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..::Football IV::..
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Manchester United 4 Vs 1 Bournemouth
Manchester United Goal(s)
P.Pogba 5',33'
M.Rashford 45'
R.Lukaku 72'
&
Bournemouth Goal(s)
N.Ake 45+2'
Manchester United Goal(s)
P.Pogba 5',33'
M.Rashford 45'
R.Lukaku 72'
&
Bournemouth Goal(s)
N.Ake 45+2'
Congratulations Manchester United!
Rash & Pogba
Dan nam team eka play karana widiya pattaFast and attacking
& next Newcastle.Good Luck for the next match Manchester United!
Rash & Pogba
Dan nam team eka play karana widiya patta
Fast and attacking
& next Newcastle.Good Luck for the next match Manchester United!
Burnley 2 West Ham 0: Wood & McNeil ease Dyche pressure
Burnley claimed a vital win in their bid to escape the Premier League relegation zone as goals from Chris Wood and Dwight McNeil saw off West Ham 2-0.
Following three successive defeats, including a 5-1 loss to Everton last time out, goalkeeper Joe Hart took the hit for Burnley's torrid form, with Tom Heaton coming in for a first Premier League start since September 2017.
And that change paid dividends, with Burnley's solid foundation setting the stage for Wood to open the scoring 15 minutes in before McNeil netted his first goal for the club.
Wood and Ashley Barnes wasted gilt-edged opportunities to wrap up the points, but their misses did not prove costly as the Clarets eased some of the mounting pressure on Sean Dyche.Burnley could have been ahead early on had Barnes kept his cool from McNeil's cutback, before Heaton was called into action by Angelo Ogbonna's header.
Heaton played his part in Burnley's opener, heading the ball into Ashley Westwood who picked out Ashley Barnes, with Wood on hand to hammer home from his strike partner's knock down.
Burnley had their second in the 34th minute, McNeil volleying in from Westwood's cross, before squandering the chance to double his tally by drilling wide from close range.The Clarets should have put the game to bed after the restart, but Wood flapped at a simple finish while Lukasz Fabianski pulled off a wonderful save to deny Barnes.
Fabianski was beaten moments later, only for Wood to drill wide of a gaping goal, although it was Heaton who would have the final say, making a brilliant stop to tip Andy Carroll's header onto the crossbar and ensure there would be no grandstand finish.
Burnley claimed a vital win in their bid to escape the Premier League relegation zone as goals from Chris Wood and Dwight McNeil saw off West Ham 2-0.
Following three successive defeats, including a 5-1 loss to Everton last time out, goalkeeper Joe Hart took the hit for Burnley's torrid form, with Tom Heaton coming in for a first Premier League start since September 2017.
And that change paid dividends, with Burnley's solid foundation setting the stage for Wood to open the scoring 15 minutes in before McNeil netted his first goal for the club.
Wood and Ashley Barnes wasted gilt-edged opportunities to wrap up the points, but their misses did not prove costly as the Clarets eased some of the mounting pressure on Sean Dyche.Burnley could have been ahead early on had Barnes kept his cool from McNeil's cutback, before Heaton was called into action by Angelo Ogbonna's header.
Heaton played his part in Burnley's opener, heading the ball into Ashley Westwood who picked out Ashley Barnes, with Wood on hand to hammer home from his strike partner's knock down.
Burnley had their second in the 34th minute, McNeil volleying in from Westwood's cross, before squandering the chance to double his tally by drilling wide from close range.The Clarets should have put the game to bed after the restart, but Wood flapped at a simple finish while Lukasz Fabianski pulled off a wonderful save to deny Barnes.
Fabianski was beaten moments later, only for Wood to drill wide of a gaping goal, although it was Heaton who would have the final say, making a brilliant stop to tip Andy Carroll's header onto the crossbar and ensure there would be no grandstand finish.
Crystal Palace 0 Chelsea 1: Kante strike widens gap on Arsenal
N'Golo Kante scored his third goal of the season to earn Chelsea a deserved 1-0 win at Crystal Palace that moves the Blues five points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal.David Luiz provided a rare assist from open play to allow Kante an opportunity that he pounced upon before scoring a goal that trebles his previous best tally in a Premier League season.
Palace went into the game seeking to extend a three-match unbeaten streak that included a famous win over Manchester City before Christmas, but they struggled to prise the ball away from a Chelsea side determined to avoid a repeat of their Selhurst Park defeat last season.
The result left Roy Hodgson's men just five points clear of the relegation zone, while fourth-placed Chelsea pulled away from Arsenal, who lost heavily at Liverpool on Saturday.
