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Lukaku: I want to return to a 'top club'
Romelu Lukaku hopes he can find form at Everton and seal a return to one of the world's top clubs, having featured against former employers Chelsea on Wednesday.
Lukaku made his initial loan move permanent in July, with Everton snapping up the Belgium forward for a club-record fee of €36 million.
While the 21-year-old has yet to rediscover the form he showed in his loan spell at Goodison Park, Lukaku is focused on securing a move to a "top club" in the future.
"They [Chelsea] know I'm a good player but that I want to develop so I can eventually get back to playing for a club like Chelsea," Lukaku told The Sun .
"I don't have a secret ambition to rejoin - there are other clubs in the world.
"I just want to grow as a player and eventually arrive at a top club again."
Lukaku has 10 goals from 33 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees this term.
Romelu Lukaku hopes he can find form at Everton and seal a return to one of the world's top clubs, having featured against former employers Chelsea on Wednesday.
Lukaku made his initial loan move permanent in July, with Everton snapping up the Belgium forward for a club-record fee of €36 million.
While the 21-year-old has yet to rediscover the form he showed in his loan spell at Goodison Park, Lukaku is focused on securing a move to a "top club" in the future.
"They [Chelsea] know I'm a good player but that I want to develop so I can eventually get back to playing for a club like Chelsea," Lukaku told The Sun .
"I don't have a secret ambition to rejoin - there are other clubs in the world.
"I just want to grow as a player and eventually arrive at a top club again."
Lukaku has 10 goals from 33 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees this term.
Inter confident over Icardi renewal
Inter director Piero Ausilio is confident of reaching an agreement with Mauro Icardi over a new deal.
The Argentine attacker, 21, has developed into a key figure at the Giuseppe Meazza side since joining the club from Sampdoria in 2013 and Inter are ready to reward him with a new and improved contract.
The Serie A side have already sat down with Icardi's agent, Abian Morano, to discuss a new deal and Ausilio is optimistic they will reach a positive outcome.
"We have already sat down with his agent two or three times to discuss a new deal," Ausilio told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"For now, I would like to remind people that he signed a five-year deal when he arrived here. His contract does not expire any time soon, so there is nothing to worry about."
Icardi left head coach Roberto Mancini frustrated when he chose not to celebrate his double in the win over Palermo, but Ausilio is adamant it was of little concern.
"The fact that he did not celebrate his last goals has nothing to do with the contract talks," he said.
Icardi, meanwhile, has stressed that he is focused on his performances on the pitch and will leave negotiations to his agent."I just do what my agent advises me to do. If he tells me that my renewal is done, then that's great," he said.
"For now, I just try to focus on my performances on the pitch."My agent has told me that talks are going very well, though. He often sits down with Ausilio and talks are well under way."
The striker has scored 13 goals in 22 Serie A appearances so far this term.
Inter director Piero Ausilio is confident of reaching an agreement with Mauro Icardi over a new deal.
The Argentine attacker, 21, has developed into a key figure at the Giuseppe Meazza side since joining the club from Sampdoria in 2013 and Inter are ready to reward him with a new and improved contract.
The Serie A side have already sat down with Icardi's agent, Abian Morano, to discuss a new deal and Ausilio is optimistic they will reach a positive outcome.
"We have already sat down with his agent two or three times to discuss a new deal," Ausilio told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"For now, I would like to remind people that he signed a five-year deal when he arrived here. His contract does not expire any time soon, so there is nothing to worry about."
Icardi left head coach Roberto Mancini frustrated when he chose not to celebrate his double in the win over Palermo, but Ausilio is adamant it was of little concern.
"The fact that he did not celebrate his last goals has nothing to do with the contract talks," he said.
Icardi, meanwhile, has stressed that he is focused on his performances on the pitch and will leave negotiations to his agent."I just do what my agent advises me to do. If he tells me that my renewal is done, then that's great," he said.
"For now, I just try to focus on my performances on the pitch."My agent has told me that talks are going very well, though. He often sits down with Ausilio and talks are well under way."
The striker has scored 13 goals in 22 Serie A appearances so far this term.
Giroud: I could have joined Middlesbrough
Olivier Giroud is set to line up for Arsenal against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday, but the striker once had the opportunity to join the Riverside club.
Giroud moved to Arsenal in 2012 in a deal worth more than €16 million after helping to guide Montpellier to the Ligue 1 title in France.
But the France international, who was playing for Tours at the time, was wanted by the Teesside outfit as they attempted to return to the Premier League following relegation to the Championship, as well as Scottish champions Celtic.
"Yes, that's true [I could have joined Middlesbrough]," Giroud told the club's official website. "Middlesbrough and Celtic [also wanted to sign me].
"It was a great team…today they are close to coming back into the English Premier League. It will be nice to play against them and it will remind me of my previous years in Tours."
Giroud started on the bench in Arsenal's midweek 2-1 victory over Leicester, but replaced Alexis Sanchez during the second half.
Olivier Giroud is set to line up for Arsenal against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday, but the striker once had the opportunity to join the Riverside club.
Giroud moved to Arsenal in 2012 in a deal worth more than €16 million after helping to guide Montpellier to the Ligue 1 title in France.
But the France international, who was playing for Tours at the time, was wanted by the Teesside outfit as they attempted to return to the Premier League following relegation to the Championship, as well as Scottish champions Celtic.
"Yes, that's true [I could have joined Middlesbrough]," Giroud told the club's official website. "Middlesbrough and Celtic [also wanted to sign me].
"It was a great team…today they are close to coming back into the English Premier League. It will be nice to play against them and it will remind me of my previous years in Tours."
Giroud started on the bench in Arsenal's midweek 2-1 victory over Leicester, but replaced Alexis Sanchez during the second half.
Ancelotti: Party on, Ronaldo
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that he does not have any problems with Cristiano Ronaldo 's decision not to cancel his birthday party after his side's 4-0 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid last weekend.
