Manchester United 2014-2015

[yinyang]

OTT? Just as well :p

Man Utd see £110m DOUBLE SWOOP for Chelsea targets Bale and Varane rejected by Real
REAL MADRID have rejected a £110m offer from Manchester United for Gareth Bale and Raphael Varane.

By BEN JEFFERSON http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/581813/Manchester-United-Gareth-Bale-Raphael-Varane
PUBLISHED: 00:00, Tue, Jun 2, 2015 | UPDATED: 21:57, Tue, Jun 2, 2015

Real remain keen to land David De Gea from United this summer, although Express Sport understands that the Spanish giants are yet to table a bid for the keeper.

It was thought that United would enquire about Bale and French striker Karim Benzema when Real made their move for De Gea.


But reports in Spain suggest that United have asked about Bale and Varane instead.

Both players have also been linked with Chelsea in recent weeks and it seems that Louis van Gaal has tried to steal a march on Jose Mourinho with a £110m bid.

According to Spanish papers Cuatro and El Mundo Deportivo, the offer was made but immediately rebuffed by Real.

The latter paper suggests however, that United will revisit the issue should Real come calling about De Gea in the coming weeks.

Rafa Benitez is set to be unveiled as Real's new boss tomorrow, and it seems unlikely that the former Liverpool and Chelsea man would countenance the departure of two key players before he has even got his feet under the desk.

Related articles
REVEALED: Chelsea and Spurs stars on Man Utd's FOUR man shortlist to replace De Gea
Man Utd and City warned: Pogba will NEVER be as good as Liverpool and Chelsea legends
Robin van Persie considering leaving 'difficult situation' at Manchester United
Man Utd Transfer News: £18m Brazilian DEAL, £32.5m striker BOOST, Pogba revelation

 

[yinyang]

CL fate on playoffs, combo possibilities

Manchester United could face Monaco in Champions League

Manchester United will find out on 7 August who they will face in the play-off round of the Champions League.
Louis van Gaal's side finished fourth in the Premier League, looking to return to the group stages of the competition after a one-season absence.

The three-time winners could face 2004 finalists Monaco, who beat Arsenal in the last 16 this season.

The Red Devils could also come up against other unseeded teams such as Lazio or Sporting Lisbon.
Anderlecht, CSKA Moscow, Fenerbahce, Panathinaikos, Rapid Vienna, Sparta Prague and Young Boys make up the rest of their possible opponents.

United missed out on playing in the tournament during the 2014-15 season after finishing seventh under David Moyes in his sole season as manager.

Under Sir Alex Ferguson, they appeared in Europe's elite competition for 18 consecutive campaigns between 1996 and 2014.
The last time they played in the qualifiers was 10 years ago, overcoming Hungarian side Debrecen to advance.

Ties to be played on 18/19 and 25/26 August 2015. Manchester United's possible Champions League play-off opponents

Where they finished in the league
European Cup pedigree
Anderlecht
3rd in Belgium
Semi-finals (1982 and 1986)

CSKA Moscow
2nd in Russia
Quarter-finals (2010)

Fenerbahce
2nd in Turkey
Quarter-finals (2008)

Monaco
3rd in France
Finalists (2004)

Lazio
3rd in Italy
Quarter-finals (2000)

Panathinaikos
2nd in Greece
Finalists (1971)

Rapid Vienna
2nd in Austria
Semi-finals (1961)

Sparta Prague
2nd in Czech Republic
Quarter-finals (1966, 1968 and 1985)

Sporting Lisbon
3rd in Portugal
Last 16 (1958, 1962 and 2009)

Young Boys
2nd in Switzerland
Semi-finals (1959)

 

[yinyang]

Season of jostling

Manchester United transfers: Liverpool braced for Raheem Sterling bid of £25m by bitterest rivals
22:30, 3 JUNE 2015 http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footb...ter-united-transfers-liverpool-braced-5817428
BY DAVID ANDERSON

Louis van Gaal is convinced the unsettled forward WILL leave Anfield this summer but his opening gambit is likely to spark summer-long bidding war

Manchester United are set to make a £25million offer for Raheem Sterling - kicking off a transfer-window arms-race over the unsettled Liverpool star.

