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Monaco 0 Juventus 2: Higuain answers critics to put Allegri's men in control
Gonzalo Higuain ended his woe in the Champions League knockout stages with a crucial double as Juventus recorded a 2-0 away win over Monaco to take full control of their semi-final tie.
Juve striker Higuain came into the match having only netted twice in his last 24 knockout games in the competition, but banished his reputation as a player who does not shine in big games by scoring the same amount in a single match at Stade Louis II.
The Argentina international scored with a first-time finish in each half, the impressive Dani Alves creating both goals to take the sting out of Monaco, who had started strongly.
After keeping out a Monaco side who had scored 12 goals in the knockout stages this season, Juve's rock-solid defence have now conceded just twice in 11 Champions League games this season.
And Massimiliano Allegri's men are now strong favourites to reach what would be their second final in three years when the two teams meet for the second leg in Turin next Tuesday.
Real Madrid are the likely opponents for the winners of this tie in Cardiff after defeating Atletico Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their semi-final.
Juve had more of the early possession but it was Monaco, led by star man Kylian Mbappe, who threatened first with two good opportunities.
First, Mbappe could only send a free header straight at Gianluigi Buffon, before the Italy goalkeeper – making his 100th Champions League appearance for Juve – had to beat away a close-range volley from the teenager, both chances created by Nabil Dirar.
Radamel Falcao and Kamil Glik went close with headed efforts for the hosts, but it was Juve who took the lead with a wonderful team goal after 29 minutes.
The move started all the way back with Buffon and picked up in pace when an impressive flick from Paulo Dybala allowed Alves to find Higuain, who charged towards goal before playing it back to the former Barcelona defender down the right.
Alves then sent a lovely return backheel into Higuain's path, which the striker took in his stride, firing a low finish into the far corner from 15 yards.The goal slowed Monaco's momentum and Juve's Dybala had a free-kick saved by Danijel Subasic prior to the interval.
But Monaco should have equalised early in the second half, Falcao failing to beat Buffon with an effort lacking power after Bernardo Silva had impressively set him up.
Juve then wasted an excellent chance of their own, Claudio Marchisio – starting in place of the suspended Sami Khedira – capitalising on a loose pass and racing in on goal only to be denied by Subasic's legs.But the visitors did double their lead just before the hour mark, with Higuain striking again.
Alves was once more the creator, exchanging passes with Dybala before sending in a cross from the right, Higuain sliding in at the back post to convert left-footed from six yards.
Leonardo Jardim brought on Joao Moutinho, Valere Germain and Almamy Toure as he looked for a way back into the tie.
But Juve, who themselves withdrew Higuain, prevented Monaco from creating any chances of note until Buffon had to make a crucial save as the match entered stoppage time.
Germain latched on to Moutinho's free-kick and powered a header at goal, but the veteran goalkeeper tipped it over as the visitors kept yet another clean sheet and took a huge step towards the final.
Gonzalo Higuain ended his woe in the Champions League knockout stages with a crucial double as Juventus recorded a 2-0 away win over Monaco to take full control of their semi-final tie.
Juve striker Higuain came into the match having only netted twice in his last 24 knockout games in the competition, but banished his reputation as a player who does not shine in big games by scoring the same amount in a single match at Stade Louis II.
The Argentina international scored with a first-time finish in each half, the impressive Dani Alves creating both goals to take the sting out of Monaco, who had started strongly.
After keeping out a Monaco side who had scored 12 goals in the knockout stages this season, Juve's rock-solid defence have now conceded just twice in 11 Champions League games this season.
And Massimiliano Allegri's men are now strong favourites to reach what would be their second final in three years when the two teams meet for the second leg in Turin next Tuesday.
Real Madrid are the likely opponents for the winners of this tie in Cardiff after defeating Atletico Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their semi-final.
Juve had more of the early possession but it was Monaco, led by star man Kylian Mbappe, who threatened first with two good opportunities.
