..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho optimistic on Cahill and Costa injuries

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is hopeful that neither Gary Cahill nor Diego Costa will be kept out of action by injuries suffered in Tuesday's friendly against Barcelona.

Cahill was withdrawn with a possible broken nose after taking a blow while scoring a late equaliser in their International Champions Cup game in Washington. The game finished 2-2 before the Blues went on to win 4-2 win on penalties.

Costa featured for an hour before he was replaced by Loic Remy after feeling a twinge in his troublesome hamstring but Mourinho was not overly concerned by the injuries to two of his key players.

"Cahill has a chance of a broken nose, maybe yes, maybe no," he explained to reporters. "If no, perfect. If yes, he will get a mask tomorrow to be ready for Sunday [the Community Shield match against Arsenal].

"Diego felt a little thing in his hamstring. We believe it is just a feeling, no more than that, but we have to wait."

Mourinho also admitted he thoroughly enjoyed the game as a spectacle in a stadium awash with colour.

"My first thought when I got on the pitch was the amazing colour of the game," he added. "The crowd was beautiful. The blue guys and the Barcelona people were together. There was lots of colour. The screens were amazing.

"Barcelona were not worried about winning or losing. They were training - the same as us. It was not a tactical game. It was two teams looking for the best intensity, the best form.

"For me it was fantastic. I thanked Luis Enrique a lot for what they gave us. It was just what we needed.

"It was 2-2; it could have been 4-4. The penalties mean nothing for us, nothing for Barca, but for the people it means a lot.

"The 70,000 or so people that were here go home happy. It was good promotion for soccer in the US and good for the promotion of our clubs."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Begovic: I came to Chelsea to test myself against Courtois

Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic believes that he can challenge Thibaut Courtois to become first choice for the Premier League champions.

The Bosnia-Herzegovina international joined the Blues from Stoke City in July, signing a four-year contract in the wake of Petr Cech's departure for Arsenal.

The long-serving Cech was a clear second choice behind Courtois last season but Begovic welcomes the challenge of unseating the Belgian.

"I want to test myself against Thibaut. He's one of the best goalkeepers in the world but I believe in myself. I want to try and get as many games as I can," he told reporters.

"There have been no guarantees from the manager. The challenge that's here, the manager and players was what attracted to me.

"I'll back myself, absolutely. I’ll be keeping my head down and working hard to see how I can help this team in the future."

Begovic denies joining Chelsea purely for money and believes that he will improve testing himself against the best.

"Obviously everyone has their opinion but, for me, it was more of a challenge to try something different," he explained. "I think I was at that stage where I want to test myself against the best and that's ultimately what I've come here to do.

"Even after the first week, you can see the quality here and how they can improve you with the levels and demands here."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rakitic: It's not easy playing with Messi, Neymar and Suarez

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic insists it is not as easy to play with Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez as people suggest.

The forward trio helped fire the Catalans to a European and domestic treble last season and have been hailed as one of game's finest attacking combinations of all time.Rakitic says the team are happy to work to serve the attackers, but admits it's hard work covering them defensively.

"Many people say that it is very easy to play with them," he told Marca. "I don't agree."They are players of a different level and if we play for them is because they have earned it, but that does not mean it's easy.

"And if I have to run 5,000 kilometers to one of them to have their best moment, I will do it. We do it."All teams would like to have Leo, but fortunately we have him with us and we will take care of him as best we can."He does things that no one else can do. Life is easiest with him and if we can make it even better, perfect."

Rakitic also revealed he is keen to add three more trophies to his collection between now and the end of the year.He added: "In a short time, we are going to play for two more titles: the Uefa Supercup and Spanish Supercup and at the end of the year, the Club World Cup.

"It's so beautiful, we fight for trophies and we make a sacrifice in being away from our families."Sevilla have been reinforced very well, it will be very difficult against them. We know each other very well.

"I know Unai Emery will prepare the game very well. We will be prepared, and see if we can win the first title of the season."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney excited by new Manchester United signings

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney is confident that the club's new signings will help to ensure a successful 2015-16 campaign.

Louis van Gaal has been busy in the transfer market, recruiting the likes of Memphis Depay, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin and Matteo Darmian as he looks to assemble a squad capable of winning the Premier League title.

And Rooney believes that the new additions will provide United with "an extra gear" as they aim to improve on last season's fourth-placed finish.

He told MUTV: "We've had new players come in, quality players, and we feel they can give us an extra gear to what we had last season.