Antonio Rudiger headed tamely into the arms of Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita before Kante sent a more forceful shot wide as Chelsea enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges.Olivier Giroud had the ball in the net after 27 minutes, lashing home from a tight angle only to see an offside flag raised against him.
The best attempt of the first half came from Willian, whose wickedly curling free-kick from 25 yards was saved by Guaita at full stretch just moments before the goalkeeper denied the Brazilian again when he tried a low drive.
The deadlock was broken after 51 minutes when David Luiz's exquisite chipped ball into the box was controlled instinctively on the chest by the on-rushing Kante, who then applied a low, left-footed finish that sneaked past Guaita despite the keeper getting a hand to it.
Guaita made another save from Willian, denying the winger when Hazard played him in for a shot, before another unfortunate moment for Giroud, who twisted his ankle in the process of scoring another goal that was ruled out by the assistant referee's flag.
The Frenchman limped off and was replaced by Alvaro Morata as Chelsea saw out the closing stages of a comfortable victory without any real threat of a Palace comeback.
N'Golo Kante scored his third goal of the season to earn Chelsea a deserved 1-0 win at Crystal Palace that moves the Blues five points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal.David Luiz provided a rare assist from open play to allow Kante an opportunity that he pounced upon before scoring a goal that trebles his previous best tally in a Premier League season.
Palace went into the game seeking to extend a three-match unbeaten streak that included a famous win over Manchester City before Christmas, but they struggled to prise the ball away from a Chelsea side determined to avoid a repeat of their Selhurst Park defeat last season.
The result left Roy Hodgson's men just five points clear of the relegation zone, while fourth-placed Chelsea pulled away from Arsenal, who lost heavily at Liverpool on Saturday.
Antonio Rudiger headed tamely into the arms of Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita before Kante sent a more forceful shot wide as Chelsea enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges.Olivier Giroud had the ball in the net after 27 minutes, lashing home from a tight angle only to see an offside flag raised against him.
The best attempt of the first half came from Willian, whose wickedly curling free-kick from 25 yards was saved by Guaita at full stretch just moments before the goalkeeper denied the Brazilian again when he tried a low drive.
The deadlock was broken after 51 minutes when David Luiz's exquisite chipped ball into the box was controlled instinctively on the chest by the on-rushing Kante, who then applied a low, left-footed finish that sneaked past Guaita despite the keeper getting a hand to it.
Guaita made another save from Willian, denying the winger when Hazard played him in for a shot, before another unfortunate moment for Giroud, who twisted his ankle in the process of scoring another goal that was ruled out by the assistant referee's flag.
The Frenchman limped off and was replaced by Alvaro Morata as Chelsea saw out the closing stages of a comfortable victory without any real threat of a Palace comeback.
Southampton 1 Manchester City 3: Silva, Aguero get City back on track
Manchester City returned to winning ways ahead of their blockbuster showdown against Premier League leaders Liverpool with a 3-1 win at Southampton.
The defending champions ceded ground to Jurgen Klopp's side with back-to-back defeats versus Crystal Palace and Leicester City, and they once again let an early lead slip as Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – later sent off for a reckless lunge on Fernandinho – cancelled out David Silva's 10th-minute opener.
A James Ward-Prowse own-goal on the stroke of half-time, moments after the Southampton midfielder had penalty claims rejected, and Sergio Aguero's injury-time header steadied City nerves before the break.
Pep Guardiola's men replace Tottenham in second and trim the deficit to the summit to seven points, while Burnley's win over West Ham means only goal difference is keeping Southampton out of the bottom three.
Charlie Austin stole in behind the City defence, only for heavy touch to let him down, before Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva had no such problems down the Southampton left as they deftly set up David Silva for an assured finish.
Mahrez and Sergio Aguero both went close to doubling City's advantage but, after Ederson brilliantly kept out an Austin header, makeshift left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko carelessly gave away possession in the 37th minute and Hojbjerg clattered home emphatically.
Zinchenko was then fortunate to see a clumsy challenge in the box on Ward-Prowse go unpunished – the Southampton man's disappointment compounded as he lucklessly put Raheem Sterling's cross through his own net.An eventful half for the Ukraine international concluded with a pinpoint cross that Aguero headed beyond Alex McCarthy's lacklustre attempts to save.
The Southampton goalkeeper partially redeemed himself by standing up to Sterling when a slick one-two with Bernardo Silva in the 55th minute picked apart his defence.City were again close to a fourth when Aguero turned to lash against the top of the crossbar left-footed.
