Posts Tagged ‘manchester united’
Manchester United ‘favourites’ to land £78 Pogba who wants Real Madrid
As the summer arrives so too does the newspapers’ obsession with Paul Pogba, the former Manchester United player now starring for Juventus and France.
The Daily Mirror says Manchester United “must” pay £78m if they want Pogba back at Old Trafford. The Mirror says news United manager Jose Mourinho wanted Pogba when he was at Chelsea last season. But Chelsea and Manchester City baulked at the £71m asking price.
The Sun spots the Premier League’s “scramble” for Pogba. The clubs need not bother. The Sun says Pogba’s “dream is to play in La Liga for Real Madrid or Barcelona”. The Juventus player is “waiting on Spain’s big two before making any decisions”.
Not so says the Manchester Evening News’s Rob Pollard: “Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City and Chelsea have all been linked with him in the last 18 months – but it seems the path has cleared somewhat and United are now clear favourites to land him.”
Manchester Evening News
So United will pay £78m? No, says the Express : “JOSE MOURINHO will offer Matteo Darmian as part of a deal to try and land Paul Pogba.” The deal is Darmian plus £60m cash. So says the Express, which has also told its readers that Pogba has agreed to join PSG and Barcelona.
Such are the facts.
Posted: 10th, June 2016 | In: Back pages, Chelsea, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Manchester United footballer and the not secret ‘secret baby’
The Daily Star leads with news of a Manchester United “Star Love Rat’s Secret Baby”. The star love rat is Marcos Rojo, whose secret baby is being carried by his, er, wife Eugenia Lusardo. She kept the “secret” by posting a posting a baby scan photo online.
The Star’s hook is that married Rojos once obtained an injunction against a woman he’d shagged, one Sarah Watson, from telling her story. That was overturned. She told her story and aside form the injunction element, we yawned at it.
Instead of news of a extra-martial sex by a famous face who milks his family man credentials for profit and fame, we get legal wrangling and Marcos Rojo, a footballer with the celebrity profile and news value of a spoon.
Posted: 31st, May 2016 | In: manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Transfer balls: Manchester United, Ronaldo and the vanishing facts
Transfer balls: Is Cristiano Ronaldo, hero of Real Madrid, scorer of the decisive penalty as Real won their 11th European Cup, heading to Manchester United to play in the Europa League?
No, says the Mirror’s Ed Malyon on May 27:
Manchester United’s long-term interest in Cristiano Ronaldo would hit the buffers were Jose to be hired. Their relationship soured hugely at Real Madrid and, with Paris Saint-Germain having pursued him for so long and so persistently, the move to Ligue 1 would make the most sense
Yes, says the Sun’s Neil Ashton on May 23:
The budget is so big this summer that United already have their beaks into Cristiano Ronaldo, yet again. Real Madrid have quoted £80million for the winger. Meet that and Ronnie returns. Mourinho’s frosty relationship with Ronaldo, exposed at Real Madrid, will be set aside if the deal is done.
That Ronaldo news follows other Sun news from April:
Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent sensationally agrees verbal deal for former Manchester United superstar to leave Real Madrid and join Paris Saint-Germain
To which Simon Rice tells Indy readers on May 27:
Cristiano Ronaldo rules out Manchester United return despite Jose Mourinho arrival
Which brings us to the trusty BBC, which says on May 28:
Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United XI – Bale, Ronaldo, Pogba, Zlatan?
No. No. Maybe – but why? No.
Posted: 29th, May 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Transfer balls: Manchester United go hot and cold on Ibrahimovic
Is Zlatan Ibrahimovic on his way to Manchester United? The Swedish striker, who says age is just a number, turns 35 in October. Why would United want the ponderous player when they have Martial and Rashford? This week, the Times has been telling its readers that Zlatan to United is very much on. Each of the following quotes are from separate stories that appear on the paper’s website:
May 25: “Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the 34-year-old forward, is set to become Mourinho’s first signing”
May 26: “United want to use Ibrahimovic as bait to draw stars to Old Trafford”
May 27: “Manchester United believe appointing José Mourinho and signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic would attract yet more star names to Old Trafford… [Jose Mouirnho] is expected to make Ibrahimovic, the Sweden forward, his first signing… it is understood that United, who are ready to offer him a one-year contract with the option of a further year, are his preferred choice.”
May 27: “United hope his arrival, and that of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Sweden forward, will attract other leading names to Old Trafford.”
