WBA home amaru match ekek wei & dan thiyana hama match ekakama 3 points godak important
Good Luck Manchester United!
Good Luck Manchester United!
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..::Football IV::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
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Full Time
WBA Goal(s)
G.Barry 77'
&
Manchester United Goal(s)
R.Lukaku 27'
J.Lingard 35'
West Brom 1 Manchester United 2: Lukaku on target against old club
Romelu Lukaku scored his third goal in four appearances as Manchester United moved back to 11 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City with Sunday's 2-1 win at West Brom.
Second-placed United have now won six of their last seven Premier League games, but last weekend's 2-1 derby defeat at home to rivals City - who thrashed Spurs on Saturday to make it 16 successive league victories - means their title hopes remain remote.
The desired new manager bounce has failed to materialise at The Hawthorns, despite a late consolation, with Alan Pardew's men set to go bottom if struggling Swansea City win at Everton on Monday.
Lukaku broke the deadlock after 26 minutes - against the club where he scored his first Premier League goals - the Belgium international getting between two defenders to plant home a fine header from a precise left-wing Marcus Rashford cross.The second United goal came eight minutes later and ultimately proved decisive, Ahmed Hegazi trying to block a Jesse Lingard drive from the edge of the box but only succeeding in deflecting the ball past Ben Foster.
Rashford went close to extending the lead but United's failure to kill the match with a third goal almost proved costly when Gareth Barry scrambled home from a 77th-minute Chris Brunt corner, although Jose Mourinho's men held on.
A blocked Rashford effort was the closest either side came to scoring in a very flat start to the match.When a shot on target finally came it was the opening goal, as Lukaku scored for the 10th time in the Premier League this season.United's first incisive attack created space on the left wing for Rashford, who floated in the ideal centre for Lukaku to flick in an unstoppable header, the former Baggies striker opting not to celebrate against his old club.
At the other end a driving run from Oliver Burke on his first Premier League start was stopped by a tremendous Chris Smalling tackle before Salomon Rondon saw a near-post effort well blocked.And with their second shot on target of the game, United seemingly put the game beyond West Brom.
Juan Mata teed up Lingard on the edge of the box, with the England midfielder's strike giving former United goalkeeper Foster no chance after taking a massive deflection off Hegazi.
Jake Livermore forced David de Gea's first action after 43 minutes, but the Spaniard's save was comfortable, and after the interval an excellent Antonio Valencia clearance prevented Rondon from turning in Burke's cross. Rashford drilled a decent chance narrowly wide of the far post after 57 minutes when Lingard touched Valencia's centre on to his England colleague, and the Ecuadorian then limped off, allowing Marcos Rojo to make his 100th United appearance.
United seemed to be cruising to a ninth win in 12 trips to West Brom, but the hosts scored their first goal in four matches under Pardew's leadership from a set piece with 13 minutes to go.Former United defender Jonny Evans won the first ball from a Brunt corner and Barry was on hand to slot home his first goal for West Brom from close range to set up an exciting finale.
Substitute Jay Rodriguez headed another dangerous Brunt corner wide with six minutes to go and United suddenly looked nervous, but Mourinho's men clung on despite a late aerial barrage.
Bologna 0 Juventus 3: Pjanic, Mandzukic and Matuidi send champions second
Juventus climbed up to second in Serie A as Miralem Pjanic inspired a comfortable
3-0 win at Bologna.Inter suffered a first defeat of the season on Saturday, going down 3-1 at home to Udinese and leaving the door ajar for Massimiliano Allegri's men to leapfrog them as closest challengers to leaders Napoli.
It was an opportunity the champions were forced to approach patiently at first but Bologna's resistance and ambition appeared to desert them entirely once Pjanic's 27th-minute free-kick had got the better of goalkeeper Antonio Mirante.
The Bosnia-Herzegovina playmaker turned provider with an excellent lofted ball for Mario Mandzukic to double the lead before half-time and any remaining doubt over the destination of the points was extinguished when Blaise Matuidi emphatically smashed in his first Juventus goal in the 64th minute.
Napoli's advantage at the summit is now trimmed to one point as Allegri's squad with reams of title-winning knowhow prepare for next weekend's match against Roma – a crunch clash that arrives after a midweek Coppa Italia assignment versus Genoa.
Allegri again opted to leave Paulo Dybala on the bench and Juventus had a solid grip on possession during the first 25 minutes without creating any chances of note.
A Bologna counter-attack saw Godfred Donsah test Wojciech Szczesny's handling with a firmly struck shot but Juve had their set-piece specialist on hand to succeed where they had failed until that point from open play.
Mattia Destro brought down Alex Sandro on the left-hand corner of the penalty area and Pjanic curled a free-kick inside the near post that Mirante could only palm into the net.Juve swiftly doubled their advantage in the 36th minute, with Pjanic to the fore again as he picked out Mandzukic with a sublime raking pass.
The Croatia forward chested down impeccably and hooked a shot towards the far corner despite some close attention from Ibrahima Mbaye. Once more, Mirante got a hand to the shot but was unable to alter the outcome.
Bologna boss Roberto Donadoni had his decision to replace striker Destro with Bruno Petkovic whistled in the 53rd minute and the closest a home player came to putting the ball in the net before the hour was when Filip Helander almost prodded Alex Sandro's cross into his own goal.
Helander's attempts to clear the next cross from the Brazil full-back also left much to be desired when he shovelled a bouncing ball in the direction of Matuidi, who lashed unforgivingly into the bottom corner to ensure Juve would make it four wins from their last five top-flight away games.Some wasteful finishing from Gonzalo Higuain prevented Juve from running up a more handsome scoreline, while fellow attacker Mandzukic limping off with 15 minutes left gave cause for some concern.
But the sight of a player as wonderfully gifted as Dybala coming on in his place and streaking clear of Bologna defenders to fire narrowly over underlined the fact that Donadoni's worries, after six defeats the last nine, might be somewhat greater.
