. It wonder is Zlatan is the “new  Cantona…or Falcao”. He’s agree to join United or a year. And whoever he is or isn’t, it will be interesting.

 

 

 

Posted: 1st, July 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports | Comment


Transfer balls: James Rodriguez to Manchester United

More Manchester United transfer chatter in the Daily Mirror, which says the Red Devils are once again talking with Real Madrid. The paper says James Rodriguez, 24, “has been told” he can quit the Champions League winners for life at Manchester United. He must be delighted. Europa League football, here he comes. And just as soon as United stump up £50m he can be on his way.

The Sun says James to Manchester United makes sense because the Colombian and the club’s new manager Jose Mourinho are both represented by Jorge Mendes. Or maybe he’ll join Arsenal. Rodriguez is married to Daniela Ospina. sister of Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina.

Pick a link and hammer it. After all, the Express says James was “edging closer” to Manchester United back in April, when Louis Van Gaal was in charge.

The Star says Rodriguez it’s United all the way because the player is house hunting in Manchester’s “golden triangle”.

Not so says Marca, which notes that James could be on his way to Juventus. The, er, Mirror agrees, stating that Juventus and Bayern Munich fancy James.

 

Posted: 25th, June 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment


Transfer balls: Manchester United want Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey

ramsey arsenalTransfer news: Manchester United are after Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey. In an “esclusive” The Sun says United think the Welshman is worth £35m. The Mirror reads the Sun, thinks the story sound, and declares, “Manchester United plot £50m Aaron Ramsey swoop”.

United wanted Ramsey in 2008 when Alex Ferguson was at the helm. Arsenal won his signature because they wanted him more. As Ramsey said in 2010:

“I felt more wanted here [at Arsenal]. By that I mean they did more things to try to get me. They had a plan set out for me and knew exactly what they wanted to develop me. The sort of thing they said was ‘You can improve on this’ and ‘This is what you are good at, so we will do this’.

“I think that the boss here has brought through a lot more youngsters and given them opportunities on a more regular basis. And that is what he believes in, picking out talented young players and turning them into great players so hopefully I can be in that category.”

As Ferguson dallied, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger arranged for Ramsay and his family to be flown to meet him in Switzerland. Wenger was working as a French television pundit at the European Championships. Ferguson talked with Ramsey on the phone. Wenger met him in person. Ramsey added:

“As for the plane trip I was just really looking forward to meeting the boss and hearing what he had to say. It was a great experience. That was a factor in making up my mind.”

Would Ramsey, a hit at Arsenal, leave to join Mourinho’s Manchester United? The Sun floats the idea, saying the “if he [Mourinho]  fails to lure Borussia Dortmund star Henrikh Mkhitaryan” he’ll move for Ramsey. “The Special One is ready to wind up bitter rival Arsene Wenger by targeting the £50million-rated Arsenal star.”

Would Ramsey leave Arsenal to become Mourinho’s second choice, to antagonise the man who has helped his career? It seems highly unlikely.

Posted: 23rd, June 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Sports, Tabloids | Comment


Transfer balls: Gareth Bale gets ‘deal for life’ as Manchester United ‘believe’

Is Gareth Bale heading to Manchester United? No. Moreover, the Daily Mail says Real Madrid are all set to offer Bale, 26, a “contract for life”.  The Mail says “Bale can expect a deal stretching way beyond his 30th birthday.”

We don’t know how old the Mail’s Ian Ladyman is but we suspect he consulted with a Snapchat of 14-year-old girls before deciding that 30 is very old and reaching the milestone constitutes a “life”.

The odds on Bale leaving Real are longer than Victoria Beckham’s shopping list. That doesn’t stop the Manchester Evening News teasing its readers with news that Bale and Manchester United are linked. Today’s MEN readers are told: “Why Manchester United manager Mourinho is a big fan of Euro 2016 star Gareth Bale.” Is it because Bales is the star of Euro 2016. Or does Jose like Bale’s hairstyle?

Stuart Mathieson reveals all: “New Man Utd manager Jose Mourinho believes Wales’ tournament leading scorer is a match winner.” Jose believes it. The rest of us know it.

Posted: 22nd, June 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment (1)


Manchester United: David De Gea decides on Real Madrid transfer this Wednesday

Having declined to join Real Madrid from Manchester Untied last summer, David De Gea is once more being tipped for a move to Spain. The Sunday Times leads with news that the United goalkeeper “faces an ultimatum” this Wednesday.  That’s when an “exit clause” in his contract says he can join Real Madrid for £47m.

The story goes that De Gea was mentally winning Champions’ Leagues with Real when the a mix up with fax machines and deadlines caused him to sing a new four-year contract with United and eye next season’s Europa League.

de gea

Now we read that De Gea is even less decided than he was last summer, thinking that the arrival of new Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho could make the Red Devils a better team than Louis Van Gaal’s army. On the other side, Real’s president Florentino Perez wants De Gea has asked Madrid’s Spain national team players to use the country’s Euro 2016 campaign to convince De Gea to move.