May 27: “…the 34-year-old looks set to move to Old Trafford to be reunited with Mourinho — the man who coached him for one season at Inter Milan.”
May 27: ” Ibrahimovic yesterday increased speculation that he will join United by endorsing the appointment of a man with whom he enjoyed one successful season at Inter Milan. “I believe he is the man to bring [United] back to the top,” Ibrahimovic said.”
Which brings us to todays news in the Sunday Times:
While Mourinho has explored the possibility of bringing Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the Premier League, conversations with the out-of-contract Swede are understood to have led him to look elsewhere for a younger ‘top striker’.”
Such are the facts.
Posted: 29th, May 2016 | In: Back pages, Broadsheets, manchester united, Sports | Comment
Manchester United: Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea image rights in detail
In March 2005 Chelsea secured the legal rights to Jose Mourinho’s trademark for 20 years. This means that should Manchester United hire Mourinho, a move that seems as certain as Katie Price sleeping on her back, the Red Devils will be unable to stick their new manager’s name on such items as teddy bears, aftershave, computer games and all manner of tat. But how important is the Jose moniker?
In an “exclusive”, the Times says Chelsea’s ownership of the Mourinho trademark “will not delay his appointment at Old Trafford”.
Or as the Mirror puts it: “Jose Mourinho’s appointment as Manchester Untied manager is being delayed because Chelsea still own his signature.”
Not so, say the Times, which states: “Until recently Mourinho’s former employers [Chelsea] also owned the rights to reproduce his signature, but that ten-year trademark expired earlier this year…”
The Mirror then says United “face a six-figure bill to secure the rights to his signature and name”.
The Times says Chelsea could demand “several million pounds”.
The Sun says United will have to “£1million -plus” to use the name Jose Mourinho on merchandise.
The Mirror – not an exclusive but not all correct, either
The Mail says the 20-year licence Jose signed with Chelsea in 2005 expires in, er, 2013. That Mail says it’s between 2013 and 2015. The Times says it’s 2025.
The Mail wonders about timing
Such are the facts.
Posted: 26th, May 2016 | In: Back pages, Broadsheets, Chelsea, manchester united, Money, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Manchester United balls: ‘I knew Van Gaal would and wouldn’t be sacked,’ says Phil Neville
Manchester United have sacked Louis Van Gaal. The decision seems to have been taken months ago, although no-one thought to tell the Dutchman and Phil Neville, the former Man United defender now working as a pundit on the telly. Before the FA Cup final, which Manchester Untied won with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, Neville appeared on the BBC’s Football Focus show. Did he think Van Gaal wold be sacked? Said Phil:
“If Manchester United win today I think Louis van Gaal will stay as the United manager next season.”
Phil Neville then told BBC Sportsweek on May 22, after Van Gaal had won the FA Cup with Manchester United and been sacked:
“I thought before the game that winning or losing would make no difference…it looked like the decision was already made.”
Whoever said punditry was easy was right.
Posted: 23rd, May 2016 | In: Sports, TV & Radio | Comment
Transfer balls: Manchester United hire Mourinho, Ibrahimovich and the fear factor
So José Mourinho is the new Manchester United manager. Well, so say all the newspapers. The Guardian says the former Chelsea manger – twice-sacked by the Blues – will be handed £150m to spend and will first target Everton’s John Stones. Sounds good. Man United need defenders and wingers.
The Star says Mourinho has £200m and his number one target is Zlatan Ibrahimovich. Why? They have Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford. Why buy a player who will bock the talented Frenchman and the English tyro’s path? Will Jose just buy big to win big, farming youth out on loan?
The Star says Mourinho will sign a three-year deal worth £10m a year. The Mail says Jose’s Manchester Untied’s contract is £75m for five years, but does agree that he has £200m to spend on a new team. Inevitably one newspaper – the Mirror – calls the transfer kitty a “war chest”.
The Express says he has £300m.
The Mail adds that mid-way through this season, United paid the Portuguese £4m not to take another job. The Times says United deny making any payment.
The Sun says Mourinho’s arrival will trigger Ryan Giggs to leave Old Trafford. It also marks the end of Louis Van Gaal’s United stint. The Times says the Dutchman will leave with a bitter taste in his mouth and a sweet £5.4m in compensation.
As for the future, well it will interesting. One thing is certain: with Mourinho in charge, Manchester United will win back the fear factor.
