BTW, you can watch BBC MOTD for free here. High quality.
http://www.matchdrama.com/category/match-of-the-day/
http://www.matchdrama.com/category/match-of-the-day/
-
IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
Manchester United 2014-2015
- Thread starter yinyang
- Start date
Rear reinforcement? :p
Arsenal and Man Utd lock horns over Holland star Ron Vlaar
ARSENAL and Manchester United are lining up surprise bids for Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar.
By: Anthony ChapmanPublished: Mon, September 22, 2014
Ron Vlaar is wanted by both Arsenal and Man Utd
The Holland international is a free agent at the end of the season and is yet to hold talks with the club over an extension.
Vlaar, who joined Villa in 2012 from Feyenoord, enjoyed a spectacular World Cup under Reds boss Louis Van Gaal, and was tipped to join up with him at Old Trafford over the summer.
United saw Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic depart the club on free transfers, but only signed one centre-back in the form of Argentine Marcos Rojo.
Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans have all suffered with slight injuries so far, handing starts to the likes of academy product Tyler Blackett.
Van Gaal is keen to add some experience in his backline, and is ready to take advantage of Vlaar's contract situation at Villa Park.
However, Arsenal are also keen to signing the 29-year-old, with Arsene Wenger failing to replace former captain Thomas Vermaelen.
Calum Chambers is currently deputising for the injured Mathieu Debuchy, leaving the Gunners with just Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny as their only established centre-backs, and Wenger will also look to add Vlaar to his squad this January.
Arsenal and Man Utd lock horns over Holland star Ron Vlaar
ARSENAL and Manchester United are lining up surprise bids for Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar.
By: Anthony ChapmanPublished: Mon, September 22, 2014
Ron Vlaar is wanted by both Arsenal and Man Utd
The Holland international is a free agent at the end of the season and is yet to hold talks with the club over an extension.
Vlaar, who joined Villa in 2012 from Feyenoord, enjoyed a spectacular World Cup under Reds boss Louis Van Gaal, and was tipped to join up with him at Old Trafford over the summer.
United saw Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic depart the club on free transfers, but only signed one centre-back in the form of Argentine Marcos Rojo.
Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans have all suffered with slight injuries so far, handing starts to the likes of academy product Tyler Blackett.
Van Gaal is keen to add some experience in his backline, and is ready to take advantage of Vlaar's contract situation at Villa Park.
However, Arsenal are also keen to signing the 29-year-old, with Arsene Wenger failing to replace former captain Thomas Vermaelen.
Calum Chambers is currently deputising for the injured Mathieu Debuchy, leaving the Gunners with just Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny as their only established centre-backs, and Wenger will also look to add Vlaar to his squad this January.
More jostling for rear 
Man Utd, Arsenal and City locked in three-way battle to land Fulham's Patrick Roberts
MANCHESTER UNITED, Arsenal and Manchester City are set to face off in a three-way battle to land Fulham starlet Patrick Roberts.
By: Ben Jefferson http://www.express.co.uk/sport/foot...le-to-land-Fulham-s-Patrick-RobertsPublished: Mon, September 22, 2014
Partick Roberts is attracting interest from the Premier League
The 17-year-old has impressed despite the Cottagers recent struggles and reports suggest all three clubs are lining up a move for the striker in January.
Roberts has a contract until 2016 but could be persuaded to abandon the west London club, who currently sit bottom of the Championship having sacked manager Felix Magath last week.
Roberts was linked with a move to United, in particular, over the summer but Fulham's £15m valuation of the youngster put off the Red Devils.
Patrick Roberts has shown promise with Fulham
But it is thought that they would find it difficult to resist a bid in the region of £10m in the winter transfer window, especially if they need to bring in reinforcements.
Roberts first caught the eye playing for England's Under-17's and has seen his price-tag sky-rocket after being given a chance to show his worth in the Premier League at the tail end of last season.
It now remains to be seen which of England's biggest clubs makes the biggest play for the exciting young talent in a bid to get Fulham to part with their prize asset.
