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Manchester United Launch New Adidas Home Kit For 2016/17
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Bayern and Ancelotti shocked by 'tragic' Munich attacks
Bayern Munich and coach Carlo Ancelotti responded to Friday's tragic events in the Bavarian capital, with the Italian describing the attack as "incomprehensible".
Police confirmed there are nine dead and at least 10 injured after a shooting at a Munich shopping centre.Public transport in the city has been shut down as police continue to search for the culprits, with residents urged to avoid public places.
Bayern responded to the attack, tweeting: "Our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with all those affected by the tragic events in Munich. Stay safe!"
Meanwhile, coach Ancelotti said: "Very sad... incomprehensible... my solidarity for the victims and families."
Bayern are scheduled to play a friendly in Landshut - 45 miles away from Munich - on Saturday, but there has been no mention if the game will be postponed or cancelled.
Bayern Munich and coach Carlo Ancelotti responded to Friday's tragic events in the Bavarian capital, with the Italian describing the attack as "incomprehensible".
Police confirmed there are nine dead and at least 10 injured after a shooting at a Munich shopping centre.Public transport in the city has been shut down as police continue to search for the culprits, with residents urged to avoid public places.
Bayern responded to the attack, tweeting: "Our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with all those affected by the tragic events in Munich. Stay safe!"
Meanwhile, coach Ancelotti said: "Very sad... incomprehensible... my solidarity for the victims and families."
Bayern are scheduled to play a friendly in Landshut - 45 miles away from Munich - on Saturday, but there has been no mention if the game will be postponed or cancelled.
Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney is relishing the opportunity to work under manager Jose Mourinho, comparing the Portuguese to former boss Alex Ferguson.
After almost linking up with Mourinho at Chelsea in 2013, Rooney finally has the opportunity to play for the three-time Premier League-winning manager at Old Trafford.Mourinho's arrival in Manchester has already instilled renewed belief within the squad and fans following a fifth-place finish under Louis van Gaal last season.
And after opting to leave Everton to work with Ferguson in 2004 - a move that has yielded 13 trophies - Rooney hopes he can enjoy the same amount of success under Mourinho.
"I came to Manchester United because I wanted to work under Alex Ferguson and then in the latter years [with] what Mourinho has done in football, in Spain and Italy and England, he is a manager who you want to play under," the 30-year-old forward said as United take part at the International Champions Cup in China.
"He is one of the best around and to learn from what he brings it's going to be exciting for me to try and learn under a manager such as himself."Rooney: "I've been working under the manager for the last few days and the sessions have been very good.
"It is exciting, he is one of the best managers in world football and he has a clear idea of what he wants. I'm just looking forward to playing for him now."
Melbourne Victory 1-1 Juventus (pens: 4-3): Bianconeri lose in ICC opener
Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas bounced back from second-half embarrassment to secure a 4-3 penalty shootout triumph over Juventus in the International Champions Cup.
Thomas looked on helplessly as Juventus youngster Carlos Blanco sent a 50-yard chip sailing over his head to sensationally open the scoring in a 1-1 draw at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
That lead remained intact until seven minutes from time when Jai Ingham slotted home a fine and deserved equaliser for the hosts and Thomas cast himself as the shootout hero, with decisive saves from Roman Macek and Stefano Padovan to claim a significant pre-season scalp for the A-League side.
With Juventus' Euro 2016 stars absent - most notably Paul Pogba as speculation over a mooted world-record transfer to Manchester United continues to swirl - Massimiliano Allegri fielded a somewhat unfamiliar XI, although star forward Paulo Dybala was to the fore during his team's best first-half moments.
The Argentina international, who Juventus are reportedly close to uniting with his compatriot Gonzalo Higuain in attack, showed plenty of bright flashes and rippled the top of the netting with an excellent whipped free-kick.
Much of the Victory's best work came via the impressive Mitch Austin on the left flank and his teasing cross on the stroke of half-time was headed goalwards by Besart Berisha to prompt a sharp reaction stop from Neto.
Following the anticipated raft of half-time substitutions, Blanco brought the contest to life in style as Thomas under-hit a clearance, but Juventus were unable to build on the breakthrough.Austin blotted his evening's work by blazing over at the back post but Ingham was on hand to convert a pleasing one-touch move with a measured low finish.