Mahrez was substituted after he missed an 80th-minute one-on-one, while Hojbjerg was dismissed for his ugly challenge late on.
Manchester City returned to winning ways ahead of their blockbuster showdown against Premier League leaders Liverpool with a 3-1 win at Southampton.
The defending champions ceded ground to Jurgen Klopp's side with back-to-back defeats versus Crystal Palace and Leicester City, and they once again let an early lead slip as Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – later sent off for a reckless lunge on Fernandinho – cancelled out David Silva's 10th-minute opener.
A James Ward-Prowse own-goal on the stroke of half-time, moments after the Southampton midfielder had penalty claims rejected, and Sergio Aguero's injury-time header steadied City nerves before the break.
Pep Guardiola's men replace Tottenham in second and trim the deficit to the summit to seven points, while Burnley's win over West Ham means only goal difference is keeping Southampton out of the bottom three.
Charlie Austin stole in behind the City defence, only for heavy touch to let him down, before Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva had no such problems down the Southampton left as they deftly set up David Silva for an assured finish.
Mahrez and Sergio Aguero both went close to doubling City's advantage but, after Ederson brilliantly kept out an Austin header, makeshift left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko carelessly gave away possession in the 37th minute and Hojbjerg clattered home emphatically.
Zinchenko was then fortunate to see a clumsy challenge in the box on Ward-Prowse go unpunished – the Southampton man's disappointment compounded as he lucklessly put Raheem Sterling's cross through his own net.An eventful half for the Ukraine international concluded with a pinpoint cross that Aguero headed beyond Alex McCarthy's lacklustre attempts to save.
The Southampton goalkeeper partially redeemed himself by standing up to Sterling when a slick one-two with Bernardo Silva in the 55th minute picked apart his defence.City were again close to a fourth when Aguero turned to lash against the top of the crossbar left-footed.
Mahrez was substituted after he missed an 80th-minute one-on-one, while Hojbjerg was dismissed for his ugly challenge late on.
Manchester United 4 Bournemouth 1: Rashford, Pogba star in easy win
Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba were the stars of the show once again as they led the way in Manchester United's 4-1 win over Bournemouth, securing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a third successive win since taking charge.
United continued to play with the freedom and zip which has so far characterised the post-Jose Mourinho era, with Pogba and Rashford - who have impressed under caretaker boss Solskjaer - key components as the Red Devils wrapped up 2018 by closing to within three points of fifth-placed Arsenal.
A moment of inspiration from Rashford saw Pogba open the scoring early on for the home side, and the pair added further first-half goals to put United in a commanding position.
Nathan Ake decreased the deficit just before the break, but Romelu Lukaku - back from compassionate leave – marked his return by scoring in the second half, with the only disappointment for the hosts a lat red card for Eric Bailly.
A lightning United start brought the breakthrough after just five minutes – Rashford squirming past Ake out wide before skilfully beating Diego Rico, allowing him to play a teasing ball across the face of goal for Pogba's simple finish.United's dominance told again in the 33rd minute, Pogba heading Ander Herrera's fine right-wing delivery past the stranded Asmir Begovic.
Rashford deservedly got in on the act when steering home Anthony Martial's excellent lofted pass, though Ake pulled one back almost straight away, nodding in a David Brooks cross from close range.
Bournemouth tightened up after the interval, though United still managed to restore the three-goal cushion in the 72nd minute when Lukaku latched on to Pogba's pass and slotted beyond Begovic shortly after replacing Rashford.
The late dismissal for Bailly - who was shown a straight red for a wild lunge on Ryan Fraser - was a blemish for United, but it had little impact on the outcome.
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Alexis Sanchez is in line to make his Manchester United return at Newcastle United on Wednesday and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is confident of getting the best out of him.
The Chile international has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury in November, the latest setback in a faltering start to life at Old Trafford since his move from Arsenal in January 2018.
There were fears at the time from Jose Mourinho that Sanchez was set to be out "for a long time", but fortunately for the 30-year-old he has made a swift recovery and is in contention for the club's first game of 2019.
Mourinho departed in the wake of defeat at Liverpool and successor Solskjaer has overseen an upturn in fortunes that he thinks Sanchez can benefit from, with United scoring 12 goals in his first three games in caretaker charge."He is champing at the bit," said the Norwegian.
"He wants to play all the time, he's one of those characters. Alexis has had some great training sessions over the last few days and wanted to be [involved in Sunday's 4-1 win over Bournemouth] as well but we've had to manage him. He's been out for a month. He will be involved [at Newcastle]."
