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Time to come back stronger! Hala Madrid!
Schurrle: We will run for our lives against Real Madrid
Andre Schurrle says he and his Wolfsburg team-mates are not taking anything for granted in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
Wolfsburg have a 2-0 lead after their heroics at home but Schurrle said their advantage is not enough to allow for complacency at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday."Tuesday will be at 100 million per cent, we will run for our lives," the Wolfsburg star is quoted as saying by DPA.
The match is particularly important for Wolfsburg, who are looking at their Champions League campaign as the one saving grace from an otherwise terrible season.
Andre Schurrle says he and his Wolfsburg team-mates are not taking anything for granted in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
Wolfsburg have a 2-0 lead after their heroics at home but Schurrle said their advantage is not enough to allow for complacency at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday."Tuesday will be at 100 million per cent, we will run for our lives," the Wolfsburg star is quoted as saying by DPA.
The match is particularly important for Wolfsburg, who are looking at their Champions League campaign as the one saving grace from an otherwise terrible season.
Andre Schurrle says he and his Wolfsburg team-mates are not taking anything for granted in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
Wolfsburg have a 2-0 lead after their heroics at home but Schurrle said their advantage is not enough to allow for complacency at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday."Tuesday will be at 100 million per cent, we will run for our lives," the Wolfsburg star is quoted as saying by DPA.
The match is particularly important for Wolfsburg, who are looking at their Champions League campaign as the one saving grace from an otherwise terrible season.
Andre Schurrle says he and his Wolfsburg team-mates are not taking anything for granted in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
Wolfsburg have a 2-0 lead after their heroics at home but Schurrle said their advantage is not enough to allow for complacency at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday."Tuesday will be at 100 million per cent, we will run for our lives," the Wolfsburg star is quoted as saying by DPA.
The match is particularly important for Wolfsburg, who are looking at their Champions League campaign as the one saving grace from an otherwise terrible season.
Wolfsburg star Vieirinha: Score first in Madrid & they're OUT!
Vieirinha is confident that Wolfsburg can dump Real Madrid out of the Champions League.
The Bundesliga side were heavy outsiders heading into their first leg against Zinedine Zidane's men but shocked Europe with a 2-0 victory in Germany.
And as they gear up for a tough return game at the Santiago Bernabeu, the winger believes that his side have an excellent chance of pulling off another upset.
"Would one goal be enough? Yes, but only if we score it first. It is going to be a difficult game," he told Goal.
"We have time to be ready for it and try to do the same as in the first leg: work as a team, helping each other out on the pitch. We are going to try to get through.
"We know how the game at the Bernabeu is going to be. What can I say? We know it will be very tough - it is a tough ground to visit - but we are going to try to do the same things as at home. They will come out with all guns blazing and we hope we will one or two chances at the least to score there."
Cristiano Ronaldo briefly thought that he had put Madrid ahead in the first game, only to see it ruled out for offside. The Portuguese star was overheard berating the decision in the mixed zone after full time but Vieirinha was not prepared to get involved in the controversy.
"I did not hear him, I did not understand what Cristiano said," he smiled.
"Was he not offside? He definitely looked like he was..."
Vieirinha is confident that Wolfsburg can dump Real Madrid out of the Champions League.
The Bundesliga side were heavy outsiders heading into their first leg against Zinedine Zidane's men but shocked Europe with a 2-0 victory in Germany.
And as they gear up for a tough return game at the Santiago Bernabeu, the winger believes that his side have an excellent chance of pulling off another upset.
"Would one goal be enough? Yes, but only if we score it first. It is going to be a difficult game," he told Goal.
"We have time to be ready for it and try to do the same as in the first leg: work as a team, helping each other out on the pitch. We are going to try to get through.
"We know how the game at the Bernabeu is going to be. What can I say? We know it will be very tough - it is a tough ground to visit - but we are going to try to do the same things as at home. They will come out with all guns blazing and we hope we will one or two chances at the least to score there."
Cristiano Ronaldo briefly thought that he had put Madrid ahead in the first game, only to see it ruled out for offside. The Portuguese star was overheard berating the decision in the mixed zone after full time but Vieirinha was not prepared to get involved in the controversy.
"I did not hear him, I did not understand what Cristiano said," he smiled.
"Was he not offside? He definitely looked like he was..."
Klopp hails Moreno for best Liverpool display
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp lauded Alberto Moreno for his best performance for the club since the German took over at the helm.Moreno opened the scoring with a long-range effort as his side crushed Stoke City 4-1 in the Premier League on Sunday.
