..::Football IV::..

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Cristiano Ronaldo relishing Sporting CP return

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Champions League clash against his former team Sporting CP.

The prolific attacker rose to prominence at the Lisbon side before earning a move to Manchester United in 2003 and will return to familiar hunting ground when Madrid face Sporting on November 22.

The 31-year-old netted once when his side recorded a 2-1 win over Sporting at the Santiago Bernabeu and he is looking forward to another reunion with old friends.

"It is always special to be back," he told Sky Sports."I remember going back to Old Trafford two or three years ago and now to go back to Sporting, which was the team that created me from 11 to 18 years old.

"It is always a pleasure to be back and see my old stadium and my old friends. It will be amazing, but of course I have to defend my colours and I want to win the game. We need to win, too."

It was at Sporting's Jose Alvalade stadium that Ronaldo impressed United boss Alex Ferguson with a fine performance in a 3-1 friendly win and he has nothing but fond memories of that encounter."I had always been dreaming of playing for a big club, which Manchester United were at the time," he added.

"But things went really fast after that game against them. I moved to Manchester a few months later, it was great. "I remember playing against them in Lisbon and I put in a good performance. Alex Ferguson acted quickly and I then moved to Manchester United.

"I knew I had played a good game, but I did not expect to have made such an impact on some of the players. It was a pleasure for me. I was really happy that people liked my performance."

 

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Griezmann drops BIG Man Utd hint: I always ask Pogba about them!

Atletico Madrid winger Antoine Griezmann has hinted that he could be interested in a future move to Manchester United.

The France international has five years remaining on his contract at Vicente Calderon although has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford in the past.And Griezmann, who is part of the 30-man list of nominees for the Ballon d'Or award, admits he has discussed United, and manager Jose Mourinho, with France team-mate Paul Pogba.

He said, as quoted by Sky Sports: "A future transfer depends on how I feel. Right now I'm a father so a move to another city would not be the right thing [to do].

"I'll see if I want to do something else in the future though. Right now I'm very happy at Atletico and I still want to win trophies with this club.

"I always ask Pogba about United. I think Manchester United is a huge club with a really good infrastructure. I ask Paul about some of the players. If they're really that good and if Mourinho's really that good.

"You hear a lot but in the end it's the same with United as it is with PSG. Right now I don't see me moving to a new club. It would be awesome to play together with Paul one day."

 

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Ferguson: Hairdryer treatment was rare

Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has stressed he only sparingly gave his players the infamous "hairdryer treatment" during his time at Old Trafford.

Ferguson led United to numerous trophies during his 27-year-spell in charge and earned himself a bit of a reputation for his outbursts in the dressing room whenever things were not going as planned.

Nevertheless, the 74-year-old is adamant verbal attacks aimed at his players were not as frequent as many have made them out to be."There was a lot of myth about it," Ferguson was quoted as saying by The Sun.

"It happened about half a dozen times in 27 years and the players will tell you that. The problem for me was if a player answered me back, I headed towards them. That was my problem."Jock Stein always told me to leave it until Monday to talk to them, but I I could not wait until Monday. So, on a Saturday after the game, I told them exactly how I felt, because we had trained at a level all week that I expected to win every game.

"I told them exactly the truth, and the truth works. All the players understood that and it was never held against me.

"Then the next day it is pushed aside and I am prepared to win again. I never ruled by fear. Name a Manchester United team that played with fear. My job was to get a positive attitude into that team, for them to express themselves, never give in and enjoy playing for the club. That is sacrosanct."

 

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Ronaldo: No one can be the next Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid and Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo rejects the notion that there will ever be a player who is the “same” as him in the future.

Ronaldo, who recently celebrated signing a contract extension which ties him to Madrid until 2021, has been busy sweeping up individual awards following a remarkable 2015-16 campaign.The 31-year-old helped Madrid win their 11th Champions League crown, before playing a key role in helping Portugal defeat France in the Euro 2016 final.

But when asked whether there could be a “next Cristiano Ronaldo” in the future, the forward insisted every player is unique and therefore no star can be dubbed as being the same as another.