Man Utd, Arsenal and City locked in three-way battle to land Fulham's Patrick Roberts
MANCHESTER UNITED, Arsenal and Manchester City are set to face off in a three-way battle to land Fulham starlet Patrick Roberts.
By: Ben Jefferson http://www.express.co.uk/sport/foot...le-to-land-Fulham-s-Patrick-RobertsPublished: Mon, September 22, 2014
Partick Roberts is attracting interest from the Premier League
The 17-year-old has impressed despite the Cottagers recent struggles and reports suggest all three clubs are lining up a move for the striker in January.
Roberts has a contract until 2016 but could be persuaded to abandon the west London club, who currently sit bottom of the Championship having sacked manager Felix Magath last week.
Roberts was linked with a move to United, in particular, over the summer but Fulham's £15m valuation of the youngster put off the Red Devils.
Patrick Roberts has shown promise with Fulham
But it is thought that they would find it difficult to resist a bid in the region of £10m in the winter transfer window, especially if they need to bring in reinforcements.
Roberts first caught the eye playing for England's Under-17's and has seen his price-tag sky-rocket after being given a chance to show his worth in the Premier League at the tail end of last season.
It now remains to be seen which of England's biggest clubs makes the biggest play for the exciting young talent in a bid to get Fulham to part with their prize asset.
You also need the senior lao jiao players to organize the defence. No more Vidic and Rio, who's gonna do it? Blackett?
You need someone big and strong, like Mangala, not those British rubbish.
Yup, its one of those positions where you need leadership, intelligence and organization ability-all in one type. Vidic departure was a massive loss. None of the current back 4 has those qualities.
Mangala would have been good acquisition but LVG feels otherwise. It was reported that Mangala was too temperamental to his liking but he got another hot head in the form of Rojo. Amazing!
Ferguson learned his lesson and he was quick to adapt. The key positions are the two central defenders and the keeper. They are the heart and head of the defence line. So it was no surprise that Fergie was always on a lookout for these positions. Building a team from the back to the front would be best. If you dun concede, you won't lose. The confidence built from the back will knock on to the middle and eventually to the front line.
MU has a attack oriented setup-heavy at the top and light at the bottom. It is a complete reversal and reckon it will not work. In fact it would have a detrimental and demoralising impact on the team if they continue to concede goals at this rate. Moreover,the present setup cannot accommodate his favoured 3-5-2 system. Not sure what's in LVG's head and time is certainly not on his side.
Return of prodigal son? :p
REVEALED: Gerard Pique set for SENSATIONAL Man Utd return
MANCHESTER UNITED are lining up a sensational return for Barcelona and Spain star Gerard Pique in the upcoming January transfer window.
By: Anthony Chapman Published: Tue, September 23, 2014
The 27-year-old started his youth career with the Spanish giants before securing a move to United in 2004 after being spotted by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Pique went on to make just 12 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils before returning to Barcelona in 2008 for a bargain £5million.
Despite turning out for the La Liga outfit 269 times, winning four league title, two Copa del Reys and two Champions Leagues in the process, Pique has failed to make an impression under new boss Luis Enrique.
The powerful centre-back is struggling to break the new partnership of Javier Mascherano and Jeremy Mathieu, and his position in Vicente del Bosque's Spain squad is under threat due to his lack of game time at the Nou Camp.
With the best years of his career still ahead of him, Pique would prove to be a fantastic signing for any club, and outlet AS is reporting that Louis Van Gaal wants to bring him to Old Trafford in January.
United have endured a mixed start under their latest manager, and despite spending a fortune on the likes of Angel Di Maria, Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw over the summer, Van Gaal failed in his attempts to land a top-class defender.
Pique only signed a new deal in May, keeping him tied to Barcelona until 2019, but United have shown they are not afraid to spend big in order to return to the top, and Van Gaal will pull out all the stops to bring the star back to England.
REVEALED: Gerard Pique set for SENSATIONAL Man Utd return
MANCHESTER UNITED are lining up a sensational return for Barcelona and Spain star Gerard Pique in the upcoming January transfer window.
