..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

No Arsenal deal with Alexis Sanchez, says Arsene Wenger

Alexis Sanchez has not agreed to sign a new contract with Arsenal, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is definitely staying at the club, manager Arsene Wenger has revealed.

The Chile international continues to be heavily linked with Manchester City and Wenger insists speculation he has agreed a new contract to stay at the Emirates Stadium is inaccurate.

However, the Frenchman stressed midfielder Oxlade-Chamberlain, who like Sanchez only has a year left to run on his deal, is certain to stay, despite links with Liverpool.On suggestions of an agreement with Sanchez, Wenger said: "No, a lot that comes out [about] Sanchez does not look completely right! No, that is not the case."

Wenger, speaking after Saturday's 3-1 friendly victory against Western Sydney Wanderers, was definitive about Oxlade-Chamberlain, even though reports have suggested talks are at a standstill.

"Yes, 100 per cent I expect him to stay," said Wenger. "There is no speculation - no matter what happens he will stay."After two straight wins in Australia, Arsenal play Bayern Munich in Shanghai on Wednesday in the International Champions Cup.

Alexis, meanwhile, is currently in his hometown of Tocopilla, where a picture alongside his agent fuelled rumours of a possible move away from the Emirates Stadium.

The forward has declined to give a clear answer over his future, stating only that his "mind is clear" with respect to where he will be playing next season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea sign £40m Bakayoko from Monaco

Tiemoue Bakayoko has completed his £40 million move to Chelsea from Monaco, signing a five-year deal with the Blues.

Antonio Conte targeted Bakayoko as their first choice option to strengthen their midfield and they are now expected to allow Nemanja Matic to leave to make room for the France international.Talks between Chelsea, Monaco and Bakayoko's representatives have moved slowly since they first started but all parties ultimatley came to an agreement for the 22-year-old.

Bakayoko returned from his holiday in New York to complete the final arrangements of the transfer, though a knee injury could rule him out of the Blues's pre-season friendlies.

The Frenchman, who will wear the No.14 shirt, told Chelsea's official website: "I am very happy to be here and to join this great team. I have grown up watching Chelsea. Signing was the natural thing for me because it is a club I loved very much in my childhood."I am now looking forward to evolving under this fantastic coach and alongside so many great team-mates."

He will become the club's second most-expensive signing of all time as he follows goalkeeper Willy Caballero and defender Antonio Rudiger into Stamford Bridge this summer.The former Rennes star was part of the Monaco team that reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and won Ligue 1 last season.

His performances for his club have so far only earned him one appearance for his country as he competes with the likes of N'Golo Kante and Paul Pogba for a starting spot.

"Despite his young age he already has plenty of experience as a French title winner and having competed in the latter stages of the Champions League, we believe he will add considerable quality to our squad," Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo said.

The Blues will next look to complete a deal for Juventus's Alex Sandro, which could break their transfer record that currently stands at £50m for Fernando Torres, as well as looking for attacking options.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lacazette set for central role as Giroud future remains unclear

Arsene Wenger has huge respect for Olivier Giroud but conceded Alexandre Lacazette is likely to be first choice at centre-forward for Arsenal this season.

Record-signing Lacazette played on the left-hand side of the attack as the Gunners beat Western Sydney Wanderers 3-1 at ANZ Stadium on Saturday, with Giroud filling his customary role at number nine and opening the scoring.

The 30-year-old, who has been linked with Everton, West Ham and Marseille during the close season, was most recently touted for a move to Borussia Dortmund in the event of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang leaving Signal Iduna Park.

Wenger praised Giroud's showing in Sydney but, with Mesut Ozil and Danny Welbeck coming off the bench and Alexis Sanchez to come into the mix – pending well-trodden questions over his own future – the veteran Frenchman suggested Lacazette will not be used in a wide role too often.

"Lacazette will play most of the time as centre forward," he said. "He can play in any system because he’s a provider as well, he can combine and play in a 4-4-2.
"At the moment he plays a little bit behind Giroud, tonight he was more on the left, and he can play in that position as well."

Wenger added: "There is a lot of speculation, I have many times said that I have a huge respect for Olivier Giroud for the man he is and the way he loves our club."Even with all the speculation he is focused and does his job. I always said [that I expect him to stay], I was always consistent with that."

Speaking in the mixed zone afterwards, Giroud was giving little away when the prospect of a switch to Everton was put to him, saying: "I am still an Arsenal player for the moment and I want to prepare well for the new season."

