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Manchester United 2015-2016

yinyang

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Opportune time to move on to new thread for next season Aug :biggrin: First off the starting blocks is home to Spurs, early one at that

Starting fixtures Aug

SAT 8 AUG 2015 - PREMIER LEAGUE
Man Utd v Tottenham
12:45

FRI 14 AUG 2015 - PREMIER LEAGUE
Aston Villa v Man Utd
19:45

SAT 22 AUG 2015 - PREMIER LEAGUE
Man Utd v Newcastle
12:45

SUN 30 AUG 2015 - PREMIER LEAGUE
Swansea v Man Utd
16:00

 

yinyang

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Premier League: Aston Villa to face Man Utd in Friday night match

By Simon Stone
BBC Sport

Aston Villa will host Manchester United on a Friday night in their opening home game of the new Premier League season.

The match will be played on 14 August because of "unique circumstances" and televised live on Sky Sports.

West Midlands Police rejected a Saturday match because of an English Defence League march, and United are in Champions League action the following week, ruling out Sunday, 16 August.

Friday night football is part of the new TV deal for the 2016-17 season. Dozens of Premier League games have been played on a Friday - the majority on Good Friday or Boxing Day, although a handful have been played at other times of the year.

Before that, the BBC televised top-flight matches live on a Friday night between 1983 and 1985.
The Premier League said the Friday night match was a "one-off" for this season.

Up to 10 Friday night Premier League matches will be broadcast live from 2016-17 as a result of the latest rights deal, agreed in February, which runs until the end of the 2018-19 season.

 

yinyang

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Manchester United to improve offer for Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin
• United had initial offer of around £20m rejected
• Louis van Gaal eager to tie up midfielder’s transfer

Manchester United are poised to make a second bid for Morgan Schneiderlin after Southampton rejected an opening offer of around £20m for the midfielder.

Louis van Gaal is keen to add the Frenchman to his squad before the club fly out for the summer tour of the United States on 13 July. That leaves United with 10 days to complete the deal before landing in Seattle to start the four-game trip, and they are encouraged by Schneiderlin being keen to join as soon as possible.

Van Gaal is determined to avoid another poor start to the season, after last term’s yield of only 13 points from the opening 10 matches, and also has a Champions League final qualification knockout round to negotiate to enter the group stage, to be played over two legs in mid-August, the first leg of which is after two league games.

Morgan Schneiderlin alerts clubs as he closes in on Southampton exit
Morgan-Schneiderlin-009.jpg

Van Gaal has been told by Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman, that United must be serious challengers again next season. To meet this demand the Dutchman wants to strengthen the squad with at least one midfielder, a right-back and a striker, should Robin van Persie depart as is expected.

So far only Memphis Depay has been added in the current window and with the campaign starting on 8 August, Van Gaal is conscious time is beginning to press if he is to have a fully strengthened and settled squad for then.

The opening fixture with Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford is just over a week after United return from the US.

Although Southampton hope to sell Schneiderlin for around £30m, United believe they can acquire the 25-year-old for a fee of closer to £25m. If the south coast club continue to resist, Schneiderlin could consider direct action.

Last summer he tweeted his outrage when Southampton refused to sell him to any interested parties, halting a move to Tottenham. The player, who can operate in a holding role or as a more dynamic midfielder, admitted considering going on strike.

After the Dutchman declined to sign Nathaniel Clyne despite United being his first-choice – the England international has since signed for Liverpool – Van Gaal has revived his interest in Seamus Coleman, the Everton right-back. Van Gaal had hoped to land the 26-year-old in the winter window but the deal did not happen then.

http://www.theguardian.com/football...neiderlin-manchester-united-southampton#img-1

 

yinyang

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Goalie trivia amidst speculation on DG. Or desperate moves? :biggrin:

Manchester United transfers: Asmir Begovic targeted as Red Devils look to hijack Chelsea's £8m bid
13:39, 5 JULY 2015
BY LIAM CORLESS
Begovic is widely expected to move to Stamford Bridge this summer, but Louis van Gaal is reportedly considering him as a potential replacement for David De Gea

Begovic is being looked at by two of the Premier League's top clubs
begovic.jpg

Manchester United are reportedly considering hijacking Chelsea's move for Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

The Potters stopper has been identified by Jose Mourinho as the ideal replacement for Petr Cech, who completed his switch to Arsenal last week.

Chelsea have been in negotiations with Stoke over a transfer fee, but the Blues now fear that Begovic's head could be turned by potential interest from United.

