..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Moyes was my choice to suceed Sir Alex Ferguson, says Rio Ferdinand

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says David Moyes would have been his choice for manager – but does not believe he needs special treatment.

Moyes was appointed Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor and will take control of his first competitive game when the champions visit Swansea on the opening day of the Premier League season.

Whilst the decision to appoint the former Everton manager in the role was met with initial mixed reactions from fans, the former England international believes he is the right man for the job.

"We've got a manager who's very enthusiastic. He's young and has got the desire and appetite to be successful," he told the Sydney Daily Telegraph.

"After the manager we had, that was very much needed and he's someone I would have chosen if I was in a position to.

"He's not someone who is looking to come in for three or four years - he'd love to replicate what the manager [Sir Alex] has done.

"There were people who'd have come into the job, who maybe wouldn't have wanted to be here for that amount of time. I'm sure the new manager sees this as a job for the long term."

The 34-year-old says the pressure of replacing Sir Alex is enormous but feels the Scot can cope with the demands of the job.

"You can't get away from the fact that the fans, and us as players, expect to win," said Ferdinand.

"We've been used to it, so to say that the fans won't mind, that we should give the manager a bit of time to bed in, is lying.

"We want to win and I am sure he [Moyes] is the same. He doesn't want to come in and say 'give me a three-year bedding in time, I can just dilly-dally and be second or third."

 

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Benteke agrees contract extension with Aston Villa

Aston Villa have confirmed striker Christian Benteke has signed a new deal with the club and withdrawn his transfer request.

The 22-year-old signalled his intentions to leave and move to fresh pastures last Tuesday just ten months into his initial four-year contract, yet has added a further year to a deal.

It emerged on Tuesday that Tottenham were struggling to agree a deal with Villa over Benteke, and will now have to focus their intentions elsewhere - with the striker aiming to repay the faith his current team-mates and the club's supporters have in him.

"I spoke with the manager when I returned to training and we had a good talk," he told the club's official website.

"I am very happy to be back here in Birmingham and at Aston Villa, and to sign a new contract. This is a great club and it has given me a lot.

"Now I have to give back to my team-mates and the fans who have always been right behind me. The end of last season was very good and the lads were very strong.

"It was not easy but we came through it and the confidence is high. So everyone knows what we have to do now - be better. I need to be better than last year."

Manager Paul Lambert expressed his delight at the decision and believes Benteke, whose 19 league goals proved vital in the club's fight to escape the relegation places last season, can grow even stronger.

"I had a full and frank discussion with Christian Benteke on his return to training this week regarding his future," Lambert told the club's official website.

"It is my opinion that the best thing for Christian is to remain at Aston Villa. He enjoyed a terrific first season at the club and can use that as a platform to hopefully enjoy more success this season.

"I'm delighted. Having time to re-evaluate his future, Christian has decided to commit to the club. It's a huge bonus and I'm sure the supporters are every bit as delighted as me to have him on board and raring to go."

 

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Napoli target Reina after giving Cesar 24-hour ultimatum

Napoli have given Julio Cesar 24 hours to accept their contract offer as they step up their interest in Pepe Reina, Goal has learned.

The Brazil No.1 has held extensive negotiations with the Partenopei and has an offer on the table after Napoli agreed a season-long loan with QPR.

But Cesar is believed to want a more lucrative salary package from Napoli, which has thrown the move into doubt.

Napoli want an answer from the goalkeeper and his representatives in the next 24 hours on whether he will accept their offer.Coach Rafa Benitez has lined up Liverpool's Reina as an experienced alternative to Cesar.

The Spaniard has three years remaining on his £110,000-a-week Anfield contract and the Merseysiders could be willing to listen to offers after signing Simon Mignolet from Sunderland earlier in the window.Napoli signed young goalkeeper Rafael from Santos for €5m earlier in July but Benitez wants a battle-hardened No.1 for the new campaign, and one who can also guide the 22-year-old Brazilian.

The Partenopei boss shares an agent with Reina, which could smooth the negotiations should the Liverpool man become the principal target.Cesar could be running out of options if he rejects Napoli’s offer.

Arsenal held preliminary talks with QPR about signing Cesar but stopped short of making a formal bid.It is understood the Gunners have now cooled their interest in the Brazilian, while Roma, another of his former suitors, have turned their attention to Napoli's Morgan De Sanctis, who has been in limbo while Napoli pursue a replacement.