Juventus climbed up to second in Serie A as Miralem Pjanic inspired a comfortable
3-0 win at Bologna.Inter suffered a first defeat of the season on Saturday, going down 3-1 at home to Udinese and leaving the door ajar for Massimiliano Allegri's men to leapfrog them as closest challengers to leaders Napoli.
It was an opportunity the champions were forced to approach patiently at first but Bologna's resistance and ambition appeared to desert them entirely once Pjanic's 27th-minute free-kick had got the better of goalkeeper Antonio Mirante.
The Bosnia-Herzegovina playmaker turned provider with an excellent lofted ball for Mario Mandzukic to double the lead before half-time and any remaining doubt over the destination of the points was extinguished when Blaise Matuidi emphatically smashed in his first Juventus goal in the 64th minute.
Napoli's advantage at the summit is now trimmed to one point as Allegri's squad with reams of title-winning knowhow prepare for next weekend's match against Roma – a crunch clash that arrives after a midweek Coppa Italia assignment versus Genoa.
Allegri again opted to leave Paulo Dybala on the bench and Juventus had a solid grip on possession during the first 25 minutes without creating any chances of note.
A Bologna counter-attack saw Godfred Donsah test Wojciech Szczesny's handling with a firmly struck shot but Juve had their set-piece specialist on hand to succeed where they had failed until that point from open play.
Mattia Destro brought down Alex Sandro on the left-hand corner of the penalty area and Pjanic curled a free-kick inside the near post that Mirante could only palm into the net.Juve swiftly doubled their advantage in the 36th minute, with Pjanic to the fore again as he picked out Mandzukic with a sublime raking pass.
The Croatia forward chested down impeccably and hooked a shot towards the far corner despite some close attention from Ibrahima Mbaye. Once more, Mirante got a hand to the shot but was unable to alter the outcome.
Bologna boss Roberto Donadoni had his decision to replace striker Destro with Bruno Petkovic whistled in the 53rd minute and the closest a home player came to putting the ball in the net before the hour was when Filip Helander almost prodded Alex Sandro's cross into his own goal.
Helander's attempts to clear the next cross from the Brazil full-back also left much to be desired when he shovelled a bouncing ball in the direction of Matuidi, who lashed unforgivingly into the bottom corner to ensure Juve would make it four wins from their last five top-flight away games.Some wasteful finishing from Gonzalo Higuain prevented Juve from running up a more handsome scoreline, while fellow attacker Mandzukic limping off with 15 minutes left gave cause for some concern.
But the sight of a player as wonderfully gifted as Dybala coming on in his place and streaking clear of Bologna defenders to fire narrowly over underlined the fact that Donadoni's worries, after six defeats the last nine, might be somewhat greater.
Didier Drogba named French Ligue 1 ambassador
Didier Drogba has been named as an ambassador for the Ligue de Football Professionnel – the body that run the major professional football leagues in France.
The ex-Cote d’Ivoire international joins former France international and 1998 World Cup winner Youri Djorkaeff in carrying out ambassadorial duties as they will both be participating in international events, trophy ceremonies and other events organised by the LFP.
Drogba will also represent the Ligue 1, Ligue 2, Championnat National and the Coupe de la Ligue in international events.
The 39-year-old who plies his trade in the United Soccer League with Phoenix Rising played for Le Mans, Guingamp and Marseille in France before joining Chelsea in July 2004 where he won four English Premier League titles, four FA Cups and one Uefa Champions League diadem.
Didier Drogba has been named as an ambassador for the Ligue de Football Professionnel – the body that run the major professional football leagues in France.
The ex-Cote d’Ivoire international joins former France international and 1998 World Cup winner Youri Djorkaeff in carrying out ambassadorial duties as they will both be participating in international events, trophy ceremonies and other events organised by the LFP.
Drogba will also represent the Ligue 1, Ligue 2, Championnat National and the Coupe de la Ligue in international events.
The 39-year-old who plies his trade in the United Soccer League with Phoenix Rising played for Le Mans, Guingamp and Marseille in France before joining Chelsea in July 2004 where he won four English Premier League titles, four FA Cups and one Uefa Champions League diadem.
Mourinho: Man United lost ambition in second-half slumpJose Mourinho highlighted a lack of attacking ambition as the reason for West Brom's fightback as Manchester United recorded their third straight Premier League away win with a 2-1 victory at The Hawthorns.
First-half goals from Romelu Lukaku and Jesse Lingard put second-placed United on track for their sixth win in seven Premier League matches.But United eased off after the interval, with substitute Gareth Barry scrambling in West Brom's first goal under Alan Pardew to set up a nervy finale in Sunday's match.
Mourinho insisted his side still did enough to win the game while acknowledging West Brom battled back well in the second half."I think [United had] less ambition, the intensity in the first half maybe we didn't have in the second half," Mourinho told Sky Sports.
"Probably we lost a bit of ambition. But they are really powerful in the air - they have giants and aggressive people in the air.
"But after their goal we controlled the game again. We brought the ball into the opposition half and they didn't have much more after that."I think we deserved the win. We were the best team. I knew and the players knew that West Brom are very dangerous on set-pieces.
"[Former West Brom head coach] Tony [Pulis] is an expert on that - very strong and physical on set-pieces and we knew that it could be a problem.
"We controlled the game for a long, long time, then Alan reacts with a few changes to try to give the team more width and quality with a second striker in the middle."We had a few chances to kill the game but I knew they would react. So when they scored it's normal, but we deserved the victory overall."
United were dealt a blow when captain Antonio Valencia limped off, with Mourinho blaming fatigue for the full-back needing to be replaced.
"That's football in England, especially in December," Mourinho added. "Players are not machines and sometimes it happens."He knew he was not going to play the next game [Wednesday's EFL Cup quarter-final at Bristol City] and he was asked for a last effort before the break but he couldn't resist.
