..::Football IV::..

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Bartomeu on Neymar exit: No player is bigger than Barca


Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu insists no player is bigger than the club after the dramatic departure of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain.Neymar joined PSG in a world-record €222 million deal last week after the Ligue 1 side met the forward's release clause.


Bartomeu insists that the 25-year-old wanted to leave the club, despite their desire to keep him, but he believes the club will survive his departure, and has vowed to spend the windfall wisely in the summer transfer market."He wanted to leave," Bartomeu said of Neymar at the World Congress of Penyes. "We didn't agree with that decision but no player is bigger than Barca.

"We did not want Neymar to leave and that is why his clause was increased. Any decision was good for FCB, if he stayed we kept a great player and if he left we received a big amount.

"We want to close that chapter. Neymar has been part of our club but now he is history. It is his decision, even if we did all we could to keep him."We always acted with responsibility and we respect his decision even if we don't agree with it.

"Now we are looking for his replacements. The €222m that we received for Neymar Jr will be administered with prudence, rigour and serenity."People admire us as a club. Leo Messi, the best player ever, shall continue to lead this team. Messi's loyalty must be an example, or [Andres] Iniesta's.

"We will buy players. [Nelson] Semedo has been the first one but obviously more will arrive. This season we won't speak anymore about MSN but about a team.
"I want to say thank you to Luis Enrique and now it is time for supporting Ernesto Valverde."

 

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'Top four not enough for Man Utd' - Mkhitaryan taking aim at Premier League title


Henrikh Mkhitaryan admits “top four is not a good result for Manchester United” as they set their sights on the Premier League title.

The Red Devils have failed to get their hands on the top-flight crown since Sir Alex Ferguson slipped into retirement back in 2013.It has been tough going at times since then, with David Moyes and Louis van Gaal failing to conjure up the same success as an iconic predecessor.

Jose Mourinho has also been tested, finishing sixth in his first season at the helm, but United have got back on the trophy trail and are now eyeing domestic dominance once again."Being in the top four is not a good result for Manchester United," Mkhitaryan told BBC Sport.

"The result has always been to be in first place, or second minimum."While top-four finishes guarantee Champions League qualification, tangible success is considered to be as important for the leading sides in England.

United got their hands on three pieces of silverware last season, with Mkhitaryan playing a leading role after establishing himself in the side.The 28-year-old took some time to get going following a £26 million move from Borussia Dortmund, but ended the campaign in style by netting in a Europa League final victory over Ajax.

He finished the season with 11 goals in 41 appearances, including many spectacular efforts which landed him five Goal of the Month awards, but insists there is still plenty more to come from him.

Mkhitaryan added ahead of a UEFA Super Cup clash with Real Madrid on Tuesday: "I wouldn't say it was my best year. I know there is more to come."I didn't come to Manchester and think my first year was a trial year. I knew it was going to be hard but I was ready for that.
"I am sure this year is going to be better."

After facing Madrid, United will open their 2017-18 Premier League campaign with a home date against West Ham on Sunday.

 

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Liverpool distanced from Van Dijk as Klopp declares: 'I don't need a centre-back'


Jurgen Klopp has once again moved to play down Liverpool’s links to Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, claiming he has enough centre-halves.The Netherlands international has been mooted as a top target for the Reds before and during the summer transfer window.


Liverpool were keen at one stage, with the club forced to apologise to the Saints after being accused of making an illegal approach.

They stated at that point that any interest had been shelved, and Klopp insists that remains the case despite admitting to still being in the market for additions ahead of the August 31 deadline.He told reporters when quizzed on the Van Dijk rumours: “We have four ­centre-backs. I don’t think we need more.“Just at the moment I’m fine. The transfer market is open until the 31st of August.“We cannot force things and we would never get a ­centre-back just because someone is available.

“Look out there and tell me five that would make us stronger. Then you win a prize! It’s ­difficult.“I’m happy. You can imagine we still work on different things and we will see if it works.“I am here to work with this squad and not just always thinking, ‘But if we don’t get this or this’.”