First, Mbappe could only send a free header straight at Gianluigi Buffon, before the Italy goalkeeper – making his 100th Champions League appearance for Juve – had to beat away a close-range volley from the teenager, both chances created by Nabil Dirar.
Radamel Falcao and Kamil Glik went close with headed efforts for the hosts, but it was Juve who took the lead with a wonderful team goal after 29 minutes.
The move started all the way back with Buffon and picked up in pace when an impressive flick from Paulo Dybala allowed Alves to find Higuain, who charged towards goal before playing it back to the former Barcelona defender down the right.
Alves then sent a lovely return backheel into Higuain's path, which the striker took in his stride, firing a low finish into the far corner from 15 yards.The goal slowed Monaco's momentum and Juve's Dybala had a free-kick saved by Danijel Subasic prior to the interval.
But Monaco should have equalised early in the second half, Falcao failing to beat Buffon with an effort lacking power after Bernardo Silva had impressively set him up.
Juve then wasted an excellent chance of their own, Claudio Marchisio – starting in place of the suspended Sami Khedira – capitalising on a loose pass and racing in on goal only to be denied by Subasic's legs.But the visitors did double their lead just before the hour mark, with Higuain striking again.
Alves was once more the creator, exchanging passes with Dybala before sending in a cross from the right, Higuain sliding in at the back post to convert left-footed from six yards.
Leonardo Jardim brought on Joao Moutinho, Valere Germain and Almamy Toure as he looked for a way back into the tie.
But Juve, who themselves withdrew Higuain, prevented Monaco from creating any chances of note until Buffon had to make a crucial save as the match entered stoppage time.
Germain latched on to Moutinho's free-kick and powered a header at goal, but the veteran goalkeeper tipped it over as the visitors kept yet another clean sheet and took a huge step towards the final.
Juventus set new club Champions League record with six straight clean sheets
Juventus' defence remains a riddle most teams in Europe are unable to solve.
The Serie A champions held Monaco scoreless in a 2-0 away win in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie.
The result was Juventus’ six straight clean sheet in the competition, which sets a new club record in Europe’s top continental club tournament.
The last club to score against in the Champions League against Juventus was Sevilla, back on November 22, in a 3-1 loss to the Old Lady. Since that time Dinamo Zagreb, Porto, Barcelona and now Monaco have all tried, and failed, to break down the Italian side’s brick wall of defence.
In fact, it was the first time high-flying Monaco, which put six goals past Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund in their respective Champions League ties, have been held off the scoreboard at home in all competitions since November 2015.
A big reason for Juventus' success has no doubt been goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. And while his team's defence can sometimes make life easy for him, the 38-year-old was at his best Wednesday. He made five saves in the contest – his best total since an outing against Sevilla in December of 2015.
Monaco will again try to solve Juventus and Buffon on Tuesday, but will have their work cut out for them needing at least a 2-0 result to force extra-time at Juventus Stadium.
Juventus' defence remains a riddle most teams in Europe are unable to solve.
The Serie A champions held Monaco scoreless in a 2-0 away win in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie.
The result was Juventus’ six straight clean sheet in the competition, which sets a new club record in Europe’s top continental club tournament.
The last club to score against in the Champions League against Juventus was Sevilla, back on November 22, in a 3-1 loss to the Old Lady. Since that time Dinamo Zagreb, Porto, Barcelona and now Monaco have all tried, and failed, to break down the Italian side’s brick wall of defence.
In fact, it was the first time high-flying Monaco, which put six goals past Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund in their respective Champions League ties, have been held off the scoreboard at home in all competitions since November 2015.
A big reason for Juventus' success has no doubt been goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. And while his team's defence can sometimes make life easy for him, the 38-year-old was at his best Wednesday. He made five saves in the contest – his best total since an outing against Sevilla in December of 2015.
