..::Football IV::..

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Dybala wants Pogba reunion at Juventus


Paulo Dybala wants a reunion with Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba at Juventus.

France international Pogba arrived at United from Juve for an initial €105 million in 2016 but has struggled for consistency in the Premier League.The 25-year-old was dropped by Jose Mourinho in 2017-18 as reports of a strained relationship between the pair surfaced, leading to links with a return to the Serie A champions.

Dybala inherited the Bianconeri's number 10 jersey from Pogba and is keen to link up with his former team-mate again.

"Hearing that he is maybe coming back, I'm very happy, even more with the relationship I have with him. Now we could stop making video calls and we would go back to training together," the Argentina star told TyC Sports."I felt very good on the pitch with him. There was a lot of feeling between us, and we also get on very well off the field.

"We always created new greetings, new ways to celebrate a goal, like when we touched our fingers after watching Dragon Ball Z."
Dybala could take on Pogba at the World Cup in Russia, as Argentina and France are tipped as contenders to go all the way in the tournament.

 

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Santos demand €50m for Real Madrid target Rodrygo


Brazilian club Santos have made it clear no agreement has been reached with Real Madrid for 17-year-old forward Rodrygo.

Reports in Spain on Thursday claimed a deal worth €45million (£39.5m) had been reached for the highly rated attacker, who has also been linked with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, but his club have hit back.

Santos president Jose Carlos Peres is adamant that any side keen on landing Rodrygo will need to pay the full €50m (£43.9m) release clause for the teenager, though it has also been reported that the club are keen for him to sign a new deal that would double that figure.

"There is no agreement for Rodrygo with Real Madrid," Peres told reporters.
"Paying €40m won't do anything. That is the line we have drawn. His clause is €50m.

"We have several proposals on the table. Every day some outlet claims the deal is done; [with] Paris Saint-Germain, Madrid, Barcelona. "It [selling him] would allow Santos to breathe, pay part of the debt and have a stronger team. I do not advocate for him to be sold, I just say there are proposals. If someone shows up and pays the clause, we will be obliged to sell him."

Rodrygo has scored eight goals in 23 senior appearances across the Brasileiro and Paulista competitions for the club, leading to comparisons with Brazil star Neymar, who left Santos for Barcelona in 2013, before sealing a world-record €222m to PSG last year.

 

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Winter break confirmed for Premier League from 2019-20


The Football Association (FA) has announced the Premier League will get a two-week mid-season break in February, starting in the 2019-20 season.

A period of rest during the hectic winter months in English football has been a regular topic of debate, with some putting England's international failings down to the lack of respite afforded to players during the domestic campaign.But, from the 2019-20 campaign, the top tier will get a two-week break in February to help ease concerns of overexertion.

The proposed structure will ensure the Premier League continues to run through a two-week period, with each weekend during the break featuring five top-flight games instead of the usual 10.To accommodate the change, the FA has agreed to move FA Cup fifth-round clashes to midweek and replays at this stage of the competition will be scrapped, to be replaced by extra-time and penalties.

FA chief executive Martin Glenn revealed while addressing councillors on May 30 that an agreement was close, and now the alteration has been confirmed, and he hopes it will have a positive impact on England's senior team.He told the FA's website: "This is a significant moment for English football and one that we believe will greatly benefit both club and country.

"It's no secret that we have a very congested fixture calendar and over recent years we have been working with the whole game to find a solution."Today's announcement proves that football can come together for the good of the game. We have also found a way to give the players a much-needed mid-season break, whilst keeping the much-loved Christmas schedule in place."As we head into summer international tournaments in the future we are sure that this mid-season break will prove to be a valuable addition for our players."

 

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Lanzini to miss World Cup after knee ligament injury


Argentina midfielder Manuel Lanzini is set to miss out on the World Cup after suffering a ruptured anterior knee ligament injury in training.The news of the knee injury comes as a major blow in the build-up to the tournament, which gets under way in just under a week.

The West Ham star had worked his way into the Albiceleste's first choice team under Jorge Sampaoli and was set to start against Iceland in his country's opening match in Russia.

But he now faces a long spell on the sidelines following the injury as Argentina's preparations for the tournament go from bad to worse.