He was more talkative on his link up with fellow Frenchman Lacazette, however, adding: "He's a good player. It's always easy to play with this kind of player. We have a good understanding on the pitch.

"We've had a bit of an opportunity to play together with the national team and I think he will settle well into the English Premier League."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Monaco 4 Stoke City 2: Falcao scores as Mbappe returns in thriller

Substitute Radamel Falcao scored a decisive goal and Kylian Mbappe returned to action as Monaco beat Stoke City 4-2 in a thrilling friendly clash.

Goals from Falcao and Kevin N'Doram settled an entertaining six-goal encounter in Martigny, while Mbappe, who has been subject to fervent transfer speculation, played the whole second half in his first pre-season appearance.

Monaco threatened early when Allan Saint-Maximin's cutback led to Thomas Lemar hitting the crossbar with a left-footed effort. But it was Stoke who took a surprise 10th-minute lead, Xherdan Shaqiri squaring following good play down the left, with Saido Berahino tapping in a rebound after Giannelli Imbula's initial effort had struck the post.

Rony Lopes forced an excellent low save from Jack Butland, but Monaco were level after 34 minutes when an angry Glen Johnson was adjudged to have fouled Lemar in the box. Fabinho took the resulting spot-kick, sending the England keeper the wrong way.

Monaco moved in front five minutes later when Saint-Maximin weaved his way past a flat-footed Ryan Shawcross, who left the field with an injury soon after, before striking from 12 yards.

Stoke levelled within two minutes of the second half, Mame Biram Diouf impressively chipping in after Diego Benaglio had rashly rushed off his line moments after coming off the substitutes' bench.

Mbappe failed to beat Lee Grant with a great opportunity, while Diouf had a goal ruled out for offside at the other end but, with the match hanging in the balance, two Monaco goals in four minutes midway through the half proved decisive, as Falcao stretched to tap in Djibril Sidibe's right-wing cross before N'Doram's tap-in from Gil Dias' assist wrapped up the scoring.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I want to play in the Champions League - Alexis drops Arsenal exit hint

Alexis Sanchez has dropped the clearest hint yet that he will seek to leave Arsenal by confirming his desire to play in the Champions League.

Arsenal missed out on qualification for Europe's elite club competition for the first time in 20 years after finishing fifth in the Premier League last season.

Sanchez struck a career-best 24 league goals but increasingly cut a frustrated figure at the Emirates Stadium, especially as Arsenal were humiliated 10-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

And the 28-year-old Chile international, who has a year remaining on his Arsenal contract, declared his intentions for the first time in a television interview in his homeland."I want to play in the Champions League," Sanchez told Canal 13

"The decision does not depend on me, I have to wait for Arsenal."Manchester City have been strongly linked with a move for Sanchez, with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain also among the European clubs reportedly considering bids.

Arsene Wenger denied reports Sanchez has agreed a new contract when he spoke to the media on Saturday after Arsenal's pre-season win over Western Sydney Wanderers.

But the Frenchman is "positive" about talks with Sanchez, who is on holiday after featuring in Chile's run to the final of the Confederations Cup, where they were narrowly beaten by world champions Germany.And prior to the game against Western Sydney Wanderers, Wenger confirmed that he had been in regular contact with Alexis regarding his future.

“I have spoken through text and it was very positive," Wenger told reporters.
“My thoughts are always positive. There’s not a lot to resolve at the moment with the player.”

Alexis netted 24 goals and added 10 assists for the Gunners last season before helping his country to the Confederations Cup final, and the Arsenal boss doesn't expect him back with the side until the end of the month.

“Players like Alexis Sanchez played the whole season, finished the season really tired and went off to play in the Confederations Cup," Wenger said.“You can’t tell them they are not having a holiday and must come back and continue, it’s impossible.

“Usually you need three weeks but they will have a programme and can be involved after one week to ten days, and play a part in games.“It also depends on the shape they come back in.”

 

[sahanhj]

Chelsea sign £40m Bakayoko from Monaco

 

[sahanhj]

WILLIAN AND BATSHUAYI SHINE IN CHELSEA'S 8-2 THRASHING OF FULHAM

The Premier League champions started their pre-season preparations with a convincing victory in a behind-closed-doors friendly

Willian struck a first-half hat-trick while Michy Batshuayi and Loic Remy both scored twice as Chelsea got their pre-season up and running with an 8-2 thrashing of Championship outfit Fulham.