United are on the lookout for a new No 1 at Old Trafford, with David De Gea likely to join Real Madrid this summer.

That gives the Red Devils a huge advantage over Chelsea, who will only be able to offer Begovic a backup role behind first choice stopper Thibaut Courtois.

 

yinyang

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So coming over to OT or not?

Morgan Schneiderlin: Man Utd bid confirmed by Southampton boss

Manchester United have had a bid for Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin rejected, Saints boss Ronald Koeman has confirmed.

The 25-year-old missed the club's first day of training on Monday, but Koeman said the France international was ill and will fly out to Austria for their pre-season tour.

"Two weeks ago we had a bid from United but it was not the bid we expected," Koeman told BBC Radio Solent.
"It wasn't serious and no bids today."

Schneiderlin has been with the Saints since 2008, including two seasons in League One, and has made 261 appearances.
Last summer, Schneiderlin was a target for Tottenham and he missed the start of pre-season after telling the club he was "not mentally or physically ready" to play after a bid was rejected.

Manchester United hope to sign him before they fly out for their tour of the US on 13 July and Koeman wants a quick resolution either way.

"If there is any business then I hope it will be soon because it is best for the player, best for us and we have to think about ourselves if we sell the player.

"He will travel tomorrow with the team. It may be difficult as everybody knows he'd like to move. But if there is no bid close to what we expect then he's a Southampton player.

"I don't know if the valuation is exactly £25m, that's not my business."

Koeman is confident Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld will join the Saints permanently despite a potential legal battle.
The 26-year-old Belgium international was on loan at St Mary's last season with an option to make the deal permanent for £6.8m.
Atletico could have paid £1.5m to buy back that clause and instead sell Alderweireld to the highest bidder, with Tottenham and Manchester City reported to be willing to pay more. But the Saints believe the timeframe for Atletico to take that option has now elapsed.

"Southampton signed an option for the player and Atletico Madrid is trying to take back the option," said Koeman.
"In our knowledge this was too late and what happened with Tottenham in the middle, I don't know.
"The player told us he was very happy here. I believe he will continue at Southampton."
 

yinyang

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Manchester United were among the Premier League clubs to be back in pre-season training on Monday and it appears new £31m signing Memphis Depay has already made a positive impression.

Red Devils defender Luke Shaw tweeted: "Good session back with all the lads today and good to be training with Memphis for the first time!"


_84095252_shaw_twitter (1).png
 

Gallego99

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Potential line up new season (but for goalie yet)? :p


Ramos should be at left center partnering Otamendi. The balance in team selection for 4-3-3 is not there.4-4-2 would be ideal with Mata on the right of Herera and Schneiderlin operating just above the back 4. Rojo or Shaw on the left. The jigsaw would be complete if we have swine man or Vidal.

We have a lot of pace on the left with the left with Di Maria and Shaw but none on the right. A good right back is missing. Pity that Rafael has to go and Valencia will not do. Schneiderlin should operate closer to the right as Mata is defensively weak.
 

yinyang

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Still jostling :p

Manchester United transfers: De Gea and Ramos won't be at Real Madrid together
22:30, 6 JULY 2015
BY STUART MATHIESON http://www.manchestereveningnews.co...ws/manchester-united-transfers-de-gea-9598883

Man Utd are digging their heels in in the battle over coveted keeper De Gea and Madrid's wanted defender Sergio Ramos.

Manchester United will not shift their fighting stance on David de Gea’s future and the Reds determination to bring Sergio Ramos to Old Trafford.

It is understood that United are maintaining their resolute attitude that keeper De Gea and Real Madrid defender Ramos will not both be at the Bernabeu next season.

If the Spanish giants are to push on with their pursuit of the 24-year-old goalkeeper then they will have to allow their Spanish international centre back to move the other way to Old Trafford at an agreeable price.

De Gea returned to Manchester in the early hours of Monday morning before reporting for pre-season duty at United’s Carrington training HQ and talks with manager Louis van Gaal.

The Reds £20m buy from Atletico Madrid in 2011 has remained tight-lipped about his future all summer and the club want a world record fee of £33m-plus for a keeper to even consider allowing him to return to his home city.

United made an opening bid of £28.37m for manager Louis van Gaal’s centre back target Ramos which was rejected by Real and the Spaniard’s rate the 29-year-old at an over-inflated £65m.