"No one can be the next Cristiano Ronaldo, there are no doubles,” Ronaldo told Marca after receiving their Alfredo di Stefano award for La Liga's best player.“The next will be what he has to be, but never the same. That doesn't happen.

"I see in Europe many young talents, I can mention several: Renato Sanches, Andres Gomes, or Joao Mario.“There are many to choose from and I've only mentioned the Portuguese, but there are many in Europe who have the capacity to go far.“I am very happy because these great talents assure that football will always be strong."

Ronaldo is currently away with the Portugal squad ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Latvia on Sunday.The reigning European champions lost their opening qualifier against Switzerland but bounced back with victories over Andorra and Faroe Islands in October.

Ronaldo netted four of the goals against Andorra, before converting another against Faroe Islands during the last international break.The former Manchester United man has also been in good form for Real of late, scoring four goals in his last four La Liga games.

 

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Injured Diego Costa withdraws from Spain squad

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been replaced in the Spain squad by Iago Aspas after suffering an injury.

Costa was pictured taking part in the latest training session in Madrid on Thursday, despite having previously struggled with a groin problem that was expected to keep him out of the World Cup qualifier against Macedonia on Saturday.

He had previously missed two days of training before undergoing tests at a hospital in Madrid.Spain have since confirmed that the 28-year-old has been forced to return to London with a bruised thigh that he already had upon arriving with the squad.

Celta Vigo striker Aspas has been called up as his replacement and could make his first senior appearance at the age of 29 against Macedonia or England in next week's friendly.The former Liverpool striker has been in fine form this season, scoring six goals in 11 games in La Liga.

Head coach Julen Lopetegui admitted this week that Costa's recovery had not been progressing as they had anticipated, though he remained hopeful that the former Atletico Madrid striker could play some part in the two fixtures.

However, Costa told Lopetegui that he still felt pain in his thigh on Thursday and returned to London to recover rather than risk harming it further on Spain duty.

The news comes as a big blow to Chelsea, with Costa having scored nine goals in 11 Premier League games to help Antonio Conte's side climb into second place in the table.They face a difficult run of fixtures after the international break, with a visit to Middlesbrough on November 20 followed by back-to-back games against Tottenham and Manchester City.

Meanwhile, La Roja currently sit top of World Cup qualifying Group G, ahead of Italy on goal difference ahead of Saturday's game in Granada, while Macedonia have lost all three of their matches.

 

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Pogba has everything to make Manchester United great again - Lucio

Former Brazil star Lucio has backed Paul Pogba to return the glory days to Old Trafford despite his early struggles with Manchester United.

Pogba broke the world transfer record in moving from Juventus to the Premier League over the summer for €110 million, having led the Italians to four consecutive Serie A titles during his time in Turin.And Lucio, who played alongside the Frenchman for six months at the start of his Juve spell, believes he can go on to achieve great things.

"I think Pogba has everything in him to do that at Man Utd. He’s got a big personality; he’s strong and powerful and has talent like all successful English Premier League players," the Brazilian (pictured below), who won 105 caps at centre-back for his country, told Goal."The experience that I had with him was a very good one – he trains well, works hard and is a good guy."

The 2002 World Cup winner was also quizzed on Cristiano Ronaldo, who is one of the favourites to prevail in the 2016 Goal 50 after another spectacular campaign. "Clearly Cristiano Ronaldo has had a great season with Real Madrid (winning the Champions League) and with Portugal at the Euros," he pointed out.
"He is one of the best strikers in the world."

 

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Neymar could cost Real Madrid €430m, says father

Neymar's father has warned Real Madrid and any other potential suitors that the Barcelona star could cost up to a staggering €430million (£374m).

The Brazil international's future was the subject of intense speculation for much of the past year, with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United both claimed by agent Wagner Ribeiro to have launched huge bids for the player.

Madrid were also credited with holding an interest before Neymar finally signed a new five-year contract with Barca last month, bringing to an end the rumours over his immediate future.

Neymar Snr says the 24-year-old never had any desire to quit Camp Nou and is unlikely to consider any future offer, even if a club comes forward with a world-record bid."The offers didn't reach him; they came to me," he told Mundo Deportivo when asked about the bids. "I know what Neymar wanted, and that was to stay.