Having only just scraped into the tournament in Russia thanks to a Lionel Messi-inspired win over Ecuador in their final qualifying match, the two-time winners have been one of the most talked about nations in the build-up for all the wrong reasons.
Sampaoli's decision to leave Mauro Icardi out of his 23-man squad has raised eyebrows given the Inter man finished as the top goalscorer in Serie A last term.

The former Chile boss has also struggled to fit both Paulo Dybala and Messi into the same team, with the Juventus star regularly left on the bench to accomodate for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner - a decision that had benefitted Lanzini in terms of him becoming a regular starter.As well as that, the squad found themselves pulled into a diplomatic row after the controversial cancellation of a friendly game against Israel amid political pressure.

That fixture was supposed to be the Albiceleste's final warm-up game ahead of the tournament, meaning they will have gone 17 days without on-field action by the time they meet Iceland on June 16.Sampaoli will now be forced into a tactical re-think following Lanzini's injury and the Argentina boss will be able to call up a replacement for the stricken winger.

The likes of Diego Perotti, Enzo Perez and Leandro Paredes are believed to be among the likely substitutes, but the former Chile boss could also turn to Lautaro Martinez or Icardi. Argentina follow their Group D opener with games against Croatia and Nigeria on June 21 and 26 respectively.

 

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Inter deny Icardi & Handanovic exit reports


Inter Milan director Piero Ausilio has denied all reports that Mauro Icardi and Samir Handanovic could leave the club this summer.

Icardi has been heavily linked with an exit from the Serie A giants, with his agent, Wanda Nara, claiming that "big clubs" are willing to trigger his €110 million (£96.5m/$129.4m) release clause.The 25-year-old has been touted as a possible target for Chelsea, while Manchester United, PSG and Bayern Munich are also reportedly interested.

However, Ausilio, who has also dismissed any idea of Handanovic leaving the club for Napoli this summer, insists that Icardi will not be going anywhere.“There’s no truth in Handanovic to Napoli. Icardi will not be leaving, absolutely not," he told Sport Italia.

Ausilio has also weighed in on potential moves for Sassuolo winger Matteo Politano and Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan, refusing to rule out a bid for either player.

“We like lots of good things," he replied when pressed on links with Politano.
On Nainggolan, he added, cryptically: “It’s not just Spalletti who likes him.”
Inter finished fourth in Serie A in 2017-18, 23 points behind champions Juventus.

 

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Evans completes £3.5m Leicester City move


Leicester City have completed the £3.5 million signing of Jonny Evans from West Brom.

The centre-back joins the Foxes on a three-year deal after the Foxes agreed to pay the former Manchester United defender's relegation release clause.Northern Ireland international Evans had attracted interest from Arsenal and Manchester City during the January transfer window, but the Baggies were able to hold on to him for the remainder of the campaign.

Instead, it is the Foxes who have snapped him up after West Brom dropped to the Championship.

“It’s great to join and I’m happy it’s all gone through," Evans told the club's website. "When this opportunity came up, it’s one that I couldn’t turn down. It’s an ambitious club, the owners are ambitious and everyone wants to push the club forward.

“I hope that I can give lots to the team and the club. It’s a great place to play football, the fans really get behind the team and the players are fantastic - these are all factors that made me want to sign for this club."

Leicester boss Claude Puel said of the former Manchester United star: "Jonny is a player of great experience in the Premier League and to have him as part of our squad is fantastic news for the football club."He knows exactly what it takes, he is a winner and a leader. He will bring a great deal to our squad and I’m delighted to welcome him to Leicester City."

Evans becomes Puel's second summer signing following the arrival of Ricardo Pereira from Porto and will provide competition for Harry Maguire and Wes Morgan following the decision to release veteran Robert Huth.

 

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Lyon deny Fekir agreement with Liverpool


Lyon have denied that they are close to reaching a £60 million (€68m/$80m) deal with Liverpool for Nabil Fekir.

The France international has become a top target for Jurgen Klopp's side, and Goal understands the Merseyside club are hopeful of wrapping up his transfer before he leaves for the 2018 World Cup.However, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas insisted earlier this week that the attacking midfielder's future will not be decided until after the summer tournament, and the French club have taken to dismissing reports that a move is in the closing stages.

"The information about the transfer of Nabil Fekir is false," the club tweeted on Friday. "Olympique Lyonnais categorically denies the false information disseminated by media about the transfer of Nabil Fekir to Liverpool.""In this period of transfers where the slightest rumour is often presented as a reality, Olympique Lyonnais recalls that only the information released by the club on its website is authentic."