The Portugal international was heavily criticised for not postponing celebrations following Madrid's thrashing at the hands of their city rivals, while some supporters protested outside the training ground after leaked images of the party circulated within social media.
Ancelotti, however, does not see any reason to punish the prolific attacker or any of his team-mates who attended the party."The party is not an issue for me. I have never judged the private lives of players and I won't start now," Ancelotti said at a press conference.
"I have no doubts about the players' professionalism. The private life of each individual is up to them. I'd be getting into their private lives if I asked the players to apologise. I only judge their professional life, on the pitch.
"The players understood the problems we had and the frustration of the fans. We now expect a reaction for everyone to see in tomorrow’s game [against Deportivo La Coruna].
"We understand the fans' frustrations very well as we feel exactly the same way.We were very sad and very angry after last week's defeat against Atletico.
"Knowing the players' character and their professionalism, I am confident the team will be able to react and be competitive once again."
The successful coach then went on to reveal that president Florentino Perez has spoken to the players over the team’s recent slump in form, yet he remains confident they will soon be back to their best again.
"The president has spoken with me and with the players. He has shown his concern over our recent performances. He always remained positive, though," he explained."When you have a good run like we had last year, there is always a chance that form will drop off a bit at some point.
"Saturday’s defeat against Atletico surprised us all, not just because of the final result, but also because of the way it happened. It was much more of a shock than in September, before the team had its own identity."But there is still plenty of time to recover and show a reaction."
Madrid remained atop the Liga table irrespective of last week's defeat, holding a one-point lead over second-placed Barcelona and four points clear of Atletico.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that he does not have any problems with Cristiano Ronaldo 's decision not to cancel his birthday party after his side's 4-0 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid last weekend.
The Portugal international was heavily criticised for not postponing celebrations following Madrid's thrashing at the hands of their city rivals, while some supporters protested outside the training ground after leaked images of the party circulated within social media.
Ancelotti, however, does not see any reason to punish the prolific attacker or any of his team-mates who attended the party."The party is not an issue for me. I have never judged the private lives of players and I won't start now," Ancelotti said at a press conference.
"I have no doubts about the players' professionalism. The private life of each individual is up to them. I'd be getting into their private lives if I asked the players to apologise. I only judge their professional life, on the pitch.
"The players understood the problems we had and the frustration of the fans. We now expect a reaction for everyone to see in tomorrow’s game [against Deportivo La Coruna].
"We understand the fans' frustrations very well as we feel exactly the same way.We were very sad and very angry after last week's defeat against Atletico.
"Knowing the players' character and their professionalism, I am confident the team will be able to react and be competitive once again."
The successful coach then went on to reveal that president Florentino Perez has spoken to the players over the team’s recent slump in form, yet he remains confident they will soon be back to their best again.
"The president has spoken with me and with the players. He has shown his concern over our recent performances. He always remained positive, though," he explained."When you have a good run like we had last year, there is always a chance that form will drop off a bit at some point.
"Saturday’s defeat against Atletico surprised us all, not just because of the final result, but also because of the way it happened. It was much more of a shock than in September, before the team had its own identity."But there is still plenty of time to recover and show a reaction."
Madrid remained atop the Liga table irrespective of last week's defeat, holding a one-point lead over second-placed Barcelona and four points clear of Atletico.
Henderson: Sterling & I happy to wait for new Liverpool contracts
Jordan Henderson says he is happy to wait until the end of the season before signing a new deal at Liverpool, and claims Raheem Sterling feels the same way.
Henderson's current deal expires in 2016 and Sterling's contract runs out 12 months later, but while club captain Steven Gerrard has urged the club to tie down the pair, the 24-year-old insists he and his team-mate are in no rush to enter into negotiations as they want to maintain their focus on on-field matters.
He told Sky Sports: "Coming from someone like him [Gerrard] it's a massive compliment, but that's just something that could distract me from my football and I don't want that to happen. I think Raheem would be the same.
"We're just really focused on our football, and our agents will sort the other side of things out. Hopefully they can work something out soon, if not then we'll just wait until the end of the season.
"It doesn't really affect us as players. It's not really up to us - it's up to the club and the agent to sort something out, and we just focus on what we're meant to do - that's play football."
Henderson has been tipped as a possible future Liverpool captain, with Gerrard set to depart for MLS at the end of the season, but he insists he is remaining relaxed over the possibility of being handed the armband.
"It's up to the manager next season to choose who he thinks is right to be captain, but my focus is on helping the team to be successful this season, and that means winning trophies, trying to get into the top four and winning as many games as we can," he added. "At the end of the season we'll see where we are at."
Jordan Henderson says he is happy to wait until the end of the season before signing a new deal at Liverpool, and claims Raheem Sterling feels the same way.
Henderson's current deal expires in 2016 and Sterling's contract runs out 12 months later, but while club captain Steven Gerrard has urged the club to tie down the pair, the 24-year-old insists he and his team-mate are in no rush to enter into negotiations as they want to maintain their focus on on-field matters.
He told Sky Sports: "Coming from someone like him [Gerrard] it's a massive compliment, but that's just something that could distract me from my football and I don't want that to happen. I think Raheem would be the same.
"We're just really focused on our football, and our agents will sort the other side of things out. Hopefully they can work something out soon, if not then we'll just wait until the end of the season.
"It doesn't really affect us as players. It's not really up to us - it's up to the club and the agent to sort something out, and we just focus on what we're meant to do - that's play football."
Henderson has been tipped as a possible future Liverpool captain, with Gerrard set to depart for MLS at the end of the season, but he insists he is remaining relaxed over the possibility of being handed the armband.
"It's up to the manager next season to choose who he thinks is right to be captain, but my focus is on helping the team to be successful this season, and that means winning trophies, trying to get into the top four and winning as many games as we can," he added. "At the end of the season we'll see where we are at."