Liverpool already have Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip, Ragnar Klavan and Mamadou Sakho on their books.They also have the versatile Joe Gomez, who is capable of operating at full-back or in the centre of a defensive unit.

 

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Wenger admits Arsenal will sell amid Alexis rumours


Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted that he will “let some players go” before the summer transfer deadline passes.

The Gunners have spent much of the window so far fending off exit rumours surrounding the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud.They have also added to their ranks, with Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac having made a positive impression since arriving in north London.

Wenger is eager to ensure that he retains healthy competition within his squad, but has conceded that he may need to whittle his numbers down in order to achieve that.“To be honest, the number is too high,” the Frenchman said following a Community Shield victory over reigning Premier League champions Chelsea.

“We will let some players go. Too much competition for places is detrimental, but not enough competition for places is detrimental as well.”Arsenal have already parted with Wojciech Szczesny and Yaya Sanogo, while Emiliano Martinez has gone out on loan.Spanish striker Lucas Perez could be another of those to head for the exits, having endured a frustrating 12 months at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have, however, sought to play down any suggestion that star forward Sanchez or Sunday’s penalty shoot-out match-winner Giroud could be allowed to depart.

They are considered to be key figures heading forward, with Wenger eager to build on a first trophy triumph of the season – with Arsenal edging out Chelsea on spot-kicks following a 1-1 draw at Wembley.

He added: “I believe the quality of the game was very good.“Even when we were 1-0 down we did not panic and kept control of the game and came back.

“The problem for the managers is to maintain that spirit through the season, through the difficult periods, and maintain that togetherness as well."There will be some disappointments through the season, so it is important that we focus on keeping together through every single game.”

Arsenal will open the 2017-18 Premier League season with a home date against Leicester City on Friday.

 

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Lampard urges Chelsea to spend despite £100m outlay


Chelsea are still short in a couple of areas ahead of their Premier League title defence and should consider dipping back into the transfer market, says Frank Lampard.

The Blues have already spent over £100 million this summer bolstering their ranks, with the likes of Alvaro Morata, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Antonio Rudiger brought on board.They have, however, seen plenty of outgoings as well, with Nemanja Matic among the more high-profile following his switch to Manchester United.

Lampard believes more bodies are needed if Antonio Conte is to juggle the demands of domestic and European competition, with Chelsea still light in the middle of the park and on the flanks.

The Blues legend told BT Sport following a Community Shield defeat to Arsenal: "I think they need another midfield player. They are waiting on Tiemoue Bakayoko to be fit."It's a lot to ask Cesc Fabregas against big teams in a difficult game to patrol as one of the two, and get on the ball to affect games. That's a lot to ask.

"Maybe that would relieve Cesc to go further forward and they need cover on the wing-back roles."The wing-backs, if that's what they've got, they're going to play so many games this year and they need more."Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses impressed for Chelsea last season as they swept to title glory, but the Blues had no continental football to contend with.

They are back in Champions League action this term and will require greater depth to their ranks in order to rotate and rest as required.There is still plenty of time in which to get further deals done, with the summer transfer window not due to slam shut until August 31.

 

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Manchester United ready to pounce if Madrid let Bale leave

Manchester United will be "waiting on the other side" for Gareth Bale if the Wales star is unwanted by Real Madrid, according to manager Jose Mourinho.

United face Madrid in Skopje in the UEFA Super Cup on Tuesday and the pre-match build-up has been played out against mounting speculation over Bale's future.

A report by Spanish publication Don Balon claimed the 28-year-old forward was ready to consider a move to Old Trafford in the event of Madrid attempting to move on a star name to facilitate the signing of Monaco sensation Kylian Mbappe.


Mourinho does not view this as a likely turn of events but told a pre-match news conference he will have a keen eye on the Madrid teamsheet in the Macedonian capital."Well if he's playing tomorrow, no I wouldn't think of [signing Bale] because it would show he's in the coach’s plans and the club's plans and he also has that motivation to continue at Real Madrid," he said.