"Obviously the lads who were here already understand how the manager wants us to work. For the first couple of months last season it was probably a bit difficult to take everything in and go out and perform but we fully understand what the manager wants and, now we've added a few players, it's exciting.

"I feel we have the right squad in terms of hoping to be successful in the new season and I think it's an exciting time for the team."

Rooney highlighted the signing of Depay from PSV, noting that the strike duo have been working on improving their partnership in training. He said: "It's still early days [for us playing together] but obviously Memphis is a fantastic talent.

"We're still working on things in training to try to get better together and get a better understanding of each other’s games which is important."

United have beaten Club America, San Jose Earthquakes and Barcelona in their three pre-season games thus far and Rooney believes that the preparation for the new campaign could not have been better.

"It's always a difficult game against Barcelona but to get the victory and with the way we played made it very satisfying," he added.

"A lot of the younger players came on for the last 30 minutes and did really well against a quality team. That will give them a lot of confidence.

"We know pre-season is hard work but it's important we do as well as we can and be ready for the start of the season. In terms of preparation and games it couldn't have gone any better."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Former Barcelona president blasts Perez

Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez has been labelled a "zero as a president" by his former Barcelona counterpart Joan Gaspart.

Madrid have lifted three league titles, two Champions Leagues and the Club World Cup during Perez's two stints at the helm, while also spending big money on a host of star names.

Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and David Beckham all arrived in the early 2000s, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale have also been signed for record fees in recent years.

However, Gaspart, who was Barcelona president during Perez's first spell at Madrid, says he is a good person but still resents his presidential style after buying Luis Figo from Barca in 2000.

“I have a good relationship with Perez," he told Cope. "I have great respect for him as a businessman too,” Marca reports Gaspart telling Cope.

“There are three different facets to Florentino Perez: Human, businessman and sporting. As a human being he is one of a kind, a great person and I like him very much.“As a businessman, again he is one of a kind, exemplary. And as president of Real Madrid, a zero. A zero means he is that bad. I don’t like him."What he did with Luis Figo did me much harm personally and much harm to my team.

“He did a lot of damage in the way he did that. He’s not my cup of tea as Madrid president, but that changes when you know him as a person and a businessman.”
This summer has seen both clubs wave goodbye to legendary players. But while Xavi left Barca on good terms, Iker Casillas departed Madrid under a cloud of controversy.“You have to respect the ways of other clubs," Gaspart said. "Xavi went through the front door because Barca won the treble last season and because he was the captain and it's what he deserved.

“Iker, sadly, left in a discreet way. I would have liked it if he could have said goodbye to the fans but, let’s face it, the Madrid fans didn’t behave very well towards Iker at the end.“I wouldn’t have minded paying Iker’s clause when I was Barca president. He would have been a great goalkeeper for us.

“Iker would have loved playing for Barca but as a Madrid player, it would have been very difficult to play for another club in Spain."That’s why he’s gone to Porto. It’s close to home, but abroad.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kovacic can be a superstar at Inter - Guarin

Fredy Guarin has labelled Inter team-mate Mateo Kovacic a future "superstar" who can flourish anywhere on the field.

The 21-year-old joined the club from Dinamo Zagreb in 2013 and scored five goals and made three assists in 35 Serie A games last term.However, Guarin says supporters are yet to see the best of him.

“Kovacic has already done great things, but he hasn’t exploded yet," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"With the right team around him, he can become a superstar, regardless of the role he plays.“We haven’t seen the real Mateo yet.”

The Colombia international was also full of praise for coach Roberto Mancini, who has made a number of high-profile signings this summer after inheriting Walter Mazzarri's squad upon his appointment back in November.Geoffrey Kondogbia, Martin Montoya and Miranda have bolstered an Inter side that finished eighth last season and Guarin believes he is beginning to shape the team in his image.

“He makes all the difference in the world,” he added.“He has charisma and experience. Now he has chosen his players, he can guide us back to the top.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Reus flattered by interest...but won't leave Dortmund - agent

Marco Reus' agent says there is no chance the winger will leave Borussia Dortmund this summer.

The 26-year-old ended speculation over his future by signing a new contract in February, but has again been linked with other clubs after Dortmund failed to qualify for the Champions League.However, his agency, SportsTotal, insist he is perfectly happy at Signal Iduna Park.

"We read the rumours that are circulating about an alleged transfer for Marco," the representatives told TuttoJuve."We can say with certainty that the player is having a wonderful time at Borussia and is flattered by the interest of many European teams, but recently decided to stay in Dortmund."