Danilo is good enough for Real Madrid, says Jose Angel
Porto defender Jose Angel believes his team-mate Danilo has what it takes to succeed at Real Madrid amid speculation linking the Brazil international with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Champions League holders have been linked with a move for the full-back in recent weeks and Jose Angel has little doubt the 23-year-old would be up for the job."Danilo is a great full-back. I think he has what it takes to play for Real Madrid," Jose Angel told Marca .
"He would be a good option for Madrid because he has enough quality and the conditions at Madrid are quite similar to those at Porto.."He is great going forward, but also does his part in defence. It is very hard to beat him in a one-on-one and he operates very well with a lot of space.
"He reminds me a bit of Maicon in his best days at Inter, when Madrid were interested in signing him. That's why I think he would be a good fit for Madrid.
"He has been playing at a very high level at Porto. He adapted very well to the European game. It is never easy to deal with the pressure at a club like Madrid, but he has the experience to do it."
Danilo, who has a contract with Porto until June 2016, has also become a reported target for Barcelona as they look for a long-term successor to Dani Alves.
Porto defender Jose Angel believes his team-mate Danilo has what it takes to succeed at Real Madrid amid speculation linking the Brazil international with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Champions League holders have been linked with a move for the full-back in recent weeks and Jose Angel has little doubt the 23-year-old would be up for the job."Danilo is a great full-back. I think he has what it takes to play for Real Madrid," Jose Angel told Marca .
"He would be a good option for Madrid because he has enough quality and the conditions at Madrid are quite similar to those at Porto.."He is great going forward, but also does his part in defence. It is very hard to beat him in a one-on-one and he operates very well with a lot of space.
"He reminds me a bit of Maicon in his best days at Inter, when Madrid were interested in signing him. That's why I think he would be a good fit for Madrid.
"He has been playing at a very high level at Porto. He adapted very well to the European game. It is never easy to deal with the pressure at a club like Madrid, but he has the experience to do it."
Danilo, who has a contract with Porto until June 2016, has also become a reported target for Barcelona as they look for a long-term successor to Dani Alves.
Alexis a doubt but Gabriel in line to make Arsenal debut
Arsene Wenger has revealed that Alexis Sanchez is a doubt for Arsenal's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Middlesbrough on Sunday but Gabriel Paulista is in line to make his debut.
Alexis has scored 18 goals in 33 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners since completing a €42 million move from Barcelona in the summer but has been struggling with a hamstring injury that restricted him to just 68 minutes against Leicester City on Tuesday.
Ramsey limped out of that match and Wenger has confirmed the Welshman will not be risked, while Jack Wilshere is not yet ready to return as he recovers from the latest in a long line of ankle injuries.
"Ramsey will be out. He has a little hamstring strain. Sanchez could be short [of fitness]. Wilshere is back but misses competition," Wenger told reporters.
Wenger added that January arrival Gabriel could be set to make his first appearance for Arsenal since his move from Villarreal against Middlesbrough, who shocked Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the previous round of the competition.
"Gabriel is very close to making his debut," the Gunners boss revealed. "He has the ability, good pace and he's good in the air."
Arsene Wenger has revealed that Alexis Sanchez is a doubt for Arsenal's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Middlesbrough on Sunday but Gabriel Paulista is in line to make his debut.
Alexis has scored 18 goals in 33 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners since completing a €42 million move from Barcelona in the summer but has been struggling with a hamstring injury that restricted him to just 68 minutes against Leicester City on Tuesday.
Ramsey limped out of that match and Wenger has confirmed the Welshman will not be risked, while Jack Wilshere is not yet ready to return as he recovers from the latest in a long line of ankle injuries.
"Ramsey will be out. He has a little hamstring strain. Sanchez could be short [of fitness]. Wilshere is back but misses competition," Wenger told reporters.
Wenger added that January arrival Gabriel could be set to make his first appearance for Arsenal since his move from Villarreal against Middlesbrough, who shocked Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the previous round of the competition.
"Gabriel is very close to making his debut," the Gunners boss revealed. "He has the ability, good pace and he's good in the air."
Robben is a machine, says Van der Vaart
Hamburg skipper Rafael van der Vaart admits Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben will take some stopping when the two sides meet at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.
Van der Vaart has hailed his compatriot's mental strength and feels his former Real Madrid team-mate is one of the best players in the world at present.
"Robben is a machine. We have to hope Arjen has a bad day on Saturday," Van der Vaart was quoted as saying by TZ."Arjen is among the five best players in the world at the moment in my opinion."He has gone through difficult moments in the past, like when he missed the penalty against [Borussia] Dortmund in 2011-12, but he is incredibly strong mentally.
"We face one hell of a tough task to stop him."Robben has been a key figure for Bayern so far in 2014-15, netting 14 goals in 21 appearances in all competitions.
The attacker sits second in the Bundesliga goalscoring charts with 12 goals, trailing leader Alexander Meier by two.
Hamburg skipper Rafael van der Vaart admits Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben will take some stopping when the two sides meet at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.
Van der Vaart has hailed his compatriot's mental strength and feels his former Real Madrid team-mate is one of the best players in the world at present.
"Robben is a machine. We have to hope Arjen has a bad day on Saturday," Van der Vaart was quoted as saying by TZ."Arjen is among the five best players in the world at the moment in my opinion."He has gone through difficult moments in the past, like when he missed the penalty against [Borussia] Dortmund in 2011-12, but he is incredibly strong mentally.
"We face one hell of a tough task to stop him."Robben has been a key figure for Bayern so far in 2014-15, netting 14 goals in 21 appearances in all competitions.
The attacker sits second in the Bundesliga goalscoring charts with 12 goals, trailing leader Alexander Meier by two.
Nasri: Chelsea are nothing special - they will make mistakes
Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri does not think Chelsea are a special team and is backing Jose Mourinho's side to slip up in the Premier League title race.