Roma have also targeted the 33-year-old after the new Giallorossi boss Rudi Garcia told the club he wanted an experienced goalkeeper for next season.
QPR need to off-load Cesar from their wage bill – he is believed to earn around £80,000-a-week - as they prepare for life in the Championship.

 

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A-League All-Stars 1-5 Manchester United: Welbeck & Van Persie hand Moyes first win

Danny Welbeck and Jesse Lingard both netted doubles as David Moyes secured his first win as Manchester United manager, beating A-League All-Stars 5-1 on Saturday.

The Premier League champions dominated proceedings for the majority, with youngster Lingard scoring his first after just 11 minutes before Welbeck made it 2-0 before the break.

The All-Stars briefly reduced the deficit, before Lingard and the striker again notched to put the game to bed, with Van Persie scoring with three minutes to play.

Wilfried Zaha made his full debut for United as Moyes tinkered with the team who lost 1-0 to Thailand All-Stars last Sunday - with the likes of Patrice Evra and Phil Jones handed their first outings of the Asia tour.

Ryan Giggs was the liveliest player during a tame opening 10 minutes, carving open three good opportunities for Lingard, Jones and Evra with deep crosses from the right, but the resulting headers all lacked enough power to beat Ante Covic in the All-Stars goal.

But United did not have to wait long for their dominance to bear fruit as Tom Cleverley's darting run and smart through-ball was converted confidently by Lingard on the 11-minute mark after beating the offside trap.

Conceding appeared to wake up an over-awed looking All-Stars, and they nearly levelled matters immediately through Thomas Broich’s blistering strike from the edge of the area, only for the ball to fly over the bar.

But, United’s class continued to prevail - especially in midfield - and they soon extended their advantage as Welbeck latched on to another neat pass to turn and fire low into the far corner.

A-League All-Stars started the second half in perfect fashion as, minutes after missing an equally good chance, Besart Berisha held off Jones to fire inside Anders Linegaard’s right-hand post.

But, just as the game looked to liven up, United restored their two-goal lead at the earliest opportunity; Lingard turning Josh Risdon with ease on the edge of the area before arrowing an inch-perfect shot into Michael Thoe’s top left-hand corner.

Evra went down under a challenge from Risdon soon after, which saw the captain observed for several minutes by a team physio, but was given the all-clear to continue.

And United soon extended their lead, with Welbeck grabbing his second of the game with a glancing header from a Giggs corner into the top right-hand corner.

The tempo of the game levelled out thereafter, with Moyes introducing Robin van Persie for the final stages, and the Dutchman duly scored three minutes from time to round off an efficient performance from United.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Manchester United​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Moyes lauds Manchester United improvement

David Moyes was impressed by Manchester United's improvement in the space of a week after watching them thrash the A-League All Stars on Saturday.

United got the first win of their Asian Tour in breathtaking fashion, with young guns Jesse Lingard and Danny Welbeck scoring twice each in the 5-1 rout.And Moyes says he was delighted with his side's response to their 1-0 loss at the hands of Thailand All Stars last Saturday.

"It was a very special night to get my first victory as Manchester United manager," Moyes told reporters after the win.

"It was a good performance and we could have maybe got three more goals, we hit the post as well and one or two other incidents."We stepped up - I thought we looked a bit fitter tonight, a bit more ready and possibly the temperature tonight suited us a bit more than it had in Thailand."

While Lingard and Welbeck stole the show for the Premier League champions, star striker Robin van Persie was also delighted to get some game time under his belt."I was a bit rusty. I had a bit of a slow start, lost a couple of balls so I wasn't really happy with that but it was okay," Van Persie told reporters.

"I had a good corner and a goal but like I said it doesn't really matter now, we need to get fit and get proper practice and team play as well and get ready for the competition.

"Of course you like to win for the fans and for that winning feeling but it's more about fitness and getting ready for the season."

 

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'Thank you Barca; thank you everyone' - Vilanova's open letter to fans

Former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has written an open letter expressing his gratitude to the club's directors, players and fans.

The Catalan outfit called a press conference on Friday to announce the 44-year-old would be unable to fulfill his duties in a coaching capacity ahead of the season following a relapse of his cancer.

And Vilanova, who will now reprise his battle against parotid gland cancer, delivered his heartfelt appreciation after leading Barcelona to their 22nd Liga title during his sole season in charge.

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"Thank you Barca; thank you everyone," he wrote.

"After five wonderful years as part of a team that has made dreams come true as a coach, the time has come to face a change in my professional life and to devote forces to continue the process of the disease that I was diagnosed a year and a half ago.