United’s first approach for the player was firmly rejected by their arch-rivals last month.

But Louis van Gaal refuses to give up on Sterling, and United will further test the Anfield chiefs’ resolve by tabling a bid in the next few days.

Van Gaal recognises the 20-year-old is one of the most exciting young talents in the Premier League and believes he could flourish with the Old Trafford giants.

The Dutchman feels Sterling WILL move this summer because of his contract impasse with Liverpool and is determined to try for the England forward.

While Liverpool will reject United’s bid, their move could prompt neighbours Manchester City to make an offer of their own - they are long-term admirers of Sterling.

Deposed champions City have the cash to pay the £40m-£50m it's expected will be needed to tempt Liverpool to cash in on the contract-rebel star.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also monitoring developments - and it is believed Sterling would prefer to move back to his home city of London.

One of Rafa Benitez’s first acts as Real boss on Wednesday was to confirm their interest in Sterling, who was lured to Liverpool from Queens Park Rangers five years ago while he was still manager at Anfield.

Sterling has told Liverpool he wants to go and is refusing their offer of £90,000-a-week to extend a contract which has two years left to run.

Meanwhile, Benitez sidestepped the issue of United keeper David De Gea, who is expected to quit Old Trafford for Real Madrid this summer.

He said: “David De Gea is a great goalkeeper. But he is not a Real Madrid player and I am not talking about a player who does not belong to the club.”

 

[yinyang]

And Chelskis keen on castaway Falcao

Chelsea close to snapping up Man United loan flop Radamel Falcao
CHELSEA are closing in on a loan deal for Manchester United flop Radamel Falcao.

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/446002/Chelsea-snapping-up-Man-United-Radamel-Falcao

 

[Gallego99]

Scousers would rather sell Sterling to RM. Glad Di Maria is staying.

http://www.goal.com/en-sg/news/3875/transfer-zone/2015/06/05/12414682/di-maria-i-will-be-at-manchester-united-next-season?ICID=HP_BN_3

 

[yinyang]

Manchester United given option to sign PSG defender Gregory van der Wiel following Dani Alves' dramatic U-turn at Barcelona

Manchester United have been offered PSG defender Gregory van der Wiel
The 27-year-old is available for around £7million
United are looking for a right back after Dani Alves opted to sign a contract extension at Barcelona rather than leaving the Nou Camp

Manchester United have been offered Paris Saint-Germain right back Gregory van der Wiel.
The 27-year-old is valued at around £7million and he has one year left on contract.
Serie A giants Roma have also expressed an interest in Van der Wiel.

A deal is more likely to be done following the news of Dani Alves' incredible u-turn at Barcelona, as the Brazilian committed his future to the club by signing a new two-year deal on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, Robin van Persie says money will be no option to the Red Devils this summer as they look to challenge for the Premier League. He said: 'United spent £200m on players last year and they are going to spend another £200m this summer so we will have a team that can compete for the title.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...-dramatic-u-turn-Barcelona.html#ixzz3ccM2Yuuf

 

[Gallego99]

Otamendi is available. Dun wait for the Copa America to kick off.

 

[Gallego99]

Manchester United given option to sign PSG defender Gregory van der Wiel following Dani Alves' dramatic U-turn at Barcelona

Manchester United have been offered PSG defender Gregory van der Wiel
The 27-year-old is available for around £7million
United are looking for a right back after Dani Alves opted to sign a contract extension at Barcelona rather than leaving the Nou Camp

Manchester United have been offered Paris Saint-Germain right back Gregory van der Wiel.
The 27-year-old is valued at around £7million and he has one year left on contract.
Serie A giants Roma have also expressed an interest in Van der Wiel.

