..::Football III::..

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Scholes ‘fears’ for Manchester United against Arsenal

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes does not believe that his old club are in a position to match Arsenal when they meet on Sunday.

The Red Devils will meet the Premier League’s third-placed club after comfortably dispatching Midtjylland 5-1 in the second leg of their Europa League tie to secure a 6-3 aggregate success.

However, the former midfielder believes Arsene Wenger’s men start as favourites at Old Trafford regardless of United's consecutive wins in all competitions due to the state of their defence.

“Arsenal are a really good team with some brilliant attacking players and I’d fear for them [United] a little bit on Sunday with that back four to be honest with you,” Scholes told BT Sport.

“If you look at the pace power and strength Arsenal have, it’s going to be difficult. We know it’s a massive game and a massive step up against Arsenal.”

Anthony Martial pulled up injured in the warm up with a hamstring injury, although the severity of the issue has been played down.

Nevertheless, he is the latest of a string of injury headaches for the club, and Scholes is of the opinion that manager Louis van Gaal will make no changes to his side.

“I don’t think there’s any other choice and I think that’s the team you’re going to see on Sunday,” he added.

The Red Devils trail the Gunners by 10 points in the Premier League and suffered a 3-0 defeat at the Emirates earlier in the campaign.

 

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Sunday Arsenal match 1kenam meetath wada loku fight 1kak enawa Arsenal lagen

So lesi wenne nam naha.​

 

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Van Gaal: I told Rashford he would score

Louis van Gaal took credit for Marcus Rashford's goalscoring heroics in Manchester United's 5-1 win over Midtjylland in Thursday's Europa League second-leg victory.

The Red Devils sealed an emphatic aggregate victory over the Danes in the last 32 thanks in part to Rashford's brace on his debut, with the 18-year-old only coming into the starting XI because of Anthony Martial's last-minute injury.

The academy player went on to spark a United comeback after they had gone a goal down early on, netting his brace in the space of 12 second-half minutes to overtake George Best as the club's youngest goalscorer in Europe.

And, after praising Rashford's impact as "fantastic", Van Gaal has now revealed that it was his advice at half time that led to the youngster's decisive contributions.

"In the first half he ran too much, too much on the sidelines," the Dutchman told BT Sport after the match.

"I said at half-time, 'You have to be within the width of the goal and you shall score,' and you see he scores two goals, it is fantastic for him."

Previously-goal-shy United have now netted eight goals in their last two games, boosting confidence levels ahead of their daunting game against Premier League leaders Arsenal at the weekend.

 

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Van Gaal's meetings should be limited to '16 or 17-year-olds' - Scholes

the ex-England star disagrees with such an approach Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal should be limited to taking one-on-one meetings with 16 and 17-year-olds but not the first team, according to former midfielder Paul Scholes.

Van Gaal was reported to have summoned his first-team stars on a one-to-one basis following their 2-1 defeat to FC Midtjylland in the first leg of the Europa League last 32.

Yet Scholes, who has openly criticised his former club on more than on occasion under the Dutchman's tenure, believes Van Gaal's individual meetings should only extend to youth team players and not those in the first team.

Speaking ahead of the 5-1 victory against the Danish side on Thursday, he told BT Sport when asked if his alleged behaviour was correct: "I'm not sure really.

"It's his style and it's something he obviously wants to do. Maybe he wants to get something off his chest, maybe it's a chance for the player himself to get something off his chest.

"It's his style, he may think he can get more out of the player doing it that way.

"I'm not too sure I think it's maybe something for when you're 16 or 17 that happens and whether when you are in the first team I'm not too sure."

Scholes, who made over 700 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions under Sir Alex Ferguson, claimed he rarely spoke directly with his manager.

The 41-year-old said: "Yes I did, when I was 16 and 17 we regularly had meetings with the youth team coach to see how you were doing and how you were progressing but not with Sir Alex - not unless you were in trouble."