"If he is not in the club's plans, that the arrival of another player would mean he was on his way out, I will try to be waiting for him on the other side and fight with other coaches that would want him on their team.

"But if he plays tomorrow, that is the best confirmation that he is still wanted by the team."

 

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"If he is not in the club's plans, that the arrival of another player would mean he was on his way out, I will try to be waiting for him on the other side and fight with other coaches that would want him on their team.

Anyway Real Madrid la Bale wa sell karai kiyala hithanna amaruiHighly Unlikelywena targets balanna thiyenne.​

Real Madrid Mbappe wa meh window 1ke ganne nathi wei kiyalath rumor 1kak yanawa.ath meh window 1ke wechcha dewal wala hatiyata kisima deyak sure karala kiyanna baha.anything can happen.​

 

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'He's as fit as he was for the CL final' - Zidane hails 'vital' Ronaldo

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane insists Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to put an eventful close-season behind him in the UEFA Super Cup.

Ronaldo has been the subject of transfer speculation, while he appeared in front of a Spanish court to deny allegations he avoided paying tax on image rights payments.With Madrid set to face Ronaldo's old club Manchester United in the Super Cup in Skopje on Tuesday, Zidane believes the Portugal international is fully fit and focused on his football.

"There is a lot of noise and a lot of things happening, but he is relaxed," Zidane told reporters. "What impresses me the most is that physically he is as fit as the day of the final."What interests me in the long run is that he is fit. As for the rest, there is not much we can do about it. The fact he is with us means a lot because it means he is ready to play. We will see whether he plays or not."

Ronaldo has not featured yet in pre-season and Madrid captain Sergio Ramos is glad to have the forward - who has been named in Zidane's 24-man squad for the Super Cup - back at the club."Cristiano is a very important player in our team and, regardless of how many days he's been training, I think it is important for him to be here with the team," Ramos said."He plays a very different role to others and to have him here with us, whether he plays or not, is vital.

"His future is a personal issue. We would rather leave personal issues away from football and we would hope he can resolve those issues as soon as possible."

 

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Zidane refuses to take Mourinho's Bale bait


Zinedine Zidane says Gareth Bale is fully concentrated on Real Madrid, despite continued speculation linking the Wales international with a return to the Premier League.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho suggested on Monday that he would "fight" for Bale's signature with other coaches if Zidane left the winger out of his team for Tuesday's Super Cup clash between United and Madrid in Skopje.


Bale was named on the bench for the Champions League final after recovering from injury, with Isco preferred by Zidane, while Madrid's expected move for Monaco's teenage striker Kylian Mbappe could push the 28-year-old down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu.

But Zidane refused to take the bait offered by Mourinho when he appeared in front of the press, indicating stories about Bale and team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo will not affect his side's focus.

"What's important is the player is feeling well," Zidane told reporters. "He has had a lot of continued training sessions with us and that is what is the most important.

"The end of last season was not easy for him because he was injured,. But now I see him very well, very concentrated."What’s important for us is not what Mourinho said, it is what we are going to do tomorrow."It's the same thing with Cristiano, we've also had stories there. People seem to want to blow a story out of proportion. We are concentrating on what we're doing and that's what's important.

"Bale is a Madrid player. That is all I can say. What I want to talk to you about now is an important match. Him, me, all the players and the fans are here for the match. That is all I can say."

Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett has previously hit out at transfer speculation regarding his client, telling BBC Sport: "It's a ridiculous, stupid story." But while Zidane would not open the door for a potential Bale departure, Madrid captain Sergio Ramos was more sanguine about the possibility of the Welshman moving on before the transfer window closes.

"We respect the opinion of any other coach," said Ramos, who was reported to have fallen out with Mourinho during the Portuguese's time in charge of Madrid.

"At the moment, Gareth Bale is a player of Real Madrid and we are delighted to have him on board. The future of any player is decided by that player. We as team-mates have no opinion.