Klopp applauded the full-back for his performance, saying his goal set up his display at Anfield."I would say Alberto had his strongest performance since I've been here," said Klopp, who took over from Brendan Rodgers in October.
"The goal gave him confidence, but he was concentrated, good in defence, very good in our build-up and changed positions, played in the half-space and so that was good."
Klopp was, unsurprisingly, thrilled with his side's display, as Divock Origi scored a second-half brace to add to goals from Moreno and Daniel Sturridge.With Kevin Stewart and Sheyi Ojo given rare starts, Klopp was delighted by his team's execution.
"To be honest, the whole game was good against a really difficult side to play. For the second time, they changed their style of play against us," he said.
"When we played the [League Cup] semi-final at Stoke, the first half they played football. We had a few good pressing moments and in the second half they changed it."Then when they came here, it was a long-ball festival.
"Today with the wind and Peter Crouch, it was really difficult, but the big experience of Kolo [Toure] and Martin [Skrtel] ruled it in the end."They had big passion and good positioning in their defending.
"What we did with the ball in our build-up was really good for a side that had never played together before – it was brilliant, to be honest."
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp lauded Alberto Moreno for his best performance for the club since the German took over at the helm.Moreno opened the scoring with a long-range effort as his side crushed Stoke City 4-1 in the Premier League on Sunday.
Klopp applauded the full-back for his performance, saying his goal set up his display at Anfield."I would say Alberto had his strongest performance since I've been here," said Klopp, who took over from Brendan Rodgers in October.
"The goal gave him confidence, but he was concentrated, good in defence, very good in our build-up and changed positions, played in the half-space and so that was good."
Klopp was, unsurprisingly, thrilled with his side's display, as Divock Origi scored a second-half brace to add to goals from Moreno and Daniel Sturridge.With Kevin Stewart and Sheyi Ojo given rare starts, Klopp was delighted by his team's execution.
"To be honest, the whole game was good against a really difficult side to play. For the second time, they changed their style of play against us," he said.
"When we played the [League Cup] semi-final at Stoke, the first half they played football. We had a few good pressing moments and in the second half they changed it."Then when they came here, it was a long-ball festival.
"Today with the wind and Peter Crouch, it was really difficult, but the big experience of Kolo [Toure] and Martin [Skrtel] ruled it in the end."They had big passion and good positioning in their defending.
"What we did with the ball in our build-up was really good for a side that had never played together before – it was brilliant, to be honest."
Origi forced to wear a bigger Liverpool shirt because of muscle increase
Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Divock Origi needs to wear a bigger Liverpool kit after the striker put on five kilograms of muscle.
The 20-year-old has made 27 appearances for Liverpool this season and has scored three goals in his last two appearances.
But in order to adjust to the Premier League’s physicality, Origi, who was signed from Lille, has been placed on a weight training programme since the start of the season.
“You see what confidence does. I think Divock said himself, when he came here everything was different for him,” said Klopp.
“He is still a very young player and coming here, he knows everybody’s expectations are very high because he is a highly-rated striker. He had a lot of little injuries. When I came here he was not fit and afterwards he had one or two small things.
“Now the most important thing for him is to stay fit. In the last injury, he used it for a little bit of body strength as everyone can see. Now he has to wear another shirt and another kit!
“I’m not sure if it was five kilos [of muscle], but it was a little bit more. If he’d done the same training, nothing would happen – you need to be a talent and he is that, obviously. He is in a good way.
“He sees it the same way – he is on his way, he is at the start and now we have to work together.”
Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Divock Origi needs to wear a bigger Liverpool kit after the striker put on five kilograms of muscle.
The 20-year-old has made 27 appearances for Liverpool this season and has scored three goals in his last two appearances.
But in order to adjust to the Premier League’s physicality, Origi, who was signed from Lille, has been placed on a weight training programme since the start of the season.
“You see what confidence does. I think Divock said himself, when he came here everything was different for him,” said Klopp.
“He is still a very young player and coming here, he knows everybody’s expectations are very high because he is a highly-rated striker. He had a lot of little injuries. When I came here he was not fit and afterwards he had one or two small things.
“Now the most important thing for him is to stay fit. In the last injury, he used it for a little bit of body strength as everyone can see. Now he has to wear another shirt and another kit!
“I’m not sure if it was five kilos [of muscle], but it was a little bit more. If he’d done the same training, nothing would happen – you need to be a talent and he is that, obviously. He is in a good way.
“He sees it the same way – he is on his way, he is at the start and now we have to work together.”