"I receive a lot of people in my office in Barcelona. Of course, some of them come to know if Neymar has a future at another club."But I'm very clear on this: to try to get him out of Barcelona, you have to try to take away the happiness that he has here.

"If he wanted to go after a financial benefit, everyone knows he would not be at Barca. But Neymar is happy at the club, he has made very strong friendships with his team-mates.

"Madrid were interested through intermediaries and I always told everyone the same: you would have to pay the release clause of €190million, plus the taxes on that, and with all the rest it could end up being close to €430m."Neymar will face team-mate Lionel Messi on Thursday when Brazil take on Argentina in a key World Cup qualifier in Belo Horizonte.

His father says the former Santos star will relish the chance to meet Messi as an opponent, though he is eager for the 29-year-old to sign his own Barca extension so they can continue to claim success at club level."Neymar likes to compete against his friends, but he loves Messi, as he loves [Luis] Suarez," he said.

"Messi and Ney are competitive boys, in love with football. There are certain players who should be unforgettable."Hopefully he'll renew for many years. There are lots of people who always ask us about being the number one and everything. We already have a number one, which is Messi, and we have to help him so that he's always number one.

"Now it's the time for Neymar to prepare himself, to mature. They are together to take Barca to the top. It's already a great honour for him to have been alongside Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as a finalist for the last Ballon d'Or."

 

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Ronaldo reveals who he would sign for Real Madrid

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has affirmed he would love the chance to play alongside Raphael Guerreiro at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Portugal's left-back is 22 and has made a big impression at Borussia Dortmund since moving from Lorient in the summer. And his international captain revealed that he would be happy to have him in his Madrid team should the possibility arise.

"Perhaps my team-mate in Portugal, Raphael Guerreiro, he told German magazine 11 Freunde when asked what Bayern Munich or Dortmund player he would sign.

Fellow Seleccao man Renato Sanches was also eligible for selection, but Ronaldo plumped for the defender. Guerreiro is under contract with Dortmund until 2020, while Madrid have no shortage of quality at left-back with Marcelo Nacho and Fabio Coentrao all able to play in the position.

But the youngster must feel flattered at the recommendation coming from none other than the Bernabeu idol and three-time Ballon d'Or winner.

 

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Manchester City's Bravo taken off with knee injury in Chile clash

Manchester City have been left sweating after goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was taken off injured during the second half of Chile's World Cup qualifier against Colombia.

The Roja captain had been in fine form for his country to keep Colombia at bay with a string of saves in the sweltering heat of Barranquilla.But close to the hour mark he was left in visible pain following a heavy clash in the area with Santiago Arias.

The goalkeeper appeared to hurt his knee in the collision, and was unable to continue in the Estadio Metropolitano. He was forced off the field, and was replaced by Universidad de Chile's Jonny Herrera with Thursday's game poised at 0-0.

His club will now wait for the Chile medic's report to find out the severity of the injury, while the nation must see if he recovers in time for Tuesday's qualifier at home to Uruguay.

Since moving to the Premier League, Bravo has done well for City, starting eight games as he replaced Joe Hart as Pep Guardiola's number one.

However, an encounter with former club Barcelona was one to forget for the 33-year-old as the Champions League clash at Camp Nou ended in a 4-0 defeat for the Premier League side, while Bravo was sent off for handling outside the area.

Despite the sending off, Bravo has the full support of Guardiola, who called him "one of best goalkeepers in last 10 years" when speaking to reporters following the red card.

Just how bad is Diego Costa's injury & will he miss Middlesbrough clash?Futher news of Bravo's injury on international duty will surely be anticipated by the former Bayern Munich boss, who has Willy Caballero as back-up at City.

 

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'David Silva the best player I've played with' - Dzeko

Roma striker Edin Dzeko has selected former Manchester City team-mate David Silva as the best player he has ever shared a dressing room with.

Dzeko has played alongside some of the world's finest players during his time at Wolfsburg, City and Roma as well as on the international stage with Bosnia-Herzegovina.

And despite having shared the pitch with the likes of Sergio Aguero, Francesco Totti and Miralem Pjanic, the forward picked out Spain international Silva for special praise."This is a difficult choice as I’ve played with so many great players," Dzeko told Roma's official website.