A deal is more likely to be done following the news of Dani Alves' incredible u-turn at Barcelona, as the Brazilian committed his future to the club by signing a new two-year deal on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, Robin van Persie says money will be no option to the Red Devils this summer as they look to challenge for the Premier League. He said: 'United spent £200m on players last year and they are going to spend another £200m this summer so we will have a team that can compete for the title.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...-dramatic-u-turn-Barcelona.html#ixzz3ccM2Yuuf

Why am I not surprised it's another Dutch. Next Ron Vlaar. Alves, like most other players was using Man U to get a better deal at Barca.

 

[Gallego99]

Manchester United offered Mario Mandzukic as Atletico Madrid look to offload striker
Manchester United have been offered Mario Mandzukic from Atletico Madrid.

The fiery Croatian is leaving Atletico this summer and has interest from clubs across Europe but is keen to play in the Premier League.

Mandzukic was a target for previous United manager David Moyes while playing for Bayern Munich and has pondered a return to the Bundesliga where Wolfsburg have also courted him.


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3117547/Manchester-United-offered-Mario-Mandzukic-Atletico-Madrid-look-offload-striker.html

Not sure if this is true. Pep and Simeone couldn't handle the player and I very much doubt LVG can do it. They should just leave the player to the Hammers.

 

[yinyang]

DG going, soon gone... with Benzema deal in works? :p

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea edges towards Old Trafford exit as Real Madrid prepare for bid. David de Gea may have played his final game for United as Real Madrid loom

Real Madrid are preparing to formalise attempts to sign David de Gea next week with club president Florentino Pérez ready to move for the Manchester United goalkeeper following his international commitments with Spain.

With long-serving Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas considering a lucrative offer to leave the Bernabéu and play for Turkish club Fenerbahce, Madrid are confident that a deal can be struck with United for De Gea.

Karim Benzema, the France forward, is a player United are interested in signing and the 27-year-old could be used as leverage to unlock any deal for De Gea. Despite repeatedly resisting United’s attempts to secure him to a new £200,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford in recent months, De Gea has still to give the club a clear indication as to his intentions this summer.

But United are bracing themselves for Madrid to intensify efforts to sign the 24-year-old once he returns from international duty following Spain’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Belarus in Borisov on Sunday.

Although De Gea, an £18.3 million signing from Atlético Madrid in 2011, is keen to return to his home city, Real have been made aware that the goalkeeper will not agitate for a transfer and that any move must be driven by the Spanish club.

With a year still to run on his United contract, De Gea is prepared to wait until next summer to move to Real, but such a prospect is regarded as unrealistic by both clubs, with United unwilling to lose De Gea for nothing and Real determined to secure Casillas’s long-term successor before the start of next season.

But while De Gea and his advisors remain reluctant to inform United of his desire to move to Real, staff at Old Trafford are resigned to the player returning to Madrid due to the lure of Real and De Gea’s popstar girlfriend, Edurne García Almagro, who continues to live in the Spanish capital.

United’s interest in Real winger Gareth Bale is regarded as a separate issue by senior figures at Old Trafford, who do not believe that their hopes of signing the Welshman rest on De Gea’s future.

But any opportunity to secure Benzema as part of negotiations over De Gea will be pursued by United, with Van Gaal identifying a proven goalscorer as a key area of the club’s summer recruitment plans.
Transfer window closes in 82 days

Former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson failed in an attempt to sign Benzema from Lyon in 2009, following the £80m sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real, due to the forward’s preference for a move to Madrid over Manchester.

Benzema’s agent, Karim Djaziri, claimed earlier this week that a move to Manchester held little appeal for the player and United would face a further obstacle in the form of Real president Pérez, who regards the striker as one of the club’s prized assets.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...ford-exit-as-Real-Madrid-prepare-for-bid.html

 

[yinyang]

Manchester United 'agree fee' for Brazilian star Roberto Firmino
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Thursday, June 11, 2015

Manchester United 'agree fee' for Brazilian sensation Roberto Firmino. Manchester United have agreed a fee with Bundesliga side Hoffenheim for Brazilian attacking midfielder Roberto Firmino, according to reports.

