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Manchester United 2-0 Hull City: Mata and Fellaini seal Red Devils win
Manchester United beat Hull City 2-0 to take a slender advantage into the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final but Wayne Rooney's wait to become his club's outright all-time top scorer goes on.
United probed without reward in the first half, as they were thwarted by a diligent and well-organised Hull, playing for the second time under Jose Mourinho's compatriot Marco Silva.Juan Mata went closest during the opening period for the hosts and, as he did in the fourth round against Manchester City, the Spain playmaker brought Old Trafford to its feet with the opening goal after half-time.
Rooney pulled level with Bobby Charlton on 249 United goals during Saturday's 4-0 FA Cup triumph over Reading and fired agonisingly wide five minutes before Mata's 56th-minute breakthrough.
The England captain was taken off shortly afterwards, and he watched substitute Marouane Fellaini add a late second in the knowledge his next tilt at the record should arrive when United host bitter rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
Playing behind an injury ravaged Hull side, visiting goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic plunged to his right to make a superb save after Mata swept left-footed towards the bottom corner in the second minute.
Andrew Robertson got there first as Marcus Rashford dragged a shot across the Hull box and Rooney lurked, sniffing the landmark.Hull were forced into an early change as Markus Henriksen suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder following a challenge with Paul Pogba to further compound their fitness woes.
Before replacement Abel Hernandez was ready to take to the field United should have taken a 19th-minute lead – Henrikh Mkhitaryan sidefooting wide from 10 yards, having been picked out by Juan Mata.
The same duo combined for Mkhitaryan to curl over, while Jakupovic's handling did not convince when he patted a long-range drive from Pogba behind.
United were largely limited to attempts from a similar proximity as Mourinho left the touchline during first-half stoppage time with the deadlock still intact.
Rooney's moment looked to have arrived six minutes into the second half – Pogba picking out the England captain in the right channel with a wonderful raking pass, only for him to smash just past the far post.Maguire got himself in the way of a Pogba shot before United's nagging pressure found a way through.
Mkhitaryan rose to head Antonio Valencia's delivery back across goal and a tight offside call fell in Mata's favour for him to volley home from close range.
The fourth official's board then informed Rooney history would have to wait for another day and Hull suggested their resolve was still intact as Adama Diomande thumped an overhead kick off target in the 65th minute.
In the build up to the match, Pogba urged United to "finish the tie" at Old Trafford and he almost took a step towards doing just that when his 73rd-minute free-kick rattled the inside of Jakupovic's left post.
Nevertheless, the odds will remain heavily stacked in United's favour when the sides meet again at the KCOM Stadium in 16 days after the often-maligned Fellaini towered at the back post to convert Matteo Darmian's cross.
Fellaini then dashed towards the dugout to embrace Mourinho, who can celebrate nine consecutive wins in all competitions.
Atletico Madrid 2-3 Las Palmas (agg: 4-3): Griezmann & Correa goals ensure hosts progress
Atletico Madrid edged through to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey with a 4-3 aggregate victory after two late goals gave Las Palmas a 3-2 second-leg win in the round of 16 on Tuesday.
Second-half strikes from Antoine Griezmann and Angel Correa looked set to extend Atletico's superb form despite Marko Livaja's leveller for Las Palmas, but Diego Simeone's men allowed their concentration to slip in the final minutes at Estadio Vincente Calderon.
Livaja made it 2-2 with a simple finish in the 89th minute and Mateo Garcia scored in injury time to give Quique Setien's side their first away win since August, but it was too late for the visitors after a game in which a below-par Atleti did just enough to win the tie.
The hosts were in cruise control as the game seemed to be petering out, before Las Palmas' late strikes, and Simeone will hope for a better performance from his side on Saturday when Real Betis visit in La Liga.For Setien, an exit from the Copa del Rey will see the focus fall solely on Las Palmas' quest to finish in the top six of La Liga for the first time since 1979.
Correa partnered Griezmann in the Atletico attack and the Argentine striker had the first chance to open the scoring when Diego Godin put him through on goal but his touch carried the ball beyond the onrushing Raul Lizoain and out of play.
Las Palmas midfielder Hernan limped out of the game after just 18 minutes and, with the visitors temporarily down to 10 men, Saul Niguez took advantage of the extra space in midfield to test Lizoain with a low drive from 20 yards.The goalkeeper's quick reactions were required again to stop a Griezmann shot moments later when the Frenchman swept into the box with some neat footwork, and the Atletico star then blazed a second chance over the crossbar.
The Islanders almost punished Atleti for their wastefulness when Momo's cross was turned goalwards at the near post by Livaja's diving header but Miguel Angel Moya made a reflex save to preserve the home side's 2-0 aggregate lead, before Tana arrowed a shot narrowly over the crossbar at the end of another good Las Palmas move.A superb one-handed save by Lizoain prevented Correa from extending Atletico's lead in the tie after a powerful run and shot by the Argentine early in the second half.