Monaco will again try to solve Juventus and Buffon on Tuesday, but will have their work cut out for them needing at least a 2-0 result to force extra-time at Juventus Stadium.
Buffon: I want people to be sad when I retire
Gianluigi Buffon says his motivation is to continue proving he belongs at the highest level and wants people to be sad when he eventually ends his playing career.The Juventus goalkeeper was in fine form as his side won 2-0 away to Monaco, taking full control of their Champions League semi-final tie.
It was Buffon's sixth consecutive clean sheet in the competition – a club record – with saves from Kylian Mbappe, Radamel Falcao and substitute Valere Germain proving vital.And the 39-year-old insists it his cementing his reputation that drives his continued success, rather than hopes of winning the Ballon d'Or.
"In every game I want to show that I deserve to play at this level despite my age," he told UEFA after the match. "I work hard every day for this objective. The day I quit, I want people to be sad about it.
"I don't know if I am achieving it or not, but playing in a team like this undoubtedly helps. The important thing is to be ready when the team needs me. As long as I can do that, I consider myself satisfied and happy.
"It [winning the Ballon d'Or] is not something I think about, nor do I miss having it. I spend so much energy to keep myself in shape and perform well in these games, to be of use to my team-mates."
Buffon felt Juve approached the match perfectly as they took a huge step towards reaching a second final in three years.
"We played a great game, exactly the game that we needed to survive with a clean sheet at Monaco because they have a great attack," he said."If you don't have this solidity, but also the quality when attacking, it would all be more complicated.
"We said after the Barcelona tie that we want to improve day by day. We are close to our objective and it would be naive not to work as hard as possible now."
Gianluigi Buffon says his motivation is to continue proving he belongs at the highest level and wants people to be sad when he eventually ends his playing career.The Juventus goalkeeper was in fine form as his side won 2-0 away to Monaco, taking full control of their Champions League semi-final tie.
It was Buffon's sixth consecutive clean sheet in the competition – a club record – with saves from Kylian Mbappe, Radamel Falcao and substitute Valere Germain proving vital.And the 39-year-old insists it his cementing his reputation that drives his continued success, rather than hopes of winning the Ballon d'Or.
"In every game I want to show that I deserve to play at this level despite my age," he told UEFA after the match. "I work hard every day for this objective. The day I quit, I want people to be sad about it.
"I don't know if I am achieving it or not, but playing in a team like this undoubtedly helps. The important thing is to be ready when the team needs me. As long as I can do that, I consider myself satisfied and happy.
"It [winning the Ballon d'Or] is not something I think about, nor do I miss having it. I spend so much energy to keep myself in shape and perform well in these games, to be of use to my team-mates."
Buffon felt Juve approached the match perfectly as they took a huge step towards reaching a second final in three years.
"We played a great game, exactly the game that we needed to survive with a clean sheet at Monaco because they have a great attack," he said."If you don't have this solidity, but also the quality when attacking, it would all be more complicated.
"We said after the Barcelona tie that we want to improve day by day. We are close to our objective and it would be naive not to work as hard as possible now."
Weakened Man Utd team would still beat Arsenal, says Keane
Even a weakened Manchester United team would beat Arsenal, according to former Red Devils captain Roy Keane.United boss Jose Mourinho has admitted that he is placing emphasis on winning the Europa League, with a top-four finish looking increasingly unlikely as the season nears a conclusion.
A Premier League clash with Arsenal lies in between two Europa League semi-final legs against Celta Vigo and with that in mind, the Portuguese coach suggested that he may even field a weaker team against the Gunners.
Keane believes that Mourinho is right to seek the continental trophy, which would see Champions League football return to Old Trafford, regardless of league finish.
"It is clear that his priority is trying to win the Europa League and guarantee Champions League football," the former Republic of Ireland international said, speaking on ITV.
"I think he is right. With the way the last week has gone, prioritise winning a trophy, definitely."When asked my former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon if he thought Mourinho was right to consider playing a weakened team against Arsene Wenger's men, Keane was in no doubt."Well even a weak team would probably still beat Arsenal," he responded. "They can afford to do that."