Bayern Munich chief confirms 'contact' with Real Madrid starlet Martin Odegaard
Bayern Munich’s sporting director Matthias Sammer has confirmed that the club are in contact with Real Madrid starlet Martin Odegaard.
The 17-year-old was given his first-team debut at the end of last season but is yet to appear for the Spanish club this term.
Bayern were among the clubs monitoring Odegaard in the build-up to his move to Madrid in January 2015 but Sammer backs the midfielder to be a success in Spain.
"There are always situations in this business where you get signals. And of course, you keep in contact," Sammer told Sky Sport Deutschland, who subsequently claimed a move for the Norwegian “is not up for debate”.
"It was his decision [to join Real] back then, and you have to respect that.
“He is a good player, he has to bite through."
Bayern Munich’s sporting director Matthias Sammer has confirmed that the club are in contact with Real Madrid starlet Martin Odegaard.
The 17-year-old was given his first-team debut at the end of last season but is yet to appear for the Spanish club this term.
Bayern were among the clubs monitoring Odegaard in the build-up to his move to Madrid in January 2015 but Sammer backs the midfielder to be a success in Spain.
"There are always situations in this business where you get signals. And of course, you keep in contact," Sammer told Sky Sport Deutschland, who subsequently claimed a move for the Norwegian “is not up for debate”.
"It was his decision [to join Real] back then, and you have to respect that.
“He is a good player, he has to bite through."
'Sloppy' Bayern must improve fast, says Lahm
Philipp Lahm has urged his Bayern Munich team-mates to step up their performances as he feels the Bundesliga leaders have not been at their best in recent weeks.Bayern are on a six-match winning streak in all competitions, but have struggled to replicate the form that saw them impress in the first half of the season.
They had to settle for a narrow 1-0 home-win in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Benfica, and Lahm has demanded improvements ahead of Wednesday's return.
"We must be more precise. We have missed a certain freshness in some of our recent games. We have had some problems," the Bayern captain told Kicker.
"We did not put enough pressure on Benfica in their half. We have not been accurate enough on the ball. We have been sloppy at times and have been making the wrong decisions.
"We must improve and we must improve fast. We are still winning games, though, and have been doing well defensively. But we have to work on our efficiency."
Philipp Lahm has urged his Bayern Munich team-mates to step up their performances as he feels the Bundesliga leaders have not been at their best in recent weeks.Bayern are on a six-match winning streak in all competitions, but have struggled to replicate the form that saw them impress in the first half of the season.
They had to settle for a narrow 1-0 home-win in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Benfica, and Lahm has demanded improvements ahead of Wednesday's return.
"We must be more precise. We have missed a certain freshness in some of our recent games. We have had some problems," the Bayern captain told Kicker.
"We did not put enough pressure on Benfica in their half. We have not been accurate enough on the ball. We have been sloppy at times and have been making the wrong decisions.
"We must improve and we must improve fast. We are still winning games, though, and have been doing well defensively. But we have to work on our efficiency."
Real Madrid not even thinking about elimination, insists Zidane
Zinedine Zidane has stressed Real Madrid are not even thinking about the possibility of crashing out of the Champions League as they prepare to take on Wolfsburg on Tuesday.
The Santiago Bernabeu side were beaten 2-0 in the first leg of the quarter-final tie at the Volkswagen Arena and face a tough task to turn things around in this week's second leg.Nevertheless, Zidane sees no reason to panic and remains optimistic about Madrid's chances of making the final four.
"Madrid are never prepared for elimination. Madrid are always thinking about making it to the next round. We always want more. That is why this club won so many European cups," Zidane said at a news conference.
"I am not worried. We have to remain calm and think about the task at hand. You always have to be positive. I love challenges like this. It's a good thing to be facing a difficult task.
"Conceding a goal would further complicate matters, but it could happen. We have to remain focused for the full 90 minutes. It will be easier if we keep a clean sheet, but we just have to play our own game.
"We know that we are capable of scoring goals, but we have to remain careful. We need balance. We must defend well and cannot afford to only think about attacking. We have to match their intensity.
"Real Madrid have had some extraordinary comebacks in the past. Tuesday might be the most important match of the season. But I am not feeling extra pressure. I feel the same pressure as always."
Zinedine Zidane has stressed Real Madrid are not even thinking about the possibility of crashing out of the Champions League as they prepare to take on Wolfsburg on Tuesday.
The Santiago Bernabeu side were beaten 2-0 in the first leg of the quarter-final tie at the Volkswagen Arena and face a tough task to turn things around in this week's second leg.Nevertheless, Zidane sees no reason to panic and remains optimistic about Madrid's chances of making the final four.