The Blues' last-gasp victory over Everton on Wednesday maintained their seven-point lead over City as Manuel Pellegrini's side returned to winning ways against Stoke City.
Nasri was among the scorers at the Britannia Stadium as the champions secured their first three points since New Year's Day, with Sergio Aguero also netting his first goals since the beginning of December.
And the former Arsenal midfielder is confident they will close the gap at the top, insisting they have shown themselves to be better than the current league leaders.
"I'm a big fan of Mourinho but I am not impressed with his team, not at all," he told reporters. "We have played them twice, one time with 10 men, and we were better than them. Then we played them at the Bridge, and we were better than them.
"When I have seen some of their games, I don't think they are that fantastic – they are just strong and have a good striker up front.
"For me they are not special at all, and I think they are going to make some mistakes. We just have to perform, to win our games, and see what's going to happen. This title will be like this until the end of the season. No one will win the league 10 games before the end of the season.
"Two months ago we were eight points behind Chelsea and came back and went level with them. Now we are seven points behind but are not going to make big talk about it. We will just try to get as many points as possible and wait for the mistake.
"They won in the last minute against Everton, so maybe next time they will draw. We just have to win our games and see what will happen. The season is still long, they have the Champions League and the final of the League Cup as well, so have a lot of games to play.
"If we reach 90 points we will be champions of England. If we win all of our games, it will put pressure on Chelsea. Sometimes we lack consistency but we are improving and next week we will have Yaya [Toure] and [Wilfried] Bony back and are really confident about the future."
Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri does not think Chelsea are a special team and is backing Jose Mourinho's side to slip up in the Premier League title race.
The Blues' last-gasp victory over Everton on Wednesday maintained their seven-point lead over City as Manuel Pellegrini's side returned to winning ways against Stoke City.
Nasri was among the scorers at the Britannia Stadium as the champions secured their first three points since New Year's Day, with Sergio Aguero also netting his first goals since the beginning of December.
And the former Arsenal midfielder is confident they will close the gap at the top, insisting they have shown themselves to be better than the current league leaders.
"I'm a big fan of Mourinho but I am not impressed with his team, not at all," he told reporters. "We have played them twice, one time with 10 men, and we were better than them. Then we played them at the Bridge, and we were better than them.
"When I have seen some of their games, I don't think they are that fantastic – they are just strong and have a good striker up front.
"For me they are not special at all, and I think they are going to make some mistakes. We just have to perform, to win our games, and see what's going to happen. This title will be like this until the end of the season. No one will win the league 10 games before the end of the season.
"Two months ago we were eight points behind Chelsea and came back and went level with them. Now we are seven points behind but are not going to make big talk about it. We will just try to get as many points as possible and wait for the mistake.
"They won in the last minute against Everton, so maybe next time they will draw. We just have to win our games and see what will happen. The season is still long, they have the Champions League and the final of the League Cup as well, so have a lot of games to play.
"If we reach 90 points we will be champions of England. If we win all of our games, it will put pressure on Chelsea. Sometimes we lack consistency but we are improving and next week we will have Yaya [Toure] and [Wilfried] Bony back and are really confident about the future."
Hodgson: I will play Rooney as a striker
Roy Hodgson insists he will play Wayne Rooney as a striker when England face Lithuania, despite his recent move into midfield at Manchester United.
The England captain has regularly been deployed in a more withdrawn role at Old Trafford this season, with Louis van Gaal often opting to field Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao or Angel Di Maria as a striker.
Rooney has even dropped into defensive midfield in recent weeks, but Hodgson insists he will field the 29-year-old up front when England face Lithuania in their Euro 2016 qualifier on March 27 and in the subsequent friendly against Italy.
"Well, he's a goalscorer, isn't he?" he told reporters. "So one always likes to see one's goalscorers in positions where they can get into the box, and around the box.
"If you've got several other goalscorers and you can afford to use one of your goalscorers a bit further back, that's fine. But he's our top goalscorer in the qualifiers, he's just a few goals away now from being England's leading goalscorer, so I hope he will continue to score goals for us."
Rooney has scored 46 times for England and is just three strikes off Bobby Charlton's all-time record for his country.
Roy Hodgson insists he will play Wayne Rooney as a striker when England face Lithuania, despite his recent move into midfield at Manchester United.
The England captain has regularly been deployed in a more withdrawn role at Old Trafford this season, with Louis van Gaal often opting to field Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao or Angel Di Maria as a striker.
Rooney has even dropped into defensive midfield in recent weeks, but Hodgson insists he will field the 29-year-old up front when England face Lithuania in their Euro 2016 qualifier on March 27 and in the subsequent friendly against Italy.
"Well, he's a goalscorer, isn't he?" he told reporters. "So one always likes to see one's goalscorers in positions where they can get into the box, and around the box.
"If you've got several other goalscorers and you can afford to use one of your goalscorers a bit further back, that's fine. But he's our top goalscorer in the qualifiers, he's just a few goals away now from being England's leading goalscorer, so I hope he will continue to score goals for us."
Rooney has scored 46 times for England and is just three strikes off Bobby Charlton's all-time record for his country.
Scholes: Manchester United don't attack - their football is miserable
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has hit out at Louis van Gaal's team, labelling their football "miserable" and claiming they do not show enough attacking intent.
Despite sitting third in the Premier League the Red Devils have been criticised for their playing style this season, and were booed off at half-time of their 3-1 win over Burnley on Wednesday.
That followed comments made by West Ham manager Sam Allardyce that United had worn down the Irons with a series of long balls in their 1-1 draw at Upton Park - to which Van Gaal reacted by angrily presenting a statistical dossier to journalists at a press conference.
Scholes believes the current squad at Old Trafford are not taking enough risks in moving the ball forward and are suffering because of it.
