Posts Tagged ‘manchester united’
More hang
over balls from the summer transfer season in the Mail. As the rumour mill stopped churning on September 1, the Mail’s Chris Wheeler told readers that Man Uniyed had shopped badly:
Confirmation of the collapse of De Gea’s move came hours before United confirmed the signing of little-known French teenager Anthony Martial from Monaco in a staggering deal that could be worth up to £58m, despite assertions from Van Gaal that they would not panic buy. Both issues have left United and their chief executive Ed Woodward facing serious questions – and not for the first time in the two years since he took over the role vacated by David Gill
One day on and Wheeler went on a flight of fantasy:
By all accounts, Louis van Gaal toasted the close of the transfer window with a large glass of red wine at his holiday home in the Algarve. All in all, Van Gaal had every reason to be pleased with himself as he enjoyed his view over the Atlantic.
Those serious questions can wait…
Anorak
Posted: 4th, September 2015 | In: manchester united | Comment
The transfer season might be over, but the Daily Mail is still talking balls. The paper leads with the shouty headline that Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal is a displinarian nutter whose already baring his fans at new £58m teenage sensation Anthony Martial:
Van Gaal’s warning for £36m Martial… You’ll play where I tell you
As we look for signs that nutty Van Gaal plans to play Martial in goal, we get to the actual quote that drives the backpage screamer:
‘He (Van Gaal) asked me my preferred position,’ said Martial, who has been given the No 9 shirt. ‘I prefer to play in the centre but he told me I could play in a number of positions — it is the coach who decides but whatever position I play, I will do the best I can.’
What says Van Gaal, man behind that “warning“? Nothing. The story contains not a single quote from the Dutchman.
Anorak
Posted: 3rd, September 2015 | In: Reviews | Comment
Whereas Anthony Martial’s £36million deadline day move to Manchester United caught most people on the hop, it would appear that all over United’s summer transfers were centuries in the making, having been predicted by none other than Nostradamus himself.
Recognising a distinct pattern emerging in United’s transfer dealings, Reddit user GrabbingTheBrassRing had a flick through Nostradamus’s 1555 tome ‘The Prophecies’ and was astonished to find that most of the club’s key ins and outs had been foreseen some 460 years ago.
We challenge even the most sceptical among you to find fault with this empirical evidence…
Perhaps the finest of them all…
Uncanny isn’t it? Nigh-on indisputable.
Weirdly enough, it seems Arsenal’s summer transfer dealings, or lack thereof, were also predicted by a historic piece of literature too…
Great visual gag, that. Hope you appreciate it.
Anorak
Posted: 3rd, September 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
Manchester United: a round-up of Man United news in the Press.
The Times: “Family’s fears at ‘crazy fee’ for Anthony Martial”.
United have signed 19-year-old Anthony Martial for £58.8 million (£22m uyp-front plus £14.3 million spread over four years to follow and £22.5 million in performance-related payments). It’s madness. Martial says it is only “quite crazy” to have become the most expensive teenager in world football.
Martial adds:
“My family are very happy for me. They are a bit frightened because of the amount of money [involved] but I stay in my bubble. I just want to prove my value to Manchester United. I have been told since I was very young that I have the characteristics to play in England. I am in a hurry to get better and show my worth. I don’t know if I am worth €80 million. I am only going for the sporting side. It is quite crazy for a player of my age, but that is the market. It is my job to show what I can do. I do not feel any particular pressure.
“I will have more visibility at United and if I play like I know I can, I do not see any reason why it should go badly. It is a challenge for me, but I think I am ready.”
Martial adds on the news that Wayne Rooney had never heard of him.
“It is normal he [Rooney] does not know me. I have not played a lot in Ligue 1 and not at all for the national team.”
The Guardian: “Monaco helpless against Manchester United in Anthony Martial sale”
Monaco’s vice-president Vadim Vasilyev admits the “unprecedented resources” of English clubs means selling players like Anthony Martial is unavoidable…
“We really wanted to keep [Martial] on the team but Manchester has made an incredible offer, almost the close of the market, an offer that neither the club nor the player could refuse. That’s football. It is evident that certain clubs – especially the British – have unprecedented resources and it is hard to resist.
“Of course I’d like to keep our players for longer but we must be realistic about the power of these clubs.”