By: Anthony Chapman Published: Tue, September 23, 2014
The 27-year-old started his youth career with the Spanish giants before securing a move to United in 2004 after being spotted by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Pique went on to make just 12 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils before returning to Barcelona in 2008 for a bargain £5million.
Despite turning out for the La Liga outfit 269 times, winning four league title, two Copa del Reys and two Champions Leagues in the process, Pique has failed to make an impression under new boss Luis Enrique.
The powerful centre-back is struggling to break the new partnership of Javier Mascherano and Jeremy Mathieu, and his position in Vicente del Bosque's Spain squad is under threat due to his lack of game time at the Nou Camp.
With the best years of his career still ahead of him, Pique would prove to be a fantastic signing for any club, and outlet AS is reporting that Louis Van Gaal wants to bring him to Old Trafford in January.
United have endured a mixed start under their latest manager, and despite spending a fortune on the likes of Angel Di Maria, Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw over the summer, Van Gaal failed in his attempts to land a top-class defender.
Pique only signed a new deal in May, keeping him tied to Barcelona until 2019, but United have shown they are not afraid to spend big in order to return to the top, and Van Gaal will pull out all the stops to bring the star back to England.
Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger Claims Sir Alex Ferguson’s Management Style Is Out Of Date
by Steven Green September 25th, 2014
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has laid into former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson by claiming that his hairdryer style of management is woefully out of date, the Daily Star reports.
Ferguson retired in 2013 after a glittering career at the helm of United and the Scot endured many running battles with Wenger during his time at Old Trafford.
But Wenger has insisted that screaming at players to get the right results no longer works and that a more thought out and calculated approach is the best way forward.
Wenger said: “I believe that the modern generation is characterised in particular by the ‘why?’”
“You have to explain things to the people you manage – people are better informed, better educated and want to know more.
“You are in a position where you have to explain why you do something and what the purpose of it all is – and there are more demands made communication-wise.
“You are still the boss, and it is you who makes the decisions, but you have to explain things much better than you did 20 or 30 years ago.
“Modern society wants less pain, wants to suffer less and wants to be treated better in every aspect of modern life.
“Pain has to disappear, whether you go to the dentist or go to work.
“That’s why man-management has become more sensitive as well, because you have to treat people better and in a more tactful way.
“It is the way in which society has moved.”
http://www.caughtoffside.com/2014/09/25/arsenal-boss-arsene-wenger-claims-sir-alex-fergusons-management-style-is-out-of-date/
by Steven Green September 25th, 2014
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has laid into former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson by claiming that his hairdryer style of management is woefully out of date, the Daily Star reports.
Ferguson retired in 2013 after a glittering career at the helm of United and the Scot endured many running battles with Wenger during his time at Old Trafford.
But Wenger has insisted that screaming at players to get the right results no longer works and that a more thought out and calculated approach is the best way forward.
Wenger said: “I believe that the modern generation is characterised in particular by the ‘why?’”
“You have to explain things to the people you manage – people are better informed, better educated and want to know more.
“You are in a position where you have to explain why you do something and what the purpose of it all is – and there are more demands made communication-wise.
“You are still the boss, and it is you who makes the decisions, but you have to explain things much better than you did 20 or 30 years ago.
“Modern society wants less pain, wants to suffer less and wants to be treated better in every aspect of modern life.
“Pain has to disappear, whether you go to the dentist or go to work.
“That’s why man-management has become more sensitive as well, because you have to treat people better and in a more tactful way.
“It is the way in which society has moved.”
http://www.caughtoffside.com/2014/09/25/arsenal-boss-arsene-wenger-claims-sir-alex-fergusons-management-style-is-out-of-date/
Allardyce defends Moyes
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has defended David Moyes’ time as Manchester United manager.
The Scotsman succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson as the Red Devils boss last summer but was sacked four games before the end of the season after failing to secure them a place in the top four of the Premier League.