Ingham scored the first of four consecutive successful penalties from the Victory after Carl Valeri's initial effort was saved and Thomas capitalised on his team-mate's composure.Juventus return to the MCG to face Tottenham on Tuesday.
Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas bounced back from second-half embarrassment to secure a 4-3 penalty shootout triumph over Juventus in the International Champions Cup.
Thomas looked on helplessly as Juventus youngster Carlos Blanco sent a 50-yard chip sailing over his head to sensationally open the scoring in a 1-1 draw at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
That lead remained intact until seven minutes from time when Jai Ingham slotted home a fine and deserved equaliser for the hosts and Thomas cast himself as the shootout hero, with decisive saves from Roman Macek and Stefano Padovan to claim a significant pre-season scalp for the A-League side.
With Juventus' Euro 2016 stars absent - most notably Paul Pogba as speculation over a mooted world-record transfer to Manchester United continues to swirl - Massimiliano Allegri fielded a somewhat unfamiliar XI, although star forward Paulo Dybala was to the fore during his team's best first-half moments.
The Argentina international, who Juventus are reportedly close to uniting with his compatriot Gonzalo Higuain in attack, showed plenty of bright flashes and rippled the top of the netting with an excellent whipped free-kick.
Much of the Victory's best work came via the impressive Mitch Austin on the left flank and his teasing cross on the stroke of half-time was headed goalwards by Besart Berisha to prompt a sharp reaction stop from Neto.
Following the anticipated raft of half-time substitutions, Blanco brought the contest to life in style as Thomas under-hit a clearance, but Juventus were unable to build on the breakthrough.Austin blotted his evening's work by blazing over at the back post but Ingham was on hand to convert a pleasing one-touch move with a measured low finish.
Ingham scored the first of four consecutive successful penalties from the Victory after Carl Valeri's initial effort was saved and Thomas capitalised on his team-mate's composure.Juventus return to the MCG to face Tottenham on Tuesday.
OFFICIAL: Man Utd loan Varela to Frankfurt
Manchester United defender Guillermo Varela has completed a season-long move to Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt.
The full-back made 10 starts for the Red Devils during the 2015-16 campaign after being handed his debut by Louis van Gaal, and will look to gain further first-team experience in Germany.
The 23-year-old, who had previously spent a year on loan at Real Madrid's Castilla team in 2014-15, featured in Jose Mourinho's first game in charge of the Premier League last week when they beat Wigan 2-0 in a friendly.
However, the Uruguayan right-back was left out of United's squad for the International Champions Cup campaign in China and will spend the 2016-17 campaign on loan in Germany.
"I look forward to being in Frankfurt with the team and the stadium," Varela told the club's official website. "I've seen a few games in the Bundesliga on television and was impressed by the mood of the fans."Frankfurt's sporting director Bruno Hubner added: "Guillermo Varela is a very talented young player who has proven his qualities already in two absolute top clubs."
Eintracht finished third bottom of the league last season but rescued their top flight status by beating Nurnberg 2-1 on aggregate in the relegation playoffs.
Manchester United defender Guillermo Varela has completed a season-long move to Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt.
The full-back made 10 starts for the Red Devils during the 2015-16 campaign after being handed his debut by Louis van Gaal, and will look to gain further first-team experience in Germany.
The 23-year-old, who had previously spent a year on loan at Real Madrid's Castilla team in 2014-15, featured in Jose Mourinho's first game in charge of the Premier League last week when they beat Wigan 2-0 in a friendly.
However, the Uruguayan right-back was left out of United's squad for the International Champions Cup campaign in China and will spend the 2016-17 campaign on loan in Germany.
"I look forward to being in Frankfurt with the team and the stadium," Varela told the club's official website. "I've seen a few games in the Bundesliga on television and was impressed by the mood of the fans."Frankfurt's sporting director Bruno Hubner added: "Guillermo Varela is a very talented young player who has proven his qualities already in two absolute top clubs."
Eintracht finished third bottom of the league last season but rescued their top flight status by beating Nurnberg 2-1 on aggregate in the relegation playoffs.
OFFICIAL: Sunderland appoint Moyes
Sunderland have confirmed the appointment of David Moyes as the club's new manager after Sam Allardyce's departure to take the England job.