Posted: 23rd, May 2016 | In: Back pages, Broadsheets, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Greedy Manchester United paint mascots blue to please sponsors
At tonight’s match between Manchester United and Bournemouth, three MUFC mascots were painted blue as part of promotion of club’s commercial partner 20th Century Fox’s new X-Men movie.
Is there anything Manchester United won’t flog to sponsors?
Posted: 17th, May 2016 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
Manchester United: fan fury, Mourinho gets desperate and Van Gaal gets time
Jose Mourinho’s PR calls the Daily Mail, which dutifully produces the headline: “JOSE PSG TALKS – Manchester United must act NOW if they want Mourinho.”
From hammer-headed Dutchman Louis Van Gaal to divisive Portuguese Jose Mourinho, United fans must wonder how it came to this, the pragmatic taking over from the dreamers. The Mail says Mourinho is the “prime contender” to replace Van Gaal “should United sack the Dutchman”.
Says who? We soon find out: “Mourinho, 53, wants a deal agreed by next week and unless United make their move quickly they could miss out on the Portuguese.” Mourinho’s desperate, isn’t he. United need not rush. The French league is one-trick pony. Man United are huge. They pick the manger. The manager does not pick them.
In the Sun, which has spent weeks hailing Mourinho as the next Man United boss, Neil Curtis tells Van Gaal, “You’re 4 It”, a pun on Van Gaal’s United missing out on a top finish and with it a berth in next season’s Champions’ League.
Curtis says fans “protests could follow tonight’s rearranged clash with supporters fed up with United’s turgid style of play”. They could. And then again, the could not. Perhaps those United fans who can recall life before Alex Ferguson made them serial champions will be circumspect and wait and see what happens. Winning is all the more glorious when it follows fallow years.
Curtis seeks fans’ fury but finds none. We hear from one fan who says he “admires” Van Gaal and does “think he will get it right in time”, and another who says Van Gaal has “an aversion to risk” and “no club has the divine right” to play in the Champions’ League.
Curtis never does ask them what they think of Mourinho, which given the man’s playing style might be just as well…
Posted: 17th, May 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Transfer balls: Jose Mourinho to Manchester United ‘in hours’
Transfer balls spots more tales of Jose Mourinho to Manchester United. The Star thunders: “Mourinho to Man Utd in hours.”
How many hours is unspecified by Luke Gardener, who made his prediction on May 13th. But he does cite his course: “Sky Sports Italy claim he will replace Louis van Gaal at the end of the season and sign a deal imminently.”
Sky Sports states: “José Mourinho will be the next manager of Manchester United.” The story is titled: “Mourinho, yes to Manchester United.”
The Indy reads that and states: “Jose Mourinho to Manchester United: Former Chelsea boss reaches agreement to become manager.”
Or as, er, Sky Sports puts it today: “Manchester United have no deal in place with Jose Mourinho, say Sky sources.”
Does writer Rory O’Callaghan consider Sky as reputable source?
More transfer balls throughout the summer.
Posted: 16th, May 2016 | In: Back pages, Broadsheets, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Heads will roll after Manchester United fake bomb fiasco
Manchester United v Bournemouth was called off yesterday. A suspect package was discovered at Old Trafford. The Telegraph tells the sorry tale:
A farcical security blunder led to Manchester United’s final Premier League game of the season being cancelled on Sunday, after a private security firm forgot to remove a fake bomb taped to the back of a toilet door as part of a training exercise at Old Trafford.
The colossal error had sparked fears of another potential terrorist attack and resulted in the match against Bournemouth being called off as tens of thousands of fans were evacuated from one of the world’s most famous sports grounds.
Heads will roll. No, not at ISIS. It wasn’t a bomb. At the security company that didn’t find all its ‘bombs’, then forgot to collect and count them. But really it’s just pretty funny.
PS: What’s odd is the Guardian’s front page, which leads with a picture of a sobbing child and a morose adult. Manchester United fans, which they surely are, should be delighted. That was the most urgency seen at Old Trafford this season:
Posted: 16th, May 2016 | In: Back pages, Broadsheets, manchester united, Reviews, Sports | Comment
Leicester players mistake Ranieri for Manchester United hair dryer Alex Ferguson
The Daily Mail’s Martin Samuel has a statement and a question for Manchester United and Leicester City fans:
Is it something to do with Fergie’s famous hair dryer?