"The month of August is very long and anything can happen. Gareth Bale is a fantastic player and we are delighted to have him on our side."

 

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Gap from United to Madrid is obvious - Mourinho outlines Super Cup task


Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United are clear underdogs heading into their UEFA Super Cup showdown with Real Madrid in Skopje.Mourinho rounded off his first season in charge of United with victory in the Europa League final against Ajax in Stockholm, setting up a meeting in the continental season curtain-raiser against the 12-time European champions and his former employers.

A productive close-season in the transfer market has seen Romelu Lukaku, Victor Lindelof and Nemanja Matic arrive at Old Trafford to boost the prospects of a Premier League title bid, but Mourinho still feels the gap between Zinedine Zidane's side and his own is significant by definition.

"We are going to try but the difference between the Champions League winners and Europa League winners is obvious," he told a pre-match news conference."The Europa League is very difficult to win. There is a difference of quality but we believe it’s possible.

"My team should play and enjoy this special moment. It's not many times in a player can play in the Super Cup unless you are Real or Barcelona, winning European trophies regularly."

Playmaker Juan Mata also faced the media and the Spain international sounded a similar tone to his boss. "When we talk about Real Madrid, we're talking about the actual Champions League winners, which is the best you can win," he said. "We have won the Europe League.

"Obviously they are the ones everyone wants to beat, they have a great team, they won the league in Spain as well. We know how good they are but United as well have a great history as a winner of titles."We won two titles last season and sooner or later we want to be where Real Madrid were last season, which was in the Champions League final, and to try to win it."

United and Madrid have been greeted by temperatures spiralling up towards 40 degrees Celsius in the Macedonian capital and Mourinho suggested undertaking final preparations amid Mancunian drizzle had not been ideal.

"I knew the weather was like this. Since returning from the States, I decided to train in Manchester every day at 4pm to give the feeling of heat but it was raining every day," he said."Even for Real it has to be hard, though they are more adapted."

Centre-backs Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are unavailable due to suspension, while fellow defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah is on the verge of concluding a loan move to Crystal Palace.Matic is available to feature but Mourinho confirmed the recent arrival from Chelsea is short of match fitness.

"Obviously Matic is available but not like the others," he added.

 

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Barcelona 5 Chapecoense 0: Messi and Suarez hit their stride without Neymar

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were both on target in their first match without Neymar as Barcelona eased to a 5-0 win over Chapecoense in the Joan Gamper Trophy.

The feted 'MSN' forward line is no more after the Brazil superstar completed his world-record €222million move to Paris Saint-Germain last week and it was a more unheralded player filling Neymar's spot on the left of a three-man attack who struck first.

Gerard Deulofeu re-joined Barca during the close-season after his boyhood club activated a buyback option to bring him back from Everton following a successful loan stint at AC Milan and the 23-year-old winger linked pleasingly with Messi after opening his Camp Nou account.

Chapecoense were selected as opponents for Barcelona's traditional curtain raiser to their domestic season to commemorate the 71 people – including 19 players – who died when the Brazilian club's plane crashed en route to the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana final against Atletico Nacional last November.

Alan Ruschel, one of three playing survivors from the crash, captained the visitors and took to the field alongside colleagues Jakson Follmann and Neto for an emotional tribute before kick-off.

Sergio Busquets found the top corner with a superb long-range effort and Messi and Luis Suarez were on target either side of half-time, while Denis Suarez came off the bench to round off a useful workout ahead of Sunday's Supercopa de Espana first leg against Real Madrid.


Unsurprisingly, goalkeeper Elias was the busiest Chapecoense player during the first half as Barca instantly clicked into gear. Elias denied Messi and Luis Suarez at the end of flowing moves before Deulofeu tapped home Ivan Rakitic's low cross at the far post in the sixth minute.

Busquet's spectacular second left the over-worked 22-year-old with no chance before Wellington Paulista dragged wide from 25 yards, having found space on a rare Chapecoense counter-attack.