"I think I would have to go with David Silva, he does amazing things with the ball and they don’t call him the Little Magician for nothing.

"This guy was brilliant with his feet, he could take any ball you gave him, control it, and pass it on."All of us were always amazed by his ability and technique. He is definitely the best I’ve played with.”

 

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Colombia 0-0 Chile: Honours even on Falcao return

Radamel Falcao's return from the international wilderness failed to spark Colombia into life as they were held to a 0-0 draw in their CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier with Chile.

Falcao had not featured for Colombia in 13 months prior to Thursday's clash in Barranquilla, but his second-half introduction could not inspire the hosts to victory.

Opportunities were at a premium for the Monaco striker as Colombia failed to significantly strengthen their position in the top four of the qualifying group - James Rodriguez and substitute Luis Muriel wasting late half-chances.Chile captain Claudio Bravo kept his side in the game in the opening 45 minutes with good saves to deny Oscar Murillo and debutant Miguel Borja.

Bravo's day ended in disappointment, though, as he left the field injured just after hour – giving Chile and Manchester City plenty to worry about.

Chile will hope for good news regarding his fitness - and for Arturo Vidal, who also came off with a knock - ahead of their next qualifier with Uruguay on Tuesday, while Colombia meet Argentina in San Juan.A tight opening saw the visitors enjoy the better of proceedings, while 23-year-old Borja caused problems for the Chile defence with his blistering pace.

With no Alexis Sanchez, Chile looked to Bayern Munich midfielder Vidal for inspiration and he very nearly delivered after 17 minutes with a controlled volley that flew just wide of David Ospina's goal.

A needless foul by Charles Aranguiz on Edwin Cardona with nine minutes of the half to play nearly brought the opening goal, but Oscar Murillo headed straight at Bravo from Rodriguez's delivery.

Eduardo Vargas – starting in place of the absent Sanchez – worked Ospina with a volley from 20 yards just before the break, but it failed to stretch the Arsenal goalkeeper.

Bravo had to be much more alert in stoppage time as Abel Aguilar flicked on another Rodriguez free-kick, only for Borja to see his volley superbly saved by the Chile captain.It was his last meaningful involvement, however, as a heavy collision with Santiago Arias brought an early end to his match.

As he denied the Colombian full-back with a perfectly executed sliding tackle, Bravo was caught by Arias and, despite trying to carry on, he was soon replaced by Johnny Herrera.A raft of cynical challenges from both sides ensured the game struggled to build up any momentum, although with time running out things finally began to open up.

Falcao managed to wriggle free after 78 minutes following good work by fellow substitute Muriel only to see his effort well blocked, while Jose Fuenzalida dragged Chile's best opening wide moments later.Muriel could have twice won it late on for the hosts, but he blazed both efforts over the crossbar to sum up a frustrating game for both sides.

 

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Brazil 3-0 Argentina: Messi's men outclassed in convincing home win

Neymar scored a milestone goal as Brazil piled the pressure on Argentina in World Cup qualifying with a 3-0 win on Thursday.

The Barcelona star netted his 50th international goal, to go with efforts from Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho, in the comfortable win.The result heaps the pressure on Argentina, whose winless run in qualifying extended to four matches.

Edgardo Bauza's men rarely threatened despite the return of Lionel Messi, who was well contained by Tite's Brazil.It means under Tite, Brazil – who are top of CONMEBOL qualifying – have won five out of five.

Coutinho struck with a stunner and Neymar scored just before the break to have Brazil in control, with Paulinho putting the Superclasico to bed just prior to the hour-mark.

They returned to Belo Horizonte for the first time since their embarrassing 7-1 loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup semi-final and Tite started attacking stars Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Coutinho.

Messi made his Argentina return, while Sergio Aguero was left on the bench with Enzo Perez preferred in the XI.Both teams started cautiously and it made for a scrappy start at the Estadio Governador Magalhaes Pinto.Renato Augusto fired well over from 25 yards in the 22nd minute before Lucas Biglia forced a decent save out of Alisson.

Coutinho brought the game to life with the opener.The Liverpool star cut in from the left before firing a powerful 20-yard effort past a helpless Sergio Romero in the 25th minute.