Chelsea were 5-1 up at the interval as Antonio Conte named a strong team for the first half, with £40 million new signing Tiemoue Bakayoko watching on at the club's Cobham training ground.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney warns Lukaku: Do not show mental weakness at Man Utd

Wayne Rooney has warned Romelu Lukaku he must show mental strength if he wants to be a success at Manchester United.United snared Lukaku from Everton in a move reportedly worth an initial £75million on Monday, the striker signing a five-year contract with an option of a sixth.

That followed Rooney making an emotional return to Goodison Park by moving in the other direction, 13 years after initially leaving for Old Trafford, where he became the club's all-time record goalscorer.

Rooney, 31, believes Lukaku has the ability to succeed for Jose Mourinho's side, but must avoid self-doubt if he is to handle the scrutiny of playing for such a massive side.

"Playing for Manchester United is a test of character," Rooney, who scored a wondergoal in his second Everton debut against Gor Mahia on Thursday, told reporters."You've got to be strong enough mentally to accept the challenge. United are a football club that demands success. Romelu has to be strong enough to take up that challenge.

"If he does that then, with the ability he has got, then he will be a success. If he worries about things then it will be more difficult."Hopefully, Romelu has got people there who will give him the right guidance and get the best out of him."

Rooney believes it is increasingly difficult for players at United to live up to the standards required now that Alex Ferguson and the famous Class of '92 have moved on.

He continued: "There are standards that you have to keep when you are at Manchester United. That came from Sir Alex when I went to United and it was passed down through the likes of Giggsy [Ryan Giggs], Gary Neville and Scholesy [Paul Scholes]."Over the last few years, it was down to me and Michael Carrick to keep the new players maintaining those standards.

"That has been more difficult over the last few years, with some of the players who joined the club. There are traditions at United that have to be maintained. "It has become harder, but that's not my problem any more. I'm just ecstatic to be back at Everton."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'He needs a break now' - Mertesacker giving Sanchez space to decide future

Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez needs time and space to decide his future, according to captain Per Mertesacker.Sanchez, 28, is into the final year of his contract and is linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium.

The Chile international gave his clearest hint yet that he would like to leave , saying on Saturday he wanted to play in the Champions League.Mertesacker said Sanchez needed to be left alone to make a decision on his future."I have not spoken to him. He needs a break now. He needs to relax. He has done a lot for us," the defender said, via the Daily Mail .

"He played almost every game last season and then the Confederations Cup. You need to leave him alone to make up his mind about what he wants to do."He has one more year here and then he makes his mind up. It's his decision."

Sanchez scored 24 Premier League goals and had 10 assists last season, but Arsenal finished fifth.But Mertesacker believes the star forward will stay at Arsenal, saying: "I am very confident."It's his decision. If he feels good, comfortable, he can play with freedom. He has his qualities. You cannot find those everywhere."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

James Rodriguez happy with trophy-winning Bayern debut but warns there's more to come

James Rodriguez was happy with a trophy-winning debut for Bayern Munich, but says more is to come as he settles into life with the Bundesliga champions.

Real Madrid loanee James pulled the strings as Bayern beat Werder Bremen to lift the Telekom Cup on Saturday, making his maiden outing in the week that he signed to play under Carlo Ancelotti for a second time.

James won the World Cup Golden Boot in 2014, but struggled to make an impression under Zinedine Zidane last season as Madrid won a league and Champions League double.

But, having started his Bayern career with a win, the Colombia playmaker is now targeting a return to full fitness."I am happy with that. I hope to get fit in the following days," James told reporters.

"That is what I want because I've been training here for just four days. But I am happy after what I did today. I feel good about it.

"We've just started our season. We will go to China for 10 days to get fit. This will be day to day and step by step."In Munich it's a quiet life. I like this city so much. I hope to adapt soon to my new life."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Roma sign young Turkey star Cengiz Under

Roma have completed the signing of Turkey star Cengiz Under from Istanbul Basaksehir on a five-year deal.

The 20-year-old, who had also been linked with Manchester City, has arrived at the Giallorossi for an initial €13.4m fee, which could eventually rise by an additional €1.5m in add-ons.

Cengiz becomes Roma's fifth summer signing under transfer guru Monchi, following Hector Moreno, Rick Karsdorp, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Maxime Gonalons in joining the club.And speaking to the Serie A side's website, Cengiz said: “I'm delighted to be here and I'm very excited about meeting the fans.