The 24-year-old is said to be keen on a move to Anfield, but the French club are hoping positive displays in Russia could see demand and his asking price increase before he is sold.Liverpool have been active in the transfer market already. The Reds will see Naby Keita join from RB Leipzig after agreeing a deal last year, while Fabinho arrived from Monaco this summer and urged Fekir to join him at Anfield.

"He is a very good player, of international level. In Ligue 1, it is not only this season that he has shown things," Fabinho said."It's been a few years of him demonstrating his quality. If he comes, it will be good too."Fekir, who scored 23 times in 40 games as Lyon finished third in Ligue 1, is contracted to the club until 2020.

 

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Germany 2 Saudi Arabia 1: Werner on target to end winless run

Germany limbered up for their World Cup defence with a patchy 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia in Leverkusen on Friday, ending a five-match winless slump in friendlies.

Timo Werner gave Joachim Low's men an early lead and Omar Othman's unfortunate own goal undermined Saudi Arabia as they briefly threatened to find a way into the contest.

Marco Reus made his first international start since March 2016 and dazzled during the first half, laying on Werner's opener and linking pleasingly with the RB Leipzig striker and Thomas Muller.A former Dortmund team-mate of Reus' will enter Russia 2018 under a cloud – Ilkay Gundogan again receiving boos following his meeting with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Saudi Arabia were humiliated 8-0 in the 2002 World Cup by Germany but their current vintage, led by former Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi, should fare better this time around, with seemingly vulnerable hosts Russia up first for them in the tournament opener.

Fahad Almuwallad and Yahia Alshehri both threatened in attack and Taiseer Aljassam reduced the arrears in the 84th minute after the goalscorer was brought down by Sami Khedira and Marc-Andre ter Stegen saved fellow substitute Mohammed Alsahlawi's penalty.


Reus was alert to Joshua Kimmich's raking eighth-minute pass and cushioned a volley back across goal to give Werner a simple finish. A crisp 20-yard shot from Reus then cannoned back off the post and Germany's only hindrance during the opening half hour was a well-functioning Saudi offside trap.

Some stylish interplay with Muller and a clever chipped backheel by Reus saw Werner head wide in the 32nd minute – the ball not dropping for the volley he craved.

A combination of Abdullah Almuaiouf and the Saudi goalkeeper's right-hand post denied Khedira from Reus' right-wing cross, but the visitors almost levelled when Almuwallad fizzed Alshehri's cutback just past the post.Striker Almuwallad was unable to turn home from close range as Saudi Arabia's counter-attacking threat became increasingly prevalent.

But their chances of springing a surprise were dealt a body blow two minutes before the break when a patient and incisive Germany move ended with Othman putting Werner's cross into his own net under pressure from Muller.

Almuaiouf made a brilliant reaction save from Julian Draxler in the 50th minute after the Paris Saint-Germain winger was precisely picked out by Jonas Hector and Saudi Arabia's number one continued to excel by tipping a powerful Muller strike behind.

Gundogan was whistled despite Low's protestations to the stands when he came on for the excellent Reus in the 57th minute.Jeers almost turned to cheers moments late as Gundogan avoided the offside flag but Almuaiouf smothered the chance.



The flow of second-half substitutes disrupted Germany's rhythm and Alshehri twice went close.Bayer Leverkusen favourite Julian Brandt – surprisingly preferred to Leroy Sane by Low in his final 23 – made a lively cameo and sent a volley wide at the back post.

The wealth of talent at Germany's disposal is beyond doubt but, as Aljassam reduced the arrears and Mats Hummels avoided giving away a second penalty despite grabbing a handful of Alsahlawi's shirt, it became clear they must lift their level in Russia.

 

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Carvajal could miss Spain's first two World Cup games - Lopetegui


Spain head coach Julen Lopetegui believes Dani Carvajal will play a part in the World Cup - but the Real Madrid right-back may miss the opening two matches in Group B.

Carvajal suffered a hamstring strain during Madrid's 3-1 Champions League final win over Liverpool at the end of last month but joined up with Lopetegui's World Cup squad to continue his rehabilitation.Featuring in Spain's much-anticipated tournament opener against Portugal in Sochi next Friday appears unlikely but Lopetegui is satisfied with the 26-year-old's progress.