Neymar almost doubled Brazil's lead seven minutes before the break.After beating several markers down the right, he opted to shoot from a tight angle – but his effort hit the outside of the post.

The visitors looked otherwise comfortable without creating clear-cut chances, but Brazil would take a 2-0 lead into the break thanks to Neymar.Jesus played a superb pass to put Neymar through and the forward made no mistake in a one-on-one with Romero, netting his 50th international goal.

While Paulinho had an effort cleared off the line by Pablo Zabaleta early in the second half, the midfielder would make it 3-0.A Marcelo cross went uncleared, allowing Augusto to square from the right for Paulinho to strike.

Brazil had chances to add to their three-goal lead as they cruised to a comfortable win ahead of a trip to Peru, while Argentina desperately need a win when they host Colombia on Tuesday.

 

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Bayern Munich's Coman out for two months

Kingsley Coman will miss two months of action after Bayern Munich confirmed he has torn a ligament in his left knee and suffered a capsule fracture in the left ankle.

The winger sustained the injuries during a training session while on international duty for France ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Sweden and a friendly with Ivory Coast.France confirmed on Thursday that Coman had left the squad, with Bayern's test revealing the full extent of his injuries.

Coman, on loan at Bayern from Juventus, has made six Bundesliga appearances so far in 2016-17, but is set to be out until after the mid-season break.

There was better news on midfielder Javi Martinez, however, with Bayern confirming he would return to training next week.Having struggled with muscular problems, Martinez is ahead of schedule and could be in line to make his return in Der Klassiker against Borussia Dortmund on November 19.

 

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UEFA bans Legia fans from Dortmund trip

UEFA has banned Legia Warsaw fans from attending the club's Champions League fixture at Borussia Dortmund later this month.

The sanction comes following crowd disturbances in sections of the Legia support during the 5-1 defeat to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 18.

On Friday a UEFA statement declared its decision "to ban Legia Warszawa from selling tickets to its away supporters for the next (1) UEFA competition match in which the club will play as the away team, namely their next UEFA Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund on 22 November in Germany."

Furthermore, the club has been fined €80,000 and will be banned from selling tickets to its fans for an additional two away matches, with the latter punishment deferred for a probationary one-year period.Legia were forced to play their last home game, a thrilling 3-3 draw with Madrid, behind closed doors following crowd trouble at their opening home fixture against Dortmund, which ended in a 6-0 defeat.

The Polish club sit bottom of Group F having earned a solitary point from four matches, with qualification for the Europa League the best they can hope for.

 

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Mata insists: I'm happy and important at Man Utd

Juan Mata says that he feels "important and happy" at Manchester United, outlining his frustration at a summer of speculation linking him with a move away.

Jose Mourinho's arrival at Old Trafford led to a raft of stories suggesting that Mata's future lay elsewhere, with the pair having had a frosty relationship when they worked together at Chelsea prior to the Spain international's move to United in January 2014.

But Mata has been a key player for Mourinho over recent weeks, his form enough to land the club's player-of-the-month award for October.Asked if he had discussed his role at United with Mourinho, the midfielder told talkSPORT: "No. It all goes naturally.

"Obviously people want to know what is happening inside football or try to imagine what is happening inside but, most of the time, what happens inside is more normal than people think."Sometimes it is not even a conversation. It is training and training and training, playing and speaking through football, speaking through the ball, and I like that.

"When you are outside and you try to know what is going on, your mind is endless.I don't know what [Mourinho] thought but I did what I always did. Not just here in Manchester but during my career, and all footballers' careers; there are always rumours and you have to do your job. I did mine and I am trying to do mine the best I can.

"I was and am very happy in the team. I feel important in the team and that is it. I feel loved from the fans and the rest is speculation."His security at Old Trafford now is in stark contrast to the uncertainty of the summer and the former Valencia star concedes that it was a frustrating time.

He added: "It gets to you because, even if you don't read [the newspapers], then a friend or a family member calls you and says, what is this, what is that, are you moving here, are you moving there?'

"There was a lot of things said that I didn't like and they were not true - that was the big problem. If they say something that is maybe happening then that is fine but, [when they are] creating stories, I don't like [it].