On the prospect of Sanchez slotting into Solskjaer's style of play, he added: "I think Alexis is a player that would benefit from the interchanging, rotation and movements and more chances. If we create more chances and get the ball in the final third, he will be an asset for us."
Sanchez made just five Premier League starts this season under Mourinho, scoring his only goal off the bench in the 3-2 home win over Newcastle back in October.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is convinced he and his coaching staff have the faith of managerial legend Alex Ferguson because they are "Manchester United through and through".Solskjaer has enjoyed a strong start to life back at United since being installed as caretaker manager, replacing the sacked Jose Mourinho.
United have won all three games under Solskjaer's guidance, scoring 12 goals in the process, but perhaps the biggest difference is the free-flowing, attacking football on display.
Some fans argue United have not played with such freedom and attacking sharpness since the immensely successful Ferguson brought an end to his 26-and-a-half-year tenure in 2013.
The shadow of Ferguson has loomed large during the respective reigns of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Mourinho, but there is a more familiar look to those leading United at the moment, with Solskjaer joined by Mike Phelan, Michael Carrick and Mark Dempsey."I've had him [as a direct influence] for 15 years, so obviously he's influenced me in the 15 years before [more] than he has in the last week," Solskjaer told reporters.
"But obviously I do keep him informed, and he did pay us a visit. I think he enjoyed his time on the training ground, and we had a nice few chats, us and the staff.
"He encouraged us, he knows that we – the staff I've got – are Manchester United through and through."He knows that we will do whatever we can, up until the last second we're here, for us and Manchester United to do the best we can."
Despite Solskjaer's strong start, some pundits have been keen to temper the excitement, pointing out that his three opponents – Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town and Bournemouth – have been modest.
The Norwegian – whose only previously Premier League managerial experience came in an ill-fated spell at Cardiff – accepts he has no idea if he truly belongs at United's level, but he is adamant his familiarity with the club counts for something.
"I don't know if I'm at home at this level, but I'm home at this club," he said."That's the thing, I've spent 15 years here, and seeing all these people when you walk through the corridors here, it's me and I'm comfortable in the environment."So, it's up to you [the media] to probably rate me if I'm up to the level, but I'm definitely enjoying my time back home."
Manchester United's best defence is to attack - Herrera lauds Solskjaer mentalityAnder Herrera believes Manchester United’s best chance to defend a lead is to keep attacking, and says he enjoys a more offensive role under interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Red Devils have three wins in three games since Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho at the helm following the club’s 3-1 loss to Liverpool.Solskjaer has overseen a 5-1 win over Cardiff, a 3-1 triumph over Huddersfield and most recently, a 4-1 victory over Bournemouth on Sunday.
The 12 goals scored in the three contests equaled the club’s output in their final eight games of the Mourinho era, suggesting the managerial change has invigorated the Red Devils’ attack.
Herrera confirmed that in an interview with MUTV, explaining that while Solskjaer wants balance, he encourages the midfield and full-backs to get forward and contribute.
"He loves us to attack," Herrera told MUTV. "He wants some balance with the centre-backs and, in this case, Nemanja [Matic] and me today, but he wants everyone to attack. He wants the full-backs attacking. "He wants us creating problems for the other teams and that suits us very well."
The three victories have seen United go up early and pile on the opposition rather than sit back – something Herrera believes is the wisest way for the team to defend those early advantages.
"I think the best way to defend a result is to keep attacking,” Herrera said.“Sometimes you have to be careful, but I think that is what we did.“We kept attacking and we kept creating chances. With the forward players we have it is difficult that we don't create and that we don't score goals."
While Paul Pogba's renaissance under Solskjaer is taking much of the spotlight, Herrera himself scored against Cardiff and chipped in assists in both the Huddersfield and Bournemouth wins.
And the midfielder spoke of his renewed confidence going forward and how he thinks that pleases his new manager."I like to help David, and to help the defenders," Herrera said. "But I also like to try to score goals.
“I had a good chance today, and I think one of my qualities is that I can go from box-to-box. I can help the team with the ball and without the ball, and I think Ole likes that."United next face off against Newcastle on January 2 in Premier League action before an FA Cup clash against Reading on Saturday.
The next weekend will feature the first big test of Solskjaer’s tenure as the Red Devils travel to Wembley to face Tottenham.
