..::Football III::..

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Betis 0-5 Real Madrid: Ronaldo leads rout as Benzema reaches century

Real Madrid moved level on top of La Liga along with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid thanks to a comprehensive 5-0 win over Betis on Saturday afternoon.The visitors' start to 2014 was unblemished coming into this match after winning all four of their matches in all competitions without conceding a single goal and Betis rarely threatened that record.

A wonderful early strike from Cristiano Ronaldo took the Ballon d'Or winner's tally for the season to 31 goals and the Madrid club did not have to wait long for a second as Gareth Bale buried a free-kick in the 25th minute.

Benzema ensured the first half ended in even more despair for Betis, converting after good play by Luka Modric and a fourth arrived just after the hour mark when Angel Di Maria produced a sublime finish from distance.

Substitute Alvaro Morata added a fifth late on as rampant Madrid extended their unbeaten run to 17 matches in all competitions.

Osasuna were Betis' conquerors in their previous league outing last weekend and coach Juan Carlos Garrido made four alterations to that team, while Alvaro Vadillo and Joan Verdu were deemed fit enough to take places on the bench.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti named the same side that picked up a routine 1-0 win at Espanyol on Sunday.

The visitors may have been met by raucous atmosphere in Seville, but Ronaldo silenced the home support in the 10th minute as he hit an unstoppable screamer into the top-right corner of the goal from 30 yards out.

Betis' attacking threat was non-existent and Madrid capitalised by doubling their lead 25 minutes in. Antonio Amaya fouled Bale after cutting in from the right and the world's most expensive player fired the resulting free-kick in past the static Stephan Andersen.

The hosts could have pulled one back just before the break had Ruben Castro connected with Leo Baptistao's right-wing cross, but Betis ultimately went in at half-time trailing by three goals as Benzema fired into the bottom-left corner after a clever cutback by Luka Modric.

Ronaldo spurned a glorious chance seven minutes into the second period as he collected Benzema's throughball and shot from just inside the area, but Andersen tipped it wide of his right-hand post.

Madrid's fourth did arrive eventually, however. The hosts seemingly cleared Modric's 62nd-minute corner, but Di Maria pounced on the loose ball and hammered a rasping half-volley into the bottom-right corner about 35 yards from goal.

Morata notched his side's fifth in stoppage time as he controlled a wayward overhead-kick attempt by Ronaldo before poking in, helping Madrid keep pace with Atletico and Barca, while Ancelotti's men picked up their fifth consecutive clean sheet in all competitions.

 

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City,Arsenal,Real Madrid & Juventus pattama form 1kaka inne

 

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Vidal targets prolific season for Juventus

Arturo Vidal is keen to continue his rich vein of goalscoring form after his double helped Juventus beat Sampdoria 4-2 on Saturday.

The Chilean is Serie A's top-scoring midfielder and netted his ninth and 10th league goal of the season as Juve maintained their 100 per cent record at home.

But despite already equalling his personal tally of last season at the midway stage of the campaign, Vidal insists what counts above everything is helping the team win."I work every day to keep developing and am happy to have found the target tonight," the prolific midfielder stated. "I haven't set any specific target for my goals. I just want to carry on like this to the end.

"I don't have any bonus tied to goals in my contract, I just do it for the team. Last time I gave the penalty to [Mirko] Vucinic, but this time it was for me and thankfully I scored."Sampdoria were the last side to earn a league win in Turin, but further goals from Fernando Llorente and Paul Pogba ended any hopes of a repeat scenario.

Despite suffering a nervy period in the second half when Manolo Gabbiadini made it 3-2, Vidal feels his team-mates showed they were worth the win as Juve continue towards defending their crown. "Serie A is a difficult league. Roma and Napoli have great players, but we must continue like this to the end in order to earn a third consecutive Scudetto," the 26-year-old continued.

"Sampdoria came here to play their football and I think they are a really good side who can go far this season."