"It does not give me any pleasure to say that at the moment I am struggling to watch Louis van Gaal's team with any great enjoyment," he wrote in his column for The Independent.
"They beat Burnley on Wednesday but it was Burnley who had by far the best of the first half. At times, United's football is miserable.
"To beat opposing teams you have to attack, and to attack you have to take risks. Too few of the players in the current team are prepared to take those risks.
"As a midfielder at United I had to pass the ball forward and, yes, it did not always work. It did not always mean putting a chance on a plate for the strikers. It was up to them to get on the ball and score goals.
"Was it easy? No, but we were playing for United. It was not supposed to be easy.
"Of the current team, Angel Di Maria has taken more risks than any other player and, unfortunately, for him it has not worked out. He has given the ball away a lot for very little return.
"Otherwise there seems to be an emphasis on possession. I would go further than that: there is an obsession with possession."
United's struggles have not been helped by the lack of goals provided by Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie - the pair have managed just 14 Premier League goals so far this term and have been criticised at times for their apparent lack of work-rate.
And Scholes cannot understand why a proven goalscorer in Wayne Rooney is being forced into midfield to allow the duo to play together.
"I feel they [Van Persie and Falcao] look like strangers at times, while Wayne Rooney is moved around the team to accommodate them," he added.
"Wayne can play anywhere on the pitch. He is so willing, and he will give you at least a 7/10 performance most times.
"Against Burnley he ended up as a defensive midfielder. At other times he has been pushed out to the right-hand side, where he will look for the strikers early or switch the play.
"But if Van Gaal does not think Rooney is a better option up front than the other two then there really is a problem."
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has hit out at Louis van Gaal's team, labelling their football "miserable" and claiming they do not show enough attacking intent.
Despite sitting third in the Premier League the Red Devils have been criticised for their playing style this season, and were booed off at half-time of their 3-1 win over Burnley on Wednesday.
That followed comments made by West Ham manager Sam Allardyce that United had worn down the Irons with a series of long balls in their 1-1 draw at Upton Park - to which Van Gaal reacted by angrily presenting a statistical dossier to journalists at a press conference.
Scholes believes the current squad at Old Trafford are not taking enough risks in moving the ball forward and are suffering because of it.
"It does not give me any pleasure to say that at the moment I am struggling to watch Louis van Gaal's team with any great enjoyment," he wrote in his column for The Independent.
"They beat Burnley on Wednesday but it was Burnley who had by far the best of the first half. At times, United's football is miserable.
"To beat opposing teams you have to attack, and to attack you have to take risks. Too few of the players in the current team are prepared to take those risks.
"As a midfielder at United I had to pass the ball forward and, yes, it did not always work. It did not always mean putting a chance on a plate for the strikers. It was up to them to get on the ball and score goals.
"Was it easy? No, but we were playing for United. It was not supposed to be easy.
"Of the current team, Angel Di Maria has taken more risks than any other player and, unfortunately, for him it has not worked out. He has given the ball away a lot for very little return.
"Otherwise there seems to be an emphasis on possession. I would go further than that: there is an obsession with possession."
United's struggles have not been helped by the lack of goals provided by Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie - the pair have managed just 14 Premier League goals so far this term and have been criticised at times for their apparent lack of work-rate.
And Scholes cannot understand why a proven goalscorer in Wayne Rooney is being forced into midfield to allow the duo to play together.
"I feel they [Van Persie and Falcao] look like strangers at times, while Wayne Rooney is moved around the team to accommodate them," he added.
"Wayne can play anywhere on the pitch. He is so willing, and he will give you at least a 7/10 performance most times.
"Against Burnley he ended up as a defensive midfielder. At other times he has been pushed out to the right-hand side, where he will look for the strikers early or switch the play.
"But if Van Gaal does not think Rooney is a better option up front than the other two then there really is a problem."
FA Cup Fixtures 2015.02.14
FA Cup Fixtures 2015.02.14
WBA Vs West Ham
Blackburn Vs Stoke City
Derby Country Vs Reading
Crystal Palace Vs Liverpool
WBA Vs West Ham
Blackburn Vs Stoke City
Derby Country Vs Reading
Crystal Palace Vs Liverpool
La Liga 2015.02.14 Fixtures
La Liga 2015.02.14 Fixtures
Sevilla Vs Cordoba
Real Madrid Vs Deportivo
Malaga Vs Espanyol
Granada Vs Athletic Bilbao
Sevilla Vs Cordoba
Real Madrid Vs Deportivo
Malaga Vs Espanyol
Granada Vs Athletic Bilbao
Serie A 2015.02.14 Fixtures
Serie A 2015.02.14 Fixtures
Sassuolo Vs Fiorentina
Palermo Vs Napoli
Sassuolo Vs Fiorentina
Palermo Vs Napoli
Crystal Palace 1-2 Liverpool: Lallana completes comeback and sends Reds into last eight
Adam Lallana was the hero as Liverpool banished their Selhurst Park demons and booked a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Brendan Rodgers' men suffered a chastening 3-1 loss in south-east London earlier this season and the hosts suggested a repeat when Fraizer Campbell gave them a 15th-minute lead.
But Liverpool had only lost twice in 21 games across all competitions since that reverse last November and they brushed off a frustrating first half when Daniel Sturridge equalised with a fine volley after 49 minutes.
And Lallana scored decisively when a free-kick from substitute Mario Balotelli shortly before the hour proved too hot for Julian Speroni to handle, ensuring Palace could not muster a repeat of their famous semi-final triumph over the same opponents 25 years ago.
Dwight Gayle came off the bench to score twice in the dramatic 3-3 draw that dealt a decisive blow to Liverpool's Premier League title bid last season and the recalled forward was instrumental in the game's opening goal.
Martin Skrtel misjudged a punt forward from Joe Ledley, allowing Gayle to head at the on-rushing Simon Mignolet before Campbell slotted home the rebound.