"We have other players, [Daley] Blind and [Matteo] Darmian were not on the bench, and we have other people to cope with the difficulty."
Do Mourinho's Man Utd moan and whinge? Mata suggests not
Juan Mata insists there is no moaning coming out of Manchester United despite the club slipping off the Premier League title pace.
The Red Devils burst out of the blocks in 2017-18 to spark talk of a challenge for the top-flight crown, but have since stumbled to see arch-rivals Manchester City surge 11 points clear at the summit.There is still time in which to bridge that gap, but Pep Guardiola’s team have offered the chasing pack little encouragement so far.
United have been able to keep themselves in contention by responding to a costly derby defeat with victories over Bournemouth and West Brom, and Mata insists that Jose Mourinho’s side will continue to look forward with optimism rather than dwell on events of the past.
The Spain international wrote in his personal blog: “The two wins that we got this week show that the team has the ability and the character to keep walking its path, moving forward instead of moaning when things don’t go the way we wanted.
“Firstly we got the three points in a really tough game at Bournemouth. They made it hard for us but that’s no news in the Premier League, where you know that you will have to go through some difficulties in every single game.“The key is to get over them and to create your chances to win, chances that you eventually have to take, of course. That’s what we did and it gave us a lot of confidence to face the second match of the week against West Bromwich Albion.
“It was another complex and tough game, and we couldn’t close it until the final whistle despite taking the lead in the first half with two nice goals from Romelu [Lukaku] and Jesse [Lingard].
“It may sound like a cliché but, in a month with nine fixtures to play, your goal is to stay absolutely focused on the next game, in order to win it with the utmost professionalism and effectiveness.
“Firstly we got the three points in a really tough game at Bournemouth. They made it hard for us but that’s no news in the Premier League, where you know that you will have to go through some difficulties in every single game.
“The key is to get over them and to create your chances to win, chances that you eventually have to take, of course. That’s what we did and it gave us a lot of confidence to face the second match of the week against West Bromwich Albion.
“It was another complex and tough game, and we couldn’t close it until the final whistle despite taking the lead in the first half with two nice goals from Romelu [Lukaku] and Jesse [Lingard].“It may sound like a cliché but, in a month with nine fixtures to play, your goal is to stay absolutely focused on the next game, in order to win it with the utmost professionalism and effectiveness.
“For sure, you should always try to enjoy every game, but the most important thing in this crucial month is to be physically and mentally ready for the marathon of fixtures.”
United still have four games to come in 2017, starting with a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Bristol City on Wednesday.Mourinho’s men will then round off the calendar year with Premier League fixtures against Leicester City, Burnley and Southampton.
Juan Mata insists there is no moaning coming out of Manchester United despite the club slipping off the Premier League title pace.
The Red Devils burst out of the blocks in 2017-18 to spark talk of a challenge for the top-flight crown, but have since stumbled to see arch-rivals Manchester City surge 11 points clear at the summit.There is still time in which to bridge that gap, but Pep Guardiola’s team have offered the chasing pack little encouragement so far.
United have been able to keep themselves in contention by responding to a costly derby defeat with victories over Bournemouth and West Brom, and Mata insists that Jose Mourinho’s side will continue to look forward with optimism rather than dwell on events of the past.
The Spain international wrote in his personal blog: “The two wins that we got this week show that the team has the ability and the character to keep walking its path, moving forward instead of moaning when things don’t go the way we wanted.
“Firstly we got the three points in a really tough game at Bournemouth. They made it hard for us but that’s no news in the Premier League, where you know that you will have to go through some difficulties in every single game.“The key is to get over them and to create your chances to win, chances that you eventually have to take, of course. That’s what we did and it gave us a lot of confidence to face the second match of the week against West Bromwich Albion.
“It was another complex and tough game, and we couldn’t close it until the final whistle despite taking the lead in the first half with two nice goals from Romelu [Lukaku] and Jesse [Lingard].
“It may sound like a cliché but, in a month with nine fixtures to play, your goal is to stay absolutely focused on the next game, in order to win it with the utmost professionalism and effectiveness.
“Firstly we got the three points in a really tough game at Bournemouth. They made it hard for us but that’s no news in the Premier League, where you know that you will have to go through some difficulties in every single game.
“The key is to get over them and to create your chances to win, chances that you eventually have to take, of course. That’s what we did and it gave us a lot of confidence to face the second match of the week against West Bromwich Albion.
“It was another complex and tough game, and we couldn’t close it until the final whistle despite taking the lead in the first half with two nice goals from Romelu [Lukaku] and Jesse [Lingard].“It may sound like a cliché but, in a month with nine fixtures to play, your goal is to stay absolutely focused on the next game, in order to win it with the utmost professionalism and effectiveness.
“For sure, you should always try to enjoy every game, but the most important thing in this crucial month is to be physically and mentally ready for the marathon of fixtures.”
United still have four games to come in 2017, starting with a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Bristol City on Wednesday.Mourinho’s men will then round off the calendar year with Premier League fixtures against Leicester City, Burnley and Southampton.
Aubameyang confirms Dortmund contract extension in dig at German media
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has admitted to extending his contract with Borussia Dortmund until 2021 in a dig at the German media.Several recent reports suggested that the 28-year-old striker had committed to fresh terms at the Bundesliga club.
Aubameyang has now confirmed as much, while also taking the opportunity to point out that he actually put pen to paper some time ago.
He said in a social media post: “Let me listen to music!! Better than the newspapers. It’s a bit of time since I extended my contract. But it’s not your mistake, you didn’t know as much.”
Aubameyang had been contracted to Dortmund until 2020 before agreeing to a 12-month extension. It remains to be seen whether confirmation of fresh terms in Germany will curb the transfer talk which continues to follow the Gabon international around.