Moments later, Las Palmas were finally undone when an intricate passing move down the Atletico left ended with Nicolas Gaitan pulling the ball back for Griezmann to calmly side-foot it into the corner of the net.
With a three-goal lead in the tie, Atletico seemed to sit back and Godin allowed Livaja to drift past him before the striker cut inside Jose Gimenez and fired a shot that beat Moya, finding the far corner of the net with a brilliant finish.Las Palmas were level for just three minutes before Correa connected with Sime Vrsaljko's long pass before beating David Garcia and firing between the legs of Lizoain to score.
Simeone, with one eye clearly on the return to La Liga action at the weekend, took Griezmann off and gave Fernando Torres a run out for the final half hour of the game, and Las Palmas' refusal to give up was rewarded when Mateo Garcia's cross was turned into an empty net by Livaja.
Three minutes later, Las Palmas substitute Jonathan Viera crossed to the far post for Garcia to head home the winner, but it was not quite enough to keep the Islanders in the competition.
Atletico Madrid edged through to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey with a 4-3 aggregate victory after two late goals gave Las Palmas a 3-2 second-leg win in the round of 16 on Tuesday.
Second-half strikes from Antoine Griezmann and Angel Correa looked set to extend Atletico's superb form despite Marko Livaja's leveller for Las Palmas, but Diego Simeone's men allowed their concentration to slip in the final minutes at Estadio Vincente Calderon.
Livaja made it 2-2 with a simple finish in the 89th minute and Mateo Garcia scored in injury time to give Quique Setien's side their first away win since August, but it was too late for the visitors after a game in which a below-par Atleti did just enough to win the tie.
The hosts were in cruise control as the game seemed to be petering out, before Las Palmas' late strikes, and Simeone will hope for a better performance from his side on Saturday when Real Betis visit in La Liga.For Setien, an exit from the Copa del Rey will see the focus fall solely on Las Palmas' quest to finish in the top six of La Liga for the first time since 1979.
Correa partnered Griezmann in the Atletico attack and the Argentine striker had the first chance to open the scoring when Diego Godin put him through on goal but his touch carried the ball beyond the onrushing Raul Lizoain and out of play.
Las Palmas midfielder Hernan limped out of the game after just 18 minutes and, with the visitors temporarily down to 10 men, Saul Niguez took advantage of the extra space in midfield to test Lizoain with a low drive from 20 yards.The goalkeeper's quick reactions were required again to stop a Griezmann shot moments later when the Frenchman swept into the box with some neat footwork, and the Atletico star then blazed a second chance over the crossbar.
The Islanders almost punished Atleti for their wastefulness when Momo's cross was turned goalwards at the near post by Livaja's diving header but Miguel Angel Moya made a reflex save to preserve the home side's 2-0 aggregate lead, before Tana arrowed a shot narrowly over the crossbar at the end of another good Las Palmas move.A superb one-handed save by Lizoain prevented Correa from extending Atletico's lead in the tie after a powerful run and shot by the Argentine early in the second half.
Moments later, Las Palmas were finally undone when an intricate passing move down the Atletico left ended with Nicolas Gaitan pulling the ball back for Griezmann to calmly side-foot it into the corner of the net.
With a three-goal lead in the tie, Atletico seemed to sit back and Godin allowed Livaja to drift past him before the striker cut inside Jose Gimenez and fired a shot that beat Moya, finding the far corner of the net with a brilliant finish.Las Palmas were level for just three minutes before Correa connected with Sime Vrsaljko's long pass before beating David Garcia and firing between the legs of Lizoain to score.
Simeone, with one eye clearly on the return to La Liga action at the weekend, took Griezmann off and gave Fernando Torres a run out for the final half hour of the game, and Las Palmas' refusal to give up was rewarded when Mateo Garcia's cross was turned into an empty net by Livaja.
Three minutes later, Las Palmas substitute Jonathan Viera crossed to the far post for Garcia to head home the winner, but it was not quite enough to keep the Islanders in the competition.
Roma rejected Arsenal's €40m offer for Manolas, claims agent
Roma rejected a €40million (£34.6m) bid from Arsenal for Kostas Manolas ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, the centre-back's agent Ioannis Evangelopoulos has claimed.
The Premier League side were heavily linked with the Greece international during the close-season, but a move never materialised as they strengthened their defence with Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia instead.
Manolas' representative has now suggested Roma's asking price was the main reason behind the collapse of the deal, before adding the 25-year-old could be on the move after all come June, although he has ruled out a move to China.
"I cannot say where Kostas would like to play, but it will be interesting to see which teams will come knocking for him," Evangelopoulos told Sport FM.
"Roma refused a €40m offer from Arsenal for Kostas in the summer. The Gunners were really interested, but Roma's demands exceeded what they were willing to pay.
"A transfer in January? There is no news there. There is no guarantee he will move in the summer, but there will probably be some offers. But in general it is hard to predict anything in football.