No. Was it a case of mistaken identity, Martin?
Posted: 9th, May 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Spurs balls: Pochettino joins Jose Moutinho at Manchester United (says The Sun)
The Sun has an “exclusive”. It says Manchester United have sparked “PANIC” at Spurs. The Red Devils want to take Mauricio Pochettino from White Hart Lane to Old Trafford.
Spurs bosses are “edgy” and “concerned” that Pochettino will leave the club and head to Manchester United. They need not worry. After all the Sun has told us over and over and over that Jose Mourinho is United’s next manager.
December 21: “LOUIS VAN GAAL is on his way out of Manchester United after contact was made with Jose Mourinho…Van Gaal could now be gone before the Boxing Day game at Stoke. At best, he will have that plus the home clash with Chelsea next Monday to keep his job.”
March 26: “JOSE MOURINHO will be offered a mind-boggling £60million to send Manchester United soaring back to football’s summit.”
March 19, 2016: “Man United transfer news: Jose Mourinho ‘wants £60m Harry Kane to be prime target’”
Atop Press: Sun Panic that all its exclusive news has been utter balls.
Posted: 20th, April 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports, Spurs, Tabloids | Comment
Manchester United: time up for magic Van Gaal
Manchester United have called “time” on Louis Van Gaal’s career at Old Trafford.
So says the Daily Mirror, which adds that “even an FA Cup victory won’t stop Jose taking over”. David McDonnell says the Manchester United “hierarchy” are plotting an “exit strategy for the Dutchman and a succession plan for Mourinho”.
The Mirror, of course, is guessing. This is the paper that told readers Van Gaal would be sacked should United failed to beat Stoke City. They failed. Van Gaal stayed.
Reading on we learn that the “exclusive” news of Van Gaal’s demise is not all that certain. There is a “belief the time for change is fast approaching”. And “there is a growing belief at the Reads they will soon have to strike a deal” to pay Van Gaal off.
After so much believing, it’s worth looking back at what the Mirror said yesterday, “Louis Van Gaal has a remarkable knack of getting a result when he needs it most…. He is either incredibly lucky or has a magic touch.” Or else he’s playing Stoke.
The Mirror writes him off and then says we write him off at our peril.
Posted: 15th, April 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Manchester United manager-in-waiting Jose Mourinho wants the PSG job
News in the Daily Mail is that “Jose Mourinho would seriously consider the Paris Saint-German job should the French champions part company with Laurent Blanc.” How very good of him.
All that stands between Mourinho and the PSG manager’s chair is Blanc’s sacking. Sack him! Sack him him now. And sack Louis Van Gaal as well because for weeks we’ve been reading that Jose fancies the Manchester United job as well.
On February 10, the Mail told readers: “‘Jose Mourinho tells friends that his summer move to Manchester United is a ‘done deal’.”
Chances are he fancies your job too. A “source” is right now on the phone to your boss telling them that should you be sacked, Jose would consider stepping in to drive your truck, dispense those drugs or slop out your bucket (we know our readers).
Posted: 14th, April 2016 | In: manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Manchester United balls: Fergie’s banger clanger
Hear the story about former Manchester United manger Alex Ferguson’s sausage sandwich? The Star has news:
Revealed: Sir Alex Ferguson’s astonishing reaction to hearing of Man Utd’s defeat to Spurs
No, he didn’t laugh and scream ‘Yid Army!’
The Sun claim the Red Devils legend hurled his food while enjoying the 2016 Masters at Augusta.
Over in the Sun, then, to read:
Manchester United legend Alex Ferguson throws a banger after flops drop a clanger against Tottenham while watching the Masters
We know this because…
An onlooker said: “He was looking on his phone when he suddenly threw his sausage down on to his plate in anger. He’d obviously seen the United result.”
Yeah, obviously.
Posted: 12th, April 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports | Comment
Manchester United: players’ revolt, Van Gaal mired and the board dither
“CLUELESS,” says the Sun in its appraisal of Manchester United manger Louis Van Gaal. And the players agree. They “labelled boss Louis Van Gaal ‘clueless’ in an amazing dressing-room inquest”.
They did?
A “source” says the players “didn’t seem to have much time for him” following their 3-0 defeat at Spurs.