"Madrid are never prepared for elimination. Madrid are always thinking about making it to the next round. We always want more. That is why this club won so many European cups," Zidane said at a news conference.
"I am not worried. We have to remain calm and think about the task at hand. You always have to be positive. I love challenges like this. It's a good thing to be facing a difficult task.
"Conceding a goal would further complicate matters, but it could happen. We have to remain focused for the full 90 minutes. It will be easier if we keep a clean sheet, but we just have to play our own game.
"We know that we are capable of scoring goals, but we have to remain careful. We need balance. We must defend well and cannot afford to only think about attacking. We have to match their intensity.
"Real Madrid have had some extraordinary comebacks in the past. Tuesday might be the most important match of the season. But I am not feeling extra pressure. I feel the same pressure as always."
Ibrahimovic: I was born old and will die young
Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he feels better than ever at the age of 34 and claims the secret to his success this season is "deciding he is very young".
The veteran striker is enjoying a magnificent campaign for PSG, who are chasing a quadruple ahead of the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at Manchester City on Tuesday.
Ibrahimovic has scored an astonishing 39 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions this term and is out of contract at the end of the campaign, with the Sweden captain believing he is at his peak ahead of potentially hitting the open market.
"I have never been better," he told UEFA. "The way I feel today is the best I have ever been. I was born old and I will die young. That is how it looks."I appreciate it [the special moments] because I think everything is in your head.It's a mental thing.
"You are as young and fresh as you think you are and that is what I have proved this season, by doing the things I am doing. So the age is just a number. "Your head decides how young you are and how old you are. So this year I decided I am very young."
Ibrahimovic has already established himself as PSG legend but while clubs from all around the world are keen to sign him on a free this summer, there is also the possibility he may extend his stay in Paris.
The Champions League is one trophy that has eluded Ibrahimovic in his glittering career to date but he believes PSG are now better equipped to go all the way having fallen at the quarter-final stage in each of the last three seasons.Ibrahimovic continued: "I play for trophies - whatever trophy I can win, I will do everything in my power, in my sacrifice, to win it. Absolutely.
"So if we can win it, we want to win it. The players on the pitch want to win everything. That's why we are here, to train, to focus, to prepare and to do it. So let's see."Every time [the aim has been] to go further, but so far we haven't gone further. You can always wish, but you need to [put in the performances] in the two games you play.
"We are a better team this season. And we have more experience this season, so the club – no, not the club, but the new team, let's say, that was reborn a couple of years ago – is more used to the quarter-finals."PSG's tie against City is level at 2-2 going into the match at the Etihad Stadium.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he feels better than ever at the age of 34 and claims the secret to his success this season is "deciding he is very young".
The veteran striker is enjoying a magnificent campaign for PSG, who are chasing a quadruple ahead of the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at Manchester City on Tuesday.
Ibrahimovic has scored an astonishing 39 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions this term and is out of contract at the end of the campaign, with the Sweden captain believing he is at his peak ahead of potentially hitting the open market.
"I have never been better," he told UEFA. "The way I feel today is the best I have ever been. I was born old and I will die young. That is how it looks."I appreciate it [the special moments] because I think everything is in your head.It's a mental thing.
"You are as young and fresh as you think you are and that is what I have proved this season, by doing the things I am doing. So the age is just a number. "Your head decides how young you are and how old you are. So this year I decided I am very young."
Ibrahimovic has already established himself as PSG legend but while clubs from all around the world are keen to sign him on a free this summer, there is also the possibility he may extend his stay in Paris.
The Champions League is one trophy that has eluded Ibrahimovic in his glittering career to date but he believes PSG are now better equipped to go all the way having fallen at the quarter-final stage in each of the last three seasons.Ibrahimovic continued: "I play for trophies - whatever trophy I can win, I will do everything in my power, in my sacrifice, to win it. Absolutely.
"So if we can win it, we want to win it. The players on the pitch want to win everything. That's why we are here, to train, to focus, to prepare and to do it. So let's see."Every time [the aim has been] to go further, but so far we haven't gone further. You can always wish, but you need to [put in the performances] in the two games you play.
"We are a better team this season. And we have more experience this season, so the club – no, not the club, but the new team, let's say, that was reborn a couple of years ago – is more used to the quarter-finals."PSG's tie against City is level at 2-2 going into the match at the Etihad Stadium.
Benzema is fully fit and ready to face Wolfsburg, confirms Zidane
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says Karim Benzema has fully recovered from the hamstring problem that kept him out of the win over Eibar at the weekend and is ready to face Wolfsburg in the Champions League.