"A move to China? We are talking about excessive offers. The figures being touted are stunning. But Kostas has the option to play at the highest level and I would say China does not suit his ambitions."Football in Europe has much more to offer than just money, like fame and recognition."
Sky Italy claimed last week that Everton were the latest Premier League club to show an interest in Manolas.
Roma rejected a €40million (£34.6m) bid from Arsenal for Kostas Manolas ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, the centre-back's agent Ioannis Evangelopoulos has claimed.
The Premier League side were heavily linked with the Greece international during the close-season, but a move never materialised as they strengthened their defence with Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia instead.
Manolas' representative has now suggested Roma's asking price was the main reason behind the collapse of the deal, before adding the 25-year-old could be on the move after all come June, although he has ruled out a move to China.
"I cannot say where Kostas would like to play, but it will be interesting to see which teams will come knocking for him," Evangelopoulos told Sport FM.
"Roma refused a €40m offer from Arsenal for Kostas in the summer. The Gunners were really interested, but Roma's demands exceeded what they were willing to pay.
"A transfer in January? There is no news there. There is no guarantee he will move in the summer, but there will probably be some offers. But in general it is hard to predict anything in football.
"A move to China? We are talking about excessive offers. The figures being touted are stunning. But Kostas has the option to play at the highest level and I would say China does not suit his ambitions."Football in Europe has much more to offer than just money, like fame and recognition."
Sky Italy claimed last week that Everton were the latest Premier League club to show an interest in Manolas.
Mourinho: Schneiderlin close to Everton switch
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Morgan Schneiderlin is "more than probably going to Everton".
The 27-year-old is set to move to the Toffees after the two sides reached an agreement over an initial £22 million deal that could rise to £24m, and Mourinho has admitted that the France international is on the move."No details," Mourinho told Sky Sports after goals from Jaun Mata and Marouane Fellaini gave his side a 2-0 win over Hull City in the first-leg of their EFL Cup semi-final.
"But before the match I was informed by [executive vice-chairman] Mr [Ed] Woodward that the situation is close. So Morgan is more than probably going to Everton."Schneiderlin has featured just eight times for United this season, but has spent only 11 minutes on the field in the Premier League.
The former Southampton player was more heavily involved last season under Louis van Gaal, though, making 29 appearances in the English top flight.A £25 million signing from the Saints in 2015, Schneiderlin was the subject of a bid from West Brom this month that was rejected, prompting Everton to push ahead and reach an agreement.
He attended Everton's training ground to undergo tests last Friday and looks set to team up with Ronald Koeman, who coached him at Southampton, once again.Mourinho had already admitted Schneiderlin and fellow wantaway Memphis Depay would be allowed to leave the club if the right offer is made.
"I will allow them to leave if the right offer comes," Mourinho told a press conference last week. "Until this moment? No."Is this a good situation? No. Why not? Because I don’t think about them as options in this moment."
While Scheiderlin's move appears imminent, Memphis' future remains unclear, with the latest reports in France stating Lyon have been told they will have to pay €17m for him.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Morgan Schneiderlin is "more than probably going to Everton".
The 27-year-old is set to move to the Toffees after the two sides reached an agreement over an initial £22 million deal that could rise to £24m, and Mourinho has admitted that the France international is on the move."No details," Mourinho told Sky Sports after goals from Jaun Mata and Marouane Fellaini gave his side a 2-0 win over Hull City in the first-leg of their EFL Cup semi-final.
"But before the match I was informed by [executive vice-chairman] Mr [Ed] Woodward that the situation is close. So Morgan is more than probably going to Everton."Schneiderlin has featured just eight times for United this season, but has spent only 11 minutes on the field in the Premier League.
The former Southampton player was more heavily involved last season under Louis van Gaal, though, making 29 appearances in the English top flight.A £25 million signing from the Saints in 2015, Schneiderlin was the subject of a bid from West Brom this month that was rejected, prompting Everton to push ahead and reach an agreement.
He attended Everton's training ground to undergo tests last Friday and looks set to team up with Ronald Koeman, who coached him at Southampton, once again.Mourinho had already admitted Schneiderlin and fellow wantaway Memphis Depay would be allowed to leave the club if the right offer is made.
"I will allow them to leave if the right offer comes," Mourinho told a press conference last week. "Until this moment? No."Is this a good situation? No. Why not? Because I don’t think about them as options in this moment."
While Scheiderlin's move appears imminent, Memphis' future remains unclear, with the latest reports in France stating Lyon have been told they will have to pay €17m for him.
Ronaldo nominated for Laureus Sportsman of the Year
Cristiano Ronaldo has been named among the nominees for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year.
The Real Madrid star enjoyed a stellar 12 months, winning both the Champions League and Euro 2016.His form saw him awarded both the Ballon d'Or and FIFA's 'The Best' award, and he is now up for another prestigious prize.
The award - which is voted for by the world's media - pits the Portuguese up against basketball stars Steph Curry and LeBron James, athletes Usain Bolt and Mo Farah, and Wimbledon champion Andy Murray.Ronaldo would become the first footballer to win the award since its inception in 2000 having previously been nominated on three occasions.