Man United take on Celta Vigo in Spain on May 4 before playing away to Arsenal three days later on May 7
Even a weakened Manchester United team would beat Arsenal, according to former Red Devils captain Roy Keane.United boss Jose Mourinho has admitted that he is placing emphasis on winning the Europa League, with a top-four finish looking increasingly unlikely as the season nears a conclusion.
A Premier League clash with Arsenal lies in between two Europa League semi-final legs against Celta Vigo and with that in mind, the Portuguese coach suggested that he may even field a weaker team against the Gunners.
Keane believes that Mourinho is right to seek the continental trophy, which would see Champions League football return to Old Trafford, regardless of league finish.
"It is clear that his priority is trying to win the Europa League and guarantee Champions League football," the former Republic of Ireland international said, speaking on ITV.
"I think he is right. With the way the last week has gone, prioritise winning a trophy, definitely."When asked my former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon if he thought Mourinho was right to consider playing a weakened team against Arsene Wenger's men, Keane was in no doubt."Well even a weak team would probably still beat Arsenal," he responded. "They can afford to do that."
Man United take on Celta Vigo in Spain on May 4 before playing away to Arsenal three days later on May 7
UEFA Europa League Semi-Final 1st Leg Fixture 2017.05.04
UEFA Europa League Semi-Final 1st Leg Fixture 2017.05.04
Celta Vigo Vs Manchester United
Congratulations Manchester United!
Ada match 1ke score 1ka godak wadagath 2nd leg 1kata
kohomahari win karamu
Ada match 1ke score 1ka godak wadagath 2nd leg 1kata
kohomahari win karamu
Celta Vigo Starting Line-up
Sergio Alvarez
Facundo Roncaglia
Gustavo Cabral
Jonny
Hugo Mallo
Nemanja Radoja
Pablo Hernández
Daniel Wass
John Guidetti
Pione Sisto
Iago Aspas
&
Manchester United Starting Line-up
Sergio Romero
Daley Blind
Eric Bailly
Matteo Darmian
Antonio Valencia
Marouane Fellaini
Paul Pogba
Ander Herrera
Marcus Rashford
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Jesse Lingard
Pogba is back & ada Fellaini start karanawa.pissu keliye nathnam hodai
Good Luck Manchester United!
Good Luck Manchester United!
3 goal scoring opportunities for Manchester United & 3 good saves!
Good Luck for the 2nd Half Manchester United!
Good Luck for the 2nd Half Manchester United!
Congratulations Manchester United!
Well played everyone!
Rash
Rashford ge free kick 1ka patta
btw thawa hoda goal scoring chances kihipayakma set una.ath hariyata take karanne nahaneFinishing madi
& Good Luck for the 2nd leg next week Manchester United!
Well played everyone!
Rash
Rashford ge free kick 1ka pattabtw thawa hoda goal scoring chances kihipayakma set una.ath hariyata take karanne nahane
Finishing madi& Good Luck for the 2nd leg next week Manchester United!
Herrera: De Gea is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League and should stay at Man Utd
Ander Herrera believes David De Gea should reject interest from Real Madrid in the summer and concentrate on becoming a legend at Manchester United.
De Gea, who club and national team-mate Herrera claims is the best in the Premier League, has long been linked with a switch to the Spanish capital following a failed move back in 2015.
The Spain international is still considered to the long-term solution between the sticks for Real, and Los Blancos chiefs are preparing a substantial offer at the end of the season to tempt him to join Zinedine Zidane's side.
Herrera, however, believes that De Gea should dismiss interest from the Spanish giants and work towards gaining legend status at Old Trafford."Hopefully not," Herrera replied when questioned by Marca if De Gea will leave. "He is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League for me, and for many people.
"He was named again the best goalkeeper in the league, and that's been the case for four years.
