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Manchester United 2014-2015

yinyang

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Louis van Gaal 'similar' to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has "a lot of similarities" to former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, according to Ryan Giggs.

Van Gaal replaced David Moyes as manager in the summer, a year after Sir Alex's 26-year stay at the club ended.

And Giggs, 40, who is now assistant manager at the club under Van Gaal, said the Dutchman's "intensity and preparation" reminded him of Ferguson.

"He demands that in every training session," Giggs told BBC Radio 5 live.

"He wants the same intensity as if it was a game.

"There are a lot of similarities to Sir Alex. He sets standards and if you drop below them he is not happy."

Former Bayern Munich and Barcelona boss Van Gaal, 62, led the Netherlands national team to third place at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil prior to joining Manchester United.

In his first news conference at the club he spoke of his "strong personality" - and reminded his audience it was a trait he shared with former United boss Sir Alex.

United moved into the top four for this first time this season with Saturday's 2-1 win at Arsenal, but Giggs says they have been hampered by a lengthy injury list.

Defenders Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Rafael, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans, midfielders Daley Blind and Jesse Lingard and striker Radamel Falcao are all currently sidelined.

"You are seeing attacking football, us trying to score goals and taking the risks but we have not been able to get any consistency due to injuries," said Giggs, who became the most decorated player in English football history under Ferguson at Old Trafford.

However the Welshman believes his side are some way off leaders Chelsea, who he believes are "head and shoulders" above the rest of the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho's side have a six-point lead over second-place Southampton at the top of the table and are 13 ahead of United, who lie fourth.

"Their back four has not changed and they have consistency in their team. They are are head and shoulders above anyone else at the moment."

 

Gallego99

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What I would really like to see if Lou has the balls to ditch his countryman RVP in the summer. RVP is well below his best and is unlikely to deliver consistently. Better that he makes way for a younger player or a new striker. It will be no loss to United if he leaves.
 

DavidMoyes

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What I would really like to see if Lou has the balls to ditch his countryman RVP in the summer. RVP is well below his best and is unlikely to deliver consistently. Better that he makes way for a younger player or a new striker. It will be no loss to United if he leaves.

Is Strootman any better than RVP? :biggrin:
 

yinyang

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Wesley Sneijder ready to consider SHOCK Chelsea or Man Utd move after bench snub

WESLEY SNEIJDER'S agent has opened the door to a move to Manchester United or Chelsea as the Dutch midfielders tribulations continue at Galatasaray.
Sneijder continues to insist that he wants to remain in Istanbul despite a series of problems in recent times.

The former Inter Milan and Real Madrid star was left on the bench by Cesare Prandelli for Galatasaray's 3-0 loss to Trabzonspor.

The slight came after news that the Turkish club had failed to pay Sneijder's wages for a number of months and the possibility that tex reform could see the player's take home pay substantially reduced.

He wants to stay, but nobody likes to be on the bench so we will see…

And while reports suggest that talks may already be underway about a new contract, Guido Albers says his client might reconsider his position if he isn't back in the starting XI in the near future.

He told Turkish television, Bugun TV: “Today, we plan on talking to the club to get their thoughts on the future of Wesley. I do not know why he is not playing.

“He wants to stay, but nobody likes to be on the bench so we will see…”

It now remains to be seen whether Chelsea or United seek to exploit the situation in January, with Sneijder having worked under both Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal in the past.
 

yinyang

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To re-fix rear end job? :p

Man Utd given green light to re-sign Nemanja Vidic

MANCHESTER UNITED have been urged to re-sign former captain Nemanja Vidic by ex-Chelsea star Michael Essien.

Nemanja Vidic has been linked with a return to Man Utd

The 33-year-old Serbian left Old Trafford at the end of last season after his contract expired, penning a deal with Inter in the process.

However, a poor start to his career at the San Siro has seen him linked with a return to Manchester, and Louis Van Gaal is weighing up a shock January bid as he looks to get United's season back on track.
 

yinyang

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Still on payroll?? :p

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co...ll-news/anderson-told-fit-united-boss-8201431

Anderson told to get fit by United boss Van Gaal

Beleaguered Manchester United midfielder has not played for the Reds since 0-0 Premier League draw at Burnley in August.

Louis van Gaal has challenged Anderson to get fit if he wants to save his United career.

The Brazilian has not played since August and with his contract up in the summer he is unlikely to extend his stay at Old Trafford.
With Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini, Daley Blind and Darren Fletcher ahead of him in the midfield pecking order, the chances of Anderson appearing in a red shirt again are slim.

However, Van Gaal has told the 26-year-old, whose fitness has been ridiculed during his seven-and-a-half years at the club, to prove himself.

"He’s now coming back," Van Gaal said.