Moyes has signed a four-year deal at the Stadium of Light, with the role his first in the Premier League since being sacked by Manchester United in April 2014.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome David Moyes to Sunderland, who was by far and away our first choice," chairman Ellis Short said.
“He is a man whose football pedigree speaks for itself and is someone I have long admired. I have spoken with him on many occasions and I have always been hugely impressed.
"He was my number one managerial target for the last five appointments, but his desire to honour existing contracts meant we were not able to bring him to Sunderland previously. To be able to finally welcome him as our manager is fantastic news for the club.
“The fact that David has committed to a four-year deal is a clear demonstration of his belief in what he can achieve here."It is our aim to become a better, stronger and more stable football club and with a manager of David’s calibre and experience at the helm, we have a fantastic opportunity to begin looking upwards, rather than downwards every season”.
Moyes, who began his managerial career at Preston North End, said: “I am delighted to have joined Sunderland. I am relishing the challenge and excited by the opportunity.
“I have taken over a big British club, with a great support and I’m looking forward to working in the Premier League again.
“I look forward to continuing the good work done by Sam”. The Scot boasts a wealth of experience at the top level and is a three-time LMA Manager of the Year (2002-03, 2004-05, 2008-09). He has also won 10 Manager of the Month awards in England and has managed more than 800 senior games in club football.
Sunderland have confirmed the appointment of David Moyes as the club's new manager after Sam Allardyce's departure to take the England job.
Moyes has signed a four-year deal at the Stadium of Light, with the role his first in the Premier League since being sacked by Manchester United in April 2014.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome David Moyes to Sunderland, who was by far and away our first choice," chairman Ellis Short said.
“He is a man whose football pedigree speaks for itself and is someone I have long admired. I have spoken with him on many occasions and I have always been hugely impressed.
"He was my number one managerial target for the last five appointments, but his desire to honour existing contracts meant we were not able to bring him to Sunderland previously. To be able to finally welcome him as our manager is fantastic news for the club.
“The fact that David has committed to a four-year deal is a clear demonstration of his belief in what he can achieve here."It is our aim to become a better, stronger and more stable football club and with a manager of David’s calibre and experience at the helm, we have a fantastic opportunity to begin looking upwards, rather than downwards every season”.
Moyes, who began his managerial career at Preston North End, said: “I am delighted to have joined Sunderland. I am relishing the challenge and excited by the opportunity.
“I have taken over a big British club, with a great support and I’m looking forward to working in the Premier League again.
“I look forward to continuing the good work done by Sam”. The Scot boasts a wealth of experience at the top level and is a three-time LMA Manager of the Year (2002-03, 2004-05, 2008-09). He has also won 10 Manager of the Month awards in England and has managed more than 800 senior games in club football.
Higuain closes in on Juventus move as fee agreed
Gonzalo Higuain has undergone a medical with Juventus and agreed personal terms as he closes in on a move to the Serie A champions.
Goal understands the Bianconeri have agreed to pay the Argentina international's €94 million release clause, with Napoli set to receive the money in two sets of €47m installments.
Higuain will sign a four year-contract with the Turin outfit, with his deal worth €7m-a-year.
The transfer may pave the way for Paul Pogba's world record move to Manchester United, with the Italian champions having funds left over to find a direct replacement. Higuain's 36 Serie A goals last season, in just 35 games, equalled an 87-year-record.
Gonzalo Higuain has undergone a medical with Juventus and agreed personal terms as he closes in on a move to the Serie A champions.
Goal understands the Bianconeri have agreed to pay the Argentina international's €94 million release clause, with Napoli set to receive the money in two sets of €47m installments.
Higuain will sign a four year-contract with the Turin outfit, with his deal worth €7m-a-year.
The transfer may pave the way for Paul Pogba's world record move to Manchester United, with the Italian champions having funds left over to find a direct replacement. Higuain's 36 Serie A goals last season, in just 35 games, equalled an 87-year-record.
Shaw one of best left-backs in world - Herrera
Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera feels team-mate Luke Shaw is one of the best left-backs in the game.
The England international recently made his comeback in the 2-0 friendly win over Wigan after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a fractured leg, featuring for 45 minutes.