"He’s been at the club for six years. He’s very close to the number of games [Edwin] Van der Sar played and he can become a legend. People here love him very much. I hope he stays."There are few goalkeepers in the world who give you points and David is one of them."
Mbappe decision to snub Arsenal for Monaco ‘very, very tight’ - Wenger
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that he was a whisker away from signing Kylian Mbappe from Monaco last year.
The 18-year-old has caught the eye since becoming a first-team regular at Stade Louis II, scoring 24 times in 39 outings this season, earning himself a maiden France international call in the process.
He was already on the radar in March 2016 as he had broken Thierry Henry’s record of being his club’s youngest scorer by netting against Troyes, and at that time Wenger was trying to lure him to the Emirates Stadium.“The player would tell you that I was at his home last year to try to get him here,” the manager told beIN Sport .
“Because he was at the end of [his] contract but Monaco managed to keep him and the decision was very, very tight.“But I could understand it as well because he was educated there and at the end decided to stay there.”
In previous weeks, Wenger has suggested that Arsenal may not have the financial muscle to sign the player given the current market, but he refused to rule it out as impossible.
“Can Arsenal get him? I don't know, that's down to him. You know certainly as I do that today he will decide where he goes and say: Real Madrid? Maybe. Barcelona? Maybe. Arsenal? Manchester? He can go where he wants.
“So, I don't know what is his deep aspirations but maybe the best thing for him is to stay one more year at Monaco.”Mbappe was part of the Monaco team that lost 2-0 to Juventus in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that he was a whisker away from signing Kylian Mbappe from Monaco last year.
The 18-year-old has caught the eye since becoming a first-team regular at Stade Louis II, scoring 24 times in 39 outings this season, earning himself a maiden France international call in the process.
He was already on the radar in March 2016 as he had broken Thierry Henry’s record of being his club’s youngest scorer by netting against Troyes, and at that time Wenger was trying to lure him to the Emirates Stadium.“The player would tell you that I was at his home last year to try to get him here,” the manager told beIN Sport .
“Because he was at the end of [his] contract but Monaco managed to keep him and the decision was very, very tight.“But I could understand it as well because he was educated there and at the end decided to stay there.”
In previous weeks, Wenger has suggested that Arsenal may not have the financial muscle to sign the player given the current market, but he refused to rule it out as impossible.
“Can Arsenal get him? I don't know, that's down to him. You know certainly as I do that today he will decide where he goes and say: Real Madrid? Maybe. Barcelona? Maybe. Arsenal? Manchester? He can go where he wants.
“So, I don't know what is his deep aspirations but maybe the best thing for him is to stay one more year at Monaco.”Mbappe was part of the Monaco team that lost 2-0 to Juventus in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.
'I'm sorry for Ozil's behaviour' - Wenger apologises for Arsenal star's outburst
Arsene Wenger has apologised after Mesut Ozil kicked a door at White Hart Lane on Sunday, while the Arsenal manager also urged midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to commit to the club.
The Gunners lost 2-0 away to Tottenham last weekend, ensuring they will finish below their north London rivals for the first time under Wenger, who took over in 1996.
It has since emerged Germany international Ozil tried to speed up the impending demolition of Spurs' historic venue by lashing out after being required to undergo a drugs test following the defeat.
"I am sorry that he kicked the door," Wenger told a news conference ahead of the home game against Manchester United on Sunday."I don't think it was frustration towards the drug testers. It was frustration he lost the game. I don't know what happened. I was only told about it today. We will have a chat because it's always good to get the player's version."
While Ozil was disappointing against Tottenham and has struggled for his best form throughout the campaign, Oxlade-Chamberlain's displays have earned him the club's Player of the Month award for April, although the former Southampton man, out of contract in June 2018, has been linked with an off-season move away from Emirates Stadium.