The Sun: “Farce ‘n furious De Gea slams United for collapse of Real deal”
DAVID DE GEA is blaming Manchester United for the collapse of his dream move to Real Madrid. The Spain keeper believed the £29million deal was effectively sealed on Monday afternoon before it fell apart at the eleventh hour amid a series of claims and counter-accusations between the two clubs.
We don’t hear from the player.
Friends of De Gea have branded United’s conduct as “catastrophic” and “unbelieveable” although the player accepts Real’s efforts at brinkmanship were also elements in the debacle. La Liga chief Javier Tebas said: “I am a lawyer and I know in these cases there are three or four different versions. From what I know, what happened is closer to the version of Real Madrid.”
Well, he would say that.
De Gea, 24, was yesterday named in United’s 25-man Champions League squad and if he plays it will mean he would be cup-tied for the Spanish giants, potentially scuppering a January switch.
BBC: “David De Gea: Man Utd keeper calm and relaxed – Juan Mata”
Says Mata:
“It’s been a manic few days for him, he’s my friend and I’m there for him for whatever he needs. Right now he’s focused on the two upcoming games for the national team; being here will do him good and he’s going to be as professional as he has been throughout his career.
“His personality will help him. He manages to play even better in moments of maximum pressure and stress. His personality will help him on and off the pitch. We all know what a great goalkeeper he is and he would make any team in the world better. The fans will get behind him and so will the team.”
United winger Ashley Young told BBC Sport:
“De Gea is a professional player, always has been, always will be.”
Spain manager Vicente del Bosque said De Gea’s Euro 2016 finals spot is at risk:
“If he doesn’t play it will be very difficult for him to come. He needs to be professional and move on from this episode. I hope that he starts playing again and is happy, and if he plays well we can bring him along.”
Daily Mail: “Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal won’t lose sleep over his lack of popularity… and the Dutchman will feel it has been a good summer for the club”
By all accounts, Louis van Gaal toasted the close of the transfer window with a large glass of red wine at his holiday home in the Algarve. ‘My paradise in Portugal,’ as he likes to call it.
The Dutchman and his employers at Manchester United clearly feel it has been a good summer for the club. Six new signings will be the exception rather than the norm from now on, and the world-record deal for teenager Anthony Martial pushed United’s spending well north of the £100million mark for the second year in a row.
Surely United fans would swap all those new faces for one genuine superstar?
Anorak
Posted: 3rd, September 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos offer David De Gea some tips for muddling along after his Manchester United transfer collapsed.
Real Madrid Keylor Navas would have moved to Old Trafford if the deal had gone through but Ramos is confident that the Costa Rican and deputy Kiko Castilla – Iker Casillas’ replacement – will be good enough this season, with De Gea expected to arrive at the club next summer.
“We have two great goalkeepers [Keylor Navas and Kiko Castilla]. I speak about the players we have here… I can’t speak about players that are not part of Real Madrid.”
And then he did:
“I have not spoken to him [De Gea] and I don’t know what his opinion is. I think life goes on and no one is dying. He has to keep working to keep at his level because I think he is a candidate to become one of the best goalkeepers.”
Beam me up, Snotty.
Anorak
Posted: 2nd, September 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
With his move to Real Madrid scuppered by bad advice, we hark back to when David De Gea joined the Red Devils for £17.8million in 2011.
“Yes [I cried]. I had spent the whole of my life at one club and it was difficult for me to leave. But joining Manchester United was a step I had to take, and I know I made the right decision.”
That was then…
Anorak
Posted: 2nd, September 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
Photo: @ManUtd
They took their sweet bloomin’ time about it, but Anthony Martial is now officially a Manchester United player after passing his medical at Carrington earlier this morning.
United have now sealed the deal by trotting out the photos of the 19-year-old French striker holding his new No.9 shirt aloft…
Martial – a “naturally talented, young, multi-functional pen knife forward” according to Louis van Gaal – has signed a four-year contract, with the option for a further year tacked on the end.
Anorak
Posted: 1st, September 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
Real Madrid did everything they could to sign Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea. They did everything aside from paying the fee Man United wanted and filing their papers on time.
United says they completed all of their paperwork in time. They are brandishing Fifa’s International Transfer Matching System (TMS) to prove it.
But Real say the 24-year-old’s £29m deal (it included the move to £11m-rated Keylor Navas to Old Trafford) fell through because United took eight hours to reply to contracts. Real say Man United dithered, sending back the agreement with “small modifications”:
“Due to not being relevant, all the modifications were accepted immediately by Real Madrid with the intention of being able to register the player on time in the TMS and with the LFP.”