 

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Meulensteen bemoans 'typical Arsenal goal'

Fulham head coach Rene Meulensteen feels his side fell victim to a "typical Arsenal goal" in their 2-0 defeat on Saturday.Santi Cazorla was on the end of a slick passing move to put the hosts ahead shortly before the hour mark at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday before doubling the advantage from 20 yards five minutes later.

And, despite being pleased with his side's first-half display against the Premier League leaders, Meulensteen believes his players could have defended better in the build-up to the opener."I was very pleased at half-time, to say the least," he said. "I thought Arsenal started strong but we got into our stride."We knew that we needed to have a very solid defensive performance if we wanted to get something out of the game.

"I thought, on the back of the Norwich performance in FA Cup (a 3-0 win), I stuck to the same defensive line with the same goalkeeper and I thought we looked very comfortable in the first half at times."The quality of player that they've got, if you have moments where they are moving the ball around quickly and you just switch off one moment and don't track runners, they can hurt you and that's what they did.

"It was a typical Arsenal goal, but we clearly worked hard this week on making sure you keep defending the danger area, but especially make sure you stay with the runners rather than following the ball. That's what happened in the first goal."
The result leaves Fulham one point clear of the bottom three in the Premier League.

 

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Conte demands more from Pogba

Juventus coach Antonio Conte was critical of Paul Pogba even after the midfielder netted a fine goal in Saturday's 4-2 win over Sampdoria.

The Bianconeri raced into a two-goal lead thanks to goals from Arturo Vidal and Fernando Llorente inside the opening 25 minutes. An Andrea Barzagli own goal pulled a goal back for the visitors, before Vidal's second made it 3-1 and Manolo Gabbiadini's 70th minute strike kept Sampdoria in the game.

But Pogba had the final say with a stunning goal with 12 minutes remaining, but it still wasn't enough to earn the praise of Conte.

"Tonight Pogba could have done a lot better," the Italian told reporters. "I’ve certainly seen better performances from Paul.

"At times the goal fogs the vision of the whole game, but I get angry as people forget everything around it. I ask my players to keep their concentration to the 90th minute and tonight it was hard to kill the game off.

"We cannot dominate games and always have this anxiety from set-plays. Sampdoria’s goals came from corners, and we need to work on this. Hats off to them, they gave us great difficulty from set-pieces.

"You always need to be fully focused. This has been the difference between us and the others over the past two-and-a-half years."

Victory means Juventus maintain their eight-point lead over Roma at the summit of the table.

 

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Pardew revels in performance of 'class act' Cabaye

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew described Yohan Cabaye as a "class act" after his brace helped secure Saturday's 3-1 win over West Ham.

Cabaye opened the scoring, slotting home after a delightful shimmy past Razvan Rat, before wrapping up the points with a free-kick in the final minute of the game.
While Mike Williamson's own goal on the stroke of half-time made it 2-1 and led to a nervy second half, Pardew was delighted with Cabaye's impact and said his side's first-half effort was vital in securing the win.

"[Cabaye] has an almost free role in the team in the number 10 [position]," the former West Ham manager told reporters."I thought he was a class act all day really, he's added goals to his game.

"He has been a big player for us. He helped us get a nice rhythm in midfield, which worked well for us really."Pardew added the only sour note of the afternoon was Williamson's own goal on the stroke of half-time but said he remained pleased with the showing after the break.

"The one regret was the final minute of the first half," he added. "To concede at that moment was really really bad. I really focused at half-time to get the team into a place where we could go and play like we did in the first half.

"It was difficult for us, we had to show the other side and dig in and win headers and win challenges."Really and truly, the first half was the platform for the victory."

The victory ended Newcastle's four-game losing streak in all competitions and ensured West Ham slipped back into the relegation zone.

Hammers boss Sam Allardyce cited defensive errors as the reason his side failed to register back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time this season."It's very disappointing, having got three points away from home [at Cardiff], that we haven't got anything here," he told reporters.

"From our point of view it was more about defensive lapses rather than the quality of Newcastle's play, even though they are two good finishes.

"We could have done better. The fighting spirit and the fightback was there but I was thinking, 'come on lads, do a Sunderland for me', because they fought back from two goals down (against Southampton earlier on Saturday)."But chances were there and we missed them."