The 23-year-old, who is currently on international duty with the 2014 World Cup hosts ahead of the Copa America, will allegedly cost the Red Devils £13.1m.

Firmino played and scored the only goal of the game during Brazil's 1-0 friendly victory over Honduras on Wednesday, and has impressed in his short international career so far.

"Firmino has been consistently loyal to Hoffenheim, and he surprised a few people by agreeing a new deal last March. He feels the club has helped him develop as a player, but after Hoffenheim failed to qualify for Europe, it seems like the right time to move on," said talkSPORT's Bundesliga expert Kevin Hatchard.

"He's been on United's radar for a long time, and they'll have been impressed by his ability to have a positive impact on games week-in week-out.

"If United get him for the figures being quoted, they'll have pulled off a big coup."

Firmino can play in a variety of midfield roles, contributing 12 goals and 10 assists as Hoffenheim narrowly missed out on Europa League qualification.

It is reported that United, as they did with the £25m capture of Memphis Depay last month, have pipped arch rivals Liverpool to the Brazilian's signature.

Firmino is widely regarded as one of the flag bearers of a new Brazilian generation, with the national side still recovering from last summer's humbling to Germany in the World Cup semi-finals.

And he has made a promising start for his country, too, netting three goals from his six appearances, including an impressive strike against Chile at the Emirates Stadium in March.

http://talksport.com/football/manch...ino-talksport-understands#1tdR6uPWglFPop5z.99

 

[yinyang]

Manchester United transfers: Woodward ready to test Tottenham resolve over Kane

Spurs do not want to lose striker Harry Kane, but James Robson writes that Ed Woodward is keen to neogitate with Daniel Levy.

Ed Woodward is ready to lock horns with football’s ultimate negotiator Daniel Levy in what would be an audacious move for Harry Kane.

And if successful, Manchester United’s executive vice chairman would be truly deserving of comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo and more.

Woodward was branded the ‘Ronaldo of football’s commercial sphere’ after United became the sport’s first $1bn brand under his watch.

And while that keeps investors on the New York Stock Exchange happy, his desire to please supporters has been evident ever since he took over control of the club’s transfer policy.

Kane follows Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Cesc Fabregas on a list of stellar targets pursued by Woodward.

His task this summer is to ensure his interest in the England striker doesn’t turn into yet another fruitless chase.

After four transfer windows Woodward’s sheer sense of adventure in the market should strike a chord with every United fan.

But the man who has proved so astute at striking sponsorship deals - including a £750m one with Adidas - has been markedly less successful when it comes to attracting targets to Old Trafford.

If inflated fees for Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata and Angel di Maria have been typical of his tenure since succeeding David Gill, so have ultimately failed bids for marquee names like Bale.

Bale remains on another bold list of names being pursued by United this summer.

Kane represents Woodward’s appetite to follow the club’s tradition of moving for the best home-grown players - like Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand before him. And also his willingness to go head-to-head with Levy, the Spurs chairman whose negotiating tactics convinced Sir Alex Ferguson to abandon interest Luka Modric.

Woodward’s last dealings with his Tottenham counterpart were brief - failing to sign Bale, despite offering in excess of the world record £85.3m Real Madrid paid for the Welshman in 2013.

Even still, it was evidence of his willingness to flex United’s financial muscle when necessary. Tottenham sources say they have no intention of selling at any price - while Kane has shown no desire to leave.

Levy, however, has proved all players have a price - from Bale to Modric to Michael Carrick to Dimitar Berbatov.

Woodward’s negotiating prowess saw United’s brand rise by 63 percent over the past year.