Real have released a statement:
- United only opened negotiations over De Gea on Monday
- The clubs reached a rapid agreement on the transfer of De Gea and Navas
- Real submitted contracts at 13:39 Spanish time, with United sending minor modifications back at 21:43
- United entered De Gea’s details, but not Navas’s into Fifa’s Transfer Matching System (TMS) at exactly midnight
- Real received the full documentation at 00:02, by which time the TMS had closed
Manchester United say:
- United sent De Gea documents but Real could not download them because of IT issues
- Real did not send De Gea registration documents to the Spanish league on time
The upshot is that with weeks to get the deal done, nothing happened. Unless, Man United finally sold Real that “virus”…
Anorak
Posted: 1st, September 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
David De Gea will 100% remain a Manchester United player beyond transfer deadline day. Fact.
Not our words. The words of the official UEFA Champions League Twitter account…
Christ almighty, even inanimate trophies are #ITK these days.
(And airports. Heathrow Airport have been tweeting Arsenal:
Can you be trolled by an airport?)
The Cup is right says Sky Sports, which adds:
“David de Gea looks to be staying at Manchester United after Real Madrid decided not to appeal to La Liga following the collapse of his move to the Bernabeu.”
Looks like it’s a season in the stiffs for Dave (well, until the January window opens, at least).
Anorak
Posted: 1st, September 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
Manchester United had all summer to work on their project. But David De Gea’s transfer to Real Madrid is off because the United board didn’t hand in their work on time.
The BBC says United are responsible for the deal collapsing.
The line is that they did not get their paperwork to Spanish Football Federation headquarters until a minute after the 23:00 BST deadline. In their defence, United say they have a receipt that proves they submitted the relevant documents in time.
Real Madrid are likely to appeal to push the transfer through.
United had stood to receive £18.3 million in cash for De Gea, plus Keylor Navas, the Costa Rica No 1, valued at £10.9 million.
The Times says FIFA will look at the deal today:
The deal — if it went through — would represent a climbdown for United given that they insisted all summer that De Gea would only leave in a straight cash deal worth in excess of the £32.6 million world-record fee that Juventus paid Parma for Gianluigi Buffon in 2001, or as part of a package that brought Sergio Ramos to Old Trafford.
Louis van Gaal, the United manager, had resolved not to select De Gea while the transfer window remained open after claiming that the Spaniard had said he was “not eager to play” against Tottenham Hotspur on the opening day of the season. It was a claim fiercely disputed by De Gea.
Spanish newspaper Marca sums it up best:
Ridiculous.
Anorak
Posted: 1st, September 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
All those vows that David Dea Gea would be made to honour the final year of his Manchester United contract unless Real Madrid made a world-record offer have been proven wrong. The Spanish goalkeeper has left Old Trafford for Real Madrid.
Real have agreed to pay €25 million (just over £18m) for De Gea – and they’ve thrown in Keylor Navas, the Costa Rica goalkeeper, who is valued at €15 million (about £11.m).
Man United had wanted £35m in cash for their best player – the gangly youth who arrived at Old Trafford from Atletico Madrid for £18.3 million and endured a fraught first season.
The Press waded in on De Gea. Sir Alex Ferguson called them “idiots” for doubting the young man’s talent. Has Fergie made an error in liking the player who had in 2010 attracted a bid from Wigan Atheltic?
In 2013, De Gea told us:
I don’t think people appreciate just how hard it was for me coming to a new country at that age and a different type of football. I knew I had to become bigger physically. You can see now I look different to when I first came here. I have much more muscle. In training the players would deliberately hit high balls into me and barge into me so I would get used to that side of the English game. I actually enjoy the physical side of it all now.
De Gea blossomed at United. That he’s left so soon will surely hurt the club.
Anorak
Posted: 31st, August 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
Manchester United have signed Anthony Martial from Monaco for £36m. The 19-year-old scored eight goals in 31 Ligue 1 appearances last season.
Just before that move, the BBC reported:
Best of luck to Man United’s third most expensive signing in their history Antony M.A…
Anorak
Posted: 31st, August 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
Today is 26th August, 2015 – the date that will echo throughout history as the day Sir Alex Ferguson joined the LinkedIn.