 

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'Madrid are the best and I want to stay here' - Morata

Alvaro Morata pledged his future to Real Madrid after helping them thrash basement side Real Betis 5-0 on Saturday.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Angel Di Maria struck before Morata netted in the final minutes to clinch a deserved win.

And despite being linked to a number of foreign outfits recently, the 21-year-old is eager to stay put at the Santiago Bernabeu and fight for his place.

"Despite everything that is being said, I'm happy here. I want to stay," he told reporters after the match.

"I have spoken with the coach and the club, and I talk every day with my team-mates. I have been at this club for my whole life and it is the best in the world.

"The best are here and I want to help when I am needed. If I have to help by playing a few minutes here and there, I’ll do it, but it’s even better if I get a few more.

"There are a lot of things being said, but I want to stay here and keep working hard and improving."

Victory in Seville saw los Blancos go top of the table beside Barcelona and Atletico Madrid for the first time this season, and Morata took heart from the performance his team had shown.

"I am very happy about scoring, but more about winning," the striker continued.

"It was an important match because we played before the other two teams at the top of the table and things soon went our way with Ronaldo’s goal. We had to win and then see if they drop points."

Barcelona face the trip away to Levante next while Atleti host European candidates Sevilla at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday.

 

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Liverpool should have had two penalties - Rodgers

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes his side should have had two penalties in their draw with Aston Villa despite there being question marks surrounding the spot-kick Luis Suarez won in the second half.

The Uruguay striker seemed to go down easily under the challenge of Brad Guzan early in the second period, but Rodgers believed that there was sufficient contact for referee Jon Moss to point to the spot.

The former Swansea boss also thought his side should have had another opportunity from 12 yards in the first half, though he admitted his side had done well to come from behind to claim a point.

"It was a good point. I don't think we were anywhere near our level in the first half, and I think you have to give credit to Aston Villa for that," he told reporters.

"I thought we got one penalty and didn't get another one. I thought the one in the first half [Leandro] Bacuna handles the ball clearly. He saw the flight of the ball coming over and then moves away at the last minute. It hit his arm but went away for a corner.

"And the second one I thought was a penalty. It was a great pass, Luis took it up to the keeper and gets a touch on him. It was a Uruguayan penalty this week!

"Once he's touched it around him, he [Guzan] doesn't have his arms out, but his body makes contact with Luis, and I think it was a clear penalty."

Rodgers also defended his selection after his side went two goals down and struggled with the pace and power of Villa's attacking play.

"I go with my gut feeling. I felt it was an offensive team, of course. We've played that way before, so if you want to blame me then blame me."

However, Villa boss Paul Lambert had a contrasting view on the penalty controversy but stopped short of accusing Suarez of diving.

"I thought Guzan pulled his arms away. It's hard for the referee to judge it, but I've seen it on tape and Brad has pulled his arms away. I'll let you decide if it's a penalty," he said.

"The referee has a split decision to make. I think when you look at it Brad has used his experience to pull his arms away but we've been punished. Suarez just ran with the ball. The guy is a world-class player."

 

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Galliani rules out Milan signings

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has ruled out the possibility of making any further signings in January.

Adil Rami and Keisuke Honda have both arrived at San Siro during the current transfer window and a number of new faces have been linked with the club following the appointment of Clarence Seedorf as the club's new coach.

But despite the club languishing in 11th spot and 30 points behind leaders Juventus, Galliani is insistent that he will not sanction any more new arrivals.

"We won't sign any players in this transfer window," he told reporters.

"[Giampaolo] Pazzini will return soon. There are no negotiations regarding [Marco] Parolo and [Riccardo] Saponara.

"We're just ironing out the last few details with Parma about [Jherson] Vergara. It's a loan with an option to buy half his contract."

The Rossoneri host Hellas Verona on Sunday in what will be Seedorf's first match in charge.

 

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'Arsenal are not specifically looking at Vucinic' - Wenger denies transfer reports

Arsene Wenger has denied Arsenal are poised to bolster their squad with the signing of Juventus forward Mirko Vucinic.