 

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'Scholes was England's best midfielder ahead of Lampard & Gerrard'

Former Chelsea midfielder Deco believes Paul Scholes was the best English midfielder in the Premier League.

Deco played alongside Frank Lampard for two seasons at Stamford Bridge, while he also faced Steven Gerrard in games against Liverpool and England.

But the former Portugal international believes the former Manchester United midfielder was better than both Lampard and Gerrard.

“I played with and against so many fantastic players in midfield like Gerrard,” Deco told Squawka.

“I had the opportunity to play with Lampard together at Chelsea. I think, because he was a different type of player to all other types of English midfielder, Paul Scholes was the best player that I saw playing for an English midfield and one of the best players in the world.

“I think at the moment there are some great players like that.

“At Madrid, Modric. Iniesta is still playing. Xavi. In my generation, Paul Scholes was a player like that. There are not so many players with this style because I think most of the players are box-to-box, not about controlling the game, keeping the balance of the team.”

 

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Wenger: I have sympathy for struggling Van Gaal


Arsene Wenger has revealed his “respect and sympathy” for under-fire Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

Van Gaal is under pressure over United’s poor performances this season, with the 20-time champions currently fifth in the Premier League, 12 points behind leaders Leicester.

Arsenal boss Wenger takes his side to Old Trafford on Sunday as favourites to beat United - and the Frenchman admits he feels for Van Gaal as speculation continues over his future at the club.

“I don’t want to speak too much about Man United today because we’re focussed on us but of course he has my respect and my sympathy,” Wenger said of Van Gaal.

“Being favourites is not a special meaning, it’s opinions. Results are down to performance and reality so that’s what you want to focus on. It’s good to talk, but results are made by performances.”
Arsenal are third in the table and entering a critical stage of the season, which includes a massive north London derby against title rivals Tottenham on March 5.

Wenger admits his players are facing a “key period” as they target their first title since 2004 and is backing his players to thrive under the pressure.

He added: “It is the key period. We work the whole season for this period. That’s where you’re really tested and also where you have an opportunity to show your quality. It’s the period to show your quality, nerves and desire.

“Everybody drops points and it’s very unpredictable. We’ve built a good run in the Premier League and we want to build on that. We don’t know how many points will be needed but let’s not set any limits.”

 

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'Van Gaal has stayed at Manchester United because of his reputation'

Louis van Gaal has kept his job at Manchester United because of his reputation, according to Patrick Kluivert.

The 64-year-old has faced intense pressure over United’s playing style, early Champions League exit and their fading Premier League title challenge this season, while Jose Mourinho continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer.

But Kluivert, who played under Van Gaal at Ajax and Barcelona before eventually becoming the Dutchman’s assistant with the Netherlands national team at the 2014 World Cup, insists United need to give their manager time.

“If his name were not Louis van Gaal, maybe he would have lost his job by now,” the former striker told ESPN.

“When you look at the previous guy at Man United [David Moyes], he was not given so much time. So if he didn't have as big a name, maybe things would have been over for him much quicker.

“They still have chances to enjoy a good season, but we know the pressure of being at a club as big as Man United.

“You have to be successful or you cannot stay. From my experience working with him as a player and then an assistant coach, I still say Louis is one of the best managers in the game. He needs time and I hope they give it to him.”
When asked what he lesson he would take from working with Van Gaal, Kluivert replied: “You need to be honest with players.

“If you are not honest and things don't go so well, then you have no chance to get the players back on your side. You need to look players straight in their eyes and appreciate that they want you to tell them the truth. There can be no other agendas.”

 

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Dante: Bayern Munich shaped my life

Dante has stressed his affection for Bayern Munich ahead of Wolfsburg's Bundesliga meeting with the champions, but says he does not regret leaving the Allianz Arena.The Brazilian swapped Bayern for Wolfsburg in August, having won nine trophies during his three-year stay in Bavaria.

Wolfsburg host Bayern on Saturday hoping to erase memories of the reverse fixture, when Robert Lewandowski scored five goals in nine second-half minutes to consign Dieter Hecking's men to a 5-1 defeat.