The only major signing that United made last summer was that of midfielder Marouane Fellaini from Everton for £27.5million, and they brought in Spanish playmaker Juan Mata from Chelsea for £37.1m in January.
In contrast this summer, following the appointment of Louis van Gaal as the manager, United have signed Ander Herrera (£29m), Luke Shaw (£27m), Marcos Rojo (£16m), Angel di Maria (£59.7m), Daley Blind (£14m), Vanja Milinkovic (sent back to FK Vojvodina on loan) and Radamel Falcao (on loan from AS Monaco).
Allardyce has now questioned United’s failure to sign the players that Moyes wanted when he was in charge of the club.
“If I was sat at home in David’s shoes, I would be wondering why they didn’t spend the £150m with me,” he told The Sun.
“There was a complacency by United in not going out and delivering the signings David felt he needed. Now there’s a panic on.
“He will obviously look at what he might have done better but he should have got the players and he tells me he didn’t get any of them.
“It was difficult enough taking over from Alex Ferguson but if, when you take over, you don’t get what you want, it’s so much harder.
“It was a great shame because he’d done everything right at Everton and Sir Alex saw the fact he wanted to build at United like he had done at Everton.
“I’m not so sure anybody would have been successful in that season – history tells you that. Look at other examples, like when Brian Clough took over from a legend in Don Revie at Leeds and only lasted 44 days.”
............................................................
http://www.football365.com/premier-league/9487860/Allardyce-Defends-Moyes-United-Reign
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has defended David Moyes’ time as Manchester United manager.
The Scotsman succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson as the Red Devils boss last summer but was sacked four games before the end of the season after failing to secure them a place in the top four of the Premier League.
The only major signing that United made last summer was that of midfielder Marouane Fellaini from Everton for £27.5million, and they brought in Spanish playmaker Juan Mata from Chelsea for £37.1m in January.
In contrast this summer, following the appointment of Louis van Gaal as the manager, United have signed Ander Herrera (£29m), Luke Shaw (£27m), Marcos Rojo (£16m), Angel di Maria (£59.7m), Daley Blind (£14m), Vanja Milinkovic (sent back to FK Vojvodina on loan) and Radamel Falcao (on loan from AS Monaco).
Allardyce has now questioned United’s failure to sign the players that Moyes wanted when he was in charge of the club.
“If I was sat at home in David’s shoes, I would be wondering why they didn’t spend the £150m with me,” he told The Sun.
“There was a complacency by United in not going out and delivering the signings David felt he needed. Now there’s a panic on.
“He will obviously look at what he might have done better but he should have got the players and he tells me he didn’t get any of them.
“It was difficult enough taking over from Alex Ferguson but if, when you take over, you don’t get what you want, it’s so much harder.
“It was a great shame because he’d done everything right at Everton and Sir Alex saw the fact he wanted to build at United like he had done at Everton.
“I’m not so sure anybody would have been successful in that season – history tells you that. Look at other examples, like when Brian Clough took over from a legend in Don Revie at Leeds and only lasted 44 days.”
............................................................
http://www.football365.com/premier-league/9487860/Allardyce-Defends-Moyes-United-Reign
25 September 2014
Man Utd: Manager Louis van Gaal has 'only one fit centre-back'
Manager Louis van Gaal said Manchester United have only one senior centre-back available for Saturday's Premier League game against West Ham.
Marcos Rojo is fit, but Chris Smalling (leg), Phil Jones (hamstring) and Jonny Evans (ankle) are injured and Tyler Blackett is suspended.
Van Gaal said: "All three of my right-sided centre-halves are out, so I'll have to go to the youth system."
Louis van Gaal rues "big errors" at Leicester
Potential candidates to play include Tom Thorpe, 21, and Paddy McNair, 19.
Neither under-21 captain Thorpe nor McNair, who joined United as a midfielder three years ago, have played for the first team.
Smalling limped out of training on Wednesday and, with Luke Shaw expected to make his debut at left-back following his £28m summer arrival from Southampton, Rojo is likely to move to centre-half against the Hammers.
"I won't take risks with players - they have to be fit," said Van Gaal, who is without nine players in total through injury.