'Do we need blood?' - Klopp defends Salah over dive claims
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has defended Mohamed Salah over claims the Reds forward is a diver.Arsenal were left furious with Salah when he went down under a challenge from Sokratis Papastathopoulos to win a penalty at Anfield on Saturday.
Salah stepped up to score the spot-kick but was confronted by Sokratis as the players entered the tunnel at half-time, with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk stepping in to defend his team-mate.
Dejan Lovren won another penalty in a second half after being shoved by Sead Kolasinac, with Roberto Firmino scoring to complete his hat-trick in a 5-1 win for the Premier League leaders.Just three days earlier Salah was also involved in a controversial penalty incident against Newcastle.
Salah went down after being tugged back by Magpies defender Paul Dummett, earning Liverpool their first Anfield penalty for 424 days.Speaking after the game Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez described the incident as ‘soft' but stopped short of labelling it a dive.
The Football Association confirmed the following day that Salah would face no further action as reaction did not breach the threshold of “attempting to deceive the referee”.In the wake of those incidents Klopp has been quick to dismiss suggestions Salah goes down in the box to easily.
Speaking about the penalty decision against Arsenal, the German said : “Do we need blood for a proper penalty? I think no.
“In that moment, if you don’t touch Mo and he makes the next step and shoots – and we know he’s pretty good at that – these are the situations.
“I have no clue about what happened around it but the referee was really close to it. We don’t have divers and that was not a dive."The other one [for Dejan Lovren] is not a dive. The ref decides it. In the three-and-a-half years, we have had more penalties not given when they were penalties.”
Reds defender Van Dijk has also defended Salah, revealing what the details of what he said to Sokratis as the players left the field on Saturday.“I saw that he went to Mo and was saying that he dived. He was attacking him a bit, but I wanted to say he didn’t dive,” said Van Dijk.
“Obviously, everyone came around us and it looked like we were fighting or something, but we weren’t. I just wanted to talk to him. But that happens in football and we move on.
“I’m protecting my team-mates and that’s normal, that’s how everyone should react and that’s what we all need to do, to back each other. That’s what I definitely do."
Klopp's side will be looking to tighten their grip on the Premier League title race when they return to action Thursday against second-placed Manchester City.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has defended Mohamed Salah over claims the Reds forward is a diver.Arsenal were left furious with Salah when he went down under a challenge from Sokratis Papastathopoulos to win a penalty at Anfield on Saturday.
Salah stepped up to score the spot-kick but was confronted by Sokratis as the players entered the tunnel at half-time, with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk stepping in to defend his team-mate.
Dejan Lovren won another penalty in a second half after being shoved by Sead Kolasinac, with Roberto Firmino scoring to complete his hat-trick in a 5-1 win for the Premier League leaders.Just three days earlier Salah was also involved in a controversial penalty incident against Newcastle.
Salah went down after being tugged back by Magpies defender Paul Dummett, earning Liverpool their first Anfield penalty for 424 days.Speaking after the game Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez described the incident as ‘soft' but stopped short of labelling it a dive.
The Football Association confirmed the following day that Salah would face no further action as reaction did not breach the threshold of “attempting to deceive the referee”.In the wake of those incidents Klopp has been quick to dismiss suggestions Salah goes down in the box to easily.
Speaking about the penalty decision against Arsenal, the German said : “Do we need blood for a proper penalty? I think no.
“In that moment, if you don’t touch Mo and he makes the next step and shoots – and we know he’s pretty good at that – these are the situations.
“I have no clue about what happened around it but the referee was really close to it. We don’t have divers and that was not a dive."The other one [for Dejan Lovren] is not a dive. The ref decides it. In the three-and-a-half years, we have had more penalties not given when they were penalties.”
Reds defender Van Dijk has also defended Salah, revealing what the details of what he said to Sokratis as the players left the field on Saturday.“I saw that he went to Mo and was saying that he dived. He was attacking him a bit, but I wanted to say he didn’t dive,” said Van Dijk.
“Obviously, everyone came around us and it looked like we were fighting or something, but we weren’t. I just wanted to talk to him. But that happens in football and we move on.
“I’m protecting my team-mates and that’s normal, that’s how everyone should react and that’s what we all need to do, to back each other. That’s what I definitely do."
Klopp's side will be looking to tighten their grip on the Premier League title race when they return to action Thursday against second-placed Manchester City.
'Very happy' Isco not considering Real Madrid exit in January
Out-of-favour Real Madrid star Isco insists he is not contemplating leaving the club in January despite failing to win over new coach Santiago Solari. Isco last started a La Liga match in the 5-1 Clasico humiliation by Barcelona on October 28, Julen Lopetegui's final game in charge.