Asked what playing against Bayern meant to him, Dante told TZ: "A lot. With Bayern I achieved everything I always dreamed of. That's why I'll always have a great respect for this club.

"I experienced only positive things in Bavaria. All the games, the titles, the friendships – Bayern is a club that has shaped my life."In life you must also look forward, though. What has happened has happened. Done."

Dante also addressed previous comments he had made when he claimed he wanted to end his career in Munich."Life is not always what you expect," he said. "I played for Bayern for many years, but now and then one must also take tough decisions.

"Take the example of Bastian Schweinsteiger [who left Bayern for Manchester United]. No one would have thought it possible that he would leave Bayern, but unpredictable things often happen."I am very happy in Wolfsburg and also grateful for the trust that the club has placed in me."

 

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Europa League draw: Man Utd get Liverpool in last-16 tie

Manchester United have been drawn against Liverpool in the Europa League's last 16.

After Thursday saw them come from two goals down on aggregate to beat FC Midtjylland 5-1 on the night and 6-3 over two legs, Louis van Gaal's men have been rewarded with an all-Premier League affair against their old rivals as they pursue what could be an unlikely route into Champions League qualification.

The two teams have played each other twice in the English top flight this season, with United winning both games, though the Red Devils have only three more points to their name than Jurgen Klopp's side.

There could well be only one of the three English teams left standing after the ties are concluded as Tottenham have drawn German giants Borussia Dortmund.

Spain also sees a single-country matchup as Athletic Bilbao will take on Gary Neville's Valencia side, while holders Sevilla have been paired with final hosts Basel.

All eight of the ties will have their first legs played on Thursday, March 10 and their seconds one week later on March 17, pending any alterations made to accommodate for packed fixture lists.

 

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Liverpool Vs Manchester United/Dortmund Vs Tottenham/Villareal Vs Leverkusen

Good luck Manchester United!​

 

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Griezmann in talks over improved release clause

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann is in talks with the club over increasing the release clause in his contract.

Griezmann, who is currently contracted to Atletico until the end of the 2019-20 season, has been in stunning form for the La Liga outfit this campaign, scoring 19 goals across all competitions.

His performances have attracted interest from several clubs around Europe and Atletico are therefore reportedly keen to increase the France international's exit clause from €80million to €100m."We are in talks," Griezmann told El Larguero. "More with my representative than me.

"I am dedicated to playing at the moment, but both parties are doing well."Griezmann joined Atletico from Real Sociedad for €30m in 2014 and the 24-year-old has since gone on to score 44 goals in 88 games.

"I knew it was going to cost me at the start because I came from another way of playing, and I struggled until the end of November and December," he said."From there I got better and with the support of my team-mates it gave me great strength, as well as from the coach [Diego Simeone]."

Atletico are second in La Liga but face a massive test away to rivals Real Madrid on Saturday, in what could prove to have major implications in the race for the title. Asked if he thinks Atletico will win the game, Griezmann responded: "Man, if not, we won't go out onto the pitch.

"I am confident in my team-mates and the work of the coach. We have a great group, great players and a great coaching group. We'll do well."

 

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Manchester City REJECTED Rashford before Manchester United move

Manchester City rejected the chance to sign Marcus Rashford ahead of Manchester United because of his small size, according to the striker’s former youth coach.

The 18-year-old impressed during his senior debut for United on Thursday evening as he scored twice in a 5-1 victory over FC Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Rashford began his career at Fletcher Moss Rangers, a club based south of Manchester which has also produced Danny Welbeck, Ravel Morrison, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Tyler Blackett and Zeki Fryers.

“His brother Dwayne was with him when he came to us,” Fletcher Moss Rangers’ club secretary, Ron Jamieson, told The Times.

“He was touting him to Manchester City at the time but the recruitment officer there did not fancy him because he was a bit on the small side and didn’t pick him up.

“We took him to the [Champion of Champions] tournament and all the scouts were there. Everton were very keen and Manchester United.