It means they have the financial power to pay in excess of £50m for Kane. All Woodward has to do is convince Levy.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co...ester-united-transfers-woodward-ready-9437409

 

[yinyang]

DEAL DONE! Chelsea SIGN Manchester United flop and Liverpool target Radamel Falcao
CHELSEA have completed the signing of Monaco striker Radamel Falcao, according to reports.

Blues chief Jose Mourinho revealed last week that he is interested in adding the Colombian international, 29, to his star studded squad.

The Special One said: "If I can help Falcao reach his level again, I will do it. It hurts me that people in England think that the real Falcao is the one we saw at Manchester United."

And according to reports, the former Inter Milan chief has secured the signature of the Monaco hitman - who spent the 2014-15 season on loan with the Blues' Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Portuguese newspaper Record claim the Premier League champions struck an agreement to land the former Porto and Atletico Madrid striker, who is being tracked by Liverpool, on Saturday evening.

The publication also claim the deal will be announced by both parties early next week.

Falcao has made 344 club appearances in his career and has found the back of the net a staggering 204 times.

 

[yinyang]

Manchester United ‘reach verbal agreement with agent over Nicolas Otamendi transfer’
Will GilesWill Giles for Metro.co.ukSunday 14 Jun 2015 7:45 pm

Manchester United have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Nicolas Otamendi’s agent as they look to complete a £25million deal for the player.

The defender – who is currently away on Copa America duty with Argentina, is understood to have been offered a four-year contract by United as Louis van Gaal looks to bolster his defence.

And according to reports in Spain, United have come to an agreement with Otamendi’s representative Eugenio Lopez over the move, and now want to get the deal done for £25m.

Valencia are unlikely to accept any bid that is significantly below the defender’s £35m release clause, with negotiations over the fee set to intensify in the coming weeks.

Read more: http://metro.co.uk/2015/06/14/manch...olas-otamendi-transfer-5245734/#ixzz3d5VdaYvD

 

[Gallego99]

Not sure about Kane. For all we know he could be a one season wonder. We will only know about Firmino and Otamendi after Copa America. In the meantime, they should go back to Morgan Schneiderlin's agent one last time and see where it goes. I think the player and Arsenal has a verbal agreement.

DG will likely leave for RM and Cech not likely to leave London which leaves us with Lloris and "silly cent".

 

[yinyang]

Manchester United transfer news: Firmino will move to England, says agent
15:18, 15 JUNE 2015
BY MANCHESTEREVENINGNEWS.CO.UK



Man Utd have been linked with a move for Roberto Firmino and his agent has revealed the Brazilian will move to the Premier League this summer.

The agent of Hoffenheim forward Roberto Firmino has confirmed his client will move to the Premier League this summer.

Roger Wittmann, who represents the 23-year-old, would not confirm where the striker's exact destination was - although he has recently been linked with a move to Manchester United.

"All I can say is that he's moving to England," Wittmann told Germany's Bild newspaper.

It may take a while before a deal is announced, though, since the Brazil international is current representing his country at the Copa America.

However, all of the formalities, including a medical, are likely to be completed while Firmino is in South America to enable him to complete what is likely to be a club record transfer for the Bundesliga outfit.

Their previous biggest transfer was the sale of Carlos Eduardo to Rubin Kazan for 20 million euros (£14.5m).

Firmino, who scored seven Bundesliga goals last season, is valued between 25 (£18m) and 30 million euros (£21.7m).

 

[yinyang]

Manchester United launch opening £35m bid for Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos as defender looks set to leave Spanish club

Manchester United have made an offer for Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos, 29
Ramos has asked the club to consider the bid as he looks for a way out

On Wednesday he reaffirmed his decision to leave Madrid this summer
The opening bid is understood to be independent of David de Gea's move

By PETE JENSON FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 21:00 GMT, 24 June 2015 | UPDATED: 23:31 GMT, 24 June 2015

Manchester United have lodged an opening bid for Sergio Ramos and the Real Madrid defender has asked his club to consider it.