Since then, Isco has made Madrid's starting XI just twice; the 6-1 Copa del Rey thrashing of minnows Melilla and a shock 3-0 home defeat to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.
Solari has consistently insisted he has no problem with Isco and continues to rate him highly. Still, the situation has unsurprisingly led to speculation suggesting the player will seek a move if things do not improve soon.
Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester United have been mentioned as a possible landing spot, with Serie A leaders Juventus and French giants Paris Saint-Germain also linked with the 26-year-old in recent days.
But the player is looking to play down any thoughts that he could be looking for a way out this winter, claiming that he is still “very happy” at Madrid. "I'm not thinking about leaving in the winter market," the Spain international told Deportes Cuatro on Sunday. "I'm very happy, my goal is to win many titles at Real Madrid."
Madrid are next in action against Villarreal on Thursday as La Liga resumes following a mid-season break. Los Blancos are currently sitting in fourth place, eight points back of rivals and league leaders Barcelona.
They do hold a game in hand over the teams above them in the table and will be looking to close the gap substantially over the first week of the new year.Madrid claimed the Club World Cup title just before Christmas and closed out their 2018 schedule in style, having lost just twice in their last 13 matches of the year across all competitions.
The club also picked up a favourable draw in the Champions League last 16, with Dutch side Ajax on tap in February.
Out-of-favour Real Madrid star Isco insists he is not contemplating leaving the club in January despite failing to win over new coach Santiago Solari. Isco last started a La Liga match in the 5-1 Clasico humiliation by Barcelona on October 28, Julen Lopetegui's final game in charge.
Since then, Isco has made Madrid's starting XI just twice; the 6-1 Copa del Rey thrashing of minnows Melilla and a shock 3-0 home defeat to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.
Solari has consistently insisted he has no problem with Isco and continues to rate him highly. Still, the situation has unsurprisingly led to speculation suggesting the player will seek a move if things do not improve soon.
Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester United have been mentioned as a possible landing spot, with Serie A leaders Juventus and French giants Paris Saint-Germain also linked with the 26-year-old in recent days.
But the player is looking to play down any thoughts that he could be looking for a way out this winter, claiming that he is still “very happy” at Madrid. "I'm not thinking about leaving in the winter market," the Spain international told Deportes Cuatro on Sunday. "I'm very happy, my goal is to win many titles at Real Madrid."
Madrid are next in action against Villarreal on Thursday as La Liga resumes following a mid-season break. Los Blancos are currently sitting in fourth place, eight points back of rivals and league leaders Barcelona.
They do hold a game in hand over the teams above them in the table and will be looking to close the gap substantially over the first week of the new year.Madrid claimed the Club World Cup title just before Christmas and closed out their 2018 schedule in style, having lost just twice in their last 13 matches of the year across all competitions.
The club also picked up a favourable draw in the Champions League last 16, with Dutch side Ajax on tap in February.
Solskjaer: Manchester United have to entertain crowdOle Gunnar Solskjaer said Manchester United have to entertain their fans as he praised the team following their third successive Premier League victory.It was another entertaining outing at Old Trafford, where Solskjaer's in-form United outclassed slumping Bournemouth 4-1 on Sunday.
Paul Pogba scored twice for the second game in succession with Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku also on target in a comfortable victory for the Red Devils.
It was a third consecutive win for Solskjaer since replacing Jose Mourinho in a caretaker position until the end of the season.
The Portuguese was criticised for what many perceived to be an overly conservative approach during his time in charge at Old Trafford, which failed to bring the best out of the team's glittering array of attacking talent.
Since his departure United – sixth in the standings – have regained their attacking verve, scoring 12 goals and only conceding three since club favourite Solskjaer returned to Manchester from Norwegian side Molde.
Speaking to reporters after Sunday’s game, the 45-year-old Norwegian – who has brought attacking football back to the Theatre of Dreams – said: "You know, it's quite a few years since I was here but this is how it was."I've just gone about the job as I thought or as I experienced it when I was here as a player and as a young coach.
"We want to go attacking. We have been at home two games now and the crowd, we have to entertain them. We've got good players. I love working with good players. I love working with good people. They are good people the players. They want to learn, they want to improve.
"I just want to do my bit for the months I am here."United’s revival under Solskjaer has seen them narrow the gap on fifth-placed Arsenal to three points, having been eight points behind the Gunners following the 3-1 defeat to league leaders Liverpool in Mourinho’s final game in charge shortly before Christmas.
