..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

aniwa Otamendi miss karagaththa eka nam aparadejohns hitiya neda bench eke
johns cb gassala blind i LB gassuwa nam meta wada gamek denna thibba.

Ow bro Jones bench hitiya.Kiwwath wage Jones CB dala Blind or McNair LB dammanam shape.Ath LVG karannema Young wa LB dana 1kane

Okkomath hari epa wenne Depay wa 45th minute sub karapu 1kaamuthu tactics thiyenne LVG ge​

 

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Pellegrini: Only Messi and Ronaldo are better than Aguero

Manchester City star Sergio Aguero is up there with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo among the best players in the world, according to his manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Aguero scored five goals in 20 minutes as City thrashed Newcastle United 6-1 in the Premier League on Saturday.

Last season's golden boot winner had made a slow start to the season, but his haul took his tally to six in the league.

Pellegrini believes only superstars Messi and Ronaldo are better than his 27-year-old forward.

"After what we have seen [against Newcastle] of course Kun [Aguero] is at that level," Pellegrini said.

"I have already said that, after Ronaldo and Messi, he is the best player in the world.

"But the important thing - not only for Kun but as a team - is that we must continue to improve.

"We need to win the Premier League again and to win the Champions League, because Messi and Ronaldo are always involved in that competition and that’s very important for a player.

"I'm very happy for us that in Kun we have a very important player. He always makes important things in competitions."

Aguero patta

 

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Mertesacker hails Alexis and Ozil

Per Mertesacker has lauded the impact of both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil in the wake of Arsenal's 3-0 Premier League win over Manchester United.

Alexis netted twice in Sunday's victory, while Ozil also found the net as the Gunners ran riot in the opening 20 minutes of the clash, racing into a three-goal lead.

And Mertesacker has hailed the duo after their performances, highlighting their importance to the club.

"It's very important that they find each other in the final third," Mertesacker told Arsenal's official website when questioned about Arsenal's goalscorers.

"We are very dangerous on the break and even more so with Alexis and Ozil."

Mertesacker was also unsurprised with Arsenal's lightning quick start to the game, and insists they are well aware of their own abilities.

He added: "We pushed really hard in the first 10 or 15 minutes and after that we tried to defend as well as possible, and most of the time we did that.

"The start was not shocking for us, I think we are capable of doing that, but we have to kind of remind ourselves that we can do such things."

Arsene Wenger's side sit second in the table, having climbed above United with the win.

Theo Striker widiyata play karanna gaththta passe Ozil essera Real hitapu kale wage play karanwa

 

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Ow bro LEW & Muller ge peformance patta & hoda fight 1kak denna wenawa bro Bayern lawa defeat karannahabai bari naha bro team 1kama 100% dunnoth​

ow bari kamak nam naekohomahari bayern la ekka 1 match 1k hari win karanna one.naththam eliye thamai

Ow bro Jones bench hitiya.Kiwwath wage Jones CB dala Blind or McNair LB dammanam shape.Ath LVG karannema Young wa LB dana 1kane

Okkomath hari epa wenne Depay wa 45th minute sub karapu 1kaamuthu tactics thiyenne LVG ge​

eka thami johns wa gassana thibbe.
Depay sub kale thwa goals concede wei kiyala mama hithanne.
young ge defensive work depay ta wada hoda nisa wenna athi young thiyagaththe.
ane manda machan api hithana widiyta nemene manger lage tactics.
wenger ox wa bench karala ramsey wing wala play karawanneth oya nisa thamai

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Falcao confident of Chelsea turnaround

Chelsea striker Radamel Falcao is confident his team can turn their awful start to the Premier League season around.

Jose Mourinho's men have won just two of their opening eight league games to sit 16th in the table, with their latest defeat a 3-1 loss at home to Southampton.

Falcao, who is on loan at Chelsea from Monaco, has only started once in the league this season, with six appearances off the bench.

But the 29-year-old believes Mourinho's side can bounce back to winning ways after the international break.

"I'm OK. Growing up, every day I feel better," Colombian international Falcao said on Monday.

"If the results are not the best in Chelsea, we have the capacity to reverse the situation."

Despite his lack of game time, Falcao will lead Colombia into their World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Uruguay.