Both of Ronaldo's teams - Real Madrid and Portugal - have also been nominated for the World Team of the Year prize where they will take on Olympic champions, Brazil.
Other footballing nominees come in the World Breakthrough of the Year category, where Premier League winners Leicester City and the Iceland national team both figure.The winners of the awards will be announced on February 14 in Monaco.
EFL Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg Fixture 2017.01.11
EFL Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg Fixture 2017.01.11
Southampton Vs Liverpool
Copa Del Rey 2nd Leg Fixtures 2017.01.11
Copa Del Rey 2nd Leg Fixtures 2017.01.11
Alaves Vs Deportivo
Cordoba Vs Alcorcon
Villa Real Vs Real Sociedad
Barcelona Vs Athletic Bilbao
Alaves Vs Deportivo
Cordoba Vs Alcorcon
Villa Real Vs Real Sociedad
Barcelona Vs Athletic Bilbao
Coppa Italia Fixtures 2017.01.11
Coppa Italia Fixtures 2017.01.11
Fiorentina Vs Chievo
Juventus Vs Atalanta
Fiorentina Vs Chievo
Juventus Vs Atalanta
OFFICIAL: Sevilla sign Jovetic from Inter
Sevilla have secured the services of Stevan Jovetic from Inter on a loan deal until the end of the season, securing an option to make the deal permanent.
The La Liga side had been keeping an eye on the 27-year-old ever since he impressed for Partizan Belgrade at a youth tournament in Albacete in August 2006, but previously failed to lure him to Spain.Jovetic eventually left Partizan for Fiorentina and then went on to join Manchester City before returning to Italy with Inter in July 2015.
The attacker made an encouraging start to life at San Siro, but struggled to secure regular first-team action this term, first being deemed surplus to requirements by Frank de Boer, before being told by new coach Stefano Pioli that he was no longer needed.
Jovetic has consequently opted to move on and will now be looking to relaunch his career at Sevilla.
The gifted attacker becomes Sevilla's second signing of the January transfer window, with Clement Lenglet previously making his way to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Sevilla have secured the services of Stevan Jovetic from Inter on a loan deal until the end of the season, securing an option to make the deal permanent.
The La Liga side had been keeping an eye on the 27-year-old ever since he impressed for Partizan Belgrade at a youth tournament in Albacete in August 2006, but previously failed to lure him to Spain.Jovetic eventually left Partizan for Fiorentina and then went on to join Manchester City before returning to Italy with Inter in July 2015.
The attacker made an encouraging start to life at San Siro, but struggled to secure regular first-team action this term, first being deemed surplus to requirements by Frank de Boer, before being told by new coach Stefano Pioli that he was no longer needed.
Jovetic has consequently opted to move on and will now be looking to relaunch his career at Sevilla.
The gifted attacker becomes Sevilla's second signing of the January transfer window, with Clement Lenglet previously making his way to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Ronaldo: I've achieved my dream - I'm already part of football's history
Cristiano Ronaldo believes his bulging trophy haul is proof that he is one of the greatest footballers of all time.
On Monday, the Real Madrid and Portugal star added The Best FIFA Men's Player award for 2016 to the Ballon d'Or that he won last month, capping a stellar 12 months with club and country.Ronaldo ended the year with Champions League and Euro 2016 winner's medals, as well as one for the Club World Cup, prompting a string of year-end accolades.
Despite an era-defining row over his or Lionel Messi's dominance of the period that they have shared, Ronaldo's legacy as one of the game's greats has long been secured, a fact not lost on him."I have no doubt that I am already a part of football's history," he told FIFA's official website.
"This has always been my major goal, since I started playing: not only to become a player, but to be a star and to constantly strive to be the best. "And I did it: the trophies speak for themselves – both the titles, the individual awards, and the records.
"It is a source of great pride and it motivates me to keep on working the same way I have been doing so far."Reflecting on a glittering year with club and country, Ronaldo said: "I have said it a few times: this has probably been the best year of my career.
"Having won the trophy with the national team obviously plays a big part in it as it was a first for Portugal and this makes 2016 a very special year. No official China offer for Cristiano Ronaldo - Perez
"But there is also Real Madrid winning the Champions League and then the Club World Cup to finish the year in the best possible manner. "It was a spectacular year; a truly special one. I have no doubt that it has been my best since I have started to play football."
Cristiano Ronaldo believes his bulging trophy haul is proof that he is one of the greatest footballers of all time.
On Monday, the Real Madrid and Portugal star added The Best FIFA Men's Player award for 2016 to the Ballon d'Or that he won last month, capping a stellar 12 months with club and country.Ronaldo ended the year with Champions League and Euro 2016 winner's medals, as well as one for the Club World Cup, prompting a string of year-end accolades.
Despite an era-defining row over his or Lionel Messi's dominance of the period that they have shared, Ronaldo's legacy as one of the game's greats has long been secured, a fact not lost on him."I have no doubt that I am already a part of football's history," he told FIFA's official website.