A brilliant 20th-minute save by Speroni stopped Lallana - in for the cup-tied Jordon Ibe - from bringing Liverpool level when he smashed goalwards at the end of an intricate passing move, while home defender Scott Dann slid to block a drilled Philippe Coutinho effort.
Speroni was called upon again with half an hour played as Jordan Henderson arrowed in a swerving drive a minute before Palace debutant Pape Souare's clumsy challenge on Sturridge in the area went unpunished.
Lazar Markovic lashed over in the 41st minute but, despite their constant pressure, Liverpool required a sharp stop by Mignolet from Gayle to prevent them from being further behind at half-time.
Balotelli replaced fellow midweek goalscorer Markovic at the interval, while Palace boss Alan Pardew also sent on Jason Puncheon in place of Marouane Chamakh.
The patient build-up play Liverpool displayed throughout the first half was rewarded early in the second when Henderson floated a ball to the back post for Sturridge to volley firmly through Speroni's legs.
Palace bustled forward looking to restore their lead and Mignolet reacted well to turn Gayle's bobbing strike behind after a corner was partially cleared, but the turnaround was completed in the 58th minute with Balotelli to the fore.
Some quick footwork allowed the Italy international to draw a foul on the edge of the box from Scott Dann and Speroni could only block his resulting low free-kick into the path of Lallana, who made no mistake.
Set-pieces appeared to be Palace's best route back into the match as Mignolet punched uncertainly in the 63rd minute.
But it was a rare blot on an assured performance from the often-maligned Belgian goalkeeper, who was booked for time-wasting in stoppage time but played a full part in seeing Rodgers' team through to the last eight.
Adam Lallana was the hero as Liverpool banished their Selhurst Park demons and booked a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Brendan Rodgers' men suffered a chastening 3-1 loss in south-east London earlier this season and the hosts suggested a repeat when Fraizer Campbell gave them a 15th-minute lead.
But Liverpool had only lost twice in 21 games across all competitions since that reverse last November and they brushed off a frustrating first half when Daniel Sturridge equalised with a fine volley after 49 minutes.
And Lallana scored decisively when a free-kick from substitute Mario Balotelli shortly before the hour proved too hot for Julian Speroni to handle, ensuring Palace could not muster a repeat of their famous semi-final triumph over the same opponents 25 years ago.
Dwight Gayle came off the bench to score twice in the dramatic 3-3 draw that dealt a decisive blow to Liverpool's Premier League title bid last season and the recalled forward was instrumental in the game's opening goal.
Martin Skrtel misjudged a punt forward from Joe Ledley, allowing Gayle to head at the on-rushing Simon Mignolet before Campbell slotted home the rebound.
A brilliant 20th-minute save by Speroni stopped Lallana - in for the cup-tied Jordon Ibe - from bringing Liverpool level when he smashed goalwards at the end of an intricate passing move, while home defender Scott Dann slid to block a drilled Philippe Coutinho effort.
Speroni was called upon again with half an hour played as Jordan Henderson arrowed in a swerving drive a minute before Palace debutant Pape Souare's clumsy challenge on Sturridge in the area went unpunished.
Lazar Markovic lashed over in the 41st minute but, despite their constant pressure, Liverpool required a sharp stop by Mignolet from Gayle to prevent them from being further behind at half-time.
Balotelli replaced fellow midweek goalscorer Markovic at the interval, while Palace boss Alan Pardew also sent on Jason Puncheon in place of Marouane Chamakh.
The patient build-up play Liverpool displayed throughout the first half was rewarded early in the second when Henderson floated a ball to the back post for Sturridge to volley firmly through Speroni's legs.
Palace bustled forward looking to restore their lead and Mignolet reacted well to turn Gayle's bobbing strike behind after a corner was partially cleared, but the turnaround was completed in the 58th minute with Balotelli to the fore.
Some quick footwork allowed the Italy international to draw a foul on the edge of the box from Scott Dann and Speroni could only block his resulting low free-kick into the path of Lallana, who made no mistake.
Set-pieces appeared to be Palace's best route back into the match as Mignolet punched uncertainly in the 63rd minute.
But it was a rare blot on an assured performance from the often-maligned Belgian goalkeeper, who was booked for time-wasting in stoppage time but played a full part in seeing Rodgers' team through to the last eight.
Real Madrid 2-0 Deportivo: Isco and Benzema get Liga leaders back on track
Real Madrid got their title charge back on track on Saturday as Isco and Karim Benzema sealed a 2-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna.
Carlo Ancelotti's side had a week to lick their wounds after suffering a humiliating 4-0 hammering at the Vicente Calderon and they got back on track at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday courtesy of a goal in each half.
Cristiano Ronaldo and some of his team-mates came in for criticism after being pictured at the Portugal captain's 30th birthday party just hours after the loss against Atleti and they responded by securing a ninth successive home win the league.
Ronaldo and Gareth Bale struck the crossbar in the first half and Depor midfielder Celso Borges hit the post after the break as the visitors showed the confidence of a side fresh from back-to-back wins over Rayo Vallecano and Eibar.
The prolific Ronaldo has now gone three club games without scoring for the first time since 2013, but he looked by no means out of sorts and laid on the second goal for Benzema as Real stretched their lead over Barcelona, who play Levante on Sunday.
Real left-back Marcelo returned from suspension to replace the injured Fabio Coentrao, while Asier Illarramendi got the nod in the absence of Sami Khedira (hamstring).
Pablo Insua missed out due to suspension, so centre-back Manuel Pablo came into the Depor starting line-up.
Ancelotti said he expected his side to respond in a positive manner to their derby defeat, but they had two early scares as Isaac Cuenca twice came close to opening the scoring.
The former Barcelona man first played a lovely one-two with Lucas Perez before his strike from a tight angle was kept out by Iker Casillas, and Cuenca then just failed to hit the target with a measured strike from 20 yards out.