Reus joined Dortmund from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2012 and has won two DFL Supercup titles with the club.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

De Bruyne unsure of next move as Wolfsburg welcome Manchester City offer

Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking admits that an offer from Manchester City for Kevin De Bruyne would be considered as the midfielder remains in the dark over his future.

On Monday, De Bruyne said that he is weighing up his options amid interest from City and Paris Saint-Germain, but Wolfsburg's stance on the 24-year-old's availability appears to have softened with Hecking's latest comments.

At the end of June, Wolfsburg's sporting director, Klaus Allofs, was adamant that the club had no plans to sell the Belgium international and were aiming to extend the midfielder's contract - but the coach now claims that a bid from City would not be immediately dismissed.

"At the moment, there is no official offer," Hecking told Wolfsburger Allgemeine Zeitung. "If there is one, we will deal with it and take a decision."

City remain confident of reaching a deal, but are awaiting the outcome of a delicate political game between the player and club, with neither party wanting to be seen to force the issue.

"I have no idea where I will play next season," said De Bruyne.

"We have to see what happens between the clubs. If there will be a transfer, I will have to explain the ‘why' afterwards.

"Everything would have to fit."

De Bruyne's current deal with Wolfsburg runs until June 2019.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Official: Szczesny joins Roma on loan

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has joined Roma on a season-long loan deal.

The 25-year-old lost his place in the Gunners' first team after being caught smoking in the dressing room following the 2-0 loss to Southampton on New Year's Day, with David Ospina's fine form keep him out of the starting XI.

The arrival of Petr Cech from Chelsea in an £11 million deal has pushed Szczesny further down the pecking order and he will now spend the 2015-16 campaign away from the Emirates Stadium.

Goal revealed last week that Roma were interested in signing Szczesny and they will reportedly pay a €400,000 (£281,000) loan fee with a view to a permanent deal, with Ospina and Damian Martinez to compete with Cech.

Szczesny has not turned out for the Gunners in the Premier League since the incident at Southampton, although Arsene Wenger has previously gone on record to deny the goalkeeper was dropped as a result of his misdemeanour.

However, the Poland international was retained for the majority of the club's run to the FA Cup final, starting in five of the club's six games as they won at Wembley for the second consecutive season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Benitez cools Mourinho war of words

Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez has opted to play down the reignited feud between himself and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, instead looking only to "speak about football" at a press conference on Wednesday.

Benitez's wife Montse reopened the pair's long-running rivalry when she playfully suggested the ex-Napoli boss had been appointed as Carlo Ancelotti's successor to help clear up the "mess" left by Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2013 after he was previously appointed at Inter and Chelsea shortly after the Portuguese enjoyed successful stints with both.

Mourinho consequently launched a scathing attack at Benitez's wife and suggested "she needs to occupy her time and if she takes care of her husband's diet she will have less time to speak about me".

The Chelsea manager also accused Benitez of undoing his good work at Inter following their treble success, but Benitez was in no mood to keep the argument going."Mourinho's comments? I'm the Real Madrid coach. I like football, I understand football and for this reason I only speak about football.

"We are here [in China] to prepare for the game against AC Milan and a tour that is going very well."I want to talk about the present and the future, which I hope will be here at Madrid for many years."

Benitez was also questioned about potential moves for David de Gea and Marco Reus, but made it clear that no decisions have been made regarding Madrid's transfer plans as of yet."I already have a great team and I am happy with my players. I am focused only on preparing for this last game of the tour against Milan.

"When we get back to Madrid we will make a more in-depth study and evaluate the squad. Today, I’m only thinking about the group and this group is very good.
"If I can improve the team, then I will try to do that. I am focused on trying to get the players to improve day by day."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Everton reject Chelsea's second Stones bid

Chelsea have had a second, improved, offer for John Stones rejected by Everton, Goal can confirm.

Jose Mourinho returned with a £28 million bid for the 21-year-old after an initial £20m approach had been rejected out of hand by the Toffees, who are determined to keep hold of the defender.

The nature of Chelsea’s move for Stones has caused some friction between the two clubs, as well as Mourinho and Roberto Martinez, with the Portuguese eager to sign one of his key targets this summer.

But the England international was informed on Tuesday, prior to playing in Everton’s friendly 2-0 win over Dundee, that Chelsea’s latest offer had been rejected, though he remains hopeful that a move can eventually be agreed and Everton are open to doing a deal should an offer in the region of £35m be tabled.