A dubious offside flag prevented Messi from teeing up a third for Gerard Pique, but the mercurial Argentine was on the scoresheet with half an hour played, receiving a return pass at the second attempt from Deulofeu and lashing high into the net.

Ruschel made way to a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 36th minute, while Luis Suarez was left baffled by his failure to get on the scoresheet by the break as Elias saved with his legs and produced an astonishing right-handed reaction save.The Uruguay star got his goal nine minutes into the second half, beating Elias at the near post with a vicious strike following a deft one-two with Messi.

Denis Suarez will hope for more first-team opportunities under new head coach Ernesto Valverde and did his prospects no harm with an unerring low finish in the 74th minute, when Messi dropped deep to impeccably play creator once more.

New signing Nelson Semedo won an 89th-minute penalty, but Paco Alcacer's poorly struck effort was saved by replacement goalkeeper Artur Moraes.

 

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Carrick: Super Cup is hugely important for Man Utd


Manchester United captain Michael Carrick has talked up the importance of Tuesday’s UEFA Super Cup meeting against Real Madrid.

The Europa League winners meet the Champions League victors in Skopje, and while some may consider the match little more than a pre-season warm up, the England international is of the opinion it is a great deal more significant.“It’s hugely important,” he said. “I don't think you can underestimate what we've been through to get to this stage and to play this game.


“It is a big achievement to be part of it. So we are taking it very seriously. It is a massive trophy to win at the start of the season and it can kickstart your season. It would be terrific for us.“It is not one I have managed to win and not sure if anyone in our squad so we are all desperate to win it.”

United last won the Super Cup in 1991 – the only time they have lifted the trophy – defeating Red Star Belgrade 1-0 thanks to a goal from Brian McClair.

 

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Coutinho will want to leave Liverpool for Barcelona – Carragher


Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes that Philippe Coutinho will want to leave Anfield for Barcelona.

The sale of Neymar has opened up a free berth in the Catalans’ attacking line and reports have linked them with an interest in the Brazil international.While Liverpool are set to rebuff any approaches, Carragher thinks that the 25-year-old attacker will still want the move to take place.


“I don’t think he’s going to go, but he would want to go. Who wouldn’t want to go to Barcelona?” he told Sky Sports. “I’m sure whether it’s this summer or next summer Philippe Coutinho will want to wear that shirt and go to Barcelona.“There’s nothing wrong with it. That’s football.”

The former England defender was speaking in the context of Virgil van Dijk demanding to leave Southampton in a very public manner, criticising the club for spreading falsehoods about his failure to train.

“I think it’s wrong. We’d all be very angry if it was a player at our own club, if I’d played with someone where that was the case,” he said.“But on the other hand, if you’re looking to move, which he is, what about your fitness levels if you do get that move?

“The frustration for Southampton when you put in a transfer request is that this is for every club, except possibly Real Madrid and Barcelona, there’s a football chain. And if you’re at Southampton and Liverpool, Chelsea or Manchester City come in, your player will want to go.

“Hopefully what Van Dijk has said today is the truth and he hasn’t refused to play in games or train. I accept that from a player but unfortunately for Southampton that is the football chain. Liverpool are above Southampton, and Liverpool have the same problem with Madrid or Barcelona.”

 

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AC Milan need to sign leaders to return to the top, Desailly warns


AC Milan legend Marcel Desailly has warned his former club that their summer investment in the playing pool will go to waste unless they can sign “leaders”.

Lucas Biglia, Leonardo Bonucci and Franck Kessie have been added by the San Siro club, who were taken over by a Chinese consortium at the end of last season, but the Frenchman thinks there are other ingredients required to lift Milan out of the doldrums.“They’ve been buying quite lot of players, but it will not be enough for the next two seasons. To create a foundation for the club you need leaders,” he told Mihaaru.

“You need a lot of elements to be able to get the Milan — the big Milan — of the 90s.”Nevertheless, the former Chelsea man is delighted to see the club on the right track.