"His performances have been convincing and positive," Wenger said of the 23-year-old. "It looks like he's making a move forward and I'm very pleased for him. He's happy with his position where he plays at the moment. I'm convinced he has the qualities to play there. "He has to commit his future to the club and I hope he will do so in the summer."
Everton's Aaron Lennon has this week been admitted to hospital for a stress-related illness, prompting journalists to question Wenger on Arsenal's structures for helping players cope with mental issues.
"We help the players on the mental front for the players who want help," he said."When we do not meet their needs, like all of us, they are frustrated and suffer in certain situations, because the expectation is very high, [from] their families, agents, the pressure is very big. It's not easy to deal with at a young age.
"Not all the players, even if they feel the need, want to be helped by people who are at the club. Sometimes they don't want to show. It might be seen as a weakness inside the club."
Arsene Wenger has apologised after Mesut Ozil kicked a door at White Hart Lane on Sunday, while the Arsenal manager also urged midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to commit to the club.
The Gunners lost 2-0 away to Tottenham last weekend, ensuring they will finish below their north London rivals for the first time under Wenger, who took over in 1996.
It has since emerged Germany international Ozil tried to speed up the impending demolition of Spurs' historic venue by lashing out after being required to undergo a drugs test following the defeat.
"I am sorry that he kicked the door," Wenger told a news conference ahead of the home game against Manchester United on Sunday."I don't think it was frustration towards the drug testers. It was frustration he lost the game. I don't know what happened. I was only told about it today. We will have a chat because it's always good to get the player's version."
While Ozil was disappointing against Tottenham and has struggled for his best form throughout the campaign, Oxlade-Chamberlain's displays have earned him the club's Player of the Month award for April, although the former Southampton man, out of contract in June 2018, has been linked with an off-season move away from Emirates Stadium.
"His performances have been convincing and positive," Wenger said of the 23-year-old. "It looks like he's making a move forward and I'm very pleased for him. He's happy with his position where he plays at the moment. I'm convinced he has the qualities to play there. "He has to commit his future to the club and I hope he will do so in the summer."
Everton's Aaron Lennon has this week been admitted to hospital for a stress-related illness, prompting journalists to question Wenger on Arsenal's structures for helping players cope with mental issues.
"We help the players on the mental front for the players who want help," he said."When we do not meet their needs, like all of us, they are frustrated and suffer in certain situations, because the expectation is very high, [from] their families, agents, the pressure is very big. It's not easy to deal with at a young age.
"Not all the players, even if they feel the need, want to be helped by people who are at the club. Sometimes they don't want to show. It might be seen as a weakness inside the club."
Man Utd plot Morata transfer pursuit to fill Ibrahimovic goal void
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is considering making a summer approach for Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata following Zlatan Ibrahimovic's anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The Old Trafford boss admitted recently that long-term knee injuries to Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo had affected his plans for the summer transfer market, saying: “Yes, if I don’t have the players for a long period of time, obviously it affects plans.”
Their search for forwards has been ramped up dramatically, and Real Madrid star Morata is one of the players being considered as an alternative in the No.9 role to the Swede, who's bagged 28 goals in 2016-17, as a result of his major surgery.
Mourinho’s working relationship with the 24-year-old during his spell in charge at the Bernabeu is thought to be a key asset should United decide to make a move on the former Juventus striker.
It won’t be plain sailing for the Red Devils though, with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte also among a long list of suitors, and Morata might need some convincing that he would not simply be swapping one losing fight for first-team football for another.
The striker spent two seasons with Juve and won increased game time as the Bianconeri fell agonisingly short of a historic treble in 2014-15, losing 3-1 to Barcelona in the Champions League final having already clinched the Coppa Italia and Serie A.And while he returned to the Bernabeu with an increased profile the following term, he has continued to find it difficult to earn regular time in the first team.
Under Zinedine Zidane this season Morata has again struggled for game-time, despite leading all Madrid players in goals per minutes. Starting roles have proven elusive even during the recent injury absence of Gareth Bale, leading the striker to believe that it might be time to look elsewhere and finally abandon his dream of succeeding with Real Madrid.