Having previously been linked with a high-profile switch to Real Madrid, Premier League side Everton have been mooted as a possible landing spot in January.Toffees boss Sam Allardyce has admitted to being keen on a proven frontman, but Dortmund remain reluctant to sell at this stage.
The club’s sporting director, Michael Zorc, told Sky Deutschland when quizzed on a number of subjects relating to Aubameyang: "Clearly we're planning with Auba. He has a very long-term contract in Dortmund.“He'll leave Dortmund at some stage, but for us he's an extremely important player and we're planning on moving forward with him.
"Auba is an extraordinary player, not only because he scored 19 competitive goals in the first half of the season. He's extravagant, a colourful character. It does a town like Dortmund good."
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has admitted to extending his contract with Borussia Dortmund until 2021 in a dig at the German media.Several recent reports suggested that the 28-year-old striker had committed to fresh terms at the Bundesliga club.
Aubameyang has now confirmed as much, while also taking the opportunity to point out that he actually put pen to paper some time ago.
He said in a social media post: “Let me listen to music!! Better than the newspapers. It’s a bit of time since I extended my contract. But it’s not your mistake, you didn’t know as much.”
Aubameyang had been contracted to Dortmund until 2020 before agreeing to a 12-month extension. It remains to be seen whether confirmation of fresh terms in Germany will curb the transfer talk which continues to follow the Gabon international around.
Having previously been linked with a high-profile switch to Real Madrid, Premier League side Everton have been mooted as a possible landing spot in January.Toffees boss Sam Allardyce has admitted to being keen on a proven frontman, but Dortmund remain reluctant to sell at this stage.
The club’s sporting director, Michael Zorc, told Sky Deutschland when quizzed on a number of subjects relating to Aubameyang: "Clearly we're planning with Auba. He has a very long-term contract in Dortmund.“He'll leave Dortmund at some stage, but for us he's an extremely important player and we're planning on moving forward with him.
"Auba is an extraordinary player, not only because he scored 19 competitive goals in the first half of the season. He's extravagant, a colourful character. It does a town like Dortmund good."
Valencia offers Man Utd festive cheer with positive injury update
Antonio Valencia has offered Manchester United a positive update on the injury which forced him off against West Brom.The Ecuadorian full-back limped off at The Hawthorns after 66 minutes to be replaced by Marcos Rojo.
His departure from a hard-fought Premier League encounter sparked fears that he could be facing up to a spell on the sidelines, with Jose Mourinho only able to report afterwards that the problem could “big, small, medium”.
Valencia has now suggested that he will not be missing for long, with the 32-year-old declaring himself to be “fine” after a 2-1 win for the Red Devils.
Mourinho was already planning on handing Valencia a well-deserved break as the games continue to come thick and fast.
He admitted after a narrow victory over the Baggies that fatigue is starting to set in and that he will need to rotate his squad.Discussing Valencia’s knock, the Portuguese said: "That's football in England, especially in December. Players are not machines and sometimes it happens.
"He knew he was not going to play the next game [a Carabao Cup quarter-final at Bristol City on Wednesday] and he was asked for a last effort before the break but he couldn't resist.
"We have other players, [Daley] Blind and [Matteo] Darmian were not on the bench, and we have other people to cope with the difficulty."United have four more fixtures to take them through to the end of 2017, with a midweek cup clash with Bristol City followed by Premier League outings against Leicester, Burnley and Southampton.
They will then open 2018 with a trip to Everton on New Year’s Day, before kicking off their FA Cup campaign with a visit to Championship side Derby at the third round stage.
Antonio Valencia has offered Manchester United a positive update on the injury which forced him off against West Brom.The Ecuadorian full-back limped off at The Hawthorns after 66 minutes to be replaced by Marcos Rojo.
His departure from a hard-fought Premier League encounter sparked fears that he could be facing up to a spell on the sidelines, with Jose Mourinho only able to report afterwards that the problem could “big, small, medium”.
Valencia has now suggested that he will not be missing for long, with the 32-year-old declaring himself to be “fine” after a 2-1 win for the Red Devils.
Mourinho was already planning on handing Valencia a well-deserved break as the games continue to come thick and fast.
He admitted after a narrow victory over the Baggies that fatigue is starting to set in and that he will need to rotate his squad.Discussing Valencia’s knock, the Portuguese said: "That's football in England, especially in December. Players are not machines and sometimes it happens.
"He knew he was not going to play the next game [a Carabao Cup quarter-final at Bristol City on Wednesday] and he was asked for a last effort before the break but he couldn't resist.
"We have other players, [Daley] Blind and [Matteo] Darmian were not on the bench, and we have other people to cope with the difficulty."United have four more fixtures to take them through to the end of 2017, with a midweek cup clash with Bristol City followed by Premier League outings against Leicester, Burnley and Southampton.
They will then open 2018 with a trip to Everton on New Year’s Day, before kicking off their FA Cup campaign with a visit to Championship side Derby at the third round stage.
Van Gaal wants revenge on Man Utd as he waits on job offers
Louis van Gaal is still bitter at his Manchester United axing and would welcome the opportunity to “get one over” on the Red Devils.
The experienced Dutchman got United back on the trophy trail in 2016 when he saw the club to FA Cup glory.He was, however, to be unceremoniously removed from his post a year before the end of his contract as Jose Mourinho was handed the reins at Old Trafford.
Van Gaal insists that he now has no intention of getting back into club management, but the 66-year-old would “make one exception” if given the chance to exact revenge on United in a top Premier League post.
The Daily Mirror quotes him as saying in Rotterdam on Sunday evening: “I will probably not manage a club anymore.“I would make one exception - if a big English club comes for me, then I would do it. Because then I can get the chance to get one over on Manchester United.”
Van Gaal was heavily linked with a move to Everton once countryman Ronald Koeman was relieved of his duties.
That position eventually went to Sam Allardyce, though, meaning that the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss remains out of work.He has said in the past that he is no rush to return to management, but he remains disappointed at the manner in which his last job was brought to a close.