"You have to hold him back slightly, but I'm sure he'll be ready," the former Porto boss told a news conference ahead of La Roja's final warm-up match against Tunisia on Saturday."You want him to take two steps forward instead of just one before suffering a setback."I don't know if he'll be ready for the first or second match, but he'll be fine."

Sergio Busquets, a veteran of Spain's triumphant 2010 World Cup campaign, missed last Sunday's 1-1 draw against Switzerland due to a bout of illness.However, Lopetegui expects the Barcelona midfielder to be available to feature in the friendly in Krasnodar."Sergio has recovered perfectly," he added. "Provided nothing else happens, he'll play tomorrow."

 

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Salah: Leaving Champions League final worst moment of my career


Liverpool star Mohamed Salah said leaving the Champions League final with a shoulder injury was the worst moment of his career as he was left fearing for his place at the World Cup.

Salah left the Kiev pitch in tears last month after tangling with Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos in the first half of Liverpool's 3-1 defeat.It was an injury that sent shockwaves through Egypt ahead of the World Cup in Russia, though national team boss Hector Cuper has been hopeful that the Premier League Golden Boot winner will be fit for the showpiece tournament.

Reflecting on what transpired against Madrid, Salah told Marca in a preview of the interview: "Leaving the final was the worst moment of my career."Egypt will open their World Cup Group A campaign against Uruguay on June 15.

"I began to think that I would miss the World Cup, it was devastating," Salah said. Egypt will also face hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia as they prepare to end their 27-year wait to compete at the World Cup."For us to qualify for the World Cup is almost like Spain winning the title," Salah added.

 

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Tunisia 0 Spain 1: Aspas seals late win for unimpressive Spaniards

Spain produced a disappointing showing in their final World Cup preparation friendly, needing a late Iago Aspas strike to secure a 1-0 win over Tunisia on Saturday.

Julen Lopetegui's men go into the finals in Russia as one of the tournament favourites, yet they showed little evidence of their qualification form in Krasnodar, appearing toothless in attack before Aspas' fierce 84th-minute effort.Although Spain's knack for keeping the ball still seems in good health, they did not do a great deal with it in a particularly unimpressive first-half display.




Tunisia looked a far greater threat in the final third, but their finishing left a lot to be desired – Ferjani Sassi and Naim Sliti particularly culpable with bad misses.Spain had a little more control in the second half and managed to carve out a few chances, David Silva and Diego Costa going close.

Tunisia nevertheless looked to have done enough to claim a commendable draw, but Aspas drilled home after Costa showed good awareness to pick him out, meaning Spain head into the World Cup in winning form and unbeaten since Euro 2016.


For all of their possession, Spain showed precious little going forward during the early stages, with Tunisia looking much brighter.The underdogs had to rely on a Spain error for their first chance, as Thiago Alcantara's pass across the defence was cut out by Anice Badri and he managed to tee up Sassi in the middle of the area. Fortunately for Spain, the Al-Nassr midfielder's first-time effort was tame and straight at David de Gea.

Spain appeared to have been roused as they went close twice in quick succession in the 22nd minute – Rodrigo Moreno glancing a header well wide before Sergio Ramos' 30-yard drive flew just over.

That was hardly the start of an extended period of pressure, however, as Spain were lucky to not fall behind just after the half-hour mark.Badri again caused problems on the left, crossing into the danger zone for Sliti, who inexplicably failed to hit the target from six yards.

Spain tightened up at the back upon the restart and eventually crafted a decent chance just before the hour, as Silva met Ramos' deep cross and fired wide from a tight angle.Costa was introduced from the bench soon after and he quickly looked to make an impact, shooting from the edge of the box and forcing Aymen Mathlouthi into a fairly comfortable save.

Spain stepped things up towards the end and were rewarded for their efforts as Costa – who initially appeared to have wasted the opportunity – broke into the box and opted to tee up Aspas instead of going for goal himself, the Celta Vigo star duly blasting in left-footed.

Yet it was not a performance that will worry Portugal ahead of their World Cup opener on Friday.

 

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Congratulations Spain!

VAMOS ESPANA!​

 

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Serbia 5 Bolivia 1: Mitrovic hits treble for five-star Serbs


Aleksandar Mitrovic helped himself to a hat-trick as Serbia concluded their World Cup preparations with a 5-1 demolition of Bolivia in Graz.