The Times has more, writing in “stars sick of being blamed by Van Gaal” that the board is split over keeping Van Gaal, or replacing him with Ryan Giggs or Jose Mourinho. It’s a lack of clear thinking and direction that surely undermines United. As Manchester City plot a direction of travel with their recruitment of Pep Guardiola, United dither. The Times says, until things are sorted out, Van Gaal may limp on”.
But the Mail says Van Gaal is “likely to leave United at the end of the season“. Is that why he has been talking about transfer targets?
Posted: 12th, April 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports | Comment
Manchester United got Van Gaal and Spurs get to dream
Does Louis Van Gaal regret turning down Spurs in 2014? “The challenge was bigger for me at Manchester United and shall always be bigger,” says Van Gaal. “I’m sorry for Tottenham but Manchester United is a bigger club.”
Spurs fans celebrating a rare 3-0 win over Van Gaal’s Man United must be gutted. They could have had hammer-headed Van Gaal and his ego instead of young Mauricio Pochettino and his vision.
Of course, Van Gaal was not boasting about Manchester United. He was put on the spot by a journalist. The Dutchman soon turned on the reporter. “It is a little bit pathetic you asked that,” he sniped. “It’s easy to ask that but, ok, you enjoy yourself.”
Van Gaal then added: “Can we finish fourth? Yes, because we have 18 points available. It’s more difficult than before the match, that’s for sure. Everybody can lose to everybody else. We are still in the race.”
How far United have fallen to be “in the race” for fourth. They are, says the Times, “clueless”. Their capitulation more akin to the Spurs of old.
Spurs, meanwhile, can dream of winning the title for the first time since President Dwight D. Eisenhower announced that the United States has severed diplomatic and consular relations with Cuba.
Can they do it? Yes.
Tottenham have scored the most goals and conceded the fewest in the Premier League this season. Six teams have achieved that in the Premier League era. Five times – Manchester United in 2001 and 2008, Arsenal in 2004, Chelsea in 2006 and Manchester City in 2012 – that team won the title. On the other occasion, United finished second in 1998.
Posted: 11th, April 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports, Spurs | Comment
Manchester United Martial in XXX Factor sex balls
Manchester United’s Anthony Martial is no longer with his wife. The Sun says the “French ace romped with X Factor wannabe Emily Wademan in Paris while his wife Samantha was at home.”
This is Marital, who was quoted in the Mail, “After training, I like to come home and find my wife. I am very homely.” Possibly to check she’s there before he nips out. The Sun now says:
The couple, who have eight-month-old daughter Peyton, put on a united front after our revelations. But last week Samantha stopped following the £58million striker on Instagram, and he did likewise. She has continued to update her 82,000 followers with images of Peyton but the French international, 20, has not been seen in a snap for two weeks.
Maybe she’s following him on the place, train and bus instead? And when he signed for United, the Mail said the child was called “Toto”.
The star’s agent confirmed their separation and said no one else was involved.
This story first aired in January, when the Sun boomed: “Married Anthony Martial’s romps with X Factor beauty: Man U ace flew model for sex in Paris.”
The Mail called it a “romantic break”. And Emily – now reduced from “beauty” to “wannabe” (and did she used to be called Emily Dyson?) – told us:
“When we got to Paris he was happy to openly parade me in public in front of French fans on the Champs Elysees.”
A parade on an open-top bus, or is Emily saving that for any sex tape?
Posted: 10th, April 2016 | In: Celebrities, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Manchester United and Spurs balls: Kane and Pochettino got their separate ways
Big news in the Sun that Tottenham striker Harry Kane has “urged” manager Mauricio Pochettino to remain at White Hart Lane and snub any move to Manchester United.
That in the Sun, which has told us:
December 21: “LOUIS VAN GAAL is on his way out of Manchester United after contact was made with Jose Mourinho…Van Gaal could now be gone before the Boxing Day game at Stoke. At best, he will have that plus the home clash with Chelsea next Monday to keep his job.”
March 26: “JOSE MOURINHO will be offered a mind-boggling £60million to send Manchester United soaring back to football’s summit.”
Save the urges, Harry, The Sun says Mourinho’s already got the job.
And pack your bags. After all, the Sun told us that Kane is Manchester United’s leading target:
March 19, 2016: “Man United transfer news: Jose Mourinho ‘wants £60m Harry Kane to be prime target'”
All utter balls.