The Gunners maintained their position at the top of the table thanks to a 2-0 win over Fulham but are lacking adequate cover for their leading striker Olivier Giroud, who endured a difficult afternoon against Brede Hangeland and debutant Dan Burn.

Montenegro international Vucinic has been heavily linked with a loan move to the Premier League leaders but Wenger insists he is not close to sealing a deal for the 30-year-old.

“We are looking at potential possibilities to get somebody in, admitted Wenger. “But we’re not specifically looking at Vucinic. Some people have visual capacities that I don’t have. We are not on any special case I would love to announce something exciting for you.”

Arsenal were forced to wait for the breakthrough by a determined and well organised Fulham side who handed a Premier League debut to 21-year-old centre-half Burn.

After a frustrating first half the Gunners eventually made the breakthrough after Santi Cazorla rounded off a superbly engineered move with an emphatic finish in the 57th minute.

The Spaniard has rarely been at his best this season but wrapped up the points five minutes later with a low left-footed shot and his manager is confident the former Malaga star is now ready to make a telling contribution as the season moves into a decisive stage.

Wenger added: "He had been out for a long time at the start of the season then he had an ankle problem. Only since mid December has he come back to his level. When you play in the final third like he does he can create something special because he is two footed and that makes him very dangerous."

A return to form for Cazorla would prove a timely boost to Arsenal's title charge, which has also been enhanced in recent weeks by the return from injury of Lukas Podolski.

The German produced a lively cameo from the bench in the second half and Wenger admits the Germany international has been frustrated at having to wait for his chance with Serge Gnabry prefered in recent weeks.

"Of course [he is frustrated] but Lukas has a fantastic attitude, he has been out for four months but he looks sharp now and when he comes on he gives us something. His left foot is very dangerous. In front of goal you leave him one chance… he doesn’t hit it in the stand."

Despite succumbing to their third loss in four Premier League games Fulham coach Rene Meulensteen believes there were enough positives to take from Saturday's defeat to suggest his side are capable of beating the drop.

He said: "I think we can survive. The spirit is very good and there’s plenty of quality in the squad. I’ve only been here a short time here with these players and we’re improving, working hard but without a shadow of a doubt we need a break where we get a run of results."

 

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Mkhitaryan: Winning with Dortmund insanely difficult

Borussia Dortmund attacker Henrikh Mkhitaryan says it has been "insanely difficult" to win games in the Bundesliga in 2013-14.

Jurgen Klopp's men are struggling to compete at the top in Germany due to injuries and Mkhitaryan, who joined from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer, thinks that the quality of BVB's opposition is incredible.

"I already thought in the summer that the Bundesliga is one of the strongest leagues in the world," the 24-year-old told Ruhr Nachtrichten. "That assessment has not changed.

"It is very interesting to play in Germany. To win a league game is just insanely difficult."

Mkhitaryan has struggled to live up to his €25 million price tag and he accepts that he needs to up his game in the second half of the 2013-14 season.

The Armenia international added: "My shooting, my passing, my assists - I think I have to improve everywhere."

Dortmund host Augsburg on January 25 as they look to rocket up the Bundesliga table from their current fourth spot behind Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach.

 

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Official: Jorginho completes Napoli move

Napoli have completed an undisclosed deal to sign Jorginho from rivals Verona on a co-ownership contract until 2018.

The midfielder, 22, had started 18 out of the newly promoted side's 19 Serie A matches so far this season and his impressive form saw him linked to the Partenopei in the winter window.

He told the club's official website: "I'm happy to wear the shirt of Napoli. They are a big team with a great crowd. It will be great to play at the San Paolo and I cannot wait to start my adventure in blue."

The San Paolo side's president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed the deal had been completed following his medical on Saturday and suggested his arrival will boost Rafa Benitez's men.

"Welcome Jorginho!" the Napoli chief wrote on Twitter. "Your freshness will be useful to Rafa and the whole squad."

The Italy Under-21 international has risen through the ranks from a youth prospect at Verona and the club wished him all the best after the confirmation of his move to Naples.