As previously reported by Goal, the France international has shrugged off the knock he picked up in the first leg of the quarter-final tie with the Bundesliga outfit, when he was forced off shortly before the half-time whistle.Zidane will be able to count on Benzema on Tuesday, though, as Madrid look to overturn a 2-0 first-leg defeat.
"Benzema is fully recovered from his injury," Zidane told reporters."He is ready to play against Wolfsburg. He is part of the squad, feeling well and focused on the task ahead of us."
Madrid need at least two goals in order to reach the semi-finals, but they cannot afford to solely focus on attacking and Zidane has highlighted the importance of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro."Casemiro is a player who gives the team balance," Zidane added.
"He gives us something extra defensively, not only when we are defending, but also in possession."We need him to reach the next round. He thinks a lot about his role on the pitch."
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says Karim Benzema has fully recovered from the hamstring problem that kept him out of the win over Eibar at the weekend and is ready to face Wolfsburg in the Champions League.
As previously reported by Goal, the France international has shrugged off the knock he picked up in the first leg of the quarter-final tie with the Bundesliga outfit, when he was forced off shortly before the half-time whistle.Zidane will be able to count on Benzema on Tuesday, though, as Madrid look to overturn a 2-0 first-leg defeat.
"Benzema is fully recovered from his injury," Zidane told reporters."He is ready to play against Wolfsburg. He is part of the squad, feeling well and focused on the task ahead of us."
Madrid need at least two goals in order to reach the semi-finals, but they cannot afford to solely focus on attacking and Zidane has highlighted the importance of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro."Casemiro is a player who gives the team balance," Zidane added.
"He gives us something extra defensively, not only when we are defending, but also in possession."We need him to reach the next round. He thinks a lot about his role on the pitch."
Manchester United should stick with Van Gaal and then appoint Giggs - YorkeDwight Yorke does not believe Manchester United should replace manager Louis van Gaal in the summer and thinks Ryan Giggs is the right man to take the reins when the Dutchman's contract expires.
The Red Devils boss is under significant pressure as he nears the end of his second season, with the club sitting fifth in the Premier League, four points adrift of Manchester City with six matches to play.
But despite reports that former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is keen on the job, Yorke feels Van Gaal's experience means there should be no rush to make a change prior to the expiration of his contract in 2017.Asked if United needed fresh management, Yorke told Omnisport: "No, I think we have a very experienced manager in our current position.
"We know he has one more year on his contract. We have to wait and see where that is going to go.”And Yorke believes former team-mate and current United number two Giggs is an ideal choice to replace Van Gaal next year.
"If the manager were to leave the football club at the end of his contract, then my appointment would be Ryan Giggs, for sure,” he continued. “He is somebody who is really knowledgeable about the football club and would gain the respect.
"He's also had three years as an assistant now. I feel the time is right, as soon as Van Gaal's contract finishes.
"At the moment, the team is not where we want to be but at the same time, we are in a relatively decent position to try and make something of the end of the season."
Yorke – who scored 66 goals in 152 games for United – is pleased to see a number of young players receive opportunities in the first team this season, but urged United to improve their performance in the transfer market if they are to return to the top of the European game.
Yorke added: "I think when you look back at the Class of '92, we have always brought through younger players that have come through the ranks. "It's great to see the young players being given the opportunity to showcase their talent. We expect more of that because it's in the Manchester United DNA.
"But I think they need to bring in a couple of top players. I feel there is a combination of that and the expectation too of the players that are brought to the club and have taken a bit of time to adjust to the club. "That's something you need to look at when you're bringing in the players. They need to adjust quickly because it's all about success at the football club.
"I understand people are coming from foreign countries and need to adjust but when Manchester United have gone three years without winning any trophies, there will always be question marks and finger pointing."
Premier League-linked Hummels admits he could leave Borussia Dortmund
Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City target Mats Hummels admits he could depart Borussia Dortmund this summer.
The Germany international is out of contract at the end of June and has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League.
And Hummels says he is aware that he is approaching a key moment in his career in the coming months.
"I don't necessarily want to [leave], but I have to make a big decision. I have been back and forth a lot," he told Bild.
"Age gives you a feeling that you don't have forever to win. I realise in every year I don't win a title, I'm closer to retiring.
"I've spoken to Ilkay Gundogan and Henrikh Mkhitaryan over their thoughts. The Champions League is a target for me in any case. I want to win this title."
Hummels has made 43 appearances for Dortmund this season, scoring three goals.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City target Mats Hummels admits he could depart Borussia Dortmund this summer.