Real soon got into their stride, though, and Ronaldo's venomous effort rattled the crossbar 12 minutes in after Bale had laid the ball off for the Portugal forward, with some great defending from Laure denying Benzema following up.
Bale struck the woodwork six minutes later with another rasping drive, but Real were in front 22 minutes in courtesy of a classy finish from Isco.
Benzema guided the ball across the face of goal after a dangerous cross from the lively Bale wreaked havoc in the Depor defence and, although Ronaldo was unable to apply the finish, Alvaro Arbeloa's cutback fell kindly for Isco and he found the far corner of the net with a fine right-foot finish.
After almost being caught cold at the start of the first half, Real were also found to be sluggish just after the break when Borges' strike hit the post.
Real were living dangerously and Oriol Riera's effort was bound for the back of the net before Casillas produced an agile save to deny the striker.
Lucas Silva came on for his Real debut with 20 minutes remaining and the European champions doubled their lead courtesy of a clever finish from Benzema two minutes later.
Ronaldo was the architect, poking the ball through for the France striker, who dinked it over the advancing Fabricio and into the net.
Bale's dipping free kick was fisted away by Fabricio and Ronaldo volleyed just wide after great work from Jese Rodriguez as Real, who saw Marcelo limp off late on, finished with a flourish to underline their title credentials.
Real Madrid got their title charge back on track on Saturday as Isco and Karim Benzema sealed a 2-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna.
Carlo Ancelotti's side had a week to lick their wounds after suffering a humiliating 4-0 hammering at the Vicente Calderon and they got back on track at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday courtesy of a goal in each half.
Cristiano Ronaldo and some of his team-mates came in for criticism after being pictured at the Portugal captain's 30th birthday party just hours after the loss against Atleti and they responded by securing a ninth successive home win the league.
Ronaldo and Gareth Bale struck the crossbar in the first half and Depor midfielder Celso Borges hit the post after the break as the visitors showed the confidence of a side fresh from back-to-back wins over Rayo Vallecano and Eibar.
The prolific Ronaldo has now gone three club games without scoring for the first time since 2013, but he looked by no means out of sorts and laid on the second goal for Benzema as Real stretched their lead over Barcelona, who play Levante on Sunday.
Real left-back Marcelo returned from suspension to replace the injured Fabio Coentrao, while Asier Illarramendi got the nod in the absence of Sami Khedira (hamstring).
Pablo Insua missed out due to suspension, so centre-back Manuel Pablo came into the Depor starting line-up.
Ancelotti said he expected his side to respond in a positive manner to their derby defeat, but they had two early scares as Isaac Cuenca twice came close to opening the scoring.
The former Barcelona man first played a lovely one-two with Lucas Perez before his strike from a tight angle was kept out by Iker Casillas, and Cuenca then just failed to hit the target with a measured strike from 20 yards out.
Real soon got into their stride, though, and Ronaldo's venomous effort rattled the crossbar 12 minutes in after Bale had laid the ball off for the Portugal forward, with some great defending from Laure denying Benzema following up.
Bale struck the woodwork six minutes later with another rasping drive, but Real were in front 22 minutes in courtesy of a classy finish from Isco.
Benzema guided the ball across the face of goal after a dangerous cross from the lively Bale wreaked havoc in the Depor defence and, although Ronaldo was unable to apply the finish, Alvaro Arbeloa's cutback fell kindly for Isco and he found the far corner of the net with a fine right-foot finish.
After almost being caught cold at the start of the first half, Real were also found to be sluggish just after the break when Borges' strike hit the post.
Real were living dangerously and Oriol Riera's effort was bound for the back of the net before Casillas produced an agile save to deny the striker.
Lucas Silva came on for his Real debut with 20 minutes remaining and the European champions doubled their lead courtesy of a clever finish from Benzema two minutes later.
Ronaldo was the architect, poking the ball through for the France striker, who dinked it over the advancing Fabricio and into the net.
Bale's dipping free kick was fisted away by Fabricio and Ronaldo volleyed just wide after great work from Jese Rodriguez as Real, who saw Marcelo limp off late on, finished with a flourish to underline their title credentials.
Bayern Munich 8-0 Hamburg: Robben and Ribery strike as champions run riot
Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller produced inspirational displays as Bayern Munich demolished Hamburg 8-0 at the Allianz Arena.
Pep Guardiola had demanded more from the Bundesliga champions prior to Saturday's game, after they had begun 2015 in uncharacteristically inconsistent fashion.
And Bayern responded in style, as they once again hammered Hamburg - opponents they put nine past in the corresponding fixture two seasons ago - with Robben and Muller to the fore.
Muller began the rout from the penalty spot, before Mario Gotze and a brilliant Robben strike put them 3-0 up at the break.
Robben added his second two minutes after the restart - his 14th goal in 17 Bundesliga appearances this season - before Robert Lewandowski and Muller made it six before the hour.
Franck Ribery, returning from his thigh injury, came off the bench to make it 7-0, before Gotze rounded the scoring off two minutes from time as Bayern warmed up for their Champions League last-16 trip to Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday in perfect fashion.
It did not take long for the hosts' intense pressing to force an error in the Hamburg defence, but Jaroslav Drobny did well to deny Muller after Robben's incisive pass in the fourth minute.
Robben and Muller continued to terrorise the Hamburg defence, and it was the latter who made the breakthrough from the spot in the 21st minute.
Rafinha, making his first appearance of 2015 following an ankle injury, saw his cross strike the arm of Ronny Marcos and Muller coolly swept home the resulting penalty.
It took Bayern just two minutes to extend their lead, Gotze smashing in from close range after Drobny failed to hold on to Muller's powerful drive.
The champions were now rampant, and Robben put the result beyond doubt nine minutes before the interval.
The Dutchman cut inside in trademark fashion after a lethal Bayern counterattack and curled a delightful effort in off the post from 30 yards.