"In the opinion of the doctors and due to the treatment I have to follow, I can't spend the time that a team like Barcelona would require as first coach to do my tasks, but I will keep on working very close to this club I love so much.

"It is not easy to leave this very special group of players, fellow staff and friends with whom I shared many memorable experiences. I'll be eternally grateful for everything you have given to me and I have shown.

"The human quality and this football team can go through any obstacle and I am convinced that with its skills it will be able to face the challenges of a sports season which should be exciting for everyone.

"I also want to especially thank the Chairman, the Board and sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta for the confidence they gave to me and, above all, unconditional support, both sporting and personal.

"Equally important to me is the support I received both medically and humanely from Dr. Ramon Canal and his team of doctors who are at my side. I do not play this game alone, I'm a part of a supportive club that will help me succeed in this long process, as it has done until now.

"To all of you, members and fans of the club, I also want to thank your samples of support and affection that you had, not just now but over the last few months. I'm quiet, strong and I will face this new stage in the process of my illness with full confidence that everything is gonna be ok.

"Thank you to all football fans, colleagues in the profession, clubs, athletes and acquaintances for your messages of encouragement that comforted me and my family.

"These are difficult times for me and so I requested the media respect and comprehension. Once I stopped being the coach of the club, I hope to have the tranquility and privacy that me and my family need right now.

"I cannot conclude this letter without wishing luck and every success to the new coach of the best team in the world.

"Thank you all.

"Tito Vilanova."

 

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Neymar: Messi and I can make history together

Neymar believes that he can form a history-making partnership with Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi.

The prospect of Brazil's Confederations Cup hero linking up with the four-time Ballon d'Or winner has got the entire footballing world talking, with Russia coach Fabio Capello claiming the the pair could make the Blaugrana unbeatable.

Neymar, who was signed from Santos for €57 million earlier this summer, is just as excited and optimistic about being paired with Messi.

"[I hope it will] be a partnership to make history," the 21-year-old attacker told reporters on Friday.

"We have everything for that to happen and it's an honour, a dream come true, to play alongside the best in the world and that is what persuaded me choose my European team."

Neymar also admitted that it was wrench to leave Brazil, but that he is now concentrated solely on making the most of his move to Camp Nou.

"I had a great story with Santos," the Selecao starlet acknowledged. "But now I have a new club, a new life and everything is focused on Barcelona."

Neymar, who won the Golden Ball at the Confederations Cup, signed a five-year contract with Barcelona upon his arrival.

 

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'Thank you Barca; thank you everyone' - Vilanova's open letter to fans

Former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has written an open letter expressing his gratitude to the club's directors, players and fans.

The Catalan outfit called a press conference on Friday to announce the 44-year-old would be unable to fulfill his duties in a coaching capacity ahead of the season following a relapse of his cancer.

And Vilanova, who will now reprise his battle against parotid gland cancer, delivered his heartfelt appreciation after leading Barcelona to their 22nd Liga title during his sole season in charge.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Thank you Barca; thank you everyone," he wrote.

"After five wonderful years as part of a team that has made dreams come true as a coach, the time has come to face a change in my professional life and to devote forces to continue the process of the disease that I was diagnosed a year and a half ago.

"In the opinion of the doctors and due to the treatment I have to follow, I can't spend the time that a team like Barcelona would require as first coach to do my tasks, but I will keep on working very close to this club I love so much.

"It is not easy to leave this very special group of players, fellow staff and friends with whom I shared many memorable experiences. I'll be eternally grateful for everything you have given to me and I have shown.

"The human quality and this football team can go through any obstacle and I am convinced that with its skills it will be able to face the challenges of a sports season which should be exciting for everyone.

"I also want to especially thank the Chairman, the Board and sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta for the confidence they gave to me and, above all, unconditional support, both sporting and personal.

"Equally important to me is the support I received both medically and humanely from Dr. Ramon Canal and his team of doctors who are at my side. I do not play this game alone, I'm a part of a supportive club that will help me succeed in this long process, as it has done until now.

"To all of you, members and fans of the club, I also want to thank your samples of support and affection that you had, not just now but over the last few months. I'm quiet, strong and I will face this new stage in the process of my illness with full confidence that everything is gonna be ok.

"Thank you to all football fans, colleagues in the profession, clubs, athletes and acquaintances for your messages of encouragement that comforted me and my family.

"These are difficult times for me and so I requested the media respect and comprehension. Once I stopped being the coach of the club, I hope to have the tranquility and privacy that me and my family need right now.