He then stayed on for the full 90 minutes in the International Champions Cup defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund on Friday and Herrera is delighted with Shaw's return to match action.
"We are very happy with him and we are very happy for him because it has been very tough," Herrera told the official United website.
"We have one of the best left-backs in the world and we have to take advantage of him."He has played for 90 minutes after 10 months without playing.
"You can see he is very, very quick and sometimes when you are not used to getting the ball at your feet then you can make some mistakes, but what we want from Luke is that he gets to the last line to make some crosses and he is doing that."
Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera feels team-mate Luke Shaw is one of the best left-backs in the game.
The England international recently made his comeback in the 2-0 friendly win over Wigan after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a fractured leg, featuring for 45 minutes.
He then stayed on for the full 90 minutes in the International Champions Cup defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund on Friday and Herrera is delighted with Shaw's return to match action.
"We are very happy with him and we are very happy for him because it has been very tough," Herrera told the official United website.
"We have one of the best left-backs in the world and we have to take advantage of him."He has played for 90 minutes after 10 months without playing.
"You can see he is very, very quick and sometimes when you are not used to getting the ball at your feet then you can make some mistakes, but what we want from Luke is that he gets to the last line to make some crosses and he is doing that."
Mahrez's agent was NOT at Arsenal game to discuss €50m transfer
Riyad Mahrez's agent did not meet Arsene Wenger in Lens ahead of a €50 million (£41.8m) transfer, Goal understands.
Mahrez has been heavily linked with a move away from Leicester City this summer after a title-winning season in which himself, Jamie Vardy and Chelsea new-boy N'Golo Kante played a significant part.
While a concrete offer from Arsenal was not enough to persuade Vardy to leave the King Power Stadium earlier in the summer, Mahrez has been touted as the missing piece in the Gunners' front three alongside Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.
According to a report on Saturday, the 25-year-old's agent met with Gunners boss Wenger after Lens' 1-1 draw with Arsenal to discuss a potential transfer.
However, Goal understands that the representative of the PFA Player of the Year attended the pre-season friendly at Stade Bollaert-Delelis to watch his client Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, 18, in action against Arsenal.Leicester boss Claudio Raineri had told Sky Sports earlier in the week: "It's over, the market is over here, Mahrez wants to stay."
Mahrez will be involved in the Foxes' friendly match at Celtic on Saturday afternoon.
Riyad Mahrez's agent did not meet Arsene Wenger in Lens ahead of a €50 million (£41.8m) transfer, Goal understands.
Mahrez has been heavily linked with a move away from Leicester City this summer after a title-winning season in which himself, Jamie Vardy and Chelsea new-boy N'Golo Kante played a significant part.
While a concrete offer from Arsenal was not enough to persuade Vardy to leave the King Power Stadium earlier in the summer, Mahrez has been touted as the missing piece in the Gunners' front three alongside Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.
According to a report on Saturday, the 25-year-old's agent met with Gunners boss Wenger after Lens' 1-1 draw with Arsenal to discuss a potential transfer.
However, Goal understands that the representative of the PFA Player of the Year attended the pre-season friendly at Stade Bollaert-Delelis to watch his client Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, 18, in action against Arsenal.Leicester boss Claudio Raineri had told Sky Sports earlier in the week: "It's over, the market is over here, Mahrez wants to stay."
Mahrez will be involved in the Foxes' friendly match at Celtic on Saturday afternoon.
Pogba not worth £100m, says Scholes
Paul Scholes believes Manchester United will be paying over the odds if they sign Paul Pogba from Juventus for a world-record transfer fee.Goal understands the 23-year-old is now close to joining United for €110m (£92m) from Juventus, who he joined on a free transfer in 2012.
Scholes is a fan of Pogba's abilities but feels such a hefty price tag would suggest he is at the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and he does not believe the France international can be considered as good as the Barcelona and Real Madrid stars just yet."He was a very talented player," Scholes told reporters when discussing Pogba's fledgling United days. "I played with him quite a lot.
"If you ask me, at that time his agent was asking for a lot of money for a player who did not play first-team football except once or twice.
"Okay, he has gone on to great things and there was a massive improvement in him. I just don't think he is a player worth £100m-plus right now. "For that money, you would need a player who scores 50-plus goals a season, like Ronaldo or Messi. Pogba is not there yet."