Goalkeeper and international team-mate David Ospina said he had no doubts over Falcao's form.

"We know the quality of Falcao," he said. "We are calm."

As for his side's clash against Peru on Thursday, Ospina said Colombia were wary.

"We must respect the work of Peru. They are excellent players with a mix of experience and youth. They have important players in their respective teams," he said.

"They are strong defensively, and have a great goalkeeper with great forwards and are a very compact team."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klopp would suit Liverpool, insists Emre Can

Liverpool defender Emre Can believes Jurgen Klopp has the potential to be a success at Anfield.

Brendan Rodgers was sacked on Sunday following a stuttering start to 2015-16 and a previous campaign in which the Reds finished sixth, 25 points behind leaders Chelsea.

Speaking before Rodgers' sacking, Can praised Klopp's work at Borussia Dortmund, whom he led to two Bundesliga titles and a Champions League final prior to his Signal Iduna Park departure this summer.

“Jurgen Klopp is certainly a great coach," the former Bayer Leverkusen player, 21, told Die Welt.

"I think he has demonstrated at Dortmund that he can suit any team in the world."

Can has been deployed primarily as a centre-back this season, with Rodgers choosing to field a three-man back-line, and suggested that the players also had to take some responsibility for their hit-and-miss form.

"We had a dip in form at Liverpool for a few games, which has cost us," Can added, who subsequently was at fault for Everton's goal in Liverpool's 1-1 draw that proved to be Rodgers' final game.

"Although the blame's been put mainly on coach Rodgers but, at the end of the day, we players have to be responsible for the situation at Liverpool. Rodgers has done good work at Liverpool - always."

Can also spoke of admiration for former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who moved to MLS with LA Galaxy at the end of the 2014-15 season.

"I remember a moment when we were on the bus, focused on a match against Chelsea. I had been previously injured and had rarely played," the Germany international continued.

"He sat down shortly before kick-off to me and said: 'Emre, time to shine'. That makes you happy when such a great player comes to you on its own and says something."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo's not untouchable - Benitez

Rafa Benitez says it is a “myth” that Cristiano Ronaldo is untouchable in his Real Madrid starting XI, despite being “the best player in the world”.

The Portugal international is one of only three players – alongside goalkeeper Keylor Navas and left-back Marcelo – to have played every single minute of action so far in 2015-16.

This contrasts with the repeat substitutions of striker Karim Benzema, who has become “fed up” of rarely playing an entire match; but Benitez is adamant Ronaldo isn't getting special treatment and could be dropped if it helped the Blancos win.

“To say he enjoys untouchable status is another myth,” he told Cadena SER. “I talk to Cristiano every day, he will be given rest when he needs rest.

“Otherwise, he will give his maximum for the team, we agree on that aspect. He's always on the field because he's always creating and scoring goals. But I wouldn't hesitate to bench him.”

Benitez also reiterated that Ronaldo, who has won three Ballons d'Or during his prodigious career, is unmatched by Lionel Messi, Neymar or anyone else in world football right now.

“Cristiano is a great professional and an incredible footballer,” the former Liverpool and Napoli coach added. “It doesn't faze me training him, though, that's beyond doubt.

“Our relationship is getting better and better. For me, he is the best player in the world.”

Real Madrid are second in La Liga after seven games, one point behind surprise leaders Villarreal and level with arch-rivals Barcelona.

 

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Deschamps: I won't sub Benzema

France head coach Didier Deschamps says he will not be taking Rafael Benitez's approach of regularly substituting striker Karim Benzema.

The striker has been been taken off in six of his eight appearances under the Real Madrid boss and admitted he was frustrated at making way for Mateo Kovacic in the 77th minute against Atletico Madrid last time out despite having headed his team into the lead.

Benzema, 27, is now with the national side ahead of friendly matches against Armenia and Denmark, with Deschamps full of praise for a man who has scored 25 international goals.

"I won't substitute him," he said. "Benzema is a team player, he is very important for us.

"He always wants to score with us, but scoring is not everything to him."