“It was advantageous for us to push him towards United so he went there and the rest is history.”

 

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Klopp: I wanted Liverpool to draw Manchester United


Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp claims he wanted to draw Manchester United after the teams were pitted together in the Europa League last 16 draw on Friday.
The Premier League rivals will meet for the first time in European competition as they face off for a place in the quarter-finals over two legs.

Klopp's only previous encounter with United as Liverpool boss ended in a 1-0 home defeat last month, but the German is relishing the opportunity to put things right."It's great," he told a news conference. "We deserve these games. It's not easy. I told my staff yesterday that I wanted Manchester United.

"We had a good game [in January] and lost 1-0. It was not what we deserved.
"It gives us the chance to make it better. In this round, there are no easy games. Manchester United? Good."

Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who revealed some players were still training when they discovered the result of the draw, added: "It's a fixture to look forward to.
"You want to get drawn against European teams but we have a derby. Two big games."

 

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Hiddink wants transparency from Chelsea

Chelsea interim boss Guus Hiddink hopes the club will be transparent over their reported approach for Antonio Conte.

Conte has been widely linked with the role at Stamford Bridge, which will become vacant when Hiddink steps down from his temporary role at the end of the season, with some reports suggesting the Italy boss has already agreed a three-year deal which will be announced in the coming days.

Whatever the outcome, Hiddink would rather the news be announced than for the club to allow the speculation to drag on.He told reporters at Friday's news conference: "I am in favour, and this is a personal opinion, that when things are done make it transparent."

He denied having any knowledge of the club's reported pursuit of Conte, however, telling journalists: "You have heard more than me because that’s your job, you have to search around to find the rumours."Our job is the next game. I am not involved in this [the search]. "Of course, this club is searching now and they like experienced managers. It's up to them to make up their mind and their decisions."

Hiddink is a vastly-experienced former international coach having had two spells in charge of his native Netherlands as well as stints with South Korea – who he led to the 2002 World Cup semi-finals - Australia, Russia and Turkey.

And he accepts there are plenty of differences between coaching a national side and a club team."There is a lot. When you're at a club, you have a daily influence on a way of playing and player behaviour on the pitch and off it," he added.

"When you are a national team manager, you have players for three or four days and then a game. It's more difficult to get things as you wish.”Despite being reluctant to talk about Conte specifically, Hiddink was willing to offer advice to any coach wanting to work abroad.

"It's always exciting to get, as soon as possible, into the culture of a club and the language. When it's a difficult language, you can prepare your own football language."

 

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Higuain told to lose weight by Napoli's president

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has urged Gonzalo Higuain to lose weight and claims the striker is playing like he’s “walking around with a brick in his pocket”.

The Argentine is Serie A’s runaway top scorer with 24 goals this season, although he hasn’t found the net in his last four games.

Napoli were dumped out of the Europa League by Villarreal on Thursday evening but the Italian club’s chief insists coach Maurizio Sarri is not responsible.

“I have nothing to blame Sarri for. Napoli played a good match but you can’t say we were unlucky,” said De Laurentiis.

“Regarding his renewal, Sarri has a contract with four options, and it is unilaterally up to me to renew it within a given month of the year within the pre-established figures.

“Higuain should dispose of a pound and a half more than he has, as it is almost like he is walking around with a brick in his pocket at the moment.

He has to regain his physical form from a month ago, and then also return to scoring goals. However, all of our 24 players can play a part.”

 

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I didn’t know about ‘impressive’ Rashford – Wenger

Arsene Wenger has admitted that Marcus Rashford’s performance for Manchester United on Thursday night made him sit up and take notice.

The Frenchman’s Arsenal side tackle the Red Devils at Old Trafford on Sunday, and he was keeping a close eye on United’s Europa League meeting with Midtjylland, in which the rookie forward played a starring role, scoring twice in a 5-1 victory.

“I watched him [Rashford] last night and he was quite impressive,” Wenger said.

“Rashford I didn't know but all the other players I knew. For us it's quite simple to prepare. We need to prepare on our side for a strong performance.”