And with no Ibrahimovic available for the foreseeable future at least, Morata could well be persuaded that United present his best hope yet of earning regular football with one of the world’s most renowned football clubs.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is considering making a summer approach for Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata following Zlatan Ibrahimovic's anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The Old Trafford boss admitted recently that long-term knee injuries to Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo had affected his plans for the summer transfer market, saying: “Yes, if I don’t have the players for a long period of time, obviously it affects plans.”
Their search for forwards has been ramped up dramatically, and Real Madrid star Morata is one of the players being considered as an alternative in the No.9 role to the Swede, who's bagged 28 goals in 2016-17, as a result of his major surgery.
Mourinho’s working relationship with the 24-year-old during his spell in charge at the Bernabeu is thought to be a key asset should United decide to make a move on the former Juventus striker.
It won’t be plain sailing for the Red Devils though, with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte also among a long list of suitors, and Morata might need some convincing that he would not simply be swapping one losing fight for first-team football for another.
The striker spent two seasons with Juve and won increased game time as the Bianconeri fell agonisingly short of a historic treble in 2014-15, losing 3-1 to Barcelona in the Champions League final having already clinched the Coppa Italia and Serie A.And while he returned to the Bernabeu with an increased profile the following term, he has continued to find it difficult to earn regular time in the first team.
Under Zinedine Zidane this season Morata has again struggled for game-time, despite leading all Madrid players in goals per minutes. Starting roles have proven elusive even during the recent injury absence of Gareth Bale, leading the striker to believe that it might be time to look elsewhere and finally abandon his dream of succeeding with Real Madrid.
And with no Ibrahimovic available for the foreseeable future at least, Morata could well be persuaded that United present his best hope yet of earning regular football with one of the world’s most renowned football clubs.
Mourinho targets summer Willian reunion at Man Utd
Jose Mourinho and Manchester United are keen to exploit Willian's lack of first-team action at Chelsea by pushing for a summer move for the Brazil international.
Chelsea want to keep Willian, who has been in good form, despite playing a back up role for Eden Hazard and Pedro this season. Willian loves Chelsea and London but he has grown quietly frustrated with his lesser role than in previous seasons.
Willian was the first choice option under Antonio Conte for Chelsea until early October, when his mother died as the Blues winger took some time away from the first team.
Pedro came in and took full advantage of his chance, quickly nailing down a starting spot during the 13-game winning run that stretched across the autumn and winter fixtures.
Willian has contributed 11 goals for Chelsea this season but he has only made 13 starts in the Premier League and Mourinho thinks that he could exploit the situation to his advantage in the summer.
Mourinho still has a positive relationship with many of his former players despite a disastrous last year at Stamford Bridge and his familiarity with Willian might help as he still needs convincing despite his growing discontent.
Chelsea gave the 28-year-old a new four-year deal worth £110,000-per-week last summer after he won the club's Player of the Season award, despite a disappointing 10th-place finish.
Jose Mourinho and Manchester United are keen to exploit Willian's lack of first-team action at Chelsea by pushing for a summer move for the Brazil international.
Chelsea want to keep Willian, who has been in good form, despite playing a back up role for Eden Hazard and Pedro this season. Willian loves Chelsea and London but he has grown quietly frustrated with his lesser role than in previous seasons.
Willian was the first choice option under Antonio Conte for Chelsea until early October, when his mother died as the Blues winger took some time away from the first team.
Pedro came in and took full advantage of his chance, quickly nailing down a starting spot during the 13-game winning run that stretched across the autumn and winter fixtures.
Willian has contributed 11 goals for Chelsea this season but he has only made 13 starts in the Premier League and Mourinho thinks that he could exploit the situation to his advantage in the summer.