Van Gaal has already questioned United’s decision to approach Mourinho while he was still in charge at Old Trafford, but he bears no grudge against the Portuguese as it was the Red Devils board who acted out of line.He added: “[Ed] Woodward should have come to me and we could have worked on that.“I have nothing against Jose.”
While reluctant to condemn Mourinho for taking his job, Van Gaal has been critical of the football United have played since his departure – with there a feeling that he was unfairly judged for favouring a cautious approach.
He told Fox Sports Netherlands following the Red Devils’ 2-1 derby defeat to Manchester City: “If you ask me how did I do at United, I will say it was my best year ever, given the circumstances I was working under.“We played football that was quite alright. But it's not football that is appreciated in England.
“And yet, right now, looking at United, I have to conclude Mourinho is not being criticised while it's far more boring football.
“What United produce now is defensive football. I always played attacking football. The proof is that the opposition were always parking the bus.
“They don’t do that now because Jose Mourinho plays so defensive."
Louis van Gaal is still bitter at his Manchester United axing and would welcome the opportunity to “get one over” on the Red Devils.
The experienced Dutchman got United back on the trophy trail in 2016 when he saw the club to FA Cup glory.He was, however, to be unceremoniously removed from his post a year before the end of his contract as Jose Mourinho was handed the reins at Old Trafford.
Van Gaal insists that he now has no intention of getting back into club management, but the 66-year-old would “make one exception” if given the chance to exact revenge on United in a top Premier League post.
The Daily Mirror quotes him as saying in Rotterdam on Sunday evening: “I will probably not manage a club anymore.“I would make one exception - if a big English club comes for me, then I would do it. Because then I can get the chance to get one over on Manchester United.”
Van Gaal was heavily linked with a move to Everton once countryman Ronald Koeman was relieved of his duties.
That position eventually went to Sam Allardyce, though, meaning that the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss remains out of work.He has said in the past that he is no rush to return to management, but he remains disappointed at the manner in which his last job was brought to a close.
Van Gaal has already questioned United’s decision to approach Mourinho while he was still in charge at Old Trafford, but he bears no grudge against the Portuguese as it was the Red Devils board who acted out of line.He added: “[Ed] Woodward should have come to me and we could have worked on that.“I have nothing against Jose.”
While reluctant to condemn Mourinho for taking his job, Van Gaal has been critical of the football United have played since his departure – with there a feeling that he was unfairly judged for favouring a cautious approach.
He told Fox Sports Netherlands following the Red Devils’ 2-1 derby defeat to Manchester City: “If you ask me how did I do at United, I will say it was my best year ever, given the circumstances I was working under.“We played football that was quite alright. But it's not football that is appreciated in England.
“And yet, right now, looking at United, I have to conclude Mourinho is not being criticised while it's far more boring football.
“What United produce now is defensive football. I always played attacking football. The proof is that the opposition were always parking the bus.
“They don’t do that now because Jose Mourinho plays so defensive."
Alba would welcome 'top player' Griezmann to Barcelona
Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann is a “top player” and would be “welcome” at Barcelona, says Jordi Alba.The France international continues to be heavily linked with an imminent big-money move, with Manchester United another of those to have been trailing him for some time.
Diego Simeone recently conceded that the 26-year-old will be allowed to leave Atletico if a suitable offer is tabled which benefits all parties.
Barca are reported to have already held talks regarding a possible deal on the back of that admission, with Alba among those at Camp Nou to have welcomed the links to a proven performer.
The Spain international defender told Onda Cero on the Griezmann rumours: “We are talking about a top player that has been doing really very at Atletico in recent years, any reinforcement would be welcome.“But I already said that the squad is very good and we are doing very well and we’ll see what happens in the winter transfer market.”
Barcelona director Guillermo Amor recently told Movistar when quizzed on reports suggesting that the La Liga leaders have discussed a deal for Griezmann: "It could be that [club president Josep Maria] Bartomeu had a meeting with Griezmann's family.
"If that's what the newspaper says, it may be that way, although I do not know.
"There is good harmony, a good relationship, there can be conversations, rumours are inevitable in the world of football. "In the case of Griezmann, there are many players with whom one can be talking and engaging in some kind of relationship in case there is an opportunity."It's our obligation to have contacts with players."
While those in charge of the purse strings in Catalunya are prepared to admit that Griezmann is a player who would be of interest to the club, Barca boss Ernesto Valverede has endeavoured to steer clear of being drawn into the debate.
He has said on the ongoing transfer talk: "Griezmann is a great player who is on another team, he is not in ours.
“I like our team very much.”
Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann is a “top player” and would be “welcome” at Barcelona, says Jordi Alba.The France international continues to be heavily linked with an imminent big-money move, with Manchester United another of those to have been trailing him for some time.
Diego Simeone recently conceded that the 26-year-old will be allowed to leave Atletico if a suitable offer is tabled which benefits all parties.
Barca are reported to have already held talks regarding a possible deal on the back of that admission, with Alba among those at Camp Nou to have welcomed the links to a proven performer.
The Spain international defender told Onda Cero on the Griezmann rumours: “We are talking about a top player that has been doing really very at Atletico in recent years, any reinforcement would be welcome.“But I already said that the squad is very good and we are doing very well and we’ll see what happens in the winter transfer market.”
Barcelona director Guillermo Amor recently told Movistar when quizzed on reports suggesting that the La Liga leaders have discussed a deal for Griezmann: "It could be that [club president Josep Maria] Bartomeu had a meeting with Griezmann's family.
"If that's what the newspaper says, it may be that way, although I do not know.
"There is good harmony, a good relationship, there can be conversations, rumours are inevitable in the world of football. "In the case of Griezmann, there are many players with whom one can be talking and engaging in some kind of relationship in case there is an opportunity."It's our obligation to have contacts with players."