GettyImages-478078730.jpg

 
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yinyang

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Five things in Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal's in-tray
19:00, 6 JULY 2015
BY STUART MATHIESON http://www.manchestereveningnews.co...ws/five-things-manchester-united-boss-9595127

It is Man Utd's first full week back in pre-season training and the Old Trafford manager has some work to do ahead of the new campaign.

Louis van Gaal will this week start to get his teeth into his second Manchester United campaign.

The Dutch manager returned from his holidays to the Reds Carrington training complex last week as his squad reassembled in dribs and drabs.

Now the bulk of his players are back in situ and getting back into the swing of things in readiness for flying out to Seattle next Monday on the first stop of their American tour.

Before the plane from Manchester heads to the States the Old Trafford manager will have plenty in his in tray to deal with in order to tackle his vital second term in office

HASTA LA VISTA, DAVID DE GEA?
The De Gea saga has dragged on far too long. It is time to tell the Spanish goalkeeper to reveal his hand. United cannot afford to prepare during the pre-season with the 24-year-old as the foundation stone of his defence only to discover on the eve of the season that he’s off to Real Madrid. Dig your heels in or it has to be adios.

WALKING IN MEMPHIS
...Or more like running in his only major buy of the summer Memphis Depay. The £25m winger from PSV Eindhoven comes with an exciting reputation and it is vital the young Dutch star is integrated quickly. Deploy Ryan Giggs as his personal mentor and the kid cannot go wrong.

ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK
The damning words that cascaded down from the Stretford End was a message to Van Gaal that United fans won’t entertain keep ball football forever. Started last pre-season with a 3-5-2 formation that was discarded early in the campaign. Van Gaal needs to settle on his tactics and surely he cannot ignore the demands for a system that provides better entertainment than last season.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
Van Gaal has promised to take some youngsters across the pond like last summer when Tyler Blackett and Jesse Lingard were among those give a taster of senior life. A chat with Under 21 coach warren Joyce has to be on the agenda this week. Ben Pearson, Ashley Fletcher and even Under 18s defender Axel Tuanzebe might be eagerly awaiting the posting of the squad list for the USA on the noticeboard.

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
Just in case it is now a hazy recollection he should Google his famous seven-minute annual awards dinner speech last May and replay it as a reminder of the passion and the promise: “We are very close. But as a manager I know that is not counting, we have to produce more.”

Fourth is not good enough.

 

yinyang

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Manchester United agree £12.7m fee with Torino for Matteo Darmian
MANCHESTER UNITED are closing in on a deal to sign Italy international full-back Matteo Darmian.

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/fo...r-news-12-7m-fee-agreed-Torino-Matteo-Darmian

The Red Devils have agreed an €18m (£12.7m) fee with Torino for the 25-year-old having had two earlier bids rejected, Sky Italia are reporting.

Darmian can play on either side of the defence although his preference is at right-back, a position Louis van Gaal has made his priority to strengthen.

The Dutchman often used winger Antonio Valencia at right-back last season with Rafael Da Silva not in his plans. United are open to offers for the Brazilian.

United switched their attention to Darmian having already missed out on Dani Alves and Nathaniel Clyne while Everton rebuffed an enquiry for Seamus Coleman.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport this morning claimed that Darmian will sign a four-year deal at Old Trafford worth £50,000-a-week after tax.

He has two years remaining on his current deal at Torino.

Darmian has been capped 13 times by Italy and was one of the few players to impress for Cesare Prandelli's side at last summer's World Cup as they crashed out in the group stages.

559bb0d42f623_GettyImages477341156.jpg

 

Gallego99

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Manchester United 'agree Matteo Darmian fee with Torino'

Manchester United have agreed a fee with Torino for Italy international right-back Matteo Darmian, according to Sky Italia sources.

Talks between the clubs have been ongoing and, after rejecting United's first two bids, sources understand United have now met an asking price of £12.7m for the prized defender.

Darmian is a versatile defender who is capable of playing in either full-back spot, though his favoured position is on the right, but also has experience at centre-half and at 6ft tall offers a strong aerial presence.

Louis van Gaal was acutely aware of United's vulnerability at set-pieces last season and it cost the team on more than one occasion, including in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea in October, when 5ft 7in Rafael was left marking Didier Drogba at a corner with costly results.


Speaking in November, van Gaal said: "In set plays, it is very difficult but that is because of the height of the team - maybe you can advise me to buy tall players."

United have made upgrading their right-back position a priority this summer after Antonio Valencia - who has spent the majority of his career in midfield - was forced to assume the role last season.