"This has always been my major goal, since I started playing: not only to become a player, but to be a star and to constantly strive to be the best. "And I did it: the trophies speak for themselves – both the titles, the individual awards, and the records.
"It is a source of great pride and it motivates me to keep on working the same way I have been doing so far."Reflecting on a glittering year with club and country, Ronaldo said: "I have said it a few times: this has probably been the best year of my career.
"Having won the trophy with the national team obviously plays a big part in it as it was a first for Portugal and this makes 2016 a very special year. No official China offer for Cristiano Ronaldo - Perez
"But there is also Real Madrid winning the Champions League and then the Club World Cup to finish the year in the best possible manner. "It was a spectacular year; a truly special one. I have no doubt that it has been my best since I have started to play football."
AC Milan re-sign 40-year-old Storari
AC Milan have completed the signing of veteran goalkeeper Marco Storari from Cagliari on a contract until the end of the season.
Brazilian shot-stopper Gabriel has moved in the opposite direction on a loan deal for the remainder of the 2016-17 campaign after agreeing a new deal with the Rossoneri until 2019.
The 40-year-old Storari previously enjoyed a spell with Milan between January 2007 and June 2010, making 13 appearances in all competitions.
He eventually left Milan for Juventus, where he served as understudy to Gianluigi Buffon until leaving for Cagliari in 2015.
Storari helped Cagliari win promotion back to Serie A in 2015-16 and remained a key figure in the opening stages of this term, but lost his starting berth late in 2016.
Storari will be serving as back-up goalkeeper to the 17-year-old Gianluigi Donnarumma at San Siro.
AC Milan have completed the signing of veteran goalkeeper Marco Storari from Cagliari on a contract until the end of the season.
Brazilian shot-stopper Gabriel has moved in the opposite direction on a loan deal for the remainder of the 2016-17 campaign after agreeing a new deal with the Rossoneri until 2019.
The 40-year-old Storari previously enjoyed a spell with Milan between January 2007 and June 2010, making 13 appearances in all competitions.
He eventually left Milan for Juventus, where he served as understudy to Gianluigi Buffon until leaving for Cagliari in 2015.
Storari helped Cagliari win promotion back to Serie A in 2015-16 and remained a key figure in the opening stages of this term, but lost his starting berth late in 2016.
Storari will be serving as back-up goalkeeper to the 17-year-old Gianluigi Donnarumma at San Siro.
Mourinho demands better from Man Utd fans ahead of Liverpool visit
Jose Mourinho has demanded a better Old Trafford atmosphere when Manchester United play Liverpool after Hull City were despatched amid eerie EFL Cup acoustics.Goals from Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini saw off a patchwork Hull side on Tuesday as United put one foot in another Wembley final.
A ninth win in succession was met with a lukewarm response through much of the contest from the home fans, despite Mourinho's gesturing for the volume to be raised at half-time.And with Liverpool arriving at Old Trafford on Sunday in a fixture between sides separated by five points in the Premier League table, Mourinho wants the crowd to fire up.
"I was disappointed yes, [Hull] were very well organised defensively as I was expecting and it was not easy for us," Mourinho told Sky Sports."But I think we were a bit sloppy, complicating things, always one more touch, delaying the decision, giving them time to regroup and it was not our best first half.
"I think in the first half the players have to do better, I have to do better, the fans can also do better."Second half we all improve just a little bit. The game is over, now I think about Sunday and on Sunday I have to do better, the players need to do better and the stadium has to do better."
Hull played with midfield pair David Meyler and Tom Huddlestone in defence as injuries bite hard at the start of Marco Silva's reign, but Mourinho did not anticipate his compatriot rolling over."I was expecting a difficult match," he said.
"I wasn't expecting four or five, 1-0 for me would always be a good result but 2-0 is obviously better."We are not at Wembley but the second goal is maybe an important goal."
Jose Mourinho has demanded a better Old Trafford atmosphere when Manchester United play Liverpool after Hull City were despatched amid eerie EFL Cup acoustics.Goals from Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini saw off a patchwork Hull side on Tuesday as United put one foot in another Wembley final.
A ninth win in succession was met with a lukewarm response through much of the contest from the home fans, despite Mourinho's gesturing for the volume to be raised at half-time.And with Liverpool arriving at Old Trafford on Sunday in a fixture between sides separated by five points in the Premier League table, Mourinho wants the crowd to fire up.
"I was disappointed yes, [Hull] were very well organised defensively as I was expecting and it was not easy for us," Mourinho told Sky Sports."But I think we were a bit sloppy, complicating things, always one more touch, delaying the decision, giving them time to regroup and it was not our best first half.
"I think in the first half the players have to do better, I have to do better, the fans can also do better."Second half we all improve just a little bit. The game is over, now I think about Sunday and on Sunday I have to do better, the players need to do better and the stadium has to do better."