"He was injured but he’s training now with the team. I cannot say what had happened last year but in my four months here, he’s had a lot of injuries.

"So I cannot judge him but when he trains he trains at a good level. He’s not always fit and that is more his problem now.

"I can’t pick him now because you have to be fit. For the first three months the culture of a trainer is fitness. That is the smallest thing you can demand. Professional league fitness. Fitness is the most important thing. First you have to show your fitness. Not for just one day but for several weeks."
 

yinyang

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Preview of tomorrow morning's vs Stoke. Can we reinforce #4? :p


Man Utd v Stoke
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Old TraffordDate:
Tuesday, 2 December

TEAM NEWS
Manchester United will be without forward Angel Di Maria, who injured his hamstring in the win over Hull on Saturday.

Captain Wayne Rooney is expected to shake off a knock to the knee he suffered in the same match.

Stoke's Steve Sidwell faces six weeks out with knee ligament damage while fellow midfielder Glenn Whelan misses out with a calf injury.

But Phil Bardsley is set to return after recovering from illness.

MATCH PREVIEW
Louis van Gaal described United's performance in Saturday's 3-0 victory against Hull as their best since he took over, and there's now a genuine belief that the Reds are going to become increasingly difficult to shift from their current position within the top four.

Lawro's prediction
"Having Michael Carrick back fit is a big help for Manchester United because of his calming influence in midfield and, the more games he plays, the stronger he will get."

Considering their well-documented injury list, that they reside in the Champions League positions is surely an ominous sign for those who had been expecting to be there themselves.

The efficient disposal of Hull on Saturday made it three wins in a row for the first time in the LVG era, a heartening response to their Manchester derby defeat, which now constitutes their only reverse in eight games.

Old Trafford is also beginning to recover its mystique after no fewer than seven visiting sides left there victorious during last season's disastrous campaign. Though Swansea spoiled Van Gaal's bow on the opening weekend, the Reds have won five of the next six at home, with Chelsea's draw the only blemish since.

“Of course I had hoped that we would win on Saturday but we have to win also against Stoke City - but in the Premier League nothing is easy”

To add to the growing feelings of positivity, United's record against Stoke suggests that a sixth home victory should be beckoning - they've won the last 11 meetings played at Old Trafford and prior to their 1-2 defeat at the Britannia Stadium in February, had never previously lost to the Potters since their promotion in 2008.

Stoke's season so far has been one of exhilarating highs and baffling lows, with victories at White Hart Lane and the Etihad Stadium offset by home defeats to struggling Leicester, Burnley and Aston Villa.

On the back of two successive defeats and with just one victory in their last five, Mark Hughes side's confidence may not be at its highest, yet they won't be pushovers either, as all four of their wins this season have come against sides currently residing in the top nine.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

•Stoke won the most recent encounter 2-1 at the Britannia Stadium in February, ending a run of five successive wins for Manchester United in this fixture (in all competitions).
•It was Stoke's first league victory against the Red Devils since 1984.
•Manchester United have won their last 11 home games against Stoke in league and cup (including 10 top-flight games).
•The Potters' last win at Old Trafford was a 1-0 victory on 21 April 1976, when Alan Bloor got the only goal.
Manchester United

•Manchester United have the opportunity to win four consecutive Premier League games for only the second time since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson (after four wins in Dec 2013).
•Wayne Rooney has scored in nine of his last 13 matches for England and Manchester United combined (10 goals).
•Robin van Persie has netted one goal in each of his four Premier League games against the Potters in a Manchester United shirt. Overall, van Persie has scored 10 goals in nine Premier League appearances against Stoke.
Stoke City

•Stoke have lost three of their last five Premier League matches, including the last two.
•Former Man Utd player Mark Hughes has already won a Premier League game as opposition manager at Old Trafford, when his Blackburn side defeated the Red Devils 2-1 in September 2005 (D1, L7 of the other eight trips there).
•Peter Crouch's goal at Old Trafford last season was his first in nine Premier League games at the venue.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30188282
 

Gallego99

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Still on payroll?? :p

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co...ll-news/anderson-told-fit-united-boss-8201431

Anderson told to get fit by United boss Van Gaal

.......................................

There are a number of newcomers to the premier league who are not used to playing thru the X'mas period. LVG will need all the players including the fringe players like Anderson to be fit for some of the games. Expect more injuries to come.

I expect Anderson to leave on a free transfer by summer and I very much doubt he'll be given a contract by any club elsewhere unless he improves his fitness. United can write off this investment for sure.
 