Next up for the Red Devils is a trip to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Wednesday before facing Championship side Reading in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.
'I hope this helps to end racism' - Maradona shows support for Koulibaly
Diego Maradona has shown support for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly on social media while revealing he was also subjected to racist chants during his time in Italy.Racist abuse was directed at Koulibaly during Inter's 1-0 win over Napoli at San Siro on Wednesday, with the Nerazzurri receiving a two-game stadium ban following the taunts.
A number of high-profile players, including Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo and Inter captain Mauro Icardi, have posted messages of support for Koulibaly while also condemning racism.
The ex-Argentina manager, who played in Naples between 1984 and 1991, has followed suit on his Instagram account, where he uploaded a photo of himself holding Koulibaly's jersey."I played for seven years in Napoli, and I also suffered the racist songs of some fans," Maradona said.
"I still remember the flags that said, 'Welcome to Italy'. I feel Neapolitan and today I want to be with Kalidou Koulibaly. "I hope that all this helps to end racism in football once and for all. Greetings to all! #NoRacism."
Diego Maradona has shown support for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly on social media while revealing he was also subjected to racist chants during his time in Italy.Racist abuse was directed at Koulibaly during Inter's 1-0 win over Napoli at San Siro on Wednesday, with the Nerazzurri receiving a two-game stadium ban following the taunts.
A number of high-profile players, including Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo and Inter captain Mauro Icardi, have posted messages of support for Koulibaly while also condemning racism.
The ex-Argentina manager, who played in Naples between 1984 and 1991, has followed suit on his Instagram account, where he uploaded a photo of himself holding Koulibaly's jersey."I played for seven years in Napoli, and I also suffered the racist songs of some fans," Maradona said.
"I still remember the flags that said, 'Welcome to Italy'. I feel Neapolitan and today I want to be with Kalidou Koulibaly. "I hope that all this helps to end racism in football once and for all. Greetings to all! #NoRacism."
'Everyone is enjoying themselves' - Pogba says Man Utd loving life amid Solskjaer's perfect startPaul Pogba says Manchester United players are "enjoying themselves" amid interim coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's perfect start and feels they are "coming back" after their underwhelming beginning to the season.
The Red Devils beat Bournemouth 4-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday to make it three wins from three games, with 12 goals scored since Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho this month. It is their best run of form since April, when they went on a five-game winning streak.
Mourinho's time in charge of United had been plagued by poor performances and sour relationships with players such as Pogba, culminating in a run of one win from five matches in all competitions before he was eventually sacked.
They are now just three points behind fifth-placed Arsenal and looking to claw their way back into the race for a top four finish this season.Pogba has been a pivotal part of United's recent revitalisation, scoring four goals and setting up three since Solskjaer took charge, and he feels the whole squad are flying high again.
"We needed the win and we had a great performance as well," Pogba told Sky Sports after his side's resounding victory over Eddie Howe's team."We are coming back, and there is still a long way to go, but to finish the year like that is beautiful.
"We are Manchester United and we need to be at the top of the league, it is just a reaction of all of the players and everyone is enjoying themselves."The France international feels a lot has changed in the two weeks since the former striker was appointed until the end of the season, as they have adopted an attacking style which suits the players at their disposal.
"It is different, we still won games with the old manager but it is just a different style of playing," he added. "We are more offensive and we are creating more chances and that is how we want to play."I always want to do more, but I want to play for the team and play simple."
United are in action again on January 2, when they travel to Newcastle before their FA Cup clash with Reading. The following week, they take on Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham at Wembley.
Cardiff City 0 Tottenham 3: Spurs bounce back with easy win
Tottenham emphatically bounced back from their defeat to Wolves by starting 2019 with a 3-0 win away to Cardiff City as they moved back up to second in the Premier League table.Mauricio Pochettino was after a response following his team's shock 3-1 loss on Saturday, and Spurs duly delivered as they made light work of hapless Cardiff in south Wales.
Cardiff got off to a calamitous start when Harry Kane netted in bizarre fashion early on and here never looked like being a fightback, particularly after Christian Eriksen and Son Heung-min scored to open up a three-goal lead before half-time.
With victory effectively secured by that point, Spurs eased off after the break, though Cardiff were still unable to muster much of a response and Pochettino's men cruised to the three points, taking them back above Manchester City - at least until their meeting with leaders Liverpool on Thursday.