Hull played with midfield pair David Meyler and Tom Huddlestone in defence as injuries bite hard at the start of Marco Silva's reign, but Mourinho did not anticipate his compatriot rolling over."I was expecting a difficult match," he said.
"I wasn't expecting four or five, 1-0 for me would always be a good result but 2-0 is obviously better."We are not at Wembley but the second goal is maybe an important goal."
Mourinho: Ibrahimovic will be ready to face Liverpool
Jose Mourinho expects Zlatan Ibrahimovic to be fit for Manchester United's keenly anticipated Premier League showdown with Liverpool.
Ibrahimovic sat out Tuesday's first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final against Hull City at Old Trafford, where second-half goals from Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini secured a 2-0 win for United.
Veteran striker Ibrahimovic, who has 18 goals in 28 games across all competitions this season, was laid low through illness, although Mourinho does not foresee this being an issue when he attempts to take a chunk out of the five-point gap between Jurgen Klopp's second-place side and his own men in sixth on Sunday.
"Zlatan is ill, so no problem I think he will be fine," Mourinho told a post-match news conference, before explaining defender Marcos Rojo is a doubt for the weekend due to a muscular problem.
In Ibrahimovic's absence, it was left to another imposing penalty box presence to seal victory over a heavily depleted Hull.
Fellaini has rarely been anything approaching a fans' favourite at Old Trafford - a status Ibrahimovic claimed almost instantly after joining from Paris Saint-Germain last year - and the Belgium international's standing took another hit when he gave away a penalty to hand Everton a 1-1 draw against United at the start of December.After he rose to nod Matteo Darmian's cross past Eldin Jakupovic in the Hull goal, Fellaini raced towards the dugout to embrace his manager, who in turn praised his mental strength.
Asked whether he had helped Fellaini over recent weeks, Mourinho said: "Yes, but that's the reason I am here. He is very strong in mentality and he coped well in the situation.
"He was not afraid the next match after Everton to come to the game again.
"He was phenomenal against Reading [last Saturday's 4-0 FA Cup win]. He knows that he is a very important player for me."
Jose Mourinho expects Zlatan Ibrahimovic to be fit for Manchester United's keenly anticipated Premier League showdown with Liverpool.
Ibrahimovic sat out Tuesday's first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final against Hull City at Old Trafford, where second-half goals from Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini secured a 2-0 win for United.
Veteran striker Ibrahimovic, who has 18 goals in 28 games across all competitions this season, was laid low through illness, although Mourinho does not foresee this being an issue when he attempts to take a chunk out of the five-point gap between Jurgen Klopp's second-place side and his own men in sixth on Sunday.
"Zlatan is ill, so no problem I think he will be fine," Mourinho told a post-match news conference, before explaining defender Marcos Rojo is a doubt for the weekend due to a muscular problem.
In Ibrahimovic's absence, it was left to another imposing penalty box presence to seal victory over a heavily depleted Hull.
Fellaini has rarely been anything approaching a fans' favourite at Old Trafford - a status Ibrahimovic claimed almost instantly after joining from Paris Saint-Germain last year - and the Belgium international's standing took another hit when he gave away a penalty to hand Everton a 1-1 draw against United at the start of December.After he rose to nod Matteo Darmian's cross past Eldin Jakupovic in the Hull goal, Fellaini raced towards the dugout to embrace his manager, who in turn praised his mental strength.
Asked whether he had helped Fellaini over recent weeks, Mourinho said: "Yes, but that's the reason I am here. He is very strong in mentality and he coped well in the situation.
"He was not afraid the next match after Everton to come to the game again.
"He was phenomenal against Reading [last Saturday's 4-0 FA Cup win]. He knows that he is a very important player for me."
Chelsea to move for Antonio as Jonas Hector interest cools
Chelsea are interested in signing Michail Antonio as they look to strengthen their options in the wing-back position but, despite reports, are not interested in Koln's Jonas Hector, Goal understands.
Blues boss Antonio Conte is keen to reinforce his defence in January and has already recalled Nathan Ake from Bournemouth as he struggles to zero in on key targets, with a game against title holders Leicester City beckoning on Saturday.His hopes of signing Antonio could be dashed early, however, as the Hammers have no interest of selling the 26-year-old in January.
The Blues are continuing to monitor other options, having also looked at Napoli's Faouzi Ghoulam. Ghoulam has snubbed a new contract at the Serie A club but it is understood that he will not be available to move in January.
Conte is still assessing Kenedy and is open to both keeping him or loaning him out. The Brazilian is not yet registered to play because, if he makes an appearance for Chelsea, he would be unable to move on loan.
This is due to FIFA rules not allowing players to appear for more than two clubs, with Kenedy having been used by Watford in a single appearance before returning to west London.
Hector, though, has not been one to catch Chelsea's interest despite rumours linking the Londoners to the Germany international.
Conte has outlined Swansea City's Fernando Llorente as a January target up front, meanwhile, though Michy Batshuayi's status in the squad is complicating matters.Batshuayi has several clubs in England and Italy watching his situation, while Marseille would also be prepared to take him on loan.