Despite rarely playing for the full 90 minutes, Benzema has still produced an impressive goal return having scored seven form his eight games in all competitions.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fernandez: Nolito on Barcelona radar

Barcelona are looking at potential signings for the January transfer window and technical secretary Robert Fernandez has confirmed that Celta Vigo attacker Nolito is being watched by the club.

The Camp Nou side's ban from registering new players is coming to an end, with close-season arrivals Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal set for the green light to make their debuts in 2016, but it is the former Benfica winger who is attracting most attention.

"The winter market is not easy. Nolito? He is a good player and he is showing it Sunday after Sunday," Fernandez told Radio Catalunya .

Robert admitted a string of injuries had weakened Luis Enrique's squad, which makes further additions more likely, though he did warn the mid-season market can be a difficult one to operate in.

"We have time to think if we sign someone and that is the most important thing.

"We are looking at things because we have an obligation to do so.

"We would be fine without injuries, but there is no denying that these problems have weakened us. We are looking at the possibility of signing someone, but we must be very calm.

On his side's bid to have Turan registered prior to the end of the transfer ban following Rafinha's injury and Barcelona's request to Fifa, Fernandez was not particularly hopeful.

"The idea that Arda can play now because of the Rafinha injury is difficult, it is a legal matter," he said. "We are all waiting for Arda and Aleix.

"I find it difficult to see them playing before January, but still do not have an answer. We are expecting that at any moment."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lewandowski's stunning form 'does not make Poland a better team'

Robert Lewandowski's brilliant goalscoring form for Bayern Munich does not make Poland a better team than they were a year ago, according to Scotland assistant manager Mark McGhee.

The two sides meet in a crucial Euro 2016 qualification clash on Thursday with Gordon Strachan's side six points adrift of their second-placed visitors in fourth place in Group D, knowing a defeat will end their hopes of reaching the finals in France.

Lewandowski has scored an astonishing 12 goals in his last four appearances for Bayern as well as topping the qualification charts with 10 in eight Poland matches in this campaign, but McGhee does not think they are any better than the team Scotland faced when drawing 2-2 in Warsaw in October 2014.

"Lewandowski is in form and scoring goals," said the Scotland number two. "He has proven to be a fantastic acquisition for Bayern Munich, but in general I don't think they are that different from a year ago than we are. I don't know that as a team they have improved.

"I don't think they have left us behind in any way. We have total respect for him, a fantastic player - but we have players in form as well, players who scored at the weekend.

"Lewandowski is the guy they hope will get goals for them so we have to pay him attention. Poland are dangerous, they will feel they can score, but I don't think we intend to do anything different than we have done until now. We will still be very difficult to beat.

"If they are going to do better than us they are going to have to do well. We feel we have to match them in every area."

Poland are two points behind group leaders Germany, who face the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.

 

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Neymar will stay at Barcelona for his 'entire life' - Robert

Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernandez has asserted that Neymar will spend his entire playing career at Barcelona.

The Brazil forward is in contract negotiations with the Spanish champions, which Robert insists are going according to plan.

Indeed, he is hopeful that Neymar, 23, will remain with Barca for even longer than the duration of his next deal.

"We are getting on with the renewal of Neymar and it is going fine," Robert told Radio Catalunya.

"I do not think it is going to be any kind of problem.

"I have no doubt that Neymar will spend his entire life at Barcelona.

"He shows me that every day. He is very happy and has no problems whatsoever to continue wearing the Barca shirt for many years."

Robert also insisted the club would not hurry the recovery of Lionel Messi after his injury against Las Palmas on September 26.

"We should not rush Messi. He must fulfil his expected eight weeks of recovery and I do not think we will ever force a player's recovery," he affirmed

After losing to Sevilla last time out, Barcelona return to action after the international break with a game against Rayo Vallecano on October 17.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ramos out of Spain Euro 2016 squad

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has been ruled out of Spain's final Euro 2016 qualifiers, as the nation seek to confirm a place at next year's finals with a single point.

The Spanish Football Federation confirmed on its website that Nacho Fernandez had been summoned to replace Ramos, who reported for national team duty on Tuesday but was soon on his way home after consulting doctors.

The 29-year-old centre-back hurt his shoulder during a Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk, an injury that was expected to keep him out for up to a month.