Posted: 9th, April 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports, Spurs | Comment
Manchester United: players earn less in line with Moyes and Van Gaal
Manchester United’s players will earn less money if they fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League, says the Times. The paper reasons that “players and coaching staff stand to lose about £14 million if they fail to finish in the top four of the Barclays Premier League this season. That works out at about £500,000 per player.”
Of course, those figures are wrong. The top-paid players – Wayne Rooney – will lose a lot more bonus pay than, say, new blade Marcus Rashford.
The Times has learnt. All players receive a “standard” wage packet when they sign a professional contract at the club, and with Champions League qualification, they receive a larger wage packet, known as the “standard plus” rate.
United introduced the scheme after the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, sensing perhaps that the team would not be so assured of qualifying for the Champions League as they were under the Scot.
Ferguson knew the power of money and the status it brings, writing:
“When the Glazers and David Gill agreed to a big increase in Wayne Rooney’s salary in 2010, they wanted to know how I felt. I told them I did not think it fair that Rooney should earn twice what I made and Joel Glazer immediately said, ‘I totally agree with you, but what should we do?’ It was simple. We just agreed that no player should be paid more than me’.”
Reduce the manager; reduce the wages.
Posted: 9th, April 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports | Comment
Manchester United balls: Mourinho and his agent look at homes in Cheshire
Hold the back page! No sooner has the Daily Mirror given Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal a “boost” with news that Jose Mourinho is being courted by Real Madrid than the Sun screams: “JOSE HOMES IN – He’s been house hunting in Cheshire”.
The story goes that an “agent” is acting on Mourinho’s behalf, on the look out for a suitable pad in Cheshire. What kind of agent is not said, but our bet would be on it being one involved in getting Jose the top job and any fat fees that go with it.
The Sun adds that Mourinho has a “verbal understanding that he will take over from Louis Van Gaal at the end of May”.
But the Mirror says Manchester United’s main dealmaker, Ed Woodward, “is keen to keep Van Gaal”, who is “expected to stay in his job if United qualify for next season’s Champions League”.
We aren’t told with whom Jose has a “verbal agreement” but if it is with an estate agent, we’d advise going for something more binding lest he get gazumped.
Posted: 8th, April 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports | Comment
Manchester United balls: Real move for Mourinho
The Daily Mirror says Manchester United are on “red alert”. The story is that Real Madrid are “plotting” to rehire Jose Mourinho. This, we’re told, is a “boost” to current Manchester United manger Louis Van Gaal. This Mirror adds that Mourinho has been “heavily linked with the Old Trafford job”.
Oh, come on, Why so coy? After all it was the Mirror that told us the job was his:
Such are the facts.
Posted: 8th, April 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports | Comment
Manchester United: Jose Mourinho wants it in writing but Van Gaal stays
The Sun says Jose Mourinho wants a “written promise” he will be their manager this summer. A written promise? Isn’t that a contract. Indeed, one slot above Mourinho’s request is news of Antonio Conte, who will join Chelsea as their new manager in the summer once he’s finished working with Italy. He has a contract. Jose Mourinho does not.
He sounds desperate. Surely Manchester United hold all the cards. They are the Premier League’s richest and biggest club. Is Jose’s the only name in the frame for such a great job? Would United fans really pick him over, say, Diego Simeone, Laurent Blanc and Louis Van Gaal? In the Mirror, news is that the Dutchman thinks he will stay on as United boss even if he fails to get them into the Champions’ League.
But the Sun is backing Jose. It says United’s owners, the Glazers, “know he is the man to take them back to the top”. Just as, one presumes, they knew David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal were the right men.
Posted: 6th, April 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports | Comment
Manchester United balls: Mourinho takes the Express to Syria
The Daily Express has news for Manchester United fans.
Man United News: Mourinho offer confirmed, £60m Real Madrid move, triple fitness boost
The paper adds:
EXPRESS SPORT brings you the latest from Old Trafford.
To anyone sane this looks lot like news that Jose Mourinho and Manchester United have “confirmed” a relationship. It is, after all, the “news from Old Trafford”. But this is the Express, where nothing is quite as it seems. The story begins:
Jose Mourinho has been offered the Syria job.
No, not to run the country and take on the jihadis and the lunatic dictator Assad. Mourinho has been offered the chance to manage the Syrian football team. And how is that classified as “Manchester United news” when neither Mourinho nor Syria are in Manchester?
Posted: 5th, April 2016 | In: Back pages | Comment