Chelsea are interested in signing Michail Antonio as they look to strengthen their options in the wing-back position but, despite reports, are not interested in Koln's Jonas Hector, Goal understands.
Blues boss Antonio Conte is keen to reinforce his defence in January and has already recalled Nathan Ake from Bournemouth as he struggles to zero in on key targets, with a game against title holders Leicester City beckoning on Saturday.His hopes of signing Antonio could be dashed early, however, as the Hammers have no interest of selling the 26-year-old in January.
The Blues are continuing to monitor other options, having also looked at Napoli's Faouzi Ghoulam. Ghoulam has snubbed a new contract at the Serie A club but it is understood that he will not be available to move in January.
Conte is still assessing Kenedy and is open to both keeping him or loaning him out. The Brazilian is not yet registered to play because, if he makes an appearance for Chelsea, he would be unable to move on loan.
This is due to FIFA rules not allowing players to appear for more than two clubs, with Kenedy having been used by Watford in a single appearance before returning to west London.
Hector, though, has not been one to catch Chelsea's interest despite rumours linking the Londoners to the Germany international.
Conte has outlined Swansea City's Fernando Llorente as a January target up front, meanwhile, though Michy Batshuayi's status in the squad is complicating matters.Batshuayi has several clubs in England and Italy watching his situation, while Marseille would also be prepared to take him on loan.
Mata: One more goal should send us to Wembley
Juan Mata believes one more goal will be enough for Manchester United to reach the EFL Cup final at Hull City's expense when their semi-final second leg takes place in a fortnight.
Jose Mourinho's men are in a strong position to reach the Wembley showpiece having won 2-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday, with the return meeting to take place at the KCOM Stadium on January 26.
Mata scored United's first goal from close range after 56 minutes of the first leg, before Marouane Fellaini's header doubled the hosts' advantage with three minutes to go.
And the Spain international now feels one more goal in the tie will make it almost impossible for Hull to recover."Hull need to score and they need to go for the win, so we need to be ready for that," Mata told MUTV.
"We know that they create a tough atmosphere in their stadium, but we will try to be ready for that."We will try to score as well because if we score it makes a massive difference there and hopefully we can then be at Wembley again. "That would be amazing for us and amazing for our fans.
"We scored twice in the second half which is a good result for us. For me it is very important to create the chances and to play good football because if we play like this I think we are obviously closer to the win."
The winners of the tie will face Southampton or Liverpool in the final on February 26.
Roma rejected Arsenal's 'almost €40m' offer for Manolas, claims agent
Roma rejected a bid of nearly €40 million (£34.6m) from Arsenal for Kostas Manolas ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, the centre-back's agent, Ioannis Evangelopoulos, has claimed.
The Premier League side were heavily linked with the Greece international during the close-season, but a move never materialised as they strengthened their defence with Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia instead.
Manolas's representative has now suggested that Roma's asking price was the main reason behind the collapse of the deal, before adding that the 25-year-old could be on the move after all come June, although he has ruled out a move to China."I cannot say where Kostas would like to play but it will be interesting to see which teams will come knocking for him," Evangelopoulos told Sport FM.
"Roma refused an almost €40m offer from Arsenal for Kostas in the summer. The Gunners were really interested but Roma's demands exceeded what they were willing to pay.
"A transfer in January? There is no news there. There is no guarantee he will move in the summer but there will probably be some offers. But in general it is hard to predict anything in football.
"A move to China? We are talking about excessive offers. The figures being touted are stunning but Kostas has the option to play at the highest level and I would say China does not suit his ambitions. "Football in Europe has much more to offer than just money, like fame and recognition."
Sky Italia claimed last week that Everton were the latest Premier League club to show an interest in Manolas.
Roma rejected a bid of nearly €40 million (£34.6m) from Arsenal for Kostas Manolas ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, the centre-back's agent, Ioannis Evangelopoulos, has claimed.
The Premier League side were heavily linked with the Greece international during the close-season, but a move never materialised as they strengthened their defence with Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia instead.
Manolas's representative has now suggested that Roma's asking price was the main reason behind the collapse of the deal, before adding that the 25-year-old could be on the move after all come June, although he has ruled out a move to China."I cannot say where Kostas would like to play but it will be interesting to see which teams will come knocking for him," Evangelopoulos told Sport FM.
"Roma refused an almost €40m offer from Arsenal for Kostas in the summer. The Gunners were really interested but Roma's demands exceeded what they were willing to pay.
"A transfer in January? There is no news there. There is no guarantee he will move in the summer but there will probably be some offers. But in general it is hard to predict anything in football.
"A move to China? We are talking about excessive offers. The figures being touted are stunning but Kostas has the option to play at the highest level and I would say China does not suit his ambitions. "Football in Europe has much more to offer than just money, like fame and recognition."
Sky Italia claimed last week that Everton were the latest Premier League club to show an interest in Manolas.