Stones is seen as a long-term heir to John Terry, 34, while the likes of Branislav Ivanovic and Gary Cahill are also approaching the latter stages of their careers.

Mourinho had hoped to add the versatile defender to his ranks, though has previously appeared irritated with the nature of Chelsea’s pursuit of a player that cost just £3m when he moved from Barnsley to Everton.

“We are all in a strange world,” said ‘the Special One’ earlier this month, referring to Everton’s unwillingness to sell, “we think it [the transfer market] is open but it is not.”

Nevertheless, Mourinho seems prepared to play a waiting game in order to land his man, while the Toffees continue to monitor potential replacements including Manchester United’s Jonny Evans and Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi and Neymar available for start of season

Barcelona's Copa America stars - including Lionel Messi and Neymar - will be available for the club's opening fixtures of the season.

Messi was unable to break his trophy duck on the international stage as Argentina lost the Copa final to hosts Chile, for whom Barca goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was the successful captain, while Brazil were eliminated at the quarter-final stage by Paraguay.

Barca's Copa America contingent will return to training over the coming days, with Brazil duo Neymar and Dani Alves available for Sunday's friendly against Fiorentina.Messi, compatriot Javier Mascherano and Bravo are due to return to training on Monday and will be given the chance to get their eye in against Roma next Wednesday.

Barca will hope the limited preparations will have their South American stars in shape for the European Super Cup clash with Sevilla and Supercopa de Espana versus Athletic Bilbao, before their Liga campaign begins against the Basque side.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Blind rejected 'incredible contract' from Arsenal as youngster

Daley Blind has revealed he rejected the chance to move to Arsenal as a youngster in favour of staying at Ajax.

The full-back spent a day with the Gunners and was offered an "incredible contract" by the club but opted to remain at the Amsterdam ArenA and try to replicate his father, Danny, who captained Ajax.

Blind, who also turned down advances from Atletico Madrid in 2013, eventually signed for Manchester United last summer to be reunited with former Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal.

"I had the chance to move to London at a young age. I was in the Ajax academy and one day I came home from school," he told Helden. "I thought they were taking the mickey. It was my dream to be a player in the first team of Ajax but we went to Arsenal.

"We were there for a day. It was great. They offered to sort out everything for my schooling, so I could get my A levels. They also offered me an incredible contract, especially for a boy of my age. Ajax offered me a contract too at the same time.

"The money was nowhere near what I could earn at Arsenal. My dad left it up to me and I decided to stay at Ajax. I let a lot of money slip away then. I can understand why some players, whose families need the money, say yes to clubs of Arsenal’s size.

"I said no, partially because I was lucky to have everything I needed at home. The other reason I decided to say no, was that secretly I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my dad, Danny. He had been captain of Ajax, won every trophy in the world with them."

Blind admits he regretted the decision after failing to get a run in the first team under Martin Jol, being sent on loan to Groningen, but was afforded the chance to impress once Frank de Boer was appointed manager.

He added: "It looked as if I wouldn’t get a chance at Ajax under Jol. That is when it kept going through my head: ‘If only I had said yes to Arsenal, I would be playing in London every week instead of being on loan in this place’.

"I was so relieved when I heard that Martin Jol had gone. A week later Frank de Boer, who took over, brought me straight back and put me in the first team. I was his new left-back!"

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Filipe Luis: My Chelsea spell was not a failure

Filipe Luis insists his spell with Chelsea in the Premier League should not be considered a disappointment.

The Brazil international left Vicente Calderon for Stamford Bridge 12 months ago, despite having lifted the Liga title with Atletico Madrid, but made just 26 appearances in all competitions under Jose Mourinho.

However, having won both the Premier League and League Cup during his one season in England before rejoining Diego Simeone's side, the 29-year-old says he does not regret the move.

"I'm very happy to be back here after a year," he said to reporters. "It was a very nice experience at Chelsea and I won the Premier League. "Many people think it went badly, but for me it was the opposite. It was a great season, I learned a lot, I played games in a different league."

Filipe Luis is also determined to win back the affection of Atletico fans despite having briefly turned his back on the club."This is my home and my best years have been here. I never disconnected from Atletico, I never stopped watching games," he continued.

"When I left to try a new experience, I knew from day one it would be difficult as I left a family here. That's the concept we have in the dressing room. I felt like I never left.

"My team-mates have been spectacular. I have never lost touch with them, I watched some Atletico matches last season and they watched some of mine.