Jose Mourinho has added Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan to his attacking options for the forthcoming season and Scholes feels both men will have points to prove.
"I haven't seen much of Mkhitaryan but he seems to be a good player," he said.
"With Ibrahimovic, he was playing at PSG and there were a lot of chances created and it was easy to score in that league.
"Is the United team as good as the PSG team? Not yet, maybe it will be. So in this league he will have to do a lot himself to score goals."Nevertheless, Scholes suggested rivals Manchester City might have snared the most impressive buy between the clubs so far this close season by persuading Ilkay Gundogan - the Germany international midfielder who is still recuperating from a knee injury - to join from Borussia Dortmund.
"He is a very good player if he can stay fit," he added. "I have seen a lot of him with Dortmund. He has had a lot of injury problems but he can be fantastic if he can be fit. "[Buying Gundogan] for about €20m - that's a steal, these days."
Paul Scholes believes Manchester United will be paying over the odds if they sign Paul Pogba from Juventus for a world-record transfer fee.Goal understands the 23-year-old is now close to joining United for €110m (£92m) from Juventus, who he joined on a free transfer in 2012.
Scholes is a fan of Pogba's abilities but feels such a hefty price tag would suggest he is at the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and he does not believe the France international can be considered as good as the Barcelona and Real Madrid stars just yet."He was a very talented player," Scholes told reporters when discussing Pogba's fledgling United days. "I played with him quite a lot.
"If you ask me, at that time his agent was asking for a lot of money for a player who did not play first-team football except once or twice.
"Okay, he has gone on to great things and there was a massive improvement in him. I just don't think he is a player worth £100m-plus right now. "For that money, you would need a player who scores 50-plus goals a season, like Ronaldo or Messi. Pogba is not there yet."
Jose Mourinho has added Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan to his attacking options for the forthcoming season and Scholes feels both men will have points to prove.
"I haven't seen much of Mkhitaryan but he seems to be a good player," he said.
"With Ibrahimovic, he was playing at PSG and there were a lot of chances created and it was easy to score in that league.
"Is the United team as good as the PSG team? Not yet, maybe it will be. So in this league he will have to do a lot himself to score goals."Nevertheless, Scholes suggested rivals Manchester City might have snared the most impressive buy between the clubs so far this close season by persuading Ilkay Gundogan - the Germany international midfielder who is still recuperating from a knee injury - to join from Borussia Dortmund.
"He is a very good player if he can stay fit," he added. "I have seen a lot of him with Dortmund. He has had a lot of injury problems but he can be fantastic if he can be fit. "[Buying Gundogan] for about €20m - that's a steal, these days."
Ronaldo ruled out of Real Madrid's Super Cup clash with Sevilla
Cristiano Ronaldo insists he will not feature in Real Madrid’s Super Cup clash with Sevilla in August.
The 31-year-old suffered a knee injury in a challenge with Dimitri Payet in the Euro 2016 final and was forced off in the first half in tears.
And the forward, who played a major role in guiding Portugal to glory in the tournament earlier this summer, says he will not be returning until the day after the final in Trondheim on August 9.
"I'm completely ruled out of the Super Cup on the 9th because I return to work on the 10th,” said Ronaldo.
The forward also believes he’s put himself in a strong position to win the Ballon d’Or ahead of Lionel Messi.
"It's out of my hands,” he said.
"But I'll admit that I'm in a good position given that I won the Champions League and the European Championship."
Cristiano Ronaldo insists he will not feature in Real Madrid’s Super Cup clash with Sevilla in August.
The 31-year-old suffered a knee injury in a challenge with Dimitri Payet in the Euro 2016 final and was forced off in the first half in tears.
And the forward, who played a major role in guiding Portugal to glory in the tournament earlier this summer, says he will not be returning until the day after the final in Trondheim on August 9.
"I'm completely ruled out of the Super Cup on the 9th because I return to work on the 10th,” said Ronaldo.
The forward also believes he’s put himself in a strong position to win the Ballon d’Or ahead of Lionel Messi.
"It's out of my hands,” he said.
"But I'll admit that I'm in a good position given that I won the Champions League and the European Championship."