"I cannot conclude this letter without wishing luck and every success to the new coach of the best team in the world.

"Thank you all.

"Tito Vilanova."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal can win the Premier League - Podolski


Lukas Podolski insists Arsenal can end their eight-year trophy drought by winning the Premier League title this season.The Gunners have not been crowned the best team in England since the 'Invincibles' season of 2003-04, while their last silverware came in the form of the 2005 FA Cup final triumph over Manchester United.

But Podolski is confident Arsene Wenger's current side can end the club's drought, though he admits winning trophies in England is a lot harder than in other leagues around Europe.

"It will not be easy," he told The Daily Mirror. "Everyone thinks it's easy to get a trophy."You have five or six teams who fight for first place. It's not like in Spain where it's just two teams and in Germany you just have Dortmund and Bayern.

"It's not easy in England. It's so competitive."At Arsenal we have good players, a great coach and great fans. If we can pull it together then I believe we can win the Premier League."

Podolski finished third in the club's goalscoring charts last season behind Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud, and is hoping to raise his performances for the new campaign.

"I will try to play better, score more goals and do some assists for Arsenal," he added. "It's very important that we qualify for the Champions League and fight for the championship.

"It was my first year and I'm very happy. We will see how much I can improve and whether I can get better."

 

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Kagawa admits to feeling 'lost' in first Manchester United season

Shinji Kagawa has admitted to feeling lost during his first season at Manchester United and revealed he would like to return to Borussia Dortmund in the future.

The Japan international moved to Old Trafford last summer but found himself in and out of the side, resulting in a return of six goals in 26 appearances.

Dortmund, meanwhile, reached the Champions League final, where they were beaten by Bayern Munich and Kagawa has refused to rule out playing at Signal Iduna Park again one day.

"Yes, one day I will [return to Dortmund]. If Dortmund are ok with it," he told ‘Foot x Brain’ on TV Tokyo.

The 24-year-old then spoke about his satisfaction at playing under Sir Alex Ferguson in his final season in charge of United.

“I'm happy we won the league but I'm not satisfied with my performance.

"The club has a long history and it was great that I could play in Sir Alex Ferguson's last season.

"At first there were also moments when I felt a bit lost but I tried not to give too much importance on such a feeling."

And Kagawa has also revealed his determination to improve ahead of the upcoming season and also next year's World Cup in Brazil.

"All I can do is keep showing what I can," Kagawa continued.

"I have no excuse any more after a year in the Premier League.

"I know I'm at a place where you can't play if you don't achieve results. I'm determined to do it, also because there will be World Cup.

"It's really an important year for me."

 

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Malaysia XI 1-4 Chelsea: Lukaku and De Bruyne on target in Blues stroll

Chelsea’s pre-season preparations continued with another victory as they ran out comfortable winners over a Malaysia XI.


The Blues handed goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer a debut with trialist Bertrand Traore also starting alongside new signings Marco van Ginkel and Kevin de Bruyne.

Jose Mourinho’s men dominated the match from the kick-off and took just six minutes to open the scoring in Kuala Lumpur.

De Bruyne burst down the right saw before cutting the ball back for Traore who fired back across goal for the opener.

Belgium international De Bruyne then opened his account for the Blues with a fine strike to double the visitors' lead.

A long ball was flicked on by Lukaku for his countryman to smash home on the volley. Unfortunately for the midfielder, he injured his ankle in the process and played no further part in the game.

The chances continued to come for the Blues, with Traore and Lukaku both looking impressive before the duo combined smartly to add a third right on half-time.

Traore was the creator this time, slipping a neat ball through to Lukaku, who beat the offside trap and took a touch before sliding around goalkeeper Farizal.

The second half saw nine changes for the Blues with only Eden Hazard and Van Ginkel remaining from the starting line-up.

Hazard almost added a fourth just before the hour mark. Victor Moses set up the Belgian with a superb cross but he could only head wide from near the penalty spot.

Perhaps unsurprisingly the pace dropped in the second half, as the humidity took its toll and the Blues made further changes, sending on Lucas Piazon and Josh McEachran.

Malaysia, meanwhile, threatened only on occasion, helped in the second half by a couple of fumbles by Petr Cech, which, fortunately for the Blues, went unpunished.

Demba Ba was the next to go close - a jinking run down the left saw the striker work a shooting opportunity but he could only fire straight at the goalkeeper at his near post.

As the game started to peter out there was still time for more goals, with Moses adding a fourth with just minutes left to play.