Mourinho still has a positive relationship with many of his former players despite a disastrous last year at Stamford Bridge and his familiarity with Willian might help as he still needs convincing despite his growing discontent.
Chelsea gave the 28-year-old a new four-year deal worth £110,000-per-week last summer after he won the club's Player of the Season award, despite a disappointing 10th-place finish.
Ronaldo: I am from this planet!
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted "I am from this planet" after reaching another milestone in Tuesday's Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.
Ronaldo hit a hat-trick for the second game running in the competition to give his side a 3-0 semi-final first-leg lead that puts them firmly on course to reach the final in Cardiff.The 32-year-old was later honoured with a commemorative shirt by club president Florentino Perez for reaching 400 goals in all competitions for the club, although official records say he is on 399.
Regardless of the tally, Ronaldo says he feels primed for a crucial run of fixtures in Madrid's pursuit of a La Liga and Champions League double, though he says his achievements are simply down to hard work."The truth is I feel really good," he told Dugout. "I've prepared myself to be fit for this final stage of the league and the Champions League as well.
"Obviously there's a bit of luck as well. I've prepared myself and things have turned out well, not just for me, but for the team, too."That's why I say that, with dedication and hard work, as always, things come naturally. I'm very lucky, and I am from this planet!
"It's a really big amount of goals, something I didn't expect but it's a reflection of the whole team, of my work as well as that of all the people who work at the club, the fans that always support us and give us this extra motivation."
Ronaldo signed a new five-year contract last November that will see him stay at Madrid until 2021, when he will be 36.The Portugal captain hopes to deliver many more trophies during his remaining years at Santiago Bernabeu, beginning with a successful defence of the Champions League this season.
"I'm very happy. It was a match filled with emotion, the team was phenomenal and scoring three goals made it a special night," he said. "We're one step closer to the final in Cardiff and we're really happy.
"We play for the shirt. I want to give my all to the club with the time I have left on my contract. I will try to do my best, score goals and work to ensure that Real Madrid win titles.
"The team is phenomenal. To win 3-0 is huge. The domination the team showed on the pitch shows how fresh our players are. We are very motivated and want to go the final. We have a slight advantage."
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted "I am from this planet" after reaching another milestone in Tuesday's Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.
Ronaldo hit a hat-trick for the second game running in the competition to give his side a 3-0 semi-final first-leg lead that puts them firmly on course to reach the final in Cardiff.The 32-year-old was later honoured with a commemorative shirt by club president Florentino Perez for reaching 400 goals in all competitions for the club, although official records say he is on 399.
Regardless of the tally, Ronaldo says he feels primed for a crucial run of fixtures in Madrid's pursuit of a La Liga and Champions League double, though he says his achievements are simply down to hard work."The truth is I feel really good," he told Dugout. "I've prepared myself to be fit for this final stage of the league and the Champions League as well.
"Obviously there's a bit of luck as well. I've prepared myself and things have turned out well, not just for me, but for the team, too."That's why I say that, with dedication and hard work, as always, things come naturally. I'm very lucky, and I am from this planet!
"It's a really big amount of goals, something I didn't expect but it's a reflection of the whole team, of my work as well as that of all the people who work at the club, the fans that always support us and give us this extra motivation."
Ronaldo signed a new five-year contract last November that will see him stay at Madrid until 2021, when he will be 36.The Portugal captain hopes to deliver many more trophies during his remaining years at Santiago Bernabeu, beginning with a successful defence of the Champions League this season.
"I'm very happy. It was a match filled with emotion, the team was phenomenal and scoring three goals made it a special night," he said. "We're one step closer to the final in Cardiff and we're really happy.
"We play for the shirt. I want to give my all to the club with the time I have left on my contract. I will try to do my best, score goals and work to ensure that Real Madrid win titles.
"The team is phenomenal. To win 3-0 is huge. The domination the team showed on the pitch shows how fresh our players are. We are very motivated and want to go the final. We have a slight advantage."