"They were saying that I was leaving, that I was going to this club, that I was speaking to this club, that I had conversations with the manager about this, that I was changing my number – a lot of things that were not true.

"Every single day you can try and stop it by saying 'this is not true' but then you get crazy or you can do what I did which is, 'OK, you can say whatever you want, I know what is going on, I know the truth and I prefer to stay focused on what I have to do'. My mind was fully focused on that."I replied to my friends and my family and told them nothing was true and that was it."

 

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Man Utd are 'significantly' behind Chelsea & Liverpool in title race - Neville

Manchester United would need to make big improvements to have a chance at winning the Premier League, says former Red Devils defender Gary Neville.

Jose Mourinho's side are eight points off the pace with 11 games played of the 2016-17 campaign, while Chelsea and Liverpool - unencumbered by midweek matches in European competitions - occupy the top two positions.And Neville believes that their clearer schedules make those two sides the closest thing to favourites in the title race.

"At the moment, Chelsea and Liverpool are putting themselves out in front purely because of the fact they're not playing in European football," he told Metro.co.uk."They're both confident and they're going to take some stopping because of the fact they've got free weeks and they've got preparation time."We've seen it in the past. Liverpool, two or three years ago, under Brendan Rodgers... when they didn't have Europe, they were dangerous.

"Those two teams at the moment are probably the ones on everyone's tongue but, at this moment in time, I couldn't say wholly that I trust them to continue pushing it through.

"If anything, at the moment, I'd say Chelsea more than Liverpool but I wouldn't rule out Arsenal or Manchester City either. It's so open and so early, I don't think you can even say.

"United would have to improve significantly in the coming months [if they are to challenge]. I think the injuries as well, particularly at the back, you'd see that could cause them problems. It doesn't feel like they're ready at this moment in time but, again, if you said to me four or five weeks ago [when] Chelsea were beaten by Liverpool and Arsenal – would they be contenders? I would have said no.

"I think it's going to be that type of league so anybody that puts a run together [could win it] but, at the moment, I would feel Tottenham and United don't look ready."

United's first chance to demonstrate an improvement after the international break will come at home against Arsenal on November 19.

 

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Smalling injury not as bad as first feared

Manchester United are not expecting Chris Smalling to be out for four weeks with a broken toe, Goal understands.

Reports this week had suggested that the England international had been ruled out until the Christmas period, having suffered two breaks.However, it is understood that United do not expect the 26-year-old to miss such a substantial portion of the season, leading to some confusion over his fitness.

Manager Jose Mourinho claimed, after a 3-1 victory over Swansea City, that he wanted his players to play through the pain barrier should they suffer an injury.

Having already told MUTV that Smalling “did not feel he could play without pain” Mourinho again went on the attack in the aftermath of the victory, telling reporters: “We have players with problems. To compete you have to go to the limit. It is cultural for some - and this is my culture. More than me, it is Man United.”It has been widely suggested that Mourinho was taking aim at both Smalling and Luke Shaw, who was also absent from the win over Bob Bradley’s side.

Smalling has made seven Premier League appearances thus far this season, but has been injured for each of United’s last two matches, against the Swans and Burnley.
United, who currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, face a busy run after the international break with Arsenal, Feyenoord and West Ham twice – once in the Premier League and once in the EFL Cup – all upcoming prior to the end of November.

 

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Memphis can't leave Man Utd yet… his ego's still too big! - Hislop

Former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop believes Memphis Depay’s ego needs to take more of a ‘knock’ before he considers leaving Manchester United.

The Dutch winger has struggled to make the impact expected of him in England since completing a high-profile switch in the summer of 2015.

The 22-year-old arrived at Old Trafford with a growing reputation as one of the finest young talents in world football – having ended the 2014-15 campaign as the Eredivisie’s top scorer.He has, however, been unable to replicate the success he enjoyed at PSV with the Red Devils.

A debut campaign under the guidance of his former national team coach, Louis van Gaal, delivered just two goals and 29 appearances, while only four outings have been added to that tally this term.A lack of competitive minutes, and Jose Mourinho’s apparent reluctance to trust him in United’s starting XI, has sparked talk of a possible January exit.