As he arrived to training, Ramos had affirmed that the final decision on whether he appears in the upcoming matches would be taken by the team medics.

"I am how I am, it’s an injury which needs four weeks and I would be coming back in just over two," he told reporters as he entered the Las Rozas complex, without any bags.

"Some people value that, others don’t, I am not looking for a medal but obviously injuries need a certain time that you have to respect.

"Sometimes you skip that because there are big games ahead and that is what the doctors and coach will have to decide."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool close in on Klopp: Third time lucky for FSG as they FINALLY get their man


It's taken Fenway Sports Group a fair old time but as they approach their five-year anniversary as Liverpool's owners, Jurgen Klopp finally appears to be in their grasp.

At the start of January 2011, Roy Hodgson was requesting more time to buy his own players and impart his philosophy at the club. Over in Dortmund, Klopp was distancing himself from reports linking him with the Liverpool job.

Klopp was out of Liverpool's orbit at the time, while he was busy restoring Borussia Dortmund to the very top of the European game. And while there was no official approach, he insisted, there was already a deep admiration.

The German manager's cold shoulder did not stop FSG reaching out again a year later when club legend Kenny Dalglish, Hodgson's replacement, was released from his second spell in the Anfield dugout.
The former Mainz boss was a premier candidate on the list of potential successors in 2012, as the owners believed a young, unconventional appointment would be the best way to re-energise and rebuild. But still, Klopp was unattainable.

"I have been made aware of interest in England, and it is an honour to be linked with big clubs in the Premier League," he said. "I love it here and have no intention of changing clubs."

Brendan Rodgers was appointed in June 2012, and on Sunday, like with Hodgson four years earlier, he was hoping he'd be afforded more time. Again, like four years earlier, Klopp was in the background, but this time it was different.

This time, FSG are odds-on to finally land their man and Goal understands the 48-year-old has indicated his interest in taking over at Anfield.

Negotiations with the double German Manager of the Year are at an advanced stage, with the understanding he will head to Merseyside in the next 48 hours. The club are confident of finalising matters by Friday.

Klopp is expected to bring with him his former assistant at Dortmund, Zeljko Buvac, as well as the coach, Peter Krawietz.

That would see another overhaul of Liverpool's backroom staff, with uncertain futures for Sean O'Driscoll and Gary McAllister, who were only appointed in the summer.
Early indications are that the highly-rated Pepijn Lijnders, who was promoted from his role with the Under-16s to become first-team development coach in July, will be retained. Alex Inglethorpe, too, should remain in charge at the Academy.

The club are eager to finalise all matters as soon as possible, to give the new manager enough time to prepare for the trip to Tottenham on October 17.

Liverpool must also still agree a compensation figure with Rodgers, who was under contract until 2018. The 42-year-old has travelled to Malaga for a short holiday following his dismissal. It will be a period of relaxation, but also reflection.

When the Northern Irishman was released by Reading in December 2009, he headed to Dubai for 10 days where he reviewed his tenure and made personal notes on his experiences. Rodgers should be entitled to £10 million from Liverpool, but it is thought he will be offered £7m.

The 42-year-old has dealt with his departure in a dignified manner, and is expected to take a break before considering his next job.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi tax fraud charges dropped

Lionel Messi has seen charges of tax evasion against him dropped as prosecutors in Catalunya instead seek 18 months' imprisonment for his father, Jorge Messi.

The Barcelona star had been accused of avoiding €4.1 million in tax obligations from 2007 to 2009, related to payments on image rights.

But Spanish authorities opted to get rid of the charges against him, marking his father as the sole person responsible for the alleged fraudulent acts.

"It is not plausible to think that his unawareness of events was intentional, or carried out seeking to defraud the Public Treasury," the prosecutor's ruling explained.

As such, the office deemed that, given Messi's age and close links with his father, it was Jorge who looked after the player's business interests and "control of tax obligations".

Messi could, however, be called upon to testify in the case against Jorge, who has acted as his son's agent throughout his professional career.

As well as a possible custodial sentence, Messi Sr could face a fine of €2m if found guilty on the charges.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Benitez: Defensive? My Napoli team scored 104 goals!

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has rejected arguments that he is a defensive coach, pointing again to the fact that his Napoli side scored 104 times last season.