The Germany international is out of contract at the end of June and has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League.
And Hummels says he is aware that he is approaching a key moment in his career in the coming months.
"I don't necessarily want to [leave], but I have to make a big decision. I have been back and forth a lot," he told Bild.
"Age gives you a feeling that you don't have forever to win. I realise in every year I don't win a title, I'm closer to retiring.
"I've spoken to Ilkay Gundogan and Henrikh Mkhitaryan over their thoughts. The Champions League is a target for me in any case. I want to win this title."
Hummels has made 43 appearances for Dortmund this season, scoring three goals.
Rooney makes injury comeback for Manchester United Under-21s
Wayne Rooney completed an hour for Manchester United's Under-21s on his first appearance in two months.
The United and England captain has been sidelined since mid-February with a knee injury, missing United's last 12 games and his country's friendlies with Germany and Netherlands.
Rooney started the clash with Middlesbrough U-21s at Old Trafford on Monday, testing the visiting goalkeeper from distance before combining well with James Weir to set up another chance.
He proceeded down the tunnel accompanied by medical staff after being substituted by manager Warren Joyce.Louis van Gaal's assistant Ryan Giggs was in attendance to monitor Rooney's performance, as well as those of first-team squad members Phil Jones and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, both of whom also started the match.
Rooney is not expected to be involved in the FA Cup replay against West Ham on Wednesday but could make his senior comeback when United host Aston Villa on Saturday.
Wayne Rooney completed an hour for Manchester United's Under-21s on his first appearance in two months.
The United and England captain has been sidelined since mid-February with a knee injury, missing United's last 12 games and his country's friendlies with Germany and Netherlands.
Rooney started the clash with Middlesbrough U-21s at Old Trafford on Monday, testing the visiting goalkeeper from distance before combining well with James Weir to set up another chance.
He proceeded down the tunnel accompanied by medical staff after being substituted by manager Warren Joyce.Louis van Gaal's assistant Ryan Giggs was in attendance to monitor Rooney's performance, as well as those of first-team squad members Phil Jones and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, both of whom also started the match.
Rooney is not expected to be involved in the FA Cup replay against West Ham on Wednesday but could make his senior comeback when United host Aston Villa on Saturday.
Ibrahimovic would shine in the Premier League - Fernandinho
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has what it takes to be a success in the Premier League from next season, according to Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho.
The Brazil international is set to line up against Ibrahomovic and Paris Saint-Germain in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final at the Etihad Stadium, with the tie poised at 2-2 following the first leg at the Parc des Princes.
Ibrahimovic is expected to leave PSG when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign and has been linked to a host of Premier League clubs, with City's rivals Manchester United the latest to be heavily touted as a possible destination for the 34-year-old on Monday.
Fernandinho, who like Ibrahimovic equalised for his club in last week's initial game, is coming to the end of his third season in England and believes the talismanic Sweden forward would excel in the country's top flight."Undoubtedly, he would be a special player at the Premier League if it really happens," he told Omnisport.
"He is a player who has been very victorious in his career - won many titles, won individual awards – and that shows how important he is."
An error from Fernando allowed Ibrahimovic to opportunistically cancel out Kevin De Bruyne's opener in the French capital and atone for City goalkeeper Joe Hart saving his earlier penalty.
And former Shakhtar Donetsk player Fernandinho knows City cannot afford similar slip-ups if they are to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time."I am sure, if we want to beat PSG, we have to be very careful with Ibrahimovic because of the little inattention we had with him in the first game," he added.
"He scored a goal and created some chances, so he is a very dangerous player.And as I said, we have to be careful, because he is a player who can decide a match."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has what it takes to be a success in the Premier League from next season, according to Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho.
The Brazil international is set to line up against Ibrahomovic and Paris Saint-Germain in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final at the Etihad Stadium, with the tie poised at 2-2 following the first leg at the Parc des Princes.
Ibrahimovic is expected to leave PSG when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign and has been linked to a host of Premier League clubs, with City's rivals Manchester United the latest to be heavily touted as a possible destination for the 34-year-old on Monday.
Fernandinho, who like Ibrahimovic equalised for his club in last week's initial game, is coming to the end of his third season in England and believes the talismanic Sweden forward would excel in the country's top flight."Undoubtedly, he would be a special player at the Premier League if it really happens," he told Omnisport.
"He is a player who has been very victorious in his career - won many titles, won individual awards – and that shows how important he is."