Bayern opened up a four-goal lead a minute after the break, as Robben cruised past Ronny and beat Drobny at the near post.
Their fifth followed swiftly, Muller doubling his tally for the day with a sumptuous effort from 25 yards, curling it into the bottom-right corner.
Hamburg had no answer to Bayern's frontline and Lewandowski added the sixth a minute after, tapping in from close range following Muller's squared pass.
Guardiola then introduced Ribery for his first taste of action in 2015 and it took the Frenchman just 10 minutes to make his mark, pouncing on a rebound and slotting in from close range.
And Gotze was on hand to join Robben and Muller with a brace in the game as Bayern posted yet another thrashing of Hamburg.
West Brom 4-0 West Ham: Brown and Berahino bury hapless Hammers
West Brom are into their first FA Cup quarter-final since 2008 after Brown Ideye's double helped to ensure a 4-0 win over Premier League rivals West Ham.
The Nigeria international striker - who has found form following the recent appointment of Tony Pulis at the Hawthorns - scored either side of James Morrison's first-half stunner to help seal progression against the 10-man Hammers.
The hosts led after 20 minutes courtesy of Ideye's third goal in as many games and again made the most of their first-half dominance to double the advantage before the break.
While Adrian got a touch to Morrison's long-range strike shortly before the interval, the West Ham goalkeeper could not keep it out, with Ideye's second early in the second half effectively ending the game as a contest.
West Ham - without the injured trio of Andy Carroll, James Collins and Winston Reid - almost gained a foothold when Gareth McAuley cleared Diafra Sakho's header off the line but the dismissal of Morgan Amalfitano and Saido Berahino's 72nd-minute strike capped a dismal outing for Sam Allardyce as Pulis's men eased into the last eight.
West Ham had the first opportunity as Mark Noble - recalled to the starting XI by Allardyce - earned an early free kick that Aaron Cresswell curled over before the home side saw penalty appeals waved away as Kevin Nolan appeared to handle.
Craig Gardner was named as West Brom's replacement for cup-tied midfielder Darren Fletcher and the former Sunderland man fired wide on the volley soon after in an enterprising start for the hosts.
When Enner Valencia was fouled by Morrison, Noble this time fired his free kick over, before West Brom took the lead.
Craig Dawson crossed for Ideye in the centre and, amid suspicions of offside, the in-form forward tucked home the opener to pave the way for West Brom's first prolonged spell of pressure.
Morrison forced Adrian into a smart save before Gardner came close to making it 2-0 when he crashed a long-range strike against the crossbar eight minutes before the break.
However, West Brom's positivity in midfield paid off when Morrison surged to the edge of the area and unleashed a swerving strike that gave Adrian no chance.
Ideye needed just 12 second-half minutes to double his tally - making the most of Stephane Sessegnon's deflected cross to head past Adrian and put the game beyond the visitors.
Sakho saw a header saved by Ben Foster, before McAuley cleared off the line, with Allardyce's misery compounded when substitute Amalfitano was shown two yellow cards.
The midfielder replaced Nolan, but, after being booked for a swipe at Chris Brunt, he was reprimanded again for pushing the West Brom captain in the face as the two clashed in the flashpoint moment.
Berahino added a fourth against the London club - who are now winless in four matches - as Pulis' side remain on course for a repeat of their 2008 semi-final run.
West Brom are into their first FA Cup quarter-final since 2008 after Brown Ideye's double helped to ensure a 4-0 win over Premier League rivals West Ham.
The Nigeria international striker - who has found form following the recent appointment of Tony Pulis at the Hawthorns - scored either side of James Morrison's first-half stunner to help seal progression against the 10-man Hammers.
The hosts led after 20 minutes courtesy of Ideye's third goal in as many games and again made the most of their first-half dominance to double the advantage before the break.
While Adrian got a touch to Morrison's long-range strike shortly before the interval, the West Ham goalkeeper could not keep it out, with Ideye's second early in the second half effectively ending the game as a contest.
West Ham - without the injured trio of Andy Carroll, James Collins and Winston Reid - almost gained a foothold when Gareth McAuley cleared Diafra Sakho's header off the line but the dismissal of Morgan Amalfitano and Saido Berahino's 72nd-minute strike capped a dismal outing for Sam Allardyce as Pulis's men eased into the last eight.
West Ham had the first opportunity as Mark Noble - recalled to the starting XI by Allardyce - earned an early free kick that Aaron Cresswell curled over before the home side saw penalty appeals waved away as Kevin Nolan appeared to handle.
Craig Gardner was named as West Brom's replacement for cup-tied midfielder Darren Fletcher and the former Sunderland man fired wide on the volley soon after in an enterprising start for the hosts.
When Enner Valencia was fouled by Morrison, Noble this time fired his free kick over, before West Brom took the lead.
Craig Dawson crossed for Ideye in the centre and, amid suspicions of offside, the in-form forward tucked home the opener to pave the way for West Brom's first prolonged spell of pressure.
Morrison forced Adrian into a smart save before Gardner came close to making it 2-0 when he crashed a long-range strike against the crossbar eight minutes before the break.
However, West Brom's positivity in midfield paid off when Morrison surged to the edge of the area and unleashed a swerving strike that gave Adrian no chance.
Ideye needed just 12 second-half minutes to double his tally - making the most of Stephane Sessegnon's deflected cross to head past Adrian and put the game beyond the visitors.
Sakho saw a header saved by Ben Foster, before McAuley cleared off the line, with Allardyce's misery compounded when substitute Amalfitano was shown two yellow cards.
The midfielder replaced Nolan, but, after being booked for a swipe at Chris Brunt, he was reprimanded again for pushing the West Brom captain in the face as the two clashed in the flashpoint moment.
Berahino added a fourth against the London club - who are now winless in four matches - as Pulis' side remain on course for a repeat of their 2008 semi-final run.
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