Mladen Krstajic's side hit the front in the fourth minute when Mitrovic escaped the attentions of the Bolivia defence to power home Adem Ljajic's left-wing corner at the near post.

Ljajic got in on the act a quarter of an hour later when he crisply finished Dusan Tadic's pass from 12 yards and Mitrovic lashed beyond the helpless Guillermo Viscarra, whose backline appeared to have downed tools by the 23rd minute.






A seemingly aimless set-piece attack ended with Mitrovic hoofing the ball over his shoulder towards the far post, where Branislav Ivanovic gleefully found the target with a thunderous volley.

Left-winger Jhasmani Campos salvaged a modicum of pride for Cesar Farias' men in the 48th minute before Mitrovic claimed the matchball in style, rifling into the top right corner having advanced to the edge of the box amid more leisurely Bolivian defending.

Serbia have been drawn alongside Brazil and Costa Rica in Group E at Russia 2018, where they kick-off against Costa Rica next Sunday.

 

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Man Utd target Milinkovic-Savic: I'm more Toure than Zidane


Serbia midfielder and reported Manchester United target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has played down comparisons between his game and that of World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane, saying: "I see myself as more of a Yaya Toure."

Milinkovic-Savic scored 12 goals in 35 appearances for Lazio as the Biancoceleste finished fifth in Serie A in 2017-18, and his performances drew comparisons to former France, Juventus and Real Madrid star Zidane.It has also reportedly drawn the interest of multiple big clubs, including the Red Devils, though the midfielder remains at Lazio for the time being.

The 23-year-old is now with the Serbia squad, preparing for their World Cup Group E opener against Costa Rica, and says he is relishing the pressure of stepping onto the game's biggest stage.

"I think that I'm in a really good place right now," he told FIFA.com."Pressure? I love pressure, it gets the best out of me. That's when I feel the best and give maximum on the pitch – those who know me can confirm that.

"I am absolutely ready for Russia. If I need to earn the trust of the head coach [Mladen] Krstajic, I will do my best to justify that."Born in Lleida in Catalonia, Milinkovic-Savic could have opted to play for Spain but insists "my country is Serbia and I am always proud to say that".

He is likely to feature in a line of three attacking players behind lone striker Aleksandar Mitrovic in Serbia's starting line-up and, to those comparing his role to that played by Zidane for France, he said: "That comparison can only flatter me."

Milinkovic-Savic added: "However, I see myself more as a Yaya Toure. As for idols, I can say I have always watched and looked up to Nemanja Matic as well.
"I can see myself as a future playmaker. That is how I like to play most, and my last season in Lazio has proved it."

 

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'Real Madrid won't spend €400m on Neymar' - La Liga president Tebas doubts record deal


Real Madrid “aren’t going to pay €400 million (£351m/$471m) for Neymar”, claims La Liga president Javier Tebas, despite speculation suggesting a summer raid will be launched on Paris Saint-Germain.

Ever since he left Barcelona in a record-breaking €222m (£195m/$262m) transfer in the summer of 2017, speculation has suggested that the Brazil international is destined to return to Spain.The doors have been left open at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Blancos president Florentio Perez having previously hinted at a move for a future Ballon d’Or winner while Marcelo has claimed that he will one day be joined in Madrid by a fellow countryman.

Tebas, though, doubts that a deal will be done in the next transfer window, with Neymar’s current valuation too high even for those with the deepest of pockets.

He told reporters: "Real Madrid aren't going to pay the 400 million euros needed for Neymar."However, the numbers that they generate can put them close to being able to undertake such a signing."

Neymar’s return to La Liga would be welcomed by the likes of Tebas, with there a desire on the part of the Spanish top flight to enhance an image which relies heavily on the presence of Barcelona and Real Madrid icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Our goal is for the Liga brand to be above those of players and clubs," added Tebas."It's that way in the Premier League."Although, I can't remember the last time a Premier League player won the Ballon d'Or."

For now, Neymar is the potential future for La Liga.In the present, the division is readying itself for the introduction of VAR for the 2018-19 campaign.The system has not been universally well received in other competitions, but Tebas is confident teething problems can be avoided in Spain.

He said: "We've realised that one of the mistakes other countries have made with VAR is the lack of communication."There hasn't been any communication with players, coaches, referees or journalists, but we've already gone to the clubs to explain the system in depth."During pre-season we'll do so for a second time."