Ronaldo wants Real Madrid renewal
Cristiano Ronaldo is keen to sign a contract renewal with Real Madrid and will hold talks over his future upon his return to the Spanish capital.
The Portugal international's existing deal is due to expire in June 2018, but he is ready to commit his long-term future to Madrid after winning Euro 2016 with his country.
"I spoke to the president [Florentino Perez] on the phone and when I get back to Madrid, we'll talk [over a new deal]," the 31-year-old was quoted as saying by AS."Obviously it's something I want."
Ronaldo scored 51 goals at club level in the 2015-16 season, and also netted three goals at the European Championships.And the former Manchester United star claims that this season has been the best of his career thus far."This season has been the best of my career," he added. "I won two major titles, with my club and country, so it was something unique.
"It was a very emotional moment to win the Undecima. Winning the trophy is incredible, every time I look at it I see the memories of when I won it for the first time with Manchester United as well as my triumphs with Madrid."
Cristiano Ronaldo is keen to sign a contract renewal with Real Madrid and will hold talks over his future upon his return to the Spanish capital.
The Portugal international's existing deal is due to expire in June 2018, but he is ready to commit his long-term future to Madrid after winning Euro 2016 with his country.
"I spoke to the president [Florentino Perez] on the phone and when I get back to Madrid, we'll talk [over a new deal]," the 31-year-old was quoted as saying by AS."Obviously it's something I want."
Ronaldo scored 51 goals at club level in the 2015-16 season, and also netted three goals at the European Championships.And the former Manchester United star claims that this season has been the best of his career thus far."This season has been the best of my career," he added. "I won two major titles, with my club and country, so it was something unique.
"It was a very emotional moment to win the Undecima. Winning the trophy is incredible, every time I look at it I see the memories of when I won it for the first time with Manchester United as well as my triumphs with Madrid."
Scholes challenges Allardyce to change England mentality
Paul Scholes believes Sam Allardyce's biggest challenge will be trying to change the mentality of England's failing national side.
The Three Lions qualified for Euro 2016 with a 100 per cent record but a string of listless displays culminated in a 2-1 last-16 loss to minnows Iceland in France.
Roy Hodgson resigned in the aftermath of that loss in Nice and on Friday the Football Association confirmed Allardyce as his successor.
Scholes won 66 caps for England before a somewhat premature international retirement in 2004 and he feels the same problems that hindered the so-called "golden generation" during his own playing days are also harming the embattled squad Allardyce will inherit."I think it's probably just a mentality thing," he told reporters. "The two years leading up to the tournament they beat every team.
"It's very difficult with the national team in England. Especially with the league being so competitive, bringing players from Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal together. "Every week they're fighting to win the league. So it's very difficult to create a team spirit. "This team had good team spirit, but unfortunately didn't lead to the right results. But there are loads of young English players and some other manager is bound to make things right."
Scholes is unsure whether Allardyce is that man, but he thinks the former Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland boss has been unfairly labelled as a one-dimensional long-ball merchant."Time will tell, as is the case with all managers," he added. "I think he wasn't the only English candidate, there was Steve Bruce as well, but he had great experience.
"It's probably tagged unfairly that it'll become a long-ball team. Look at his Bolton team; [Fernando] Hierro, [Ivan] Campo and [Jay Jay] Okocha - brilliant footballers.
"That is the key, if he has good footballers he will get them to play entertaining football. That is what we hope he does with the England team, make them like each other and build some team spirit."
Paul Scholes believes Sam Allardyce's biggest challenge will be trying to change the mentality of England's failing national side.
The Three Lions qualified for Euro 2016 with a 100 per cent record but a string of listless displays culminated in a 2-1 last-16 loss to minnows Iceland in France.
Roy Hodgson resigned in the aftermath of that loss in Nice and on Friday the Football Association confirmed Allardyce as his successor.
Scholes won 66 caps for England before a somewhat premature international retirement in 2004 and he feels the same problems that hindered the so-called "golden generation" during his own playing days are also harming the embattled squad Allardyce will inherit."I think it's probably just a mentality thing," he told reporters. "The two years leading up to the tournament they beat every team.
"It's very difficult with the national team in England. Especially with the league being so competitive, bringing players from Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal together. "Every week they're fighting to win the league. So it's very difficult to create a team spirit. "This team had good team spirit, but unfortunately didn't lead to the right results. But there are loads of young English players and some other manager is bound to make things right."