United's written offer is understood to be around £35million and came as Ramos met with Real Madrid officials on Wednesday morning and reaffirmed his decision to leave the club.

Madrid chief executive Jose Angel Sanchez sat down with the player and his brother and agent Rene Ramos at the club's Valdebebas training ground but instead of reconciliation the player requested that the club open negotiations with United.

The opening bid is understood to be independent of David de Gea's move in the opposite direction but it is clear United will now use their interest in Ramos to come to an agreement over the sale of their goalkeeper.

In the last two days the war between Ramos and the Spanish club's president Florentino Perez has escalated beyond the parameters of stalled contract negotiations and on Wednesday Ramos asked Real to climb down from their stance of only allowing him to leave if a club pays his £180m buy-out clause.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...oks-set-leave-Spanish-club.html#ixzz3e2fTqSMa
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

 

[yinyang]

Vote for who to rid off :p

Manchester United: Who Van Gaal should keep and sell
Man Utd fans want Louis van Gaal to sell six players this summer ahead of a Premier League title challenge in 2015-16.

Manchester United supporters want to see six players sold this summer, with Reds insistent that Robin van Persie should leave Old Trafford.

Three months on from the M.E.N.'s spring 'keep or sell' survey, when Van Persie was sidelined with an ankle injury, 58.6 per cent of United fans still hope the Dutchman departs this summer.

In March, a comprehensive 69 per cent voted to sell Van Persie and although that figure has dipped (partly due to Radamel Falcao's swift return to Monaco), Van Persie's failure to convince in the final games of the season has not reprieved him.
Van Persie, 32 in August, managed just 11 goals last season in what was his worst goalscoring return since 2007-08.
The former Arsenal striker is joined by five more predictable names on the sell list.

A whopping 83.8 per cent hope Jonny Evans goes, with Everton believed to be keen on the 27-year-old Ulsterman.
Evans has failed to build on an auspicious debut campaign in 2008-09, despite a brief renaissance in 2012, and with a year remaining on his contract has not been offered a new deal.
Last season, Evans played just 17 times for United and was sidelined for a combined spell of five months through injuries and suspension.

There is little love for Nani, who is expected to complete a £7m move to Fenerbahce later this week. Just 29.7 per cent voted to keep the Portuguese, who spent last season on loan at Sporting Lisbon.
Nani contributed hugely to United's 2010-11 title-winning campaign and his Reds career would make for an impressive highlights reel, yet the excessive five-year contract he signed in September 2013 preceded a poor spell of form and long-term injury which effectively ended his time at the club.

Louis van Gaal laughed and replied 'What do you think?' when he was asked if Javier Hernandez's Champions League quarter-final winner for Real Madrid could salvage his United career and Reds see no way back for the Mexican either.
Hernandez scored vital goals in United's championship winning campaigns in 2010-11 and 2012-13 but his limitations outside of the box ensured he had little hope of forcing his way into Van Gaal's plans.

Rafael da Silva, another player who has not recovered from Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, is popular amongst Reds but not popular enough. It's tight, but 53.5 per cent reckon it's time for him to go.
Another defender beset by injuries, Rafael is behind Antonio Valencia in Van Gaal's right-back pecking order and is about to enter the last year of his contract.

And it is apparently time for Anders Lindegaard, who has played one first-team game in two seasons, to leave M16 after four-and-a-half years mainly spent warming United's bench.

 

[Gallego99]

Funny how Pool jump in for Firmino. Hoffenheim got a very good deal.

 

[Gallego99]

Not a big fan of Ramos but United needs a central defender, period. Ramos brings with him experience aerial strength which is lacking at the back. They cannot depend on Fellaini much less tofu legs or Smalling. Above all, he brings leadership which is sadly lacking since the departure of Vidic, Evra and Ferdinand. Hopefully, they dun overbid for his services. Otamendi will be good.

If the swine man or Schneiderlin comes, United will be ready to rock the premier league. Swine is a natural leader with a good head.