The former Chelsea and Liverpool manager has seen his approach questioned following a 1-1 derby draw with Atletico Madrid on Sunday, when he replaced striker Karim Benzema with midfielder Mateo Kovacic when his side were 1-0 up with 13 minutes to go.

The move appeared to hand Atletico the initiative and Luciano Vietto duly grabbed an equaliser in the closing stages - just the second goal that Madrid have conceded in seven Primera Division games this season.

"Do you believe I told the team to sit that deeply?" Benitez replied when asked on radio show 'El Larguero' about the thought process behind the change.

"I come from a Napoli team who scored 104 goals. Do you think I'm going to be hyper-defensive with Real Madrid? A team that creates chances and is great in possession is not defensive.

"Another matter is if Atletico oblige you to defend. This was not something we'd practised. We sent on Kovacic to strengthen the wing but Atleti pushed and pushed."

Benitez shrugged off the criticism that followed the draw and insisted that his immediate focus is working with the players who are not on international duty.

He added: "I've been made aware that there was some [criticism] but I'm focused on coaching the few players that remain. I don't read the press that much.

"The important aspect is what we have done and what I say to my people. I don't suffer when I read the press. There are certain matters that are out of my remit."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klopp on Liverpool speculation: Wait and see...


Jurgen Klopp has refused to confirm nor deny whether he is close to filling the vacant Liverpool manager's chair.

Goal understands the Reds have made a formal approach to the German and are closing in on their No.1 target, currently unattached after a successful seven-year spell with Borussia Dortmund.

But questioned on a possible move to Merseyside on Tuesday, Klopp brushed aside reporters.

"There's nothing to say," he told Bild when asked about the possibility of returning to management in the Premier League.

"Neither a definite yes nor a definite no. I'm going home now."

Reporters were unable to quiz Klopp further, as he laughed and walked off without passing further comment.

Liverpool are primed to hold further talks with Klopp and hope to announce his appointment by the end of the week, with the 48-year-old set to be handed a three-year deal.

The club's owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are keen to confirm their new manager as soon as possible, after Brendan Rodgers's tenure came to an end on Sunday following a 1-1 draw with Everton.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Muller is Germany's key, say Gundogan and Boateng

Ilkay Gundogan and Jerome Boateng have highlighted the importance of Thomas Muller ahead of Germany's Euro 2016 qualifying double-header against the Republic of Ireland and Georgia.

The Bayern Munich attacker Muller has scored 13 goals in 13 games for club and country in the 2015-16 campaign, including a double in Germany's 3-2 win in Scotland last month.

That win took Joachim Low's men to the brink of qualification - a draw in Dublin on Thursday will be enough for them to secure a place in France next summer - and Gundogan and Boateng feel Muller will be a key man.

"You can't defend against Thomas Muller, it's extremely difficult for defenders," said Gundogan. "As an opposing player, you never know what he's going to do next."

Boateng and Gundogan were in direct opposition on Sunday as Bayern beat Borussia Dortmund 5-1 in Der Klassiker - a game in which Muller netted twice – and the former Manchester City defender also joined in the praise of his club team-mate, claiming he was "unique".

Gundogan is relishing the trip to Ireland with Martin O'Neill's men also in need of points to maintain their qualification push.

"It will be a great atmosphere in a great stadium. We're looking forward to that," he added. "We're aiming to win both matches."

Boateng is arguably Germany's most reliable centre-half, and he credits his progress to current Bayern boss Pep Guardiola and his predecessor Jupp Heynckes.

"I feel I've developed well. I want to improve every day and enjoy it when I'm on the pitch," he said.

"Heynckes and Pep have done so much for me. As well as my family, especially my brothers."

Germany have a doubt over Galatasaray forward Lukas Podolski due to an ankle injury.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Honda hits back at Mihajlovic: There's no point in blaming the players

AC Milan playmaker Keisuke Honda has hit back at Sinisa Mihajlovic, saying the current squad of players are not to blame for the club's fall from grace.

Sunday's 4-0 home defeat against Napoli left the San Siro side with just nine points from their opening seven matches in Serie A, following on from the disappointing 10th-place finish last season which cost Filippo Inzaghi his job.