For those blissfully unaware, LinkedIn is a social networking site aimed at professionals. It is also responsible for generating almost 70% of the internet’s entire quota of unsolicited emails, but that’s really by-the-by. It is utterly useless.
Anyway, Sir Alex has created an account, billing himself as a “Director, Ambassador, Visiting Fellow and Author”. Yeah, we fibbed about the ‘dreamweaver’ bit. Apologies where due.
It should be visible here if you happen to be a LinkedIn member.
The 73-year-old former Manchester United manager has joined LinkedIn to coincide with the release of his latest book, ‘Leading’, in which he details the various managerial techniques he used to transform United into the global success they are today – screaming indecipherably in people’s faces, lacerating people’s eyebrows with flying Adidas Predators, that kind of thing.
Sadly, users will only be able to contact Sir Alex if they know him personally, thus depriving fans of rivals teams the opportunity to engage in direct slanging.
Damn shame. There could have been some decent mileage in that.
Anorak
Posted: 27th, August 2015 | In: manchester united, Reviews, Sports | Comment
Manchester United under Louis Van Gaal will not be pretty to watch. The manager tells media:
“I divide football in four main moments, and we have two moments where the opponent has the ball and then we are at our best, I think. We proved that last year already and now we are continuing with a lot of clean sheets, so that is very important, but we have to improve when we have the ball.”
George Graham, where are you now?
But that’s doing the former Arsenal manager a disservice. Van Gaal’s method is more in the Sam Allardyce mould: keep it tight at the back and hit it long to the big man up front. And Marouane Fellaini is big. Is the Belgian happy to be United’s number 9?
“It’s not important where I play, it’s important to win the game,” Fellaini said. “It’s different playing in midfield to play as a striker or No 10, but I enjoy all the positions I can play. I am looking forward to doing well and scoring some goals.”
And he’ll score – so long as Romero’s ‘passing’ is up to it.
Anorak
Posted: 26th, August 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
More scoops a -plenty in the trusty Daily Star, where journalism “clown” (source: Karim Benzema) Jack Wilson says Neymar wants to play for Manchester United.
Neymar wants to leave the mighty Barcelona for life under Louis Van Gaal in Manchester? Is he mad?
Jack Wilson has all the facts. And aside from the parts about Neymar wanting to play for Man United and Gerard Pique playing for Real Madrid (he plays for Barcelona at the Nou Camp; and unlike Madrid’s Sergio Ramos, the Spaniard never did use United’s interest to negotiate a pay rise) it’s all spot on.
Anorak
Posted: 25th, August 2015 | In: manchester united, Reviews, Sports | Comment
Transfer Balls – a look at news of Neymar’s supposed transfer to Manchester United.
The Daily Star says United have bid for the Brazil and Barcelona star. Writes Leeroy Jenkins:
Bid made! Manchester United submit offer for Barcelona star Neymar
The paper has no facts and no source for its story.
Today, the Guardian has also taken up the story of Neymar’s mooted transfer from Barcelona to Manchester United. It says he might come to Old Trafford…maybe.
This story started life in the Sun, which told readers of “secret talks” to buy the 23-year-old Brazil and Barcelona forward.
The Sun’s Shaun Curtis said “a top Barcelona source” had told him that United have made a “discreet approach” to the La Liga champions.
United’s Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has been to Barcelona three times in the last two months. We all thought he was after signing Pedro.
Curtis reasons that if Neymar joined United “he would become the undisputed main man and a challenger for the title of World Player of the Year”.
Neymar’s current Barcelona deal expires in the summer of 2018 – and he does want a new deal but he’ll get one anyway. In June, the Mail told us: “Josep Maria Bartomeu will offer Neymar a new deal if he wins the election.”
Bartomeu won.
The Mail added that Barcelona’s new chief was “ready to throw even more money at him to keep the 23-year-old happy at the Nou Camp”.
Might this story of a move to Old Tafford be a ploy – Neymar reminds Barcelona of his worth and engineers a pay rise? The old Sergio Ramos flip-flopperoo?
Whatever the thinking, that seems to comprise the background of the Guardian’s news that Neymar is “open to joining from Barcelona… although there is a recognition the transfer is unlikely to occur before the current window closes.”
The paper cites “sources close to the forward”, who say Neymar is “attracted by the size and history of United and the chance to play in the Premier League”.
He might also be excited about playing at Barcelona, or in Italy, or for Bayern Munich. The feeling at Pies Towers is that this one is not going to happen. We’re loathe to use the word ‘spurious’ but hey, if the shoes fits.