"Club president Maurizio Setti, coach Andrea Mandorlini, the rest of the coaching staff and former team-mates wish the best luck to Jorginho after what he has achieved in Gialloblu colours, and we hope he continues his wonderful career," the club said in a statement.

 

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Inter: Messi signing not impossible

Erick Thohir says Inter are willing to sign players of Lionel Messi's calibre, as long as it is not detrimental to their finances.

The Indonesian, who acquired a majority stake in the Nerazzurri in 2013, had already joked about bringing the four-time Ballon d'Or-winning Barcelona forward to San Siro since taking over Massimo Moratti's role as chief.

Although Thohir says Inter are unlikely to make any major January moves due to the length and timing of the transfer window, he has pandered to supporters by suggesting that top footballers are within the Serie A side's reach.

"Players like Messi can be bought," he told Republika Online. "But only on the condition that the club's finances are not affected.

"In January, though, it will be difficult to recruit new players because the window is so narrow and there's only half a season left to play."

Walter Mazzarri's Inter side travel to Genoa on Sunday, with kick-off at 15:00CET.

 

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Zouma not leaving in January, says St Etienne chief

Saint-Etienne vice president Dominique Rocheteau insists Manchester City and Chelsea target Kurt Zouma will not be leaving the club during the January transfer window.

Goal reported in November that City had conducted initial talks over a move for the 19-year-old, while the player’s agent has revealed the central defender would be keen on a switch to Chelsea.

“We talk about him now because he has talent,” Rocheteau told beIN Sport.

“It's true, many clubs are watching, it was the case last season, many foreign clubs came to see [him]. But today, there's no [chance] he leaves in the winter transfer window.

“He will remain with us until the end of the season.”

Earlier this week, Zouma claimed he had spoken directly with Jose Mourinho on the phone and that he would “immediately” join Chelsea if given the chance.

“Yes, we will not hide the fact that it came out in the press that Chelsea are actually interested in him,” Rocheteau added.

“But we have not received any concrete offers. [Is he worth] €20m (£16.5m)? You be the judge of that. Now, that is today’s market price.”

 

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Valdes quitting caused Barcelona trouble - Martino

Victor Valdes' decision to not sign a new contract at Barcelona has caused trouble for the club this season, according to coach Gerardo Martino.

The goalkeeper said last year that he would not renew his existing deal that ends in the summer, and the Blaugrana boss says it has left La Liga's champions struggling to find an ideal replacement.

"I'm very much surprised by Valdes," Martino told reporters ahead of Sunday's clash with Levante.

"His decision not to further his contract put the club in trouble because the goalkeeper has a very large impact on the team. It's the only position where you know a player won't be there and that means we have to review our choices."

Leaders Barca are on 50 points ahead of Atletico Madrid on goal difference and Real Madrid are three further behind at the halfway stage in the Primera Division, and Martino suggested a triple-figure points tally will be needed to triumph in 2014.

He added: "The situation is going to be close and, if the three teams keep the consistency over the season, more than 100 points will be needed to win the championship."

Barca visit Valencia to face Levante on Sunday, with kick-off at 19:00CET.

 

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Seedorf vows to reinvigorate AC Milan

New AC Milan boss Clarence Seedorf has promised to bring the glory days back to San Siro after returning "home" this week.

The 37-year-old Dutchman called time on his playing career on Tuesday in order to rejoin the Rossoneri, this time as a coach.

Seedorf faced the media on Saturday and said that he is confident of reinvigorating a side currently lying 11th in Serie A.

"I am very happy to be back home," the former Milan midfielder enthused. "I feel right at home.

"I come here with a desire to work hard and transmit enthusiasm and joy, essentials in doing this job well.

"We are very fortunate to do our jobs almost as a hobby and I have told this to the players.

"The difficult times should be analysed without losing sight of our quality. The table is an ugly beast to look at. But the numbers do not properly represent us.

"There is no doubt that the situation will soon return to what it once was. We will rediscover the joy of playing football. As a result, the results will come back."

Seedorf's first game in charge will be against Verona at San Siro on Sunday and he revealed that he intends to play a lone striker.