Mihajlovic has been repeatedly critical of his players after poor results this season, but Honda feels such an attitude is pointless and argued that Milan's struggles are caused by a lack of investment in top players, rather than any issues with the team's attitude.

When asked about the head coach's comments, the Japan international said: "I don't understand that. There is no point in blaming the players.

"Milan have used countless players over the past few years, and this year €100 million was spent. There are a lot of players who play international football, and they still can't perform when they join Milan.

"If we don't learn from this defeat, it means that we are far from rebuilding this club. Looking at the past few years, I think it is clear this club cannot start over unless a lot of money is spent, like PSG or [Manchester] City.

"You either do that, or you have to re-examine the structure of the club. Management, coach and fans must be aware of the situation.

"In order to change the club, we must change how everyone evaluates it, whether it be directors, coach, fans or media. If that doesn't happen, then five to 10 years are needed.

"I know I will be criticised because of my thoughts, but they are important for the future of this club. Milan's problems are clear, as they are always the same."

Following the Napoli game, Mihajlovic had said: "We are weak mentally and there have been too many highs and lows.

"Perhaps we need [Sigmund] Freud… since I've arrived I have been trying to work on the players' mentality. I have been speaking to them individually and as a group, trying to analyse everything. Clearly it is not that easy.

"I expected to resolve things earlier, but evidently we have to keep on working."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Jovetic slams 'absurd' injury reports

Stevan Jovetic has hit out at reports claiming he is embroiled in a dispute with Inter and the club's head coach Roberto Mancini over an injury problem.

Mancini denied last week that he was angry with the Montenegro national team for naming Jovetic in their latest squad despite the forward struggling with a hamstring problem.

Reports in Italy have since alleged the injury is more serious than the club is letting on.

The media have claimed the 25-year-old, on loan in Serie A side from Manchester City, flew to Germany against Inter's wishes in order to seek treatment at the clinic of former Bayern Munich doctor Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt.

Jovetic, however, has strenuously denied the claims and has dismissed any suggestion of a falling-out with Mancini.

"I keep reading crazy things about me that, frankly, I don't understand," he wrote on his official Facebook page.

"I want to clearly specify that there's no problem with Inter and Mr. Mancini.

"I wasn't on some secret trip into Germany, it was a visit which was controlled and authorised by my club.

"Now I'm obliged, like everyone here, to be at Montenegro's disposal. I'm here, I'm training and we'll monitor my fitness day by day."

Montenegro face critical games against Group G leaders Austria and second-placed Russia as they bid to qualify for Euro 2016.

Branko Brnovic's team are fourth in the group, two points behind Russia and one back from third-placed Sweden, with automatic qualification or a play-off berth still a realistic ambition.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Giggs 'would be amazing' as Manchester United manager - Beckham


David Beckham has backed Ryan Giggs to be a big success as Manchester United manager in the future.

Giggs is currently assistant manager to incumbent United boss Louis van Gaal, but after a short stint in caretaker charge in 2014 he has been earmarked by many observers – including the Dutchman himself – as a potential successor to Van Gaal.

And Beckham, speaking at Old Trafford to promote the forthcoming Unicef Match for Children, insists his former team-mate has everything necessary to become a successful manager for the club.

“He has this streak running through him that you see in top managers,” Beckham told reporters. “He’s so determined, and when you have a person like that at a club like this, who is from this part of the world and has the club running through him… that means so much to the fans.

"Whether it's not for the next five years or ten years, it would be amazing to have him.”

The former England captain played 394 times for United, scoring 85 goals, and he insists that he remains a fan of the club to this day.

“As a Manchester United player and a fan for so many years, it doesn’t matter who is playing, or how they are playing or where they are in the league, you come and watch them,” he added. “People know that if you’re from Manchester, or from the north, you come and support this team.

“To see some of the young players we have coming through this team, to see what the manager’s doing and having Giggsy on the line, it’s exciting. It was a tough result [against Arsenal] on Sunday, but these things happen.”

Beckham returns to the Old Trafford turf on November 14 when he will captain a Great Britain and Ireland XI managed by Sir Alex Ferguson against a Rest of the World selection in aid of Unicef.