Midfielders Daley Blind or Darren Fletcher could be employed as centre-backs by United, who are 12th in the table with only one win from their first five games.
But Van Gaal denied it would be a risk to select the younger players.
Play media
MOTD3: Man Utd's woes
"They have hunger to play the game and the Manchester United youth education system has a certain level that can provide that," said the Dutchman.
Van Gaal admitted there was a "big difference" between youth football and Premier League, but added: "In one game you can show yourself."
Asked if there was a sense of panic after United let slip a 3-1 lead in losing 5-3 at Leicester City last weekend, he said: "No. It's happened - it's about overcoming things.
"It's not a regular occurrence. When you see our figures in the Premier League - with the exception of the Leicester match - then we are defending well.
"I don't think my players are robots - they are human beings and human beings make errors."
Man Utd: Manager Louis van Gaal has 'only one fit centre-back'
Manager Louis van Gaal said Manchester United have only one senior centre-back available for Saturday's Premier League game against West Ham.
Marcos Rojo is fit, but Chris Smalling (leg), Phil Jones (hamstring) and Jonny Evans (ankle) are injured and Tyler Blackett is suspended.
Van Gaal said: "All three of my right-sided centre-halves are out, so I'll have to go to the youth system."
Louis van Gaal rues "big errors" at Leicester
Potential candidates to play include Tom Thorpe, 21, and Paddy McNair, 19.
Neither under-21 captain Thorpe nor McNair, who joined United as a midfielder three years ago, have played for the first team.
Smalling limped out of training on Wednesday and, with Luke Shaw expected to make his debut at left-back following his £28m summer arrival from Southampton, Rojo is likely to move to centre-half against the Hammers.
"I won't take risks with players - they have to be fit," said Van Gaal, who is without nine players in total through injury.
Midfielders Daley Blind or Darren Fletcher could be employed as centre-backs by United, who are 12th in the table with only one win from their first five games.
But Van Gaal denied it would be a risk to select the younger players.
Play media
MOTD3: Man Utd's woes
"They have hunger to play the game and the Manchester United youth education system has a certain level that can provide that," said the Dutchman.
Van Gaal admitted there was a "big difference" between youth football and Premier League, but added: "In one game you can show yourself."
Asked if there was a sense of panic after United let slip a 3-1 lead in losing 5-3 at Leicester City last weekend, he said: "No. It's happened - it's about overcoming things.
"It's not a regular occurrence. When you see our figures in the Premier League - with the exception of the Leicester match - then we are defending well.
"I don't think my players are robots - they are human beings and human beings make errors."
I still think they will slowly pick it up. The attack is very strong looking so once their defence is stabilised they should do well.
Man Utd: Manager Louis van Gaal has 'only one fit centre-back'
Manager Louis van Gaal said Manchester United have only one senior centre-back available for Saturday's Premier League game against West Ham.
Man Utd: Manager Louis van Gaal has 'only one fit centre-back'
Manager Louis van Gaal said Manchester United have only one senior centre-back available for Saturday's Premier League game against West Ham.
You can have the strongest attack in the world but if your back line leaks like a sieve, you'll never win matches.
Wouldn't be surprised if West Ham nick a victory at OT tomorrow.
Wouldn't be surprised if West Ham nick a victory at OT tomorrow.
You are Funny, Ahmad. Win your games by conceding goals like this?
Manchester United 5
West Ham 4
But i have yet to see the Hammers conceding goals like that this season.
Upcoming fixtures next 4 weeks. Biggie vs Chelskis and blue side Manchester in last 2 weekends. All times in BST
Sun 5 Oct 2014 - Premier League
Man Utd v Everton 12:00
Mon 20 Oct 2014 - Premier League
West Brom v Man Utd 20:00
Sun 26 Oct 2014 - Premier League
Man Utd v Chelsea 16:00
Sun 2 Nov 2014 - Premier League
Man City v Man Utd 13:30
Sun 5 Oct 2014 - Premier League
Man Utd v Everton 12:00
Mon 20 Oct 2014 - Premier League
West Brom v Man Utd 20:00
Sun 26 Oct 2014 - Premier League
Man Utd v Chelsea 16:00
Sun 2 Nov 2014 - Premier League
Man City v Man Utd 13:30
The solution to rear job problems is best left to krafty to resolve.