While those in charge of the purse strings in Catalunya are prepared to admit that Griezmann is a player who would be of interest to the club, Barca boss Ernesto Valverede has endeavoured to steer clear of being drawn into the debate.
He has said on the ongoing transfer talk: "Griezmann is a great player who is on another team, he is not in ours.
“I like our team very much.”
'Liverpool should ask for Suarez in Coutinho deal' - Redknapp proposes Barcelona part-exchange
If Liverpool are to sanction the sale of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona then they should ask for Luis Suarez back in return, says Jamie Redknapp.
The Reds spent much of the summer fending off advances from Camp Nou as they fought hard to keep a key creative talent at Anfield.Coutinho is tied to a long-term contract in England and has continued to impress in 2017-18 amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future.
It is expected to be only a matter of time before Barca come calling once more, with a January move being mooted, but Redknapp believes any transfer talks need to include the option for a part-exchange which will see a former favourite returned to Merseyside.
The former Reds midfielder told the Daily Mail: “Philippe Coutinho was sensational for Liverpool at Bournemouth. The Reds should enjoy him while they can before Barcelona come calling again in the summer.
“Even if Liverpool receive in excess of the £138 million Barcelona bid last summer, there are few like-for-like players they can buy — while bringing in a number of players is not always the best option.“Instead, Liverpool should ask Barcelona to swap Coutinho for Luis Suarez.“The striker has not been as prolific as in recent seasons and the Liverpool fans would love a returning hero. It would be a great move for both the club and the Premier League.”
Suarez left Liverpool for Barcelona in the summer of 2014.He departed as the reigning PFA Player of the Year, having come agonisingly close to leading the Reds to the Premier League title.A goal-laden spell at Camp Nou has followed, but the 30-year-old has seen his numbers dip this term.
His tally for Barca has been taken to 130 goals in just 168 games, but only nine of those efforts have come in 2017-18.
Coutinho, meanwhile, has contributed 10 goals and seven assists to the Liverpool cause across Premier League and Champions League competition.It is that form which still has Barca keen and mulling over another big-money bid when the winter transfer window opens.
If Liverpool are to sanction the sale of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona then they should ask for Luis Suarez back in return, says Jamie Redknapp.
The Reds spent much of the summer fending off advances from Camp Nou as they fought hard to keep a key creative talent at Anfield.Coutinho is tied to a long-term contract in England and has continued to impress in 2017-18 amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future.
It is expected to be only a matter of time before Barca come calling once more, with a January move being mooted, but Redknapp believes any transfer talks need to include the option for a part-exchange which will see a former favourite returned to Merseyside.
The former Reds midfielder told the Daily Mail: “Philippe Coutinho was sensational for Liverpool at Bournemouth. The Reds should enjoy him while they can before Barcelona come calling again in the summer.
“Even if Liverpool receive in excess of the £138 million Barcelona bid last summer, there are few like-for-like players they can buy — while bringing in a number of players is not always the best option.“Instead, Liverpool should ask Barcelona to swap Coutinho for Luis Suarez.“The striker has not been as prolific as in recent seasons and the Liverpool fans would love a returning hero. It would be a great move for both the club and the Premier League.”
Suarez left Liverpool for Barcelona in the summer of 2014.He departed as the reigning PFA Player of the Year, having come agonisingly close to leading the Reds to the Premier League title.A goal-laden spell at Camp Nou has followed, but the 30-year-old has seen his numbers dip this term.
His tally for Barca has been taken to 130 goals in just 168 games, but only nine of those efforts have come in 2017-18.
Coutinho, meanwhile, has contributed 10 goals and seven assists to the Liverpool cause across Premier League and Champions League competition.It is that form which still has Barca keen and mulling over another big-money bid when the winter transfer window opens.
'Van Dijk cannot be allowed to move to Man City' – Conte
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has warned his club’s Premier League rivals that they cannot afford to allow Manchester City to sign Virgil van Dijk from Southampton.Despite interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, City are hopeful of completing a deal for Van Dijk in January , and Conte believes that spells bad news for the competitiveness of the Premier League.
The former Italy boss thinks that if Van Dijk does complete a move to Pep Guardiola’s side, City, who have won 17 of their 18 league matches this season, will simply become even more untouchable.
"Every team, every club, must pay great attention," the Chelsea manager said. "Because if a club like Manchester City takes all the best players, it will be very difficult for us to fight. Not only in England but in Europe."If they can do this, it is right for them to do this. We must pay great respect.
"When you have this opportunity to go in the market to spend a lot of money, I think it is right to do this.
"You must obviously be very good to spend your money in this way — sometimes you can spend a lot of money in a bad way."You must be clever to understand the positions, the roles you have to improve. In this case you must be very good.”
Van Dijk, 26, was left out at the weekend as Southampton lost 1-0 to Conte's Chelsea.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has warned his club’s Premier League rivals that they cannot afford to allow Manchester City to sign Virgil van Dijk from Southampton.Despite interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, City are hopeful of completing a deal for Van Dijk in January , and Conte believes that spells bad news for the competitiveness of the Premier League.
The former Italy boss thinks that if Van Dijk does complete a move to Pep Guardiola’s side, City, who have won 17 of their 18 league matches this season, will simply become even more untouchable.
"Every team, every club, must pay great attention," the Chelsea manager said. "Because if a club like Manchester City takes all the best players, it will be very difficult for us to fight. Not only in England but in Europe."If they can do this, it is right for them to do this. We must pay great respect.
"When you have this opportunity to go in the market to spend a lot of money, I think it is right to do this.
"You must obviously be very good to spend your money in this way — sometimes you can spend a lot of money in a bad way."You must be clever to understand the positions, the roles you have to improve. In this case you must be very good.”
Van Dijk, 26, was left out at the weekend as Southampton lost 1-0 to Conte's Chelsea.