My aim is to earn myself a regular starting berth as quickly as possible."Sporting director Monchi added: "We are extremely happy with the arrival of Cengiz, a player with great technical ability.

"We are confident he will quickly adjust to his new surroundings and his quality and talent will be a valuable addition to our squad."Cengiz scored seven goals and registered five assists in 32 Super Lig games last season as Basaksehir finished second in the Turkish top flight.

The forward made his debut for the Turkey senior team against Kosovo last November before scoring his first goal for his country against Moldova in March this year.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

LA Galaxy 2 Manchester United 5: Lukaku makes debut as Rashford nets brace

Romelu Lukaku made his debut as Manchester United cruised to a 5-2 friendly win over LA Galaxy on Saturday.Lukaku, who joined United for a reported £75million from Everton earlier this month, played the second half at StubHub Center in California.The Belgium international missed a great chance shortly after being introduced, but had an otherwise quiet 45 minutes.

Victor Lindelof also made his debut, but it was already 3-0 when the duo were introduced, with Marcus Rashford having stolen the show in the first half.Rashford scored a brace and should have had a third to go with Marouane Fellaini's first-half goal, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Anthony Martial struck after the break to go with a Giovani dos Santos brace for Galaxy.

Jose Mourinho also introduced a back three in what was the Europa League champions' first pre-season friendly.United needed just two minutes to take a 1-0 lead.

A high press led to Jesse Lingard winning the ball on the left and his toe poke released Rashford, who had time and space to place a finish into the bottom corner.

After Juan Mata forced Jon Kempin into a scrambling save, Rashford doubled United's lead.United dispossessed Galaxy in midfield and Mata slid in the England international, who again made no mistake with a composed finish from inside the area.

Mourinho's men were dominant to begin the clash and they made it 3-0 in the 26th minute.Lingard got in behind down the left and cut a pass back to the top of the area, where Fellaini swept in a finish.

Eyeing his hat-trick, Rashford fired over the bar from 20 yards in the 35th minute and was later denied in a one-on-one, while Chris Smalling had an effort rightly ruled out for offside.

Mourinho introduced a new 11 for the second half, including Lukaku, fellow signing Lindelof and Paul Pogba.Lukaku had a great chance to open his account after receiving a pass from Pogba in the 49th minute, but Brian Rowe – who replaced Kempin – made a good save.

United were finding plenty of space and threatening constantly, with Lindelof volleying over from close range after a corner in the 66th minute.The first goal of the second half finally arrived through Mkhitaryan, who side-footed a strike past Rowe after an Anthony Martial pass.

Martial also got on the scoresheet, while dos Santos netted twice for the hosts, the second deflecting off him after a David Romney header from a corner.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea should drop Morata interest and sign Aubameyang - Desailly

Chelsea should move for wantaway Borussia Dortmund star Pierre-Emerick Aubamyang this summer instead of Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata, according to former Blues defender Marcel Desailly.

Antonio Conte is in the market for a centre-forward as Diego Costa's return to Atletico Madrid nears completion, while Manchester United secured a deal for top target Romelu Lukaku.

The striker looked set to make a sensational Stamford Bridge return before Jose Mourinho hijacked the move, agreeing a five-year deal with the Belgium international at Old Trafford.Conte's attention has since turned to Morata, a player he had a part in signing for Juventus shortly before resigning to take the Italy job in 2014.

However, Dortmund's Aubameyang has also been reported with a switch to west London, and it is the Gabon international, who struck 31 Bundesliga goals last season, which Chelsea legend Desailly believes is the better option.

“Morata, does he fit really? Does he hold the ball, does he have the speed of projection [Conte] is asking for?" Desailly said at the legends tournament Star Sixes.“So it is a blow for him really [missing out on Lukaku].

“For me, Aubameyang will be the best player to adapt to the Conte system."Aubameyang stole the Bundesliga's top scorer crown from Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski last term, outscoring the Poland international by a single goal.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'He is someone special, it's a shame' - Mourinho accepts Morata unlikely to join Man Utd

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho admits it is unlikely Alvaro Morata will join from Real Madrid, describing it as a "shame".Morata has been a target for United, but Madrid have reportedly asked for £80million for the Spain forward.Mourinho has added a striker to his squad this off-season, with Romelu Lukaku arriving from Everton for a reported £75m.

The Portuguese tactician worked with Morata at Madrid and has accepted the 24-year-old is unlikely to join him at Old Trafford."It is a question for Florentino [Perez, Madrid president]," Mourinho said after his side's 5-2 friendly win over LA Galaxy on Saturday.