€65m for Arsenal target Belotti isn’t enough, says agent
Andrea Belotti will only leave Torino if his €100m release clause is met, the player’s agent has told Goal.
The 23-year-old has scored 17 goals in 21 matches for club and country this season, prompting a reported £65 million bid from Arsenal, according to the club’s sporting director Gianluca Petrachi.
Sources close to the Gunners insist that no formal offer has been made for Belotti, and while his agent refused to comment on the reports linking his client with a move to north London, he did admit that it would take a mammoth bid for the Italian striker to leave Serie A.
“Many clubs are interested”, Sergio Lancini told Goal. “€65million is not enough. His clause is €100million. That’s all I can say at the moment”.
Bellotti’s contract with Torino expires in 2021 and the Turin outfit are confident they will keep him until the summer at least, although the player remains focused on staying in Italy for the forseeable.“I have to continue like this, I cannot let it go to my head,” Belotti told Tuttosport. “I always have to work, I hope to play a good 2017 to conquer my dreams.
“The Premier League? I do not think about it, I just think of Torino and doing well here, then we will see.”
Arsenal are currently blessed with a wealth of forward options including in-form duo Olivier Giroud and Lucas Perez, while the return of Danny Welbeck from injury provides Arsene Wenger with another attacking threat.
Andrea Belotti will only leave Torino if his €100m release clause is met, the player’s agent has told Goal.
The 23-year-old has scored 17 goals in 21 matches for club and country this season, prompting a reported £65 million bid from Arsenal, according to the club’s sporting director Gianluca Petrachi.
Sources close to the Gunners insist that no formal offer has been made for Belotti, and while his agent refused to comment on the reports linking his client with a move to north London, he did admit that it would take a mammoth bid for the Italian striker to leave Serie A.
“Many clubs are interested”, Sergio Lancini told Goal. “€65million is not enough. His clause is €100million. That’s all I can say at the moment”.
Bellotti’s contract with Torino expires in 2021 and the Turin outfit are confident they will keep him until the summer at least, although the player remains focused on staying in Italy for the forseeable.“I have to continue like this, I cannot let it go to my head,” Belotti told Tuttosport. “I always have to work, I hope to play a good 2017 to conquer my dreams.
“The Premier League? I do not think about it, I just think of Torino and doing well here, then we will see.”
Arsenal are currently blessed with a wealth of forward options including in-form duo Olivier Giroud and Lucas Perez, while the return of Danny Welbeck from injury provides Arsene Wenger with another attacking threat.
Muller frustrated with Bayern role
Thomas Muller has admitted he is not happy with his situation at Bayern Munich, but the attacker is adamant he will always put the team's interests first.
The Germany international endured a difficult first half the season, in which he scored just once in 13 Bundesliga appearances.
Muller had to stay on the bench for the full 90 minutes in Bayern's win over RB Leipzig before the mid-season break and he has acknowledged watching on from the sidelines was a frustrating experience.
"The last game against Leipzig was not ideal for me on a personal level because I did not play," Muller told Sport Bild.
"There was more space than in previous games and it was a game where I could have enjoyed myself."So I was obviously not watching on from the bench with a smile on my face."There will be situations where players will have to settle for a place on the bench in important games. But we have to deal with it as a team.
"The team spirit is key and we should all put the team ahead of our own egos. That is the case for me as much as for the other players."
Thomas Muller has admitted he is not happy with his situation at Bayern Munich, but the attacker is adamant he will always put the team's interests first.
The Germany international endured a difficult first half the season, in which he scored just once in 13 Bundesliga appearances.
Muller had to stay on the bench for the full 90 minutes in Bayern's win over RB Leipzig before the mid-season break and he has acknowledged watching on from the sidelines was a frustrating experience.
"The last game against Leipzig was not ideal for me on a personal level because I did not play," Muller told Sport Bild.
"There was more space than in previous games and it was a game where I could have enjoyed myself."So I was obviously not watching on from the bench with a smile on my face."There will be situations where players will have to settle for a place on the bench in important games. But we have to deal with it as a team.
"The team spirit is key and we should all put the team ahead of our own egos. That is the case for me as much as for the other players."
Modric named Croatian Player of the Year for the fifth time
Real Madrid star Luka Modric has been named the Croatian Player of the Year for the fifth time in his career.
Modric, 31, previously won the prize handed out by newspaper Vecernji List in 2007, 2008, 2011 and 2014 but lost out to Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic in 2015.
He has reclaimed the award, however, after winning the Champions League with Madrid last May and impressing during Croatia's participation at Euro 2016.
"This prize means a lot to me, it's the fifth time I've received it and it's very special for me because it has a great tradition," Modric told Madrid's official website.
"I want to thank those who voted for me. I have to keep working hard and improving every day. I want to thank those who have helped me to win this award."Modric claimed 110 points in the voting, placing ahead of Rakitic (80) and Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic (76) in the top three.
Only Davor Suker has been handed the accolade on more occasions than Modric, with the retired striker named the country's top performer six times.