Everton 3 Swansea City 1: Sigurdsson strike helps to sink former club
Gylfi Sigurdsson hit a glorious goal for Everton on his first appearance against old employers Swansea City, helping to set up a 3-1 Premier League victory on Monday.
The £45million signing endured a difficult start to life at Goodison Park but repaid a chunk of his large fee with a stunning strike in a fine comeback for Sam Allardyce's side.
Everton have now taken 13 points from five Premier League matches as their Allardyce-inspired revival continues, while Swansea remain rooted to the bottom of the table after suffering a sixth straight away loss.Swansea took the lead after a flat start to the game, Ashley Williams at fault from Tom Carroll's corner as Leroy Fer was left unmarked to finish well.
But they were in front only 12 minutes, Dominic Calvert-Lewin marking his new contract with a goal, profiting from a rebound after Lukasz Fabianski had superbly saved Wayne Rooney's penalty, awarded for Roque Mesa's clumsy challenge on Aaron Lennon.
Sigurdsson then cut inside to unleash an unstoppable finish that reminded Swansea exactly what they are missing in his absence, with Rooney wrapping up the points from 12 yards after Swansea conceded another penalty.
Wilfried Bony lasted only three minutes before limping off to be replaced by Tammy Abraham, the earliest substitution in the Premier League this season.Swansea had scored the same number of league goals as Rooney - nine – at kick-off and their lack of attacking confidence was demonstrated when Luciano Narsingh shot straight at Jordan Pickford.
Fabianski made a comfortable stop after 21 minutes when Calvert-Lewin, one of three young Everton players to sign a new contract last week, went for goal from 20 yards.
Lennon nutmegged Alfie Mawson to create himself an opening, only to shoot tamely wide, before Pickford easily saved Carroll's free-kick at the other end.
But the Everton goalkeeper could do little as Swansea nudged ahead after 34 minutes.Carroll's right-wing corner was missed by former Swansea defender Williams, with Fer timing his run at the back post to slam home from close range.
Martin Olsson rifled wide as Swansea threatened again, but Everton levelled in first-half stoppage-time after Jon Moss awarded a penalty for Mesa bundling into Lennon.
Fabianski dived low to his left to turn Rooney's spot-kick on to the post, but Calvert-Lewin was perfectly positioned to slam in the rebound for his second Premier League goal of December.
Sigurdsson's shot was claimed by Fabianski despite an awkward bounce after 58 minutes, but the Iceland international put Everton in front with his next effort.
Rooney was given time and space to spread the play to Sigurdsson, who came in off the left flank to whip a delightful 25-yard strike across Fabianski and into the top-right corner.
Moss pointed to the spot once more after Olsson tripped Jonjoe Kenny, although the contact looked to be outside the box, with Rooney this time thumping his effort through Fabianski's despairing dive.
Fabianski at least kept the score down by denying Calvert-Lewin his second with five minutes to go, but another defeat leaves Swansea four points from safety and in the doldrums, while Everton climb a place to ninth.
Gylfi Sigurdsson hit a glorious goal for Everton on his first appearance against old employers Swansea City, helping to set up a 3-1 Premier League victory on Monday.
The £45million signing endured a difficult start to life at Goodison Park but repaid a chunk of his large fee with a stunning strike in a fine comeback for Sam Allardyce's side.
Everton have now taken 13 points from five Premier League matches as their Allardyce-inspired revival continues, while Swansea remain rooted to the bottom of the table after suffering a sixth straight away loss.Swansea took the lead after a flat start to the game, Ashley Williams at fault from Tom Carroll's corner as Leroy Fer was left unmarked to finish well.
But they were in front only 12 minutes, Dominic Calvert-Lewin marking his new contract with a goal, profiting from a rebound after Lukasz Fabianski had superbly saved Wayne Rooney's penalty, awarded for Roque Mesa's clumsy challenge on Aaron Lennon.
Sigurdsson then cut inside to unleash an unstoppable finish that reminded Swansea exactly what they are missing in his absence, with Rooney wrapping up the points from 12 yards after Swansea conceded another penalty.
Wilfried Bony lasted only three minutes before limping off to be replaced by Tammy Abraham, the earliest substitution in the Premier League this season.Swansea had scored the same number of league goals as Rooney - nine – at kick-off and their lack of attacking confidence was demonstrated when Luciano Narsingh shot straight at Jordan Pickford.
Fabianski made a comfortable stop after 21 minutes when Calvert-Lewin, one of three young Everton players to sign a new contract last week, went for goal from 20 yards.
Lennon nutmegged Alfie Mawson to create himself an opening, only to shoot tamely wide, before Pickford easily saved Carroll's free-kick at the other end.
But the Everton goalkeeper could do little as Swansea nudged ahead after 34 minutes.Carroll's right-wing corner was missed by former Swansea defender Williams, with Fer timing his run at the back post to slam home from close range.
Martin Olsson rifled wide as Swansea threatened again, but Everton levelled in first-half stoppage-time after Jon Moss awarded a penalty for Mesa bundling into Lennon.
Fabianski dived low to his left to turn Rooney's spot-kick on to the post, but Calvert-Lewin was perfectly positioned to slam in the rebound for his second Premier League goal of December.
Sigurdsson's shot was claimed by Fabianski despite an awkward bounce after 58 minutes, but the Iceland international put Everton in front with his next effort.
Rooney was given time and space to spread the play to Sigurdsson, who came in off the left flank to whip a delightful 25-yard strike across Fabianski and into the top-right corner.
Moss pointed to the spot once more after Olsson tripped Jonjoe Kenny, although the contact looked to be outside the box, with Rooney this time thumping his effort through Fabianski's despairing dive.
Fabianski at least kept the score down by denying Calvert-Lewin his second with five minutes to go, but another defeat leaves Swansea four points from safety and in the doldrums, while Everton climb a place to ninth.