Whichever way De Gea falls, he will surely kiss that club’s badge and tell everyone he has made the correct decision – until next summer…

Posted: 12th, June 2016 | In: Back pages, Broadsheets, manchester united, Sports | Comment


Transfer balls: Manchester United chase Bale with reasons

Transfer balls: The Daily Star says Gareth Bale will join Manchester United this summer. Bale, will – get this – leave Real Madrid, where he’s won two Champions’ Laegue medals and seen his star rise, to play for United in the Europa League.

United will pay Real £94.6m for Bale who is – get this II – “keen to return to England”. Colin Harvey adds, Bale will be “United boss Jose Mourinho’s marquee signing this summer”. A marquee is a large tent. Bale to United is a fantasy.

The Star’s scoop is a rehash of a report in Spain’s El Confidencial. Over there we learn from Kike Marin (via Google translate):

Gareth Bale is back in the crosshairs of Manchester United , but this time in the offices of Old Trafford are convinced that his move is feasible…. the Welshman is eager to return to the Premier League…

It is known that Florentino Perez feels predilection for the Welshman, who has always seen as the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo, although Bale asks him to return home, neither will be easy for the president to keep him…

Is Marin right? His report contains no word from anyone. His track record is a little mixed. And then there is the Star:

 

Bale Manchester United

 

Oh, and this is what Bale said on May 26th:

“I feel much more comfortable this year, it’s true. You can notice that on the pitch. I feel more integrated, I have more personal relationships with my team-mates and that always gives you more happiness and that reflects on my game. I’m enjoying myself a lot in Madrid and I hope this continues for many years.”

He’s chomping at the bit.

 

Posted: 11th, June 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment


Manchester United’s David De Gea and the sex crime he didn’t commit

de gea sexA Manchester United “ace” is embroiled in a “vice probe”. The player is David De Gea, the Man United goalkeeper. The Sun says he “faces calls to be left out of Spain’s squad for Euro 2016”. The Times talks of “Spanish turmoil”. The Star cranks it up and leads with news that De Gea is “linked to child porn probe”.

But Spain’s manager says De Gea is going nowhere. What turmoil? What calls? As the Guardian notes:

“I think De Gea has given all the explanations he had to give and he has made it clear that he has nothing to do with this issue,” said the Spain coach Del Bosque. “He said that to the whole squad too. We all met up and the lad, calmly and sincerely, has explained that he has nothing to do with this issue. The squad is here to support him at all times and to give him the affection he needs at these times. Everything is normal and we’ll carry on.”

De Gea is not going home. Spain are calm.

So why is “Spain’s main man between the sticks” in the news ?

In “‘IT IS ALL A LIE’ Man Utd star David De Gea denies organising underage sex parties for footie pals”, the Sun delivers the facts.  “De Gea has been named by a protected witness in court documents which claim he contracted a prostitute against her will.”

He says it’s all nonsense.  “It is all a lie,” the Sun quotes him as saying. “I feel even stronger about staying with the national team… it is all false and it is in my lawyers hands. I never thought about leaving. It gives me more strength to train even harder.” The Sun adds:

Spanish website El Diario reports the stunning allegations were part of evidence given to prosecutors in a high profile case that saw porn baron Torbe, real name Ignacio Allende Fernandez arrested. The pot-bellied director was remanded in custody in April after being accused of running a prostitution ring and using under-age girls for his shoots.

You can read more on El Diario. Or you can read parts on the BBC:

Torbe was remanded in custody in April charged with offences including sex attacks, sexual exploitation and child pornography. The protected witness, who claims she was forced into the prostitution ring, said she was taken to a Madrid hotel and introduced to another girl and two footballers.

Once in a room with the other girl, the witness – known in police interview papers as TP3 – said that she was told by Torbe that she had to comply with the sexual demands of the two Under-21 internationals. When she said she did not wish to take part, she claimed to police that Torbe “grabbed her forcefully by the arm”.

The Times says Ignacio Allende Fernández is also being questioned into alleged money laundering and extortion. We get a few more facts:

According to newspaper reports, a witness has come forward to police — who is known only as TP3 — and claimed that she and another woman were taken to a Madrid hotel and forced against their will to take part in sex acts with Iker Muniain, the Athletic Bilbao striker, and another player, who has not been identified, and were victims of both “physical and sexual abuse” at their hands. She claimed the meeting had been arranged by De Gea and Fernández. The 25-year-old former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper was not alleged to have taken part.

Muniain denies any wrongdoing. The other alleged player is unidentified.

Neither De Gea nor Muniain has been accused of any offence or called to give evidence by police or the judge investigating the case, but the police unit conducting the investigation — codenamed “Universal” — say she shows “a high degree of credibility,” it is claimed. They have ruled out the possibility that she is trying to discredit the people concerned for “economic or personal interests”. She has alleged that neither woman was paid for the encounter, although Fernández was.

It’s all a very nasty business.  De Gea is accused of having committed no crime. It cannot be good for his morale and focus to be linked to such vile alleged crimes, but to say the entire Spanish team is in turmoil as a result of the case is baseless.

 

Posted: 11th, June 2016 | In: Back pages, Broadsheets, Reviews, Sports, Tabloids | Comment