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

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/9905726/manchester-united-agree-matteo-darmian-fee-with-torino
 

yinyang

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Who is Matteo Darmian: Player profile of the Torino defender close to joining Manchester United

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Torino defender Matteo Darmian after agreeing a deal and personal terms that will see the Italy international sign a four-year contract.

The news will allay fears that United fans had seen materialise after a lack of summer signings this summer, having seen the club’s transfer business judder to a halt after completing the acquisition of Netherlands winger Memphis Depay before the end of last season.

With the Premier League club pushing on with their transfer business though, Darmian looks set to become the newest face of Louis van Gaal’s side, so here we take a closer look at the 25-year-old.

Factfile:

Name: Matteo Darmian

Age: 25

Position: Right-back or centre-back

Has played for:

2006-09 – AC Milan

2009-10 – Padova (loan)

2010-11 – Palermo

2011-present – Torino

Trophies:

2006/07 Champions League (AC Milan)

2007/08 Uefa Super Cup (AC Milan)

Despite not making a single Champions League appearance for the AC Milan in 2006/07, Darmian picked up a winners’ medal as he was named in the 25-man squad for the campaign, capping his debut season with the highest accolade available at club level. Darmian made his Serie A and Coppa Italia that year, though over the course of his three years at the San Siro he made just six appearances in all competitions and moved on loan to Padova for the entire 2009/2010 season.

Darmian finally got a taste of first team football at Padova, where he made 20 appearances for the club – who would go on to survive relegation by the skin of their teeth in the form of a relegation play-off.

But upon his return to AC Milan, Darmian was sold to fellow Italian side Palermo for €800,000 in a co-ownership deal that would see him jointly owned by the two clubs. However, after making his debut in September 2010 and staring his first Serie A match in February 2011, he was loaned out to Torino at the start of the 2011/12 campaign, and Palermo decided to purchase the remaining 50 per cent that Milan had held on to, only to sell it on to Torino for a €325,000 profit.

It’s at the Stadio Olimpico where Darmian found his feet, as he consistently featured in the first team with at least 30 appearances in all four seasons he spent with the club, helping them to qualify for the 2014/15 Europa League in which they reached the last-16.

Internationally, Darmian enjoyed a tremendous breakthrough year last year that not only saw him oust Milan's Ignacio Abate as Italy's first-choice right-back at the 2014 World Cup, but saw him named the nation's player of the year for his standout performances.

He prepares to join United as a direct replacement for unwanted defender Rafael, and it’s more than likely that he’ll slot straight into the first team to free up Antonio Valencia, who has been forced into a makeshift right-back in Rafael’s absence. While Darmian can play in the middle of the defence, it’s unlikely that Van Gaal will resort to deploying the Italian at centre-back given the options he has on his hands in Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Marcus Rojo, Jonny Evans and Paddy McNair, while the prospect of Sergio Ramos arriving at Old Trafford remains a very possible one.

Matteo-Darmian.jpg
559bb0d42f623_GettyImages477341156.jpg
 

Gallego99

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With Matteo Darmain, it looks like LVG will press on with 3-5-2 next season.

Welcome to Man. Utd!!!!!!
 

Gallego99

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Bring Otamendi and a striker and that should provide the necessary cover for this season. IF DG moves to REAL, do a player trade with either Ramos, Varane or Benzema.
 

Gallego99

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Van Persie feels BETRAYED by Man Utd boss Van Gaal

Robin van Persie wants out of Manchester United.The Sun says he is leaving Manchester United because he feels betrayed by Louis van Gaal. The Dutch pair enjoyed great success together with Holland at last summer's World Cup, but their relationship appears to have suffered since they teamed up at United. Van Persie's relationship with Van Gaal is now reportedly irreparable, with the striker on the brink of a £5m move to Fenerbahce.

http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/van-persie-feels-betrayed-by-man-utd-boss-van-gaal-4085752

RVP's form peaked just before he moved to Old Trafford. Fortunately he was able to deliver what old fart required of him and the EPL title that year has his name all over it. In all fairness to LVG, he made it very clear to all the players, regardless of nationality that their form on the field will decide their future. I take my hat off to LVG for making hard decisions. Thanks for the memories Robin and good luck.
 

THE_CHANSTER

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LvG didn't betray Van Persie. He had a very poor season with injuries and performance.

I have to say Bastian Schweinsteiger is an interesting addition to the mix. He may be past his best.
 
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