The winger made a strong run down the left, before checking back and firing past goalkeeper Farizal, who got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out.

However, Malaysia finally gave their supporters something to cheer about in stoppage time. A free kick fired into the penalty area was not clearly fully by Cech, allowing Shas to head in a consolation from close range.

The hosts almost grabbed a second with the last attack of the game, denied only by a brilliant clearance from Ashley Cole from his own goalline after Cech was beaten.

The win makes it two on the trot for Mourinho, with the Blues next in action on Friday in Jakarta as they take on an Indonesia All Star XI.

 

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Borussia Monchengladbach 1-5 Bayern Munich: Die Roten romp to first trophy of Guardiola reign

Pep Guardiola claimed his first trophy as Bayern Munich boss courtesy of a commanding 5-1 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach in the final of the Telekom Cup.

The Bavarians struck three times in the first half, with Franck Ribery and Phillip Lahm both netting before Thiago Alcantara netted his first goal for his new club.

Monchengladbach did manage to get off the mark with a Luuk de Jong penalty just before the break, but Bayern romped home with further strikes from Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller.

Monchengladbach fielded a much-changed line-up from the one that had upset Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals the day before, so it came as no great surprise that Bayern, who started with Phillipp Lahm in midfield, dominated possession from the off.

It was the hosts who had the first half-chance, though, with Juan Arango volleying wide, after good work from Patrick Herrmann down the right-hand side.

However, Bayern quickly asserted their obvious superiority, with Toni Kroos firing just over, before Ribery opened the scoring, 17 minutes in, with a sliced volley from the most sublime lofted ball into the area from Robben.

Ribery played a key role in die Roten doubling their advantage just five minutes later. The Frenchman stripped Granit Xhaka of possession in Monchengladbach territory before driving into the area and cleverly cutting the ball back for Thomas Muller. The attacking midfielder's shot was blocked but Lahm was on hand to stroke home the rebound.

And, just moments later, it was 3-0, as Thiago demonstrated his ingenuity by chesting home an in-swinging delivery from Jerome Boateng.

Credit to Monchengladbach, though, they kept battling and pulled a goal back just before half-time when De Jong coolly converted a penalty, after Herrmann had been felled in the area by a rash challenge from Diego Contento.

However, any hopes the hosts may have had of turning the game around were dashed 10 minutes into the second period when Robben nodded home the most inviting cross from Ribery into the six-yard box.

The latter bagged another assist in the dying seconds by teeing up Muller for a tap-in that made it 35 goals in just six pre-season games for Bayern, who kick off the defence of their Bundesliga title against Monchengladbach next month.

 

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Jones aiming to become Manchester United regular

Phil Jones has revealed that he wants to play as many games as possible this season for Manchester United as the club continue their pre-season preparations.

The England international has suffered a number of injury setbacks so far in his career, but played a large part in the club's Premier League title win last season.

Jones admits he is yet to have a discussion with David Moyes regarding his long-term position within the squad, but insists he is happy playing anywhere as long as he is playing regularly.

The 21-year-old told the club's official website: "We haven’t spoken about it yet, but I’m sure as the tour progresses then it will arise.

“It’s like I said last season when I was playing right-back, centre-back and centre midfield, I just enjoy playing football and if that means playing in different positions then that’s fine, I just want to play.

"Hopefully I can play plenty of games."

 

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Tottenham confirm Chadli signing

Tottenham have confirmed they have agreed a deal to sign Twente winger Nacer Chadli, subject to a medical and personal terms being agreed.

The 23-year-old flew into London on Sunday to finalise the details of the move, which will see him join fellow Belgians Mousa Dembele and Jan Vertonghen at White Hart Lane.

Chadli, who can play on either flank, will become Spurs' second signing of the summer, following the €20 million capture of Brazil international Paulinho from Corinthians.

He will now join up with the rest of Andre Villas-Boas' squad for the club's pre-season training camp in Hong Kong.

The Belgium international has enjoyed three successful years at Twente, winning the Eredivisie title and attracting the attentions of Swansea and Aston Villa this summer.

Chadli also scored home and away against Tottenham for Twente in the Champions League group stage in the 2010-11 season.

 

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Heynckes: I won't coach Barcelona

Former Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes has ruled himself out of the running to be Barcelona's new head coach.

The 68-year-old, who won the treble with the Bavarians last season and masterminded a 7-0 aggregate thrashing of Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals, has been mentioned by the media and Blaugrana supporters as a potential successor to Tito Vilanova, who resigned due to health issues on Friday.