 

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Salah declares himself fit and 'ready' for World Cup duty with Egypt


Mohamed Salah says he will be “ready to play against Uruguay”, with the Liverpool forward having shaken off a shoulder injury to go chasing “the Egyptian dream”.

As the 25-year-old made his way from the field in tears during a Champions League final clash with Real Madrid, it appeared as though his World Cup ambitions had been crushed.

Salah has admitted as much, with a now infamous tussle with Blancos skipper Sergio Ramos having left him sweating on a role at Egypt’s first outing on a global stage in 28 years.

He has, however, made impressive progress in his recovery and – despite initial claims suggesting that he would be sidelined for around three weeks – believes he will be in contention to face Uruguay on June 15.

Speaking to Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi before jetting off to Russia, Salah said: "I promise you I will do my best to be ready for the World Cup and to achieve the Egyptian dream."I feel much better now and I'll be ready to play against Uruguay. I will never give up on our dream, I promise to do my best for our people."

Salah had previously stated to Spanish publication Marca that hopes to kick off a World Cup campaign with Egypt, rather than wait until other Group A fixtures against Russia and Saudi Arabia.He did, however, admit that his involvement will depend on how he feels closer to the day.“Now I'm better,” said Salah.

“I hope to play the first game against Uruguay, but that will depend on how I feel when it [the match] approaches.”Those comments were made while offering a response to suggestions from Madrid defender Ramos that Salah could have played on in the Champions League final with a painkilling injection.

That claim has been laughed off, with a man who netted 44 times for Liverpool in the 2017-18 campaign having had to work hard to shake off an untimely ailment in time for World Cup duty.

 

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Mourinho must deliver crowd-pleasing team to challenge Man City - Van der Sar


Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar has called for his old club to respond to the demands of the Old Trafford crowd by returning to "the type of football they want to play" in the 2018-19 season.

The 47-year-old said his former side need to invest in new signings if they are to catch up with deadly rivals Manchester City and suggested that manager Jose Mourinho needs to change his approach to emulate the successes of the past.

Mourinho's critics at Old Trafford bemoaned his side's style of play in 2017-18, which was in stark contrast to the dynamic, attacking football employed and encouraged by Alex Ferguson, under whom Van der Sar won four Premier League titles, the Champions League, the League Cup, the Community Shield and the Club World Cup.

Van der Sar told reporters: "Of course in my area there's a certain type of football that you like to play but that depends on the manager."I think the crowd wants also a type of footballer; let's hope with the signings he's making and the type of football they want to play at United, they can have some success."

Second-placed United finished 19 points behind City in the 2017-18 Premier League and Van der Sar suggested the challenges facing United had changed since his retirement in 2011."Maybe it's more difficult, now more money is coming into the game," said the Dutchman. "Others are also catching up a lot. Maybe richer owners are investing larger amounts of money into the squad.

"Hopefully United can catch up. [They] finished second, lost the FA Cup final. This year they need another two, three signings to stay a little bit more on that level with City than this year."

 

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Fekir to stay at Lyon after breakdown in Liverpool talks


Lyon have confirmed that Nabil Fekir will stay at the club next season after a breakdown in negotiations with Liverpool.

The Reds have long been in pursuit of the France international and were in talks over a £60 million (€68m/$80m) transfer deal with Lyon.Despite the Ligue 1 side's assertion that a deal was not in the works, Fekir seemed Anfield-bound when French FA president Noel Le Graet said he had completed a medical at the national team's facilities during their preparation for the World Cup.




Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas insisted this week that Fekir's future would be decided after the World Cup, but the French club have since stated he will be playing in Ligue 1 next season, as a breakdown spiked a deal.

"Olympique Lyonnais informs that the negotiations with Liverpool and Nabil Fekir for the transfer of the captain of OL have not succeeded and that Olympique Lyonnais has decided to put an end to negotiations tonight at 20:00," a statement read.

The change is thought to have centred around the 24-year-old's medical, as the clubs had reached an agreement for him the previous day. The Lyon captain suffered a knee injury in February which kept him out for six weeks and may have caused doubt.