Rooney hails Everton's invigorated character after comeback win against Swansea
Wayne Rooney suggested an improvement in character has been key to Everton's resurgence after he scored in a comeback win at home to Swansea City.
Rooney's penalty wrapped up a 3-1 Premier League victory at Goodison Park on Monday, although he had previously been denied from 12 yards – spared by Dominic Calvert-Lewin tucking in the rebound.
Everton trailed to Leroy Fer's goal before fighting back to claim a fourth win in five unbeaten league games since the announcement of Sam Allardyce as Ronald Koeman's successor.
And Rooney indicated the new Everton boss has turned things around for the club, the Toffees rising to ninth in the Premier League table after their latest victory."I think tonight we were sloppy at times and didn't play as well as we can," Rooney told Sky Sports.
"But we showed great character to come back - four weeks ago we would have lost that game."We're moving in the right direction and hopefully over Christmas we can pick up some more points.
"There were small things we were doing wrong in the first part of the season. If we went behind, we had a feeling we couldn't get back into it."[Everton are now] staying solid, staying in the game, then trying to express ourselves. That's what we've worked on at the training ground."Although Rooney has been operating in an advanced midfield role rather than in his old role up front, he has hit six goals in his last five league games.
The former England captain also provided the assist for Gylfi Sigurdsson's terrific goal against his old team."I think it's the right position for me at this stage in my career," Rooney added."I can pick when to get in the box and when to stay out and help to control the game. I know I can play there and score goals. That's what I've done in the last few weeks.
"I never set targets in any season, just play the next game. Sometimes you get chances and score and hopefully that continues. I feel fit and fresh."It's been no secret over my career that the more I play the fitter I am, and I'm enjoying being back here and winning games."
Wayne Rooney suggested an improvement in character has been key to Everton's resurgence after he scored in a comeback win at home to Swansea City.
Rooney's penalty wrapped up a 3-1 Premier League victory at Goodison Park on Monday, although he had previously been denied from 12 yards – spared by Dominic Calvert-Lewin tucking in the rebound.
Everton trailed to Leroy Fer's goal before fighting back to claim a fourth win in five unbeaten league games since the announcement of Sam Allardyce as Ronald Koeman's successor.
And Rooney indicated the new Everton boss has turned things around for the club, the Toffees rising to ninth in the Premier League table after their latest victory."I think tonight we were sloppy at times and didn't play as well as we can," Rooney told Sky Sports.
"But we showed great character to come back - four weeks ago we would have lost that game."We're moving in the right direction and hopefully over Christmas we can pick up some more points.
"There were small things we were doing wrong in the first part of the season. If we went behind, we had a feeling we couldn't get back into it."[Everton are now] staying solid, staying in the game, then trying to express ourselves. That's what we've worked on at the training ground."Although Rooney has been operating in an advanced midfield role rather than in his old role up front, he has hit six goals in his last five league games.
The former England captain also provided the assist for Gylfi Sigurdsson's terrific goal against his old team."I think it's the right position for me at this stage in my career," Rooney added."I can pick when to get in the box and when to stay out and help to control the game. I know I can play there and score goals. That's what I've done in the last few weeks.
"I never set targets in any season, just play the next game. Sometimes you get chances and score and hopefully that continues. I feel fit and fresh."It's been no secret over my career that the more I play the fitter I am, and I'm enjoying being back here and winning games."
Lukaku's lack of celebration disrespectful to his team-mates, says sports psychologist
Romelu Lukaku's refusal to celebrate after scoring for Manchester United against West Brom is "disrespectful" to both himself and his team-mates, according to a sports psychologist.
Lukaku scored an excellent header to help United to a 2-1 win at the Hawthorns, though United remain 11 points behind leaders and fierce rivals Manchester City.
The Belgum international merely stood facing the crowd after his goal, as he did after scoring against Bournemouth in a 1-0 win.
And Phil Johnson, a sports psychologist, told Betstars that Lukaku is showing a lack of respect to his fellow United players."Romelu Lukaku's behaviour is reflecting Jose Mourinho," he said. "I know the Belgium management team.
"Lukaku is a young guy, like Anthony Martial, who needs support. If he played for Pep Guardiola, he would have a totally different relationship where he would receive a different style of support than what he gets from Mourinho.
"Lukaku needs the ball to score. Look at Radamel Falcao when he went to United and he only scored a couple of goals, then comes back to Monaco and he's top scorer. At Everton they played to Lukaku's strengths, but they aren't doing that at United, despite his good start.
"I think for Lukaku not to celebrate is disrespectful to his teammates, to himself and it reflects his manager's approach."United face Bristol City in the Carabao Cup in midweek, before returning to Premier League action against Leicester City on Saturday.
Romelu Lukaku's refusal to celebrate after scoring for Manchester United against West Brom is "disrespectful" to both himself and his team-mates, according to a sports psychologist.
Lukaku scored an excellent header to help United to a 2-1 win at the Hawthorns, though United remain 11 points behind leaders and fierce rivals Manchester City.
The Belgum international merely stood facing the crowd after his goal, as he did after scoring against Bournemouth in a 1-0 win.
And Phil Johnson, a sports psychologist, told Betstars that Lukaku is showing a lack of respect to his fellow United players."Romelu Lukaku's behaviour is reflecting Jose Mourinho," he said. "I know the Belgium management team.
"Lukaku is a young guy, like Anthony Martial, who needs support. If he played for Pep Guardiola, he would have a totally different relationship where he would receive a different style of support than what he gets from Mourinho.
"Lukaku needs the ball to score. Look at Radamel Falcao when he went to United and he only scored a couple of goals, then comes back to Monaco and he's top scorer. At Everton they played to Lukaku's strengths, but they aren't doing that at United, despite his good start.
"I think for Lukaku not to celebrate is disrespectful to his teammates, to himself and it reflects his manager's approach."United face Bristol City in the Carabao Cup in midweek, before returning to Premier League action against Leicester City on Saturday.