"With regards to the fans, whenever I've played in the Atletico shirt I have given all that I can, I think I will win the fans [back] on the field and not with words."You should always perform at your best regardless of the time you wear the shirt. I hope to perform at my best."

The former Deportivo defender is excited to return to action in Spain's top flight in 2015-16, although he admits the English game enjoys a better infrastructure."The Premier League is organised better, the stadiums are full, the games are more attractive because there are almost no fouls and no stoppages in the game," he added.

"But La Liga has something special, too. Every team has a lot of quality."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Guardiola will return to Barcelona at the right moment - Xavi

Former Barcelona star Xavi has backed Pep Guardiola to return to the club when he feels the time is right.

Guardiola enjoyed remarkable success at Camp Nou before stepping down in 2012 and, with his Bayern Munich contract up next summer, rumours abound that he could quit the Allianz Arena.

Manchester City have been mooted as his next destination, while a role as either coach or sporting director back with Barca has also been suggested, and Xavi has little doubt his old boss will return.

"I enjoyed a very successful period with Pep at Barcelona and I know he'll choose the right moment to return to the club," Xavi, now of Al Sadd, told the club's official website.

The experienced midfielder has also once more hit out at the manner of Iker Casillas' exit from Real Madrid this summer, with the goalkeeper afforded a hastily-arranged tribute just prior to his move to Porto.

"He's a friend and one of the greatest in this sport. I'm disappointed with how he left Real Madrid, he deserved a lot better," the former Spain midfielder said.Xavi, who moved to Qatar this summer after a trophy-laden career in Europe, went on to reiterate his stance in the debate over who is the better player between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

"Cristiano is a great player but Messi is the greatest in the history of football," he said.The 35-year-old spoke warmly of his brief time in Qatar so far and is determined to enjoy success with the club.

"[Former Spain and Al Sadd star] Raul only told me good things about his spell with Al Sadd. Everyone has treated me excellently," he added."This team is like a family, that's helped me to adapt. I've come to win trophies."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Allegri: I was angry with Morata's attitude

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri admits he was left angry by Alvaro Morata's attitude in the 2-1 friendly win over Lechia Gdansk on Wednesday.

The Spain international was brought on for the second half of the game but was hauled off just 25 minutes later, well before Mario Mandzukic's last-gasp winning goal.

Having been replaced by Juve academy graduate Alberto Carri, Morata stormed off down the tunnel despite being told to sit in the dugout, and Allegri admits he was less than impressed by what he saw overall."Today wasn’t his day, I didn't like what he did," he said after the match.

"Apart from the tactical errors, I didn't like his attitude. Things didn't go his way and he stopped [playing]. That's why I decided to change him."I was angry with him out there, but he was bold later on and went out to train on his own."

Juve's next pre-season clash is with Marseille on Saturday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Drogba mobbed by Montreal Impact fans

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been mobbed by fans at his arrival in Montreal after signing for local MLS club the Impact.

Drogba posted a video on Twitter of a packed arrivals hall at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport on Wednesday, with fans held back by security guards, and the 37-year-old forward in the foreground, nodding at the camera with a satisfied look on his face.The former Cote d'Ivoire international wrote: "First steps on Canadian soil, what a welcome @impactmontreal."

The Impact tweeted a picture of Drogba holding one of their club scarves with the accompanying line: "You were waiting for this: Didier Drogba!"

Drogba signed with Montreal on Monday as part of a trade deal with Chicago Fire, committing to the Canadian club until the end of the 2016 MLS season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Flamini thanks Mourinho for Cech 'favour'

Mathieu Flamini has thanked Jose Mourinho for selling Petr Cech to Arsenal.

Cech completed an £11 million move to the Emirates in June, with the 33-year-old calling time on his nine-year spell with the Blues.

Flamini admits that he was shocked by Mourinho's decision to allow Cech to leave and believes it could yet come back to haunt him, with the former Blues shot-stopper set to face his old team-mates once again in Sunday's Community Shield.

"I was surprised by Mourinho because he really doesn't do that," he is quoted as saying by the Daily Telegraph.

"He's a competitor and usually doesn't like to sell any players to his rivals, but it's a good favour for us and now we have to take advantage. That's why we have been lucky on this one.

"It's very important. Not only for his quality but also for his character. When you play at the top level, the leaders on the pitch make the difference. Not only when things go well but especially when things go bad. So, for us, Petr Cech is a top signing. He is someone with character, someone with a winning mentality."