“I’m happy again,” he said. “You should not be scared about money. We were scared because my former president [Silvio] Berlusconi gave up the club.“So we were hoping for the club to be active and now we’ve seen them.”

Meanwhile, the 1998 World Cup winner would not back himself to be a success in the game nowadays, suggesting he lacks the skills.“I was a heavyweight in the football world. You don’t have of the type of players that I was anymore,” he explained.

“Nobody resembles me, because now they’re much more technical. The way they use the ball, the ability and the skills, is much more accurate.

 

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Henry backs Lacazette for Arsenal success


Thierry Henry believes Alexandre Lacazette will succeed at Arsenal, but manager Arsene Wenger will need a full squad for the collective to similarly achieve.

Lacazette joined Arsenal from Olympique Lyon for a club-record fee in the off-season and, considering his start in Sunday's Community Shield victory over Chelsea, is set to be Wenger's first choice up front.


Henry, Arsenal's all-time top goal scorer with 228 goals, believes Lacazette and Olivier Giroud will offer versatility for the current squad's benefit."(Lacazette) has a different game to Giroud, which I think is good because you need different types of strikers," Henry said on Sky Sports.

"He did it in the French league and people might say it's a different league, but, with due respect to Lyon, he'll also be with better players. I'm backing him to have a good season.

"Sometimes you'll need Giroud or even (Alexis) Sanchez in the middle and sometimes you'll need (Danny) Welbeck or (Theo) Walcott, whoever will have an impact."The 26-year-old French striker has drawn comparisons to Henry, as he is adept as both a finisher and facilitator.

Sorely missed in Lyon's Europa League semi-final defeat to Ajax, Lacazette provided goals as well as assists, contributing to 39 strikes in Ligue 1 and European competition last season.

"I'm a big fan of him," Henry said. "I saw him playing for a long time in the French league and in the youth team."He was always a talent that everyone was for him to grow into, and to be fair he did, he's been scoring goals every season."

Thierry Henry believes Alexandre Lacazette will succeed at Arsenal, but manager Arsene Wenger will need a full squad for the collective to similarly achieve.

Lacazette joined Arsenal from Olympique Lyon for a club-record fee in the off-season and, considering his start in Sunday's Community Shield victory over Chelsea, is set to be Wenger's first choice up front.


Henry, Arsenal's all-time top goal scorer with 228 goals, believes Lacazette and Olivier Giroud will offer versatility for the current squad's benefit."(Lacazette) has a different game to Giroud, which I think is good because you need different types of strikers," Henry said on Sky Sports.

"He did it in the French league and people might say it's a different league, but, with due respect to Lyon, he'll also be with better players. I'm backing him to have a good season."Sometimes you'll need Giroud or even (Alexis) Sanchez in the middle and sometimes you'll need (Danny) Welbeck or (Theo) Walcott, whoever will have an impact."

The 26-year-old French striker has drawn comparisons to Henry, as he is adept as both a finisher and facilitator.Sorely missed in Lyon's Europa League semi-final defeat to Ajax, Lacazette provided goals as well as assists, contributing to 39 strikes in Ligue 1 and European competition last season.

"I'm a big fan of him," Henry said. "I saw him playing for a long time in the French league and in the youth team."He was always a talent that everyone was for him to grow into, and to be fair he did, he's been scoring goals every season."

 

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UEFA Super Cup 2017.08.08

UEFA Super Cup 2017.08.08​

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Real Madrid Vs Manchester United

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Good Luck Manchester United!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

UEFA Super Cup 2017.08.08​

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Real Madrid Vs Manchester United

Real Madrid Starting Line-up

Navas
Carvajal
Ramos
Varane
Marcelo
Kroos
Casemiro
Modric
Isco
Benzema
Bale

&

Manchester United Starting Line-up

De Gea
Valencia
Lindelof
Smalling
Darmian
Matic
Herrera
Pofgba
Mkhitaryan
Lingard
Lukaku
​

 

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Good Luck Manchester United!

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Good Luck Manchester United!

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