Despite the woes that Louis van Gaal’s side have endured this term - the club are currently fifth in the Premier League, six points behind local rivals Manchester City - the Arsenal boss expects a tough match this weekend.

“It's always a difficult place to go. Even if they had lost [to Midtjylland] I would have said it will be a difficult game,” Wenger added.

“If we win we are in a strong position but still a long way to go.”

Arsenal sit third in the Premier League, only two points behind Leicester.

 

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Klopp targets United revenge as Liverpool look to floor Van Gaal

There was no guffaw outside the press conference room at Anfield to signal his arrival and there was none of the effervescence usually associated with the Liverpool manager.

Jurgen Klopp walked in to address the media with his voice soft and his disappointment clear following a defeat that was incredibly hard to stomach.

Manchester United had been completely outplayed in the German’s first taste of English football’s biggest rivalry, but scored with their only shot on target at the death to record a 1-0 victory.

In the aftermath of Wayne Rooney’s winner, Klopp was the most deflated he’s been since he succeeded Brendan Rodgers in October. That loss at the turn of the year has obviously not escaped the 48-year-old’s mind.

After Liverpool were drawn to face United in the Europa League last 16, the Reds boss admitted they were the team he most wanted to tackle in the competition.

“You can ask my staff, they asked me yesterday ‘who do you want?’ I said ‘Man United,’” he revealed at Melwood.

“I think we have to clear some things. We had a good game against them when I was here, it was a defeat which we didn't deserve, but we got it.
“So now life gives us the chance to make it better so that's what we have to do and what we will try.

“In this round, there were no easy games so we had no chance for an easy game. So we have Manchester United – cool!”

Liverpool have faced their old foes twice already this season - under two different managers - and are on the wrong end of a 4-1 aggregate.

Klopp is desperate to reverse that trend and the Europa League, a tournament he has continually stressed the importance of, would be the perfect platform for the Reds to extract some revenge on United and amplify the pressure on Louis van Gaal.

It will be the first time the clubs face off in European competition with the opening leg at Anfield on March 10, before the second encounter at Old Trafford a week later.

While both sides would have preferred such a historic tie to come in the Champions League, neither Liverpool nor United will want to exit the tournament at the hands of the other. The defeat on January 17 at Anfield hurt the Reds boss, but it also roused him.

Klopp has already stated he believes his men can win the Europa League. With a quarter-final place at stake, there would be no better opponents for Liverpool to prove their pedigree against than United.

 

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Liverpool's problem is not having too many players - Klopp

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has defended the size of his squad as he looks to finalise his team selection for Sunday's League Cup final against Manchester City.

Klopp goes to Wembley in search of his first piece of silverware in charge of Liverpool following a patchy run of form in the Premier League. Thursday's 1-0 victory over Augsburg was enough to reach the last 16 of the Europa League, where they will face Manchester United.

Critics point to the size of Liverpool's squad and the big-money signing of misfit players such as Christian Benteke and Mario Balotelli as factors hindering the team's progress

But Klopp - who conceded choosing his matchday squad for Sunday will be a difficult task - was quick to refute that suggestion."We've had a lot of problems since my time here but I've never had the problem of having too many players," he told a press conference.

"Some players will be disappointed, for sure. I had 30 players in training and it was of the highest level."They are all ready but now I have to make decisions. Not today, but overnight. But I will make them, so it's no problem.

"Making a squad this time is the best thing I have to do and the most difficult thing I have had to do."While the League Cup is not the biggest prize on offer in English football, Klopp claimed his team are determined to seize any opportunity to capture silverware.

"We're in this job to win things - titles, cups, whatever," he said. 'A lot of players or managers can work their whole life and not win anything."I'm sure you will see we really want to win this."

 

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Man Utd's confidence is better than ever - Van Gaal


Louis van Gaal admits he has never known his Manchester United dressing room to be so confident as they prepare to host Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.