"He belongs to Madrid. Madrid has decided and we have not come to an agreement. It is simple. It's a shame."It is a player who made it to the first team with me. We have a special liking for [him], he is someone special. I enjoyed watching his evolution in Juventus and Madrid. It is like that. I don't think he can end with us."Lukaku made his debut for United against Galaxy, playing the second half of the comfortable win.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo return to Man Utd is impossible, says Mourinho

Jose Mourinho insists Manchester United have never considered a move for Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, labelling it "mission impossible".

A return to Old Trafford was highlighted as a possibility after it was reported the 32-year-old has expressed his desire to leave Real Madrid while allegations of tax fraud are being pursued by the Spanish authorities.

The Portugal star won three Premier League titles and the Champions Leagueat United before his £80 million move to the Spanish capital, where he worked with Mourinho for three years.Despite their history together, though, the coach says there is no way for his compatriot to return this summer.

"We have never thought about it because he is such an important player for his club, of great economic power," Mourinho said after his side's 5-2 friendly win over LA Galaxy on Saturday.

"We have not been able to find for whatever reason that could have made us think that Ronaldo could leave."I am not going to get my club to waste time on players who are mission impossible."

Ronaldo spent six full seasons at Old Trafford, helping Sir Alex Ferguson's Red Devils to nine trophies during that time. The Portuguese was named Premier League Player of the Month on four occasions, Player of the Season twice and claimed the 2007-08 Premier League Golden Boot with 31 goals in 34 appearances. In all, the four-time Ballon d'Or winner scored 84 and assisted 34 in his 196 top-flight appearances in England.

Ronaldo secured hero status at United as part of one of the most iconic teams in the club's history, and has long been linked with a return to the club, despite signing a long-term deal in the Spanish capital.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'We'll wait a few more days' - Dortmund give ultimatum on Aubameyang move

Clubs hoping to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang only have a few days to open talks with Borussia Dortmund, says Hans-Joachim Watzke.

Last season's Bundesliga top goalscorer is reportedly being pursued by Chelsea and AC Milan, though he is expected to cost around €80 million.

Despite the ongoing speculation, Dortmund CEO Watzke says there have been no offers for the 28-year-old and the window for them is closing."We have not had any offers," he told Welt am Sonntag. "We will wait a few more days but not long anymore.

"We have told Aubameyang: 'if you want to move and have a club ready to meet our conditions, come to us and we can will talk about it'. But we also explained that this is only possible within a certain window of time. We must find a replacement, which is difficult, if not impossible. "Personally, I would prefer he stay with us, but there are a few clubs on this planet where he can obviously earn more."

While Aubameyang's future remains uncertain, Dortmund are optimistic about Mario Gotze, who made his first appearance since February in Saturday's friendly against Urawa Reds.

The Germany international has recovered from a metabolic disorder and Watzke says he is ready to play an important role next season.

"From his mentality and attitude to his great passion, Mario was always ready," he said. "That was never a concern. However, he suffered a serious illness. We have never talked about it in detail and will not. "[Sporting director] Michael Zorc and I had very close contact with him over the last five months. We knew everything. The fact that it is now all going in the right direction makes us all happy. "If Mario is fit, he is one of Borussia Dortmund's most important players."

"We have told Aubameyang: 'if you want to move and have a club ready to meet our conditions, come to us and we can will talk about it'. But we also explained to him that this is only possible in a certain time window which closes so slowly. We must finally provide for a replacement, which is difficult or impossible. Personally, I would prefer him to stay with us. "

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Milan and Chelsea target Belotti absent from Torino kit launch

In-demand striker Andrea Belotti was absent from Torino's kit launch ahead of the 2017/18 Serie A season, fuelling speculation he is set for a big-money summer move.

Belotti, who scored 26 times in 35 Serie A appearances for Torino last season, has been strongly linked with both Milan and Chelsea so far this summer.The Italy international has a €100m release clause in his contract but is being linked with a switch for less than that figure.

And the fact that Belotti - undoubtedly Torino's main man - was missing from the Turin-based side's new shirt launch could be a strong sign that he is ready to seek pastures new.

Milan have already been incredibly busy in the transfer market so far this summer, splashing out on the likes of Andre Silva, Ricardo Rodriguez and, most recently, Leonardo Bonucci from rivals Juventus.There were also reports on Sunday morning that Belotti has told Milan he would be keen on joining them.