An error from Fernando allowed Ibrahimovic to opportunistically cancel out Kevin De Bruyne's opener in the French capital and atone for City goalkeeper Joe Hart saving his earlier penalty.
And former Shakhtar Donetsk player Fernandinho knows City cannot afford similar slip-ups if they are to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time."I am sure, if we want to beat PSG, we have to be very careful with Ibrahimovic because of the little inattention we had with him in the first game," he added.
"He scored a goal and created some chances, so he is a very dangerous player.And as I said, we have to be careful, because he is a player who can decide a match."
Van Gaal warns United: We must stop the Andy Carroll show
Louis van Gaal has warned Manchester United's defenders to step up their performance levels if they are to avoid a repeat of "the Andy Carroll show" against West Ham.
Carroll scored a superb hat-trick in his side's 3-3 Premier League draw with Arsenal at the weekend to salvage a point after they had found themselves 2-0 down shortly before half-time.
United suffered a major blow to their top-four hopes a day later when they lost 3-0 to Tottenham, the goals coming within the space of six second-half minutes at White Hart Lane.
Van Gaal was left aggrieved at what he considered to be a lack of communication among his back four during that defeat and has urged them to improve if United are to progress from their FA Cup quarter-final replay."I saw the Andy Carroll show," he said. "I think today [Sunday] our problem was also the miscommunication of our central defenders.
"I hope we've improved our communication because this game is very important for us. It's our last chance for a title, so it's very important for the players, the club, the manager, the fans."
Van Gaal was keen to highlight the threat West Ham pose throughout their side, especially from playmaker Dimitri Payet, who scored a stunning free-kick in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
"Carroll has special qualities, we've seen that. That was against Arsenal who have great central defenders," he said. "We have to cope with Andy Carroll but also with the other players, they have a certain player named Payet, for example. [Manuel] Lanzini can also play and score goals.
"Today we had to cope with Harry Kane, but also [Erik] Lamela, [Christian] Eriksen. It's always difficult to cope with this kind of player at that level.
"And we have one day less than West Ham, which is also important, but we proved against Arsenal and Manchester City [in the Premier League] that we could beat them despite less days to recover. So I hope we recover very good, also mentally, because this [defeat] was a blow."
With Champions League qualification looking difficult and with no other trophies to chase, talk has mounted that Van Gaal will be under greater pressure than ever to end United's 13-year wait to lift the FA Cup.But the former Netherlands boss rejected the idea that such pressure will be any less for Slaven Bilic's side.
"I think the players of Manchester United have to cope with that pressure. And they've done it always. They know that every game in a cup is a match that you must win," he said.
"I think West Ham also have that problem. So I don't think that it [pressure] plays a role, because both teams know that, when you're not winning, you're out and you don't have any title."
Louis van Gaal has warned Manchester United's defenders to step up their performance levels if they are to avoid a repeat of "the Andy Carroll show" against West Ham.
Carroll scored a superb hat-trick in his side's 3-3 Premier League draw with Arsenal at the weekend to salvage a point after they had found themselves 2-0 down shortly before half-time.
United suffered a major blow to their top-four hopes a day later when they lost 3-0 to Tottenham, the goals coming within the space of six second-half minutes at White Hart Lane.
Van Gaal was left aggrieved at what he considered to be a lack of communication among his back four during that defeat and has urged them to improve if United are to progress from their FA Cup quarter-final replay."I saw the Andy Carroll show," he said. "I think today [Sunday] our problem was also the miscommunication of our central defenders.
"I hope we've improved our communication because this game is very important for us. It's our last chance for a title, so it's very important for the players, the club, the manager, the fans."
Van Gaal was keen to highlight the threat West Ham pose throughout their side, especially from playmaker Dimitri Payet, who scored a stunning free-kick in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
"Carroll has special qualities, we've seen that. That was against Arsenal who have great central defenders," he said. "We have to cope with Andy Carroll but also with the other players, they have a certain player named Payet, for example. [Manuel] Lanzini can also play and score goals.
"Today we had to cope with Harry Kane, but also [Erik] Lamela, [Christian] Eriksen. It's always difficult to cope with this kind of player at that level.
"And we have one day less than West Ham, which is also important, but we proved against Arsenal and Manchester City [in the Premier League] that we could beat them despite less days to recover. So I hope we recover very good, also mentally, because this [defeat] was a blow."
With Champions League qualification looking difficult and with no other trophies to chase, talk has mounted that Van Gaal will be under greater pressure than ever to end United's 13-year wait to lift the FA Cup.But the former Netherlands boss rejected the idea that such pressure will be any less for Slaven Bilic's side.