The United boss feels the atmosphere in the United camp after the 5-1 Europa League victory over FC Midtjylland on Thursday was the best he has experienced in his time at Old Trafford.

But ahead of the visit of Arsene Wenger's side, the former Barcelona boss is fully aware of the size of the task his team faces.

"I have seen the dressing room never like this on Thursday," he told reporters. "Not only the players who played, not only the bench, but also the players who are injured.

"They were all there and they were all laughing and talking with each other and were happy.

"Normally I would expect this to give a lot of confidence but we have to play against one of the best teams in the Premier League, I have said that already a lot of times.

"It’s a challenge on Sunday, more than a challenge, because we have to play within two days [of the Midtjylland win] and that’s also difficult, but I think the recovery shall go better than ever."
The veteran Dutch coach is hoping to welcome back a number of key players for Sunday’s encounter, including David de Gea and Chris Smalling, while Antonio Valencia and Marouane Fellaini could also feature after respective foot and muscle injuries.

And Anthony Martial, who picked up a hamstring injury in the warm-up on Thursday, will start ahead of Rashford if he can prove his fitness.

"[Martial’s injury] is not so heavy as everybody thinks, but you never know," he added. "Rashford will be an option if he is recovered. I don’t know if he will, because it was his first game, so it’s not so easy.

"Also Valencia is coming back, Fellaini is coming back, and in the month of March a lot of players are coming back and then we’ll have a strong selection again. Therefore, this match is very important for a lot of players.

"Marcos Rojo shall not play, coming off the bench maybe, but I cannot risk him. I am a long-term coach."
The 64-year-old was quick to deny claims that his side have been inconsistent this term despite the regular setbacks which have hindered his side’s progress.

"That’s football. You can win, lose or play a draw. Only the media is inconsistent, that’s different. It is the media," he said.

"At Sunderland we didn’t lose because of the media, no, that is true. But the media makes it bigger than it is.

"Manchester City lost 5-1 against Chelsea, and what was said then? It was their second team? And what am I doing now?! We didn’t lose with the second team, that’s the difference.

"You have to analyse the results of Manchester United. We only lost one game 3-0, to Arsenal, and they are on another level.

"It is not normal that you have 14 injured players. Nevertheless, we are still in three competitions, and we have a lot to fight for.

"We are in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, we are in the next round of the Europa League, we are fifth in the Premier League. So it’s not so bad as some media are saying to the fans.

"When I walk the streets in my village, they are all positive so that keeps me always in a good spirit. The fans are telling mostly the truth, not always in the stadium because then people are doing something and they follow, but in the streets when it is one-against-one they are better."

 

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Van Gaal expects De Gea to face Arsenal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is optimistic that David de Gea will be fit for the Premier League game against Arsenal on Sunday.

The goalkeeper has missed the club's last three matches with a knee injury suffered in the warm-up of their Europa League last-32 first leg game away to Midtjylland on February 18.

Nevertheless, Van Gaal thinks De Gea should be back in action against title-chasing Arsenal, but was less sure on the status of Chris Smalling and Anthony Martial, who are suffering shoulder and hamstring injuries respectively."I expect [David can return] because I saw the way he was on Thursday," he told reporters at his press conference.

"Chris is a question mark, but you never know. I don’t know [about Martial] because it has happened before the match. I have talked with him."I have talked with the physiotherapist that already had control of him. I cannot say, but it is not as heavy as everybody thinks."

Van Gaal, who has 14 players on his injury list, is starting to see light at the end of the tunnel from the treatment room."I am very happy with Marcos [Rojo] that he played 10 or 15 minutes and how he showed already his form and shape, he was very good," the Dutchman added.

"But I have to build him up in the games and that's not so easy because he only had two training sessions with me."On the first day, he was with the second team and, on the second day, he was with us. So I take also a risk to do that, but I think that I have to do that now with 15 minutes and then 30 minutes and like that and I hope we can build him up.

"[Antonio] Valencia is also coming back and [Marouane] Fellaini too - in the month of March, a lot of players are coming back and then we have a strong selection again."