Chelsea, on the other hand, are looking for a new striker with manager Antonio Conte having told Diego Costa he is not part of his plans this season.

The Blues initially targeted Romelu Lukaku but the Belgium forward has since moved to Manchester United instead for £75m.Belotti, along with Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata and Borussia Dortmund ace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, have all been identified as possible targets by Chelsea.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Herrera denies Barca approach amid reports of new Man Utd contract

Ander Herrera insists there has been no approach from Barcelona amid reports he is set to sign a mega-money deal to remain at Manchester United.

Ernesto Valverde's appointment at Camp Nou led to speculation Herrera may reunite with his former Athletic Club coach.

The 27-year-old has one year left on his current contract with the Old Trafford club, but there have been reports United are willing to double his salary to keep him.And the midfielder has dismissed speculation surrounding a move, insisting he is happy where he is.

"There is nothing certain about Barcelona because I am very happy at United and I feel valued and focused here," Herrera said after his side beat LA Galaxy in a pre-season game.The Red Devils beat the American side 5-2 as new striker Romelu Lukaku made his first appearance in Jose Mourinho's team.

Despite the high-profile signing of the Belgian, Herrera admitted he is disappointed that Alvaro Morata will not be joining, after Jose Mourinho ruled out a move for him."Of course I wanted to have Morata as a team-mate, he was very close because the two clubs negotiated," he continued."Too bad he is not with us, but I wish him well."

 

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Mourinho impressed with 'target-man' Lukaku but warns against Rooney comparisons

Jose Mourinho was impressed with Romelu Lukaku's maiden Manchester United outing versus LA Galaxy, but warned against making comparisons between the Belgium international and Wayne Rooney.

Lukaku made a big-money move from Everton this month, while Rooney went back to his roots in re-signing for the Merseysiders after 13 years at Old Trafford, during which he became United's record goalscorer.

Saturday's 5-2 win over the Galaxy offered United fans a glimpse of the future, with Mourinho insisting Lukaku brings an entirely different set of attributes to the table from Rooney.

"To compare Rooney and Lukaku is incomparable and Rooney for us was not a striker. Lukaku is more a target man with his back to the opponents," the Portuguese explained.

Jose Mourinho was impressed with Romelu Lukaku's maiden Manchester United outing versus LA Galaxy, but warned against making comparisons between the Belgium international and Wayne Rooney.

Lukaku made a big-money move from Everton this month, while Rooney went back to his roots in re-signing for the Merseysiders after 13 years at Old Trafford, during which he became United's record goalscorer.

Saturday's 5-2 win over the Galaxy offered United fans a glimpse of the future, with Mourinho insisting Lukaku brings an entirely different set of attributes to the table from Rooney.

"To compare Rooney and Lukaku is incomparable and Rooney for us was not a striker. Lukaku is more a target man with his back to the opponents," the Portuguese explained.

It was United youth product Marcus Rashford who stole the limelight at StubHub Center with two goals, while Marouane Fellaini, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Anthony Martial were also on target.

 

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Bakayoko: Chelsea are the biggest and best club in England

New Chelsea signing Tiemoue Bakayoko believes he has joined the biggest and best club in England.Bakayoko completed his move from Monaco on Saturday, penning a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge in a deal worth £40million.

The 22-year-old won Ligue 1 with Monaco last season and feels he could not have picked a better Premier League side to continue his career with than Chelsea."I am very happy to be here," Bakayoko told his new club's website in his first interview after the signing was confirmed.

"For me this is the biggest English club and I hope to achieve great things here. I am very proud."Chelsea is a great club with a great history and they are the champions of England. My wish was to be at the best English club there is today.

"I am very happy and proud for me, my family and the people who have been following me for a very long time. Now the work starts for all of us together to progress.

"I know that the Premier League is a very difficult championship, one of the most difficult in the world. It is very physical and I know you must be in fighting form to compete in this league."I think I am an intelligent player who offers physicality and can also dribble and get by people."

Bakayoko praised Chelsea's facilities in Cobham, having met his new team-mates and watched the club's 8-2 pre-season victory over Fulham after his move went through.

"I have got a great reception [at Cobham] and I'm very much impressed by the facilities here," said the France international."Everything is much bigger than I have known and it seems like the perfect place to play football.

"I haven't been to Stamford Bridge yet but I can't wait to see this big stadium."Asked about manager Antonio Conte, he added: "We spoke a lot about tactics, and training, and he took the time to talk to me about my game and explain I must be serious-minded and work hard."