However, the one-time Real Madrid trainer dismissed suggestions he would be stepping back into the limelight at Camp Nou this coming campaign and insisted his days of coaching are over.

"I'm keeping myself busy with hobbies and sport. I have my animals and a huge garden," he told Sky Sports News HD. "I think it would be impossible for me, after working at Bayern Munich, now to take over a new club.

"I have understood the signals my body has been giving me and I am feeling good, enjoying the time I have for myself."

Celta Vigo coach Luis Enrique and Newell's Old Boys boss Gerardo Martino have emerged as favourites to replace Vilanova after early suggestions that current Barca assistant Rubi and experienced Liga coach Marcelo Bielsa were in the running for the role.

 

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Manchester United considering changing club badge, admits Ed Woodward

Ed Woodward has revealed Manchester United’s owners, the Glazer family, want to restore the words 'Football Club' to the team’s badge after 15 years.

United were lambasted by fans when they removed the words from their 43-year-old crest as part of a redesign in 1998.

And the club's executive vice chairman has revealed the American owners have reservations about the current badge, which was launched seven years before they bought the club.

"I didn’t like that change of badge," said Woodward. "Joel [Glazer] didn’t like that change. We will look at that and have a think about that. We are a football club, not a business.

"I described it to our staff that we are a 135-year-old club and that’s what you have to remember. We are a football club, a club with a capital C.

"Strapped to that is a commercial business that’s going to fund a lot of the player purchases going forward here and we have to be supportive of both.

"We’ve got to make sure they co-exist together but don’t impact each other and that’s where we are trying to balance it."

Woodward, who has replaced long-time chief executive David Gill, also insisted the Glazers will not rename Old Trafford and have no intention of selling the club, despite its valuation soaring beyond €1.2 billion amid reported interest from bidders in China and Qatar.

"The heritage is not just important it is central to what we are trying to do," he added. "As an example we will not rename Old Trafford, the name is part of the fabric of the club. It means something to our fans.

"They are long-term owners, together with our other shareholders. They first bought the club eight years ago and there won’t be any change for many, many years."

 

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Badge 1ka Dan thiyana widiya thamai lassana​

 

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Lahm fires warning shot to rivals

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm has fired a warning shot to rivals by suggesting that the European champions will be even better this season.

The full-back was a key part of the treble-winning side which conquered the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League in 2012-13 and with the first game of the new season looming on August 9, Lahm is pleased to see the Bavarians are still continuing to show signs of improvement.

"There has been some good work in pre-season," he told Bundesliga.com. "We have been together for four weeks.

"Then [on Saturday] we won against Hamburg 4-0 in 60 minutes. That's all right. But we also all know that we are getting even better. There is still plenty of work ahead of us."

"We can improve everywhere, in all areas. One can always improve."

Lahm then gave his assessment of new coach Pep Guardiola, while revealing his belief that the club will become a target for other sides following their history making success last term.

"[Guardiola] is very pleasant," the defender, 29, added. "He is a very pleasant person and coach. He talks a lot with the players. That is always good.

"Basically, Bayern are always hunted. But last year we were not the Bundesliga champions, as Borussia Dortmund were the hunted.

"Now we are also a team that is hunted abroad too. We are the Champions League winners. Therefore, any opponent will relish beating us in all competitions."

 

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Rodgers confirms Reina to Napoli loan switch for 'financial' reasons

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that goalkeeper Pepe Reina is set to join Napoli on a season-long loan because of "financial" reasons.

Goal reported this week that the Serie A side had turned their attention to the Spain international after growing impatient at Julio Cesar's reluctance to accept their contract offer.

And Rodgers has now confirmed that Reina will leave Liverpool this summer, as the club cannot justify his wages following the €10 million signing of Simon Mignolet from Sunderland in June.

"Financially it is something we needed to look at," Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo.

"That would be the reason because obviously you wouldn’t move on a top goalkeeper.

"It reared its head over the last few months and I had to prepare for it by bringing in a new goalkeeper.

"Pepe is a good guy. I’ve a lot of time for him, and he understands what I want to do totally.

"He’s got a big season ahead because it’s a World Cup year and one where, if he wasn’t going to be playing, could severely harm his chances of going."

Reina, who has three years remaining on his €128,000-a-week contract at Anfield, will be reunited with former Reds boss Rafa Benitez at Napoli.

The Spanish coach has already signed young goalkeeper Rafael from Santos for €5m earlier in July but wants a battle-hardened No.1 for the new campaign, and one who can also guide the 22-year-old Brazilian.