Given that we need a rear job :p
And neither your namesake can be of much help :o
Diver to go? :p
Aston Villa, Sunderland and Southampton queuing up to sign Man Utd outcast Ashley Young
ASTON VILLA, Sunderland and Southampton are set to battle it out for the signature of Manchester United outcast Ashley Young.
By: Jamie Anderson Daily Express Published: Sun, September 28, 2014
Ashley Young could be offloaded in the summer. Reports claim the Premier League trio are keen to acquire the winger who has been deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
Young started United's first three matches of the season, but has since failed to feature for Louis Van Gaal's team of Galacticos
The 29-year-old's contract is set to expire in the summer of 2016 but looks far from being offered an extension.
Young is perhaps most publicised for earning contentious penalties through diving, a dubious habit that has tarnished his reputation in England.
It's unlikely that United will recoup the £15m they paid for him in 2011, but know if they don't accept a modest fee - they will lose him for free.
Young may opt to return to former side Aston Villa, who have already vowed to spend in January to bolster their squad.
Aston Villa, Sunderland and Southampton queuing up to sign Man Utd outcast Ashley Young
ASTON VILLA, Sunderland and Southampton are set to battle it out for the signature of Manchester United outcast Ashley Young.
By: Jamie Anderson Daily Express Published: Sun, September 28, 2014
Ashley Young could be offloaded in the summer. Reports claim the Premier League trio are keen to acquire the winger who has been deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
Young started United's first three matches of the season, but has since failed to feature for Louis Van Gaal's team of Galacticos
The 29-year-old's contract is set to expire in the summer of 2016 but looks far from being offered an extension.
Young is perhaps most publicised for earning contentious penalties through diving, a dubious habit that has tarnished his reputation in England.
It's unlikely that United will recoup the £15m they paid for him in 2011, but know if they don't accept a modest fee - they will lose him for free.
Young may opt to return to former side Aston Villa, who have already vowed to spend in January to bolster their squad.
U-turn for Mata, now with Peter Lim's? :p
Manchester United midfield star Juan Mata could be on his way back to Spain
VALENCIA are ready to test Manchester United's stance on Juan Mata.
By Paul Hetherington / Published 28th September 2014
HOMEWARD BOUND?: Juan Mata signed for United in a £37.1m deal less than a year ago but could be heading back to Spain
The Spanish club are weighing up a move to re-sign their former playmaker, who joined United from Chelsea for £37.1 million only eight months ago.
Valencia are keen on a loan deal in January with a view to a £30 million deal in the summer.
It's an intriguing situation as Valencia are owned by Singapore billionaire Peter Lim - who recently acquired a 50 per cent stake in Salford City.
Manchester United midfield star Juan Mata could be on his way back to Spain
VALENCIA are ready to test Manchester United's stance on Juan Mata.
By Paul Hetherington / Published 28th September 2014
HOMEWARD BOUND?: Juan Mata signed for United in a £37.1m deal less than a year ago but could be heading back to Spain
The Spanish club are weighing up a move to re-sign their former playmaker, who joined United from Chelsea for £37.1 million only eight months ago.
Valencia are keen on a loan deal in January with a view to a £30 million deal in the summer.
It's an intriguing situation as Valencia are owned by Singapore billionaire Peter Lim - who recently acquired a 50 per cent stake in Salford City.
Attack respectable??
But they were outscored by the Foxes 5 - 3 and i was expecting the West Ham game to end in 2-2
And don't quoted 4 - 0 from the QPR game because QPR are the whipping boys as demonstrated by Spurs.
Datuk.... after spending a fortune on three defenders Daley Blind, Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo which all three featured in the West Ham game, how much transfer kitty do u still need?
Similar threads