Indeed, GloboEsporte hears from Neymar’s agent Wágner Ribeiro who “afirmou não ter sido procurado e que tudo não passa de factoide por conta da proximidade do fim da janela de transferências na Europa, no próximo dia 31.”
Portuguese to English translation: It’s total balls.
Anorak
Posted: 24th, August 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
The Daily Express says Brazil’s superstar footballer Neymar has agreed a new contract to remain at Barcelona. He hasn’t. His sucrrent deal expires in the summer of 2018 – but he does want a better deal. And he’ll get one. In June, the Mail told us:
Josep Maria Bartomeu will offer Neymar a new deal if he wins the election
Bartomeu won.
The Barcelona president who has ended up in court over the club’s signing of Neymar is ready to throw even more money at him to keep the 23-year-old happy at the Nou Camp.
This follows the Sun’s wafer-thin news that Manchester United had made a “discreet” enquity about signing the player.
Seemingly unduanted by fact, the Sun leads its report on Man United 0-0 draw with Newcastle by declaring:
Neymar agent jets in Manchester United 0 Newcastle 0
Shaun Curtis, the writer who broke the news of the discreet approach that wasn’t all that discrete, now says:
NEYMAR’S international agent Pini Zahavi was at Old Trafford — on the day SunSport revealed Manchester United want the Barcelona superstar.
Do we know why Pini was there?
The Israeli super-agent told us: “I have nothing to say about this but it is normal such a giant club as Manchester United would wish to win the services of Neymar, the best player in the world. It would be astonishing if United pulled off such a coup, but they are making a play for him.”
Has Neymar sorted out his new pay deal as part of his enw contract with Barcelona. Ealier this summer, Sergio Ramos used Manchester United to engineer a better wage packet at Real Madrid. Might it be that Neymar is trying the same ploy?
Curtis then tells readers what Neymar would cost:
While his buyout clause is said to be £130million, SunSport has learned it could be up to £165m with add-ons.
Any word from United
Van Gaal remained tight-lipped after the Newcastle shut-out. He said: “You can mention every player but I cannot answer those questions.“I would like to make the squad stronger but not for any price and only for the right player.”
In other words: agent watches football match. Read all about it.
Anorak
Posted: 23rd, August 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
Transfer Balls: Manchester United Want Neymar
Hold the phone! Manchester United are in “secret talks” to buy 23-year-old Brazil and Barcelona forward Neymar, says the Sun. In a trice the secret talks are no longer secret.
Shaun Curtis writes: “a top Barcelona source has told SunSport the Red Devils have made a discreet approach to the La Liga champions.”
Not that discreet was it. After all, the approach only made it into the country’s largest-selling tabloid. A cynic might see it as a load of PR balls, a story rooted not in a bid for Neymar, rather in a desire to assure Manchester United fans that the team are thinking big.
Aree there any fact to support the anonymous source who says Man United have have made a secret approach to buy one of world footballer’s star names. Any facts?
Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has been to Barca three times in the last two months with all the talk being about United’s chase for Pedro. But, under the radar, Woodward has made an audacious bid for Neymar.
Man United never did buy Pedro, losing out to Chelsea for the winger’s signature, although the official Old Trafford line is that Van Gaal dropped his interest in the Spaniard at the 11th hour. Van Gaal has ben splitting hairs, telling media:
“When you ask me does Pedro fit into the profile, I cannot lie, then I say yes. I cannot deny that but I did not say I was interested — that’s the difference.”
Back to Neymar, of whom Curtis adds: “...the Brazilian superstar is well aware that if he moved to Old Trafford he would become the undisputed main man and a challenger for the title of World Player of the Year.”
Hispanic players dream of playing for Real Madrid and Barcelona. They do not dream of playing for Manchester United. But the Sun’s anonymous source has something to add: “United are one of the biggest clubs in the world so it is right they should be chasing a player who has the potential to be the best player on the planet.”
Chase away. You won’t catch him. But maybe the club’s shares will rise on the stock market and the fans will dream anew…
Anorak
Posted: 22nd, August 2015 | In: manchester united, Reviews, Sports | Comment (1)
The Sun is shocked. It has heard that Manchester United fans have been singing nasty things about wantaway goalkeeper David De Gea. Presented as an “exclusive“, the paper writes:
De Gea, 24, had arrived close to kick-off, hoping to sneak in unnoticed. But he was spotted by a handful of fans and greeted with a chorus of “f*** off you penny-pinching b*****d” as security went to let him in.