Gallego99

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If they keep the winning momentum this December and January, they will definitely be in the top 4 by the end of the season.
 

yinyang

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Dec fixtures to xmas. Big one with scousers following sun


Mon 8 Dec 2014 - Premier League
Southampton v Man Utd 20:00

Sun 14 Dec 2014 - Premier League
Man Utd v Liverpool 13:30

Sat 20 Dec 2014 - Premier League
Aston Villa v Man Utd 15:00

Fri 26 Dec 2014 - Premier League
Man Utd v Newcastle 15:00

 

RubbingWarmPusi

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The first 2 are quite tricky but at least v Liverpool is a home game. The other 2 are winnable.


Dec fixtures to xmas. Big one with scousers following sun


Mon 8 Dec 2014 - Premier League
Southampton v Man Utd 20:00

Sun 14 Dec 2014 - Premier League
Man Utd v Liverpool 13:30

Sat 20 Dec 2014 - Premier League
Aston Villa v Man Utd 15:00

Fri 26 Dec 2014 - Premier League
Man Utd v Newcastle 15:00

 

Gallego99

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Vidic's return looks a sure thing now, to shore up leaky defence :p

Manchester United AGREE deal to RE-SIGN Nemanja Vidic
NEMANJA VIDIC is reportedly on the verge of making a shock return to Manchester United


http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/fo...er-United-AGREE-deal-to-RE-SIGN-Nemanja-Vidic


It probably dawn upon them leadership is missing in the backline. They should have kept Vidic or Evra and let Ferdinand go. Now all three are gone and they have a vacuum to fill. Granted Vidic is well past his best but his leadership and guidance would have helped the back 4 tremendously.
Now that he's with Inter, they want him back? Sheesh! Dun look back and move forward. The back 4 will settle in soon enough. In the meantime Carrick can provide the leadership.
If they bring Strootman in, Mata or Herrera will have to make way. LVG has a bias for left footers. BTW, Arjen Robben is also on their radar.:rolleyes:
 

yinyang

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Tomorrow, how? :p:biggrin: Match preview

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30366041


TEAM NEWS

Jonny Evans could start for Manchester United after replacing the injured Chris Smalling during the first half of Monday's win at Southampton.

Phil Jones and Rafael return after two months out but Angel di Maria, Luke Shaw and Daley Blind remain sidelined.
Liverpool's Adam Lallana is available despite having two cracked ribs, while Kolo Toure (groin) should be fit.
Mario Balotelli is back in training and could be involved after a six-match absence with a groin injury.

MATCH PREVIEW

Many wise old sages have stated that it's better to be a lucky manager than a good one, and Manchester United's latest win at Southampton on Monday will have had some thinking that in Louis van Gaal, they might just have both together.

His record shows he's good - very, very good - but to see his team win with a performance the Dutchman put mildly himself as "not good enough" suggested being somewhat blessed too.

Others went much further, and the numbers backed them up: United had three shots on goal - their fewest in a league game since Opta started counting in August 2003. They apparently only had six touches of the ball in the opposition box too - Southampton managed 32!

Still, it's sport and it happens - with United able to justifiably point to their never-ending injury problems this season as evidence of ill fortune too.

After five wins in a row they can also point to the Premier League table quite happily again now they are third - chief challengers to the surely never-to-be-caught top two.

Lawro's prediction
"To be frank, Liverpool are all over the place at the moment. They are rudderless, low on confidence and do not seem to have a definitive way of playing."

Predictions: Lawro v Benedict Wong
Liverpool are seven points further back, and seemingly miles more away from the team that won 3-0 at Old Trafford in March.

They haven't been able to put a sustained run of good results together all season, with their current run of five games unbeaten in all competitions being the best so far.
Successive home draws against Sunderland and Basel with poor performances and, in the latter, costly consequences are hardly reason to party however.

How Brendan Rodgers could do with a bit of that 'Louis luck' rubbing off on him this weekend!
For all their relative struggles though, Manchester United versus Liverpool will always be a massive, not-to-be-missed fixture in the English game.

It'll have the feel and noise of a must-win cup tie - and calls for all involved to be "Red Lions". You thought I'd (dog &) ducked it, didn't you?

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Manchester United have won 10 of the 12 most recent league and cup meetings at Old Trafford but were outplayed in a 3-0 Premier League defeat in the corresponding fixture last March. Steven Gerrard scored two penalties and missed another, with Luis Suarez completing the scoring.

There have been 15 red cards in this fixture in the Premier League; only Everton v Liverpool (20) has had more.
This is the 191st meeting in all competitions. Manchester United lead by 75 wins to Liverpool's 64, with 51 draws.

Manchester United
United have won five Premier League games in a row for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
They are six points and six places better off than at this stage last season.
Manchester United's total of three shots against Southampton on Monday is their lowest tally in any league games since Opta started recording such data in 2003.