Scholes is unsure whether Allardyce is that man, but he thinks the former Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland boss has been unfairly labelled as a one-dimensional long-ball merchant."Time will tell, as is the case with all managers," he added. "I think he wasn't the only English candidate, there was Steve Bruce as well, but he had great experience.
"It's probably tagged unfairly that it'll become a long-ball team. Look at his Bolton team; [Fernando] Hierro, [Ivan] Campo and [Jay Jay] Okocha - brilliant footballers.
"That is the key, if he has good footballers he will get them to play entertaining football. That is what we hope he does with the England team, make them like each other and build some team spirit."
David de Gea is confident Manchester United can challenge for the Premier League title under Jose Mourinho this season.
The Red Devils finished fifth under Louis van Gaal last season, prompting the appointment of Mourinho who has made a number of high-profile signings ahead of his first season in charge.
United have splashed the cash to sign Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Villarreal and Borussia Dortmund respectively, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined on a free transfer.And such quality arriving at Old Trafford has led to De Gea backing his side to launch a push for their first league title since the 2012/13 season.
"Can we challenge for the title? Of course, of course," the Spain international told reporters.
"I think we signed top players, really good players. We are Manchester United and we want to fight for everything.
"It feels like it is a new era. I think the club is really strong now. The players, we want to win everything and hopefully we can do it.”Also boosting De Gea's belief that United can land the league title this season is the fact that he believes the club have brought in a “winner” in the shape of Mourinho.
He added: "Mourinho is a strong character. He is a winner, one of the best managers in the world and we feel it. We are really comfortable with him.
"He is a strong character but he makes jokes. It is good for us to laugh and I think he is a really good manager."
Guardiola: Of course I'll shake Mourinho's hand
Pep Guardiola has once again moved to downplay his rivalry with Jose Mourinho ahead of Manchester City's International Champions Cup clash with Manchester United.The two Premier League giants are set to meet at the Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing on Monday as they ramp up their preparations for the 2016-17 campaign.
Guardiola and Mourinho have endured an often acrimonious relationship so far during their time in management, most notably during their time Spain, and they will lock horns once again less than a month into their respective reigns in Manchester.
The City boss has been keen to avoid discussing his previous run-ins with the Portuguese and it was no different on Sunday as he dismissed the suggestion that the two men would not shake hands."Of course," he said. "We are polite guys. Why not? Why should he not shake my hand? No reason why. He wants to win, I want to win, that’s all.
"It’s a friendly game. A really friendly game."Guardiola has other concerns ahead of Monday's game, with heavy rainfall in the Chinese capital during the last week leaving the pitch at the Bird's Nest in poor condition.
Although the pre-match training sessions have been moved to the nearby Olympic Sports Centre, the game itself is set to go ahead despite initial fears of a cancellation.
But Guardiola is worried that his players may be more susceptible to injury by playing on the sub-standard surface, and he says his priority from the match is now to avoid any casualties."We didn’t see the pitch but the information we have is there could be a lot of rain in the last day so it’s not in good condition," he added.
"We’re going to adapt, adjust. It’s the second game for our preparation. We’re going to start to move forward like we talked in the beginning. That’s the target.
"The most important thing is that people aren’t going to be injured."Guardiola also gave an update on Vincent Kompany's bid to return to full fitness ahead of the new campaign.
The captain's surprise presence on the bench for City's game against Bayern Munich on Wednesday was put down to an admin error, and Guardiola has stressed that the Belgian must take his time to recover fully."That’s not the important thing," he replied when asked when Kompany can be expected to return.
"What happened with Vincent Kompany the last two years was so difficult for him and the team."The important thing is not when he’s coming back, it’s to be fit and ready to show he can play one week and one week more, that he can play regularly – especially that he can train every day.Then we will see again the best Vincent Kompany.
"The most important thing is not to be back as soon as possible. Forget about it. The most important thing is when the doctors and physios say he’s fit."If it’s Sunderland, perfect. Start of the Champions League, perfect. If not, September."
Pep Guardiola has once again moved to downplay his rivalry with Jose Mourinho ahead of Manchester City's International Champions Cup clash with Manchester United.The two Premier League giants are set to meet at the Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing on Monday as they ramp up their preparations for the 2016-17 campaign.