Everton have been mooted as a potential loan destination, and a move to Goodison Park would help to keep him in England and offer a second opportunity at cracking the Premier League.

Hislop, though, is not convinced that now is the right time to be taking on a new challenge, with Depay’s confidence not damaged enough for him to be chomping at the bit to prove himself elsewhere.The ex-West Ham and Newcastle shot-stopper told ESPN FC: “I’m not sure it’s the right time for Memphis Depay to move and let me explain that.

“Memphis Depay is a wonderful footballer without question. He came to Old Trafford with the world at his feet, but I think he underestimated either his talent or how tough the league is.

“He found himself very much on the outside of the Manchester United starting XI. When he has been introduced, I’m not so sure that his ego has taken the knock that it needs.”

All four of Depay’s Premier League appearances this season have come from off the bench, and have presented him with a grand total of 20 minutes of top-flight action.

It is clear that he needs to get game time from somewhere, despite being included in the most recent Netherlands squad and being given a second-half run-out in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Belgium.

 

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Depay kochhcara hodata play karapu player kenekda PSV & Netherlands team walaEPL move 1ken passe out giyane

Ayeth form 1kata enawanam kiyala wadak naha

talented player kenek​

 

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England 3-0 Scotland: Southgate's Three Lions east past toothless Scotland

England remain top of World Cup qualifying Group F thanks to a 3-0 victory over Scotland at Wembley on Friday.

Goals from Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana and Gary Cahill secured three points for Gareth Southgate's side, despite a rather unconvincing display from the hosts for much of the encounter.

Pre-match talk had been dominated by a dispute with FIFA over their refusal to allow the teams to wear poppies on their shirts, and, as expected, both sets of players wore black armbands bearing the symbol in recognition of Armistice Day.

England - who had captain Wayne Rooney restored to the starting line-up - had looked unsteady against a Scotland side still smarting from a 3-0 loss to Slovakia last time out, until Sturridge's clever header put them ahead on 24 minutes.

Gordon Strachan's side missed two excellent chances to level before Lallana steered in a Danny Rose cross just after half-time, and England's control of the game was made certain when Cahill nodded in from a corner.

Though the performance was far from inspired, a second win in three games under interim boss Southgate will likely increase the calls for him to be given the job on a full-time basis, with England two points clear at the top of the group and on course to reach the 2018 finals.For Scotland - who have four points from four games and only one win in their last six - the future of Strachan now looks more uncertain than ever.

Loud boos rang around Wembley for the respective national anthems, but both sets of fans observed a meticulous minute's silence, with many in the stands wearing plain white t-shirts emblazoned with the poppy emblem.

Scotland settled the better of the two teams, with John Stones looking particularly unsteady for a stuttering England, but Sturridge gave the home side the lead with the first real opportunity.

Raheem Sterling's blocked shot found its way to Kyle Walker, and his low cross was brilliantly steered into the near corner of the net by the head of the Liverpool striker.

Stones made a good block to deny Leigh Griffiths, before Grant Hanley drifted away from the Manchester City man at a corner only to head over the crossbar, as Scotland pushed for a swift response at the end of a half in which they performed far better than they did at any stage of that Slovakia defeat.

Scotland started the second half firmly on the front foot but they wasted two superb chances to level the match. James Forrest dragged a shot wide from a promising opening, before Stones stuck out a leg to deny Robert Snodgrass from close range within just four minutes of the restart.

Strachan's frustrations on the touchline were clear, but matters only got worse for the under-pressure coach when England snatched a second less than a minute later. Sturridge found Rose down the left and his cross was met by the unmarked Lallana, who steered a fine header beyond Craig Gordon from 12 yards.

England at last looked to be in control, and they made certain of the points on the hour mark, as Cahill headed in Rooney's corner despite Gordon getting a hand to the ball.

Anger among the visiting fans boiled over as objects, including a water bottle, were thrown onto the pitch close to Joe Hart's goal, but further Scottish blushes were spared when Sterling somehow contrived to shoot over the crossbar from barely a yard out.

Sterling almost teed up substitute Jamie Vardy for a fourth, but England saw out the closing moments in comfortable fashion to make it three wins from their last three clashes with their neighbours, putting three past Scotland for the third game in succession.