A handful of fans shouted abuse at a footballer. That’s an exclusive news story. It would have been a world exclusive had fans shouted abuse at a tree in a wood and made it fall down.
Onlookers said De Gea, who has yet to feature for United this season, looked visibly shaken.
Read the rest of this entry »
Anorak
Posted: 20th, August 2015 | In: manchester united, Reviews, Sports | Comment
Why did Spanish footballer Pedro join Chelsea and not Manchester United?
Chelsea gazumped United
The Times‘ says losing out on Pedro is a “blow” to United. Oliver Kay says Chelsea outbid United for the Barcelona player.
Manchester United’s desperation in the transfer market has grown after they were gazumped by Chelsea in a £21.1 million deal to sign Pedro from Barcelona.
The Fabregas Factor
The aforesaid Kay adds:
Chelsea’s pursuit of Pedro was helped by Cesc Fàbregas, who, along with his girlfriend, Daniella Semaan, helped to persuade his former Barcelona team-mate that he should move to London rather than Manchester.
Mourinho Nicked Him
The Daily Mail says Pedro ‘snubbed” United because Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho talked him into picking the Blues.
The Other Woman
Another woman played a key part in the proposed deal. Marina Granovskaia, a long-time and trusted employee of Roman Abramovich, the Chelsea owner, was also instrumental in getting talks started.
Not Fancying Van Gaal
The Daily Express says Van Gaal has a problem with Spaniards.
Louis Van Gaal’s brutal treatment of former Barca keeper Victor Valdes may have had an influence on Pedro’s decision while the presence at Chelsea of former Nou Camp star Cesc Fabregas is also likely to have been a factor.
Pedro is understood to have spoken to both players to help make up his mind.
And Van Gaal briefed the media against David De Gea?
Operation Pedro
The Telegraph says Chelsea performed a planned “hijack”:
While [Ed] Woodward was haggling with Barcelona, Chelsea were putting ‘Operation Pedro’ into practice with Granovskaia conducting discreet negotiations with the Spanish club and, with the permission of Barca, Mourinho and Fabregas both speaking with the forward directly.
But The Local Paper Knows What Really Happened
The Manchester Evening News says that Pedro did not “snub” Man United. Pedro was not seduced to London by Mourinho or any number of women. He was not “hijacked”. No. The local Manchester paper says Pedro is not playing for Manchester United because club manager Louis Van Gaal rejected him. Yeah, really.
We are supposed to believe that Ed Woodward, the United executive vice-chairman, flew to Barcelona to buy Pedro, only to be recalled at the 11th hour because Van Gaal realised the 28-year-old three-time Champions’ league winner was not wanted.
Oh, and in any case, Van Gaal has his heart set on Sadio Mané, the Southampton forward, who United bid for before they went to see Pedro in Barcelona.
Such are the facts.
Anorak
Posted: 20th, August 2015 | In: Chelsea, manchester united, Reviews, Sports | Comment
One day when Bastian Schweinsteiger is on the after-dinner speaking circuit, he will surely hark back to his days at Manchester United. Speaking to German newspaper Bild, Schweinsteiger has given us all a hint of the kind of anecdotes we can expect from the German midfielder:
“The English have a special sense of humour. This I immediately experienced in the dressing room.
“As I walked with two plates while eating, suddenly a teammate asked me ‘Basti, what time is it?’ – Hoping I would automatically turn my hand to look at my watch.”
Funny? Or just special? But the actual funny part is Schweinsteiger’s review of the big English gag:
“That’s quite entertaining.”
He’s deadpan. He’s the German Jack Dee
Anorak
Posted: 18th, August 2015 | In: manchester united, Reviews, Sports | Comment
Manchester United “hope” to sign Pedro from Barcelona this week, writes the Times. They are determined to get their man. Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, is in Barcelona, looking to sign the 28-year-old for a £22 million fee.
Mundo Deportivo says Woodward has met Albert Soler, Barça’s director of sporting institutional relations, and director Raul Sanllehí where they discussed Pedro.
Sky says the deal has been done. Sort of. Sky Sports’ Balague told Revista de La Liga.