Guardiola and Mourinho have endured an often acrimonious relationship so far during their time in management, most notably during their time Spain, and they will lock horns once again less than a month into their respective reigns in Manchester.
The City boss has been keen to avoid discussing his previous run-ins with the Portuguese and it was no different on Sunday as he dismissed the suggestion that the two men would not shake hands."Of course," he said. "We are polite guys. Why not? Why should he not shake my hand? No reason why. He wants to win, I want to win, that’s all.
"It’s a friendly game. A really friendly game."Guardiola has other concerns ahead of Monday's game, with heavy rainfall in the Chinese capital during the last week leaving the pitch at the Bird's Nest in poor condition.
Although the pre-match training sessions have been moved to the nearby Olympic Sports Centre, the game itself is set to go ahead despite initial fears of a cancellation.
But Guardiola is worried that his players may be more susceptible to injury by playing on the sub-standard surface, and he says his priority from the match is now to avoid any casualties."We didn’t see the pitch but the information we have is there could be a lot of rain in the last day so it’s not in good condition," he added.
"We’re going to adapt, adjust. It’s the second game for our preparation. We’re going to start to move forward like we talked in the beginning. That’s the target.
"The most important thing is that people aren’t going to be injured."Guardiola also gave an update on Vincent Kompany's bid to return to full fitness ahead of the new campaign.
The captain's surprise presence on the bench for City's game against Bayern Munich on Wednesday was put down to an admin error, and Guardiola has stressed that the Belgian must take his time to recover fully."That’s not the important thing," he replied when asked when Kompany can be expected to return.
"What happened with Vincent Kompany the last two years was so difficult for him and the team."The important thing is not when he’s coming back, it’s to be fit and ready to show he can play one week and one week more, that he can play regularly – especially that he can train every day.Then we will see again the best Vincent Kompany.
"The most important thing is not to be back as soon as possible. Forget about it. The most important thing is when the doctors and physios say he’s fit."If it’s Sunderland, perfect. Start of the Champions League, perfect. If not, September."
Beckham: Mourinho will make Man Utd feared again
New manager Jose Mourinho can make Manchester United a team to be feared again, according to David Beckham.
The Red Devils have been unable to challenge for the Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013, with successors David Moyes and Louis van Gaal failing to fill the void left by the legendary manager.
But Beckham, who won six league titles during his time at Old Trafford, believes that Mourinho is a "great" appointment and feels he will lead the club back to glory.
"Jose knows what he wants and how to get it, he knows how to win titles,"Beckham told Sky Sports. "I think that is what United definitely need to get back to and they need to get back to being feared again."We were always a club – and are still a club – that when teams come to Old Trafford, they know they are going to be up against it and they know they are probably going to lose. So that is what we need to get back to.
"I fully expect it to work. With Jose leaving Chelsea and now coming back into the Premier League with United, for me it is a great move."Mourinho and his backroom staff arriving at the club marks a new era at Old Trafford, something which Beckham is looking forward to.
"I had huge respect for Van Gaal, but it did not work out the way people expected it to. But I think at the end of the day, now it is a new start for United."
New manager Jose Mourinho can make Manchester United a team to be feared again, according to David Beckham.
The Red Devils have been unable to challenge for the Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013, with successors David Moyes and Louis van Gaal failing to fill the void left by the legendary manager.
But Beckham, who won six league titles during his time at Old Trafford, believes that Mourinho is a "great" appointment and feels he will lead the club back to glory.
"Jose knows what he wants and how to get it, he knows how to win titles,"Beckham told Sky Sports. "I think that is what United definitely need to get back to and they need to get back to being feared again."We were always a club – and are still a club – that when teams come to Old Trafford, they know they are going to be up against it and they know they are probably going to lose. So that is what we need to get back to.
"I fully expect it to work. With Jose leaving Chelsea and now coming back into the Premier League with United, for me it is a great move."Mourinho and his backroom staff arriving at the club marks a new era at Old Trafford, something which Beckham is looking forward to.
"I had huge respect for Van Gaal, but it did not work out the way people expected it to. But I think at the end of the day, now it is a new start for United."