"I think the players of Manchester United have to cope with that pressure. And they've done it always. They know that every game in a cup is a match that you must win," he said.
"I think West Ham also have that problem. So I don't think that it [pressure] plays a role, because both teams know that, when you're not winning, you're out and you don't have any title."
Carroll wa nawatthana 1ka bala bala inne nathuwa score karana widiyak gana baluwoth thamai hoda
Ranieri's plan to keep Vardy fresh: ban him from shooting!
Jamie Vardy has revealed Claudio Ranieri's inventive method to keep the Leicester City striker fresh and focused: limit his shooting practice.
Keeping your top striker from honing his ability in front of goal might sound counter-intuitive at first.
But according to Vardy, the Foxes manager has assured him that in this case, practice does not make perfect.
“I don’t really get the chance to practise that much on my finishing because we have our shooting drills early in the week when the gaffer’s wanting me to rest my legs,” Vardy said after hitting the net twice against Sunderland on Sunday.
“So normally, when there’s a bit of shooting, the gaffer tells me to go inside! I’ll keep doing that if it means I’m saving my legs - and goals - for games.”
The eccentric ex-Chelsea boss has been one of the highlights of the Premier League season, and with secrets like the above it is no surprise to hear Vardy admit sessions at the club often resemble a comedy club.
“We’re always laughing,” he said.
“In training we’re always having a laugh and a joke. That’s just how we are, everyone’s relaxed – and the gaffer wants it to be like that.
"The good thing about this squad is we’re tight-knit. That’s how we’ve been from day one.”
Jamie Vardy has revealed Claudio Ranieri's inventive method to keep the Leicester City striker fresh and focused: limit his shooting practice.
Keeping your top striker from honing his ability in front of goal might sound counter-intuitive at first.
But according to Vardy, the Foxes manager has assured him that in this case, practice does not make perfect.
“I don’t really get the chance to practise that much on my finishing because we have our shooting drills early in the week when the gaffer’s wanting me to rest my legs,” Vardy said after hitting the net twice against Sunderland on Sunday.
“So normally, when there’s a bit of shooting, the gaffer tells me to go inside! I’ll keep doing that if it means I’m saving my legs - and goals - for games.”
The eccentric ex-Chelsea boss has been one of the highlights of the Premier League season, and with secrets like the above it is no surprise to hear Vardy admit sessions at the club often resemble a comedy club.
“We’re always laughing,” he said.
“In training we’re always having a laugh and a joke. That’s just how we are, everyone’s relaxed – and the gaffer wants it to be like that.
"The good thing about this squad is we’re tight-knit. That’s how we’ve been from day one.”
Pepe: Ronaldo light years ahead of the rest
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo remains "light years" ahead of the rest in world football, according to team-mate Pepe.
The 31-year-old has scored 43 times in 41 appearances in all competitions this season and on Saturday became the first player in La Liga history to hit 30 goals in six consecutive campaigns.
However, Ronaldo lost his Ballon d'Or crown to Lionel Messi in January and criticism of his form at times this term has increased speculation that Madrid could listen to offers from abroad.But Pepe believes there remains no footballer who can come close to his compatriot.
"People like Cristiano are unique, they are people blessed by God," he said in an interview with the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). "He was blessed by God and knew he would become one of the best in the history of football."Cristiano is the best and is light years ahead of anyone else. He's a quiet person, a hard-worker and honest."
Madrid host Wolfsburg in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, looking to overturn a 2-0 deficit.
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo remains "light years" ahead of the rest in world football, according to team-mate Pepe.
The 31-year-old has scored 43 times in 41 appearances in all competitions this season and on Saturday became the first player in La Liga history to hit 30 goals in six consecutive campaigns.
However, Ronaldo lost his Ballon d'Or crown to Lionel Messi in January and criticism of his form at times this term has increased speculation that Madrid could listen to offers from abroad.But Pepe believes there remains no footballer who can come close to his compatriot.
"People like Cristiano are unique, they are people blessed by God," he said in an interview with the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). "He was blessed by God and knew he would become one of the best in the history of football."Cristiano is the best and is light years ahead of anyone else. He's a quiet person, a hard-worker and honest."
Madrid host Wolfsburg in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, looking to overturn a 2-0 deficit.
UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals 2nd Leg Fixtures 2016.04.12
UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals 2nd Leg Fixtures 2016.04.12
AGG
(2-2)
Manchester City Vs PSG
AGG
(0-2)
Real Madrid Vs Wolfsburg
AGG
(2-2)
AGG
(0-2)
- Status