“I understand a deal between the player and United is already in place and all that is left is for United to put the €30m on the table. They are just negotiating how they are going to pay it, with installments or an amount up-front. They are very close. I’m not sure whether Barcelona will try one last time with Pedro and say ‘don’t go’, but it seems his mind is already made up.”
The Daily Telegpah says Pedro to arrive on Tuesday. That’s the same DT that told us Arsenal signed Karim Benzema last week.
The Manchester Evening News says that Pedro is not the star player United fans dream of:
Louis van Gaal is believed to be somewhat hesitant about bringing in Pedro because of his pace, but the Dutchman is eager to increase the attacking options in his side.
And Marca reminds us that no deal is done until it’s done:
The striker wants a more prominent role at Barça. Luis Enrique wants him to stay at the Camp Nou, but competition for places is tough at the club.
Why would anyone leave Barcelona for Manchester United under Van Gaal? Does that medical include a test for mental competence?
Anorak
Posted: 18th, August 2015 | In: manchester united, Reviews, Sports | Comment
Wayne Rooney of Manchester United celebrates his 1-0 win in the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on August 8, 2015 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
How’s life treating Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney? After United had completed these routine defeat of Aston Villa at Villa Park (in their last 40 league matches, Villa have won once, lost 29 and drawn 10), the papers shone a light on the nation’s main man.
All but one news source thought Rooney was poor:
Daily Mail: “Wayne Rooney is on his way to being burnt out and the Manchester United captain looks as ineffectual as he has ever been”
Daily Mail: “Manchester United need a new striker: With Wayne Rooney out of sorts, Louis van Gaal needs fresh firepower to boost title hopes”
The Guardian: “Loose passing, wasteful finishing and a particularly bad night for Wayne Rooney kept the hosts in the game”
ESPN: “There were hopes that Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney would rediscover some form against Aston Villa on Friday night… Remarkably, though, he was even worse than he was against Tottenham last week. His lack of mobility, touch and pace prevent him from leading the line successfully. When you compare him to strikers at rival clubs, like Sergio Aguero, the gap in quality between them is embarrassing.”
The Times: “They need more, of course — not least from Wayne Rooney, who looks short of fitness or confidence or both”
MEN: “Manchester United fan ratings: Rooney struggles”
BBC: “Striker Wayne Rooney was supposed to be the main man up front this season but the early signs have been a little worrying for United. As in the opening game against Tottenham the United and England skipper struggled to make an impact leading the line. And it was not until injury time that he touched the ball in the opposition penalty area”
And the one that disagreed:
The Sun: “SUN STAR MAN — Wayne Rooney, Manchester United”
Wonder which newspaper wants Rooney as its next columnist?
Anorak
Posted: 17th, August 2015 | In: manchester united, Reviews, Sports | Comment
Is Nicolas Otamendi going to play for Manchester United? Or is the Valencia defender off to play for Manchester City?
There’s been lots of talk about Nicolas Otamendi joining Manchester United. Stories like: “Manchester United AGREE deal to sign Valencia star Nicolas Otamendi”; “Deal done: Man United target Nicolas Otamendi agrees move, will be announced today” (both Daily Star); “Nicolas Otamendi to Manchester United: Club agree to sign £36m-rated centre-back” (Independent); and “Real Madrid believe Manchester United have sealed Nicolas Otamendi transfer” (Daily Mirror).
It turns out these stories are all utter balls because the Daily Mail says Manchester City are “close to completing the £28.5m signing of Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi, 27, with City defender Eliaquim Mangala, 24, likely to go to the Spanish club on loan.” Although, the Express says the fee is £35m.
Anorak
Posted: 17th, August 2015 | In: Manchester City, manchester united, Reviews, Sports | Comment (1)
Spanish goalkeeper David Ge Dea has, says the Sun, told Louis van Gaal he does not want to play for Manchester United. The hammer-headed Van Gaal is quoted:
“We’ve talked with him, he was fully agreed with our decision. We have a goalkeeping coach, Frans Hoek. He had a meeting with David De Gea and he asks him ‘Do you want to play?’.
“No. So then I have to take the decision. It is a process.
“We had been observing him in preparation, he was not so good, he was not the same David de Gea as before. He was my best player last season. According to the fans, he was the best of the last two years.”
Why would Van Gaal share that informaion with the media? Is he trying to shame De Gea into staying at Old Trafford?
Read the rest of this entry »
Anorak
Posted: 14th, August 2015 | In: manchester united, Reviews, Sports | Comment