Lyon's statement added: "Although Liverpool made the possible transfer of Nabil a priority, and [we have been] subject to other proposals consistent with the interests of Nabil and OL from ambitious clubs,

"Olympique Lyonnais is delighted soon to be able to count on the presence of our captain, who is a leading player for this 2018-19 season, during which the club will play the Champions League as a third seed."Fekir scored 18 goals and made eight assists in 30 top-flight games for Lyon last season and is contracted to the club until 2020.

 

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France 1 United States 1: Mbappe strikes after Green leaves Les Bleus red-faced

Kylian Mbappe rescued a 1-1 draw for France against the United States in Lyon but Didier Deschamps' men did plenty to undermine their status as World Cup front-runners.

USA caretaker boss Dave Sarachan saw his side absorb waves of pressure for most of the first half but one-time Bayern Munich forward Julian Green - who spent last season on loan with 2.Bundesliga strugglers Greuther Furth - capitalised on dismal defensive work to break the deadlock in the 44th minute.

After that setback, Les Bleus' attacks became ever more lumpen and predictable, and Deschamps has plenty to ponder despite Mbappe finding the goal his personal endeavours deserved with 12 minutes to go.




Triumphant 1998 World Cup coach Aime Jacquet did much to contribute to a raucous early atmosphere at the Groupama Stadium and Paul Pogba rattled the upright early on.But the boos endured by Pogba during the 3-1 win over Italy last time out were dealt out to the collective on this occasion, with France's current crop looking some way short of the exploits of Jacquet and Deschamps the player.


Local hero Nabil Fekir began on the bench an hour after his purported move to Liverpool broke down, while Pogba saw a rasping fifth-minute drive tipped against the post by Zack Steffen.Olivier Giroud then headed too close to Steffen as the United States' right channel proved a productive attacking area for the hosts.

That was where Antoine Griezmann scampered on to Mbappe's impish pass and spun a shot wide in the 22nd minute.Blaise Matuidi made hay in the space behind wing-back Shaquell Moore once again but Tim Parker did just enough to prevent Mbappe from turning home.

Griezmann curled beyond the bottom corner as a Mexican wave began to churn around the stadium and the heavily shellacked visitors remarkably went in ahead at half-time.

Moore sprung forward, escaping his torrid defensive duties, and Djibril Sidibe made a terrible hash of clearing his testing cross, with Green squeezing the loose ball past Hugo Lloris at the near post.

Moore and Green combined to find the net again early in the second half but the goalscorer was correctly ruled offside.Steffen inadvertently caused chaos inside his own box in the 56th minute – the goalkeeper's robust challenge for a corner leaving both Giroud and USA centre-back Matt Miazga with bloodied heads to force substitutions.

The introduction of Ousmane Dembele in place of the Chelsea striker underlined the vast attacking riches at Deschamps' disposal – making it all the more damning that his much-vaunted assortment appeared to run out of ideas as the second half progressed.



Pogba's earlier verve made way for increasingly pedestrian and hopeful long-range attempts, but belatedly changing the angle of the attack paid dividends 12 minutes from time.Benjamin Pavard, introduced for the previously culpable Sidibe four minutes earlier, found space down the right and steered in a low cross for Mbappe to stroke home.

Fekir came on and almost brought the house down with a trademark free-kick but Steffen excelled himself once more, before a double save in stoppage-time from Fekir and Dembele marked a stunning finale for the imperious Columbus Crew man.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Nacho hopes to 'cancel out' Madrid team-mate Ronaldo at World Cup


Spain defender Nacho Fernandez hopes he gets the chance to face Portugal star and Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup.

Nacho came off the bench during Spain's last friendly before the showpiece event – a 1-0 win over Tunisia in Krasnodar Saturday .The defender hopes he has done enough to start his team's World Cup opener against Ronaldo's Portugal Friday.

"I hope that I have the chance to play against Cristiano Ronaldo, we must be focused on cancelling him out," Nacho said, via Marca ."The coach knows that I'm qualified to start in this position, I'm prepared."Everyone knows that I feel more comfortable in the centre than at full-back, but I've played big matches there."

Ronaldo's Madrid future remains uncertain after he suggested his time at the club could be coming to an end following their Champions League success last month.But Nacho believes the 33-year-old forward – who is contracted at Madrid until 2021 – will stay with the European champions.

"I expect to see him in the final, and at Real Madrid too. I'm calm, he has a contract with us," he said."I hope that he stays as part of our team."Following the match with Portugal, Spain face Iran and Morocco in Group B.