Flamini initially left Arsenal in 2008 before returning five years later and the Frenchman believes the club has progressed immeasurably since his first departure.

"I can feel Arsenal now is different to the club I left in 2008. I don't think any of the key players left in the last two years. It's a great example," he added.

"And each year we have added quality players like Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Petr Cech. These are players who can make the difference at any moment. So I think we have a very good chance."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United 0-2 PSG: Ibrahimovic strikes as Van Gaal's men flounder

Manchester United's defenders were put to the sword as Paris Saint-Germain won the United States leg of the International Champions Cup thanks to a 2-0 victory in Chicago on Wednesday.

Much of the build-up was centred on Angel Di Maria's imminent switch from United to PSG, and manager Louis van Gaal's reported unwillingness to invest in a new centre-back, following reports prime transfer target Sergio Ramos has agreed a new deal to remain at Real Madrid.

And the Dutchman was handed a timely wake-up call before the club's Premier League opener against Tottenham on August 8 as PSG's attack ripped through United's defence in front of 61,351 fans at Soldier Field.

United's back four of Matteo Darmian, Phil Jones, Daley Blind and Luke Shaw were up against it from the outset as Blaise Matuidi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic put the French champions in control at half-time.

France international Matuidi outmuscled Jones and Shaw for the opening goal in the 25th minute, and the United duo were at fault again nine minutes later as Sweden captain Ibrahimovic doubled the lead with ease.

PSG's third win in four matches ensured they topped the ICC standings ahead of New York Red Bulls on goal difference, and a point clear of defending champions United.

Bastian Schweinsteiger started his first match for United as Van Gaal named close to a full-strength XI, with Wayne Rooney, David de Gea, Memphis Depay, Juan Mata, Darmian, Shaw and Michael Carrick all included.

PSG fielded an equally as strong line-up: Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, Lucas Moura, Marco Verratti, Maxwell and Matuidi were all selected.

De Gea - starting in goal for the second consecutive match amid interest from Real Madrid - almost gifted PSG a second-minute opener after kicking the ball straight to Ibrahimovic but the striker skied his shot over the crossbar.

United's attack appeared disjointed, though Rooney linked up with Memphis in the 16th minute, cutting the ball back to the Dutchman, who struck his effort wide of the post.

PSG, playing on the counter attack, opened up United's defence nine minutes later as Matuidi broke the deadlock moments after Mata had a goal ruled out for offside.

Shaw and Jones were unable to deal with Matuidi, who showed tremendous strength before poking the ball past De Gea, who left himself stranded, with relative ease.

United were carved up again nine minutes later, this time Ibrahimovic the beneficiary. Maxwell picked out an unmarked Ibrahimovic between Jones and Shaw on the edge of the six-yard box and the striker made no mistake from close range.

Depay came close to reducing the deficit three minutes later after Kevin Trapp parried the Dutchman's free-kick into danger, though PSG somehow managed to clear their lines.

As expected, both teams made substitutions at the break, with David Luiz, Edinson Cavani, Marquinhos, Morgan Schneiderlin and Andreas Pereira introduced, while De Gea was withdrawn.

The half-time changes stemmed the flow for United, but they still struggled to create any dangerous opportunities, as their attack remained disorganized with Rooney isolated up front.

And while opportunities were at a premium in the second half, substitute Youssouf Sabaly came close to extending PSG's advantage with a powerful strike that flashed just wide of the post with 13 minutes

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal unsure of Di Maria whereabouts as Blanc says deal is 'close to an end'

Louis van Gaal has admitted he does not know where Manchester United’s record signing Angel Di Maria is, with the Argentine’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain edging towards a conclusion.

Di Maria failed to report back for pre-season training as planned on July 25, with Van Gaal confirming he had not boarded a plane to meet his team-mates in San Jose as planned.

And after United went down 2-0 to PSG in a pre-season game in Chicago on Wednesday night, the Dutchman claimed to have no idea of his player’s whereabouts, while his opposite number Laurent Blanc revealed that talks are at an advanced stage.

“I don’t know where he is,” Van Gaal admitted to a press conference after the International Champions Cup clash at Soldier Field, but Blanc was able to shed more light on the 27-year-old’s situation.

“Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are two big clubs, and negotiations can be difficult but we are close to an end,” confirmed the Frenchman.

Di Maria moved to Old Trafford in a £59.7 million move from Real Madrid in August 2014, but struggled to fully adapt after a promising start and made only 20 starts in the Premier League last season.