Robin van Persie has scored six goals in his last nine league appearances against Liverpool

Liverpool
The Reds are nine points, seven places and 15 goals worse off than after 15 matches last season. They are 15 points off top spot, compared to a four-point deficit this time last year.
They have failed to score in four Premier League fixtures this season - one more than in the whole of 2013-14.
Liverpool have conceded 13 goals in seven away games at an average of 1.87 goals per game - only QPR have fared worse.

Mario Balotelli has had a league-high 35 shots without scoring this season. He scored twice in his only previous league appearance at Old Trafford in Manchester City's 6-1 victory in October 2011.
 

yinyang

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Frustrated Juan Cuadrado desperate to leave Fiorentina with Man Utd ready to pounce
JUAN CUADRADO has grown frustrated with life at Fiorentina and could force a move to Manchester United in January
.

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/415428/Juan-Cuadrado-Manchester-United-Fiorentina


The Colombian winger is reportedly unhappy at the Serie A club and Louis van Gaal is thought to be ready to offer him a way out.

United and Barcelona were keen on the winger over the summer but both refused to match Fiorentina's valuation.

But with the Italian media reporting that Cuadrado is unhappy, the Red Devils are poised to battle Barcelona for the Colombian.

Cuadrado is said to be fed-up with the amount of playing time he's been afforded this season and wants a chance of scenery.

United hope the 26-year-old will force Fiorentina's hand when the window opens, lowering their asking price.


 

yinyang

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Not unexpected, with his stellar performances (and saving us from blushes). :p

Real Madrid prepared to SMASH transfer record to sign Man Utd star David de Gea
MANCHESTER UNITED are bracing themselves for a lucrative bid for their coveted goalkeeper David de Gea.

According to Spanish reports, Carlo Ancelotti remains unconvinced with his limited goalkeeping options, and is already looking to replace the departing Iker Casillas.
The Italian hopes De Gea can replicate Casillas' legendary status at the Bernabeu, and is prepared to offer big money to secure his services.

No fee has been discussed, however it's likely to eclipse the long standing £33million goalkeeping transfer record paid for Gianluigi Buffon in 2001.

Pundits are running out of superlatives to describe the Manchester United keeper, as is his manager Louis van Gaal who has repeatedly praised the influence of De Gea.
Uncertainty over the shot stopper's future stems from both the short amount of time left on his contract, and United's casual approach to offering an extension.
De Gea's contract is due to expire in the summer of 2016, meaning Real Madrid will be able to open pre-contract negotiations in just over twelve-months time.

United are believed to be feeling relaxed about the situation - confidence that will allay supporters's fears of losing De Gea next summer.
 

RubbingWarmPusi

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De Gea took a little time to settle in when Ferguson brought him in but now he is really doing well and has got a bright future.


Not unexpected, with his stellar performances (and saving us from blushes). :p

Real Madrid prepared to SMASH transfer record to sign Man Utd star David de Gea
MANCHESTER UNITED are bracing themselves for a lucrative bid for their coveted goalkeeper David de Gea.

d to be feeling relaxed about the situation - confidence that will allay supporters's fears of losing De Gea next summer.
 

yinyang

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More trivia from rumour mill :p

Manchester United 'could spend over £30m' in January transfer window
Dec 18, 2014 19:27 By Samuel Luckhurst

Louis van Gaal could reunite with compatriots Kevin Strootman and Ron Vlaar if Reds decide to strengthen squad.

Van Gaal is likely to splash the cash again in 2015 Manchester United's spending spree could continue in the January transfer window as Louis van Gaal aims to capitalise on the Reds' six-game winning run.

United's recent form has propelled them up to third in the table and, although the majority of supporters would be content with that finish in May, Van Gaal is believed to be keen on strengthening his squad in the winter window.

United's porous defence and their centre-backs' susceptibility to injuries are likely to dictate any movement in January.

Van Gaal's compatriots Kevin Strootman, the Roma defensive midfielder, and Aston Villa centre-back Ron Vlaar are two standout contenders to join the Reds in January.

Strootman, 24, has only just returned from a cruciate knee ligament injury but Roma's failure to progress in the Champions League could soften the Giallorossi 's stance on a January sale.

United's interest in Arturo Vidal cooled once Van Gaal officially began work in July, with the Dutchman concerned about the Chilean's knee injury. Strootman has made one Roma start since his November comeback but will benefit from a two-week winter break after Saturday's match with AC Milan.

Vlaar, 29, is out of contract next summer and although United are monitoring his situation at Villa they consider the £12m asking price to be too high.

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said in November United were not looking for "short-term fixes", which could count against Vlaar, who will captain Aston Villa against United at the weekend, with Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels still a target.

Atletico Madrid's defensive lynchpin Diego Godin, also of interest to United, appeared to rule out a move to Old Trafford on Thursday.

United spent a club record £37.1m to sign Juan Mata from Chelsea in January.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co...s/manchester-united-could-spend-over-8313990?
 
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