"Tactics? We will play 4-2-3-1 to exploit the qualities of our strikers," he explained. "But we need time. You cannot do much in just a few days.

"But we need the support of our fans. As always, they can be our 12th man."

 

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Anderson completes loan move to Fiorentina

Manchester United midfielder Anderson has completed his loan move to Fiorentina.

The 25-year-old, who has made eight appearances under David Moyes this season, has joined the Serie A club until the end of the season.

The Brazilian spoke after his first training session with the Viola.

"I'm very happy (to be here)," Anderson told the club's official website. "It is a new challenge.

"I come here to help the team, the players and the manager to do the best.

"I know Fiorentina failed to get in the Champions League last season, so I come to try and help (them get there this season).

"I just want to play, just want to be on the pitch."

Anderson also thanked United for their support during his time at Old Trafford.

"Thank you Manchester United for all you gave to me," Anderson posted on Instagram.

"It was a pleasure and a proud to be part of this tremendous club. I will never forget my great colleagues and friends, all the amazing people that work in the club and obviously the fantastic supporters, always on my side.

"Love you all and you always be in my heart. Wish you all the best because we always be together United family. Now I have to leave because I really need to play.

"Thank you Fiorentina for this opportunity and for believe in me. You won’t regret because you trust me 100% and I will give you 100% of dedication, professionalism and quality. Together we will be happy."

United boss Moyes believes the loan move will be a good opportunity for the Brazilian.

"We've not been able to get him as many games as he'd hoped, or we hoped we might get him," said Moyes.

"We feel it's a good opportunity for him."

The 25 year-old joined United from Porto in June 2007 for £20 million and made 177 appearances for the club.

 

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Congratulations & Good Luck Anderson!

 

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Ozil wants Wenger to stay at Arsenal for a 'long time to come'

Mesut Ozil insists it is "important" to ensure Arsene Wenger signs a new contract with Arsenal because the 64-year-old is able to push the players to their peak.

Wenger’s current deal expires at the end of the season butan agreement is already in place for a new two-year extension, though the Frenchman has put off the announcement in order to maintain his focus on his side’s title challenge.

Arsenal are currently a point clear at the top of the Premier League and Ozil believes Wenger is the key component in the club’s bid for silverware.

"Of course I want him to stay," Ozil told the Daily Mirror.

"He’s the one who convinced me to come here, he’s a world-class manager and he can really push the team to its top level and players can develop under him.

"It’s not just for me but the club in general and the fans it’s important that he will extend his contract and he will be the manager here for a long time to come."

Wenger hinted during his press conference on Friday that he had already decided to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium.

"There is always a point where you have to decide [your future], of course," he said.

"There is a point where you have to decide and there is a point where you have to make your decision public. You can take of that sentence the way you want it."

 

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Moyes makes light of Mourinho's Rooney claim

David Moyes has brushed aside Jose Mourinho's claim that Manchester United could sell Wayne Rooney to a foreign club this summer.

Chelsea were unsuccessful in their attempts to sign Rooney ahead of the current campaign and manager Mourinho is aware United have no desire to sell a prized asset to a domestic rival.

However, the Portuguese's suggestion that Rooney, whose contract ends in 18 months, could move abroad at the end of the season has been rejected by Moyes.

The United boss said: "I can only tell you that I disagree - although he will go to Brazil (with England for the 2014 FIFA World Cup)."

Moyes refused to criticise Mourinho, who he will come up against on Sunday at Stamford Bridge, but made it clear he would not comment on players at opposing teams.

"Everybody has their style. I wouldn't talk about other managers at other clubs and I wouldn't talk about other players at other clubs," added the Scot.

"I can't tell you what his motivation is but only time will give you an answer about Wayne.

"The club will deal with that - they will do all they need to do, no question."

Mourinho had earlier said: "Manchester United made it clear in the summer they don't swap or sell players to their direct rivals. They were clear in the way they approached the Rooney situation.

"I think maybe this summer they will try to sell to a non-direct rival. But they were very clear [about not selling to Chelsea]."