Spurs took the lead after just three minutes, though there was more than a hint of fortune about the goal, as Sean Morrison saw his attempted clearance strike Kane and ricochet into the net.There was no hint of calamity about Spurs' second, though, as Cardiff were caught on the break and Eriksen dispatched an 18-yard finish into the bottom-left corner after cleverly making space for himself.
Son then got in on the act just before the half-hour mark, latching on to Kane's pass on the right side of the box and finishing across Neil Etheridge.Cardiff crafted a rare chance at the start of the second half, as Junior Hoilett – on for Josh Murphy at the break – saw a header saved by Hugo Lloris.
Etheridge did well to deny Kane a second late on, racing out and palming the ball away as the striker attempted to skip around him, though it had no impact on the result as Spurs eased to victory.
Tottenham emphatically bounced back from their defeat to Wolves by starting 2019 with a 3-0 win away to Cardiff City as they moved back up to second in the Premier League table.Mauricio Pochettino was after a response following his team's shock 3-1 loss on Saturday, and Spurs duly delivered as they made light work of hapless Cardiff in south Wales.
Cardiff got off to a calamitous start when Harry Kane netted in bizarre fashion early on and here never looked like being a fightback, particularly after Christian Eriksen and Son Heung-min scored to open up a three-goal lead before half-time.
With victory effectively secured by that point, Spurs eased off after the break, though Cardiff were still unable to muster much of a response and Pochettino's men cruised to the three points, taking them back above Manchester City - at least until their meeting with leaders Liverpool on Thursday.
Spurs took the lead after just three minutes, though there was more than a hint of fortune about the goal, as Sean Morrison saw his attempted clearance strike Kane and ricochet into the net.There was no hint of calamity about Spurs' second, though, as Cardiff were caught on the break and Eriksen dispatched an 18-yard finish into the bottom-left corner after cleverly making space for himself.
Son then got in on the act just before the half-hour mark, latching on to Kane's pass on the right side of the box and finishing across Neil Etheridge.Cardiff crafted a rare chance at the start of the second half, as Junior Hoilett – on for Josh Murphy at the break – saw a header saved by Hugo Lloris.
Etheridge did well to deny Kane a second late on, racing out and palming the ball away as the striker attempted to skip around him, though it had no impact on the result as Spurs eased to victory.
Arsenal 4 Fulham 1: Aubameyang on target as Gunners return to winning ways
Arsenal started 2019 with a morale-boosting win following their hammering at the hands of Liverpool, recording a 4-1 triumph over struggling Fulham at Emirates Stadium.
A visit from the Premier League's 19th-placed side offered welcome respite for the Gunners after their 5-1 reverse at Anfield, though they did not have it all their own way before Granit Xhaka's 25th-minute opener.
The recalled Alexandre Lacazette doubled the lead early in the second half before Fulham hit back with a tap-in from substitute Aboubakar Kamara after 69 minutes.
However, it was another replacement who finished off Fulham's hopes of picking up a point, Aaron Ramsey converting a rebound after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had hit a post, though the latter did go on to score his 14th league goal of the campaign.The final scoreline flattered Arsenal, who papered over the cracks in their defence by scoring two late goals.
Ryan Sessegnon twice wasted opportunities to put Fulham in front, missing the target with a curling left-footed shot when clean through before failing to make any contact at the back post when picked out by Andre Schurrle's inviting cross.The let-offs allowed Arsenal to open the scoring instead, Xhaka's run from deep seeing him control Alex Iwobi's cross on his knee and steer a left-footed volley beyond Sergio Rico.
Fulham's Spanish goalkeeper denied Lacazette late in the first half but could do little to prevent the French striker capping off excellent work by Aubameyang and Sead Kolasinac 10 minutes after the break.
Sessegnon's low cross allowed Kamara to make amends for his penalty miss last time out against Huddersfield Town, the forward having defied team orders to take the kick in a 1-0 win, but Arsenal overcame the wobble to ease over the line.
Ramsey restored the two-goal cushion and Aubameyang added another four minutes later, his drive taking a deflection to beat Rico and put him one clear of Mohamed Salah in the scoring charts.
Arsenal started 2019 with a morale-boosting win following their hammering at the hands of Liverpool, recording a 4-1 triumph over struggling Fulham at Emirates Stadium.
A visit from the Premier League's 19th-placed side offered welcome respite for the Gunners after their 5-1 reverse at Anfield, though they did not have it all their own way before Granit Xhaka's 25th-minute opener.
The recalled Alexandre Lacazette doubled the lead early in the second half before Fulham hit back with a tap-in from substitute Aboubakar Kamara after 69 minutes.
However, it was another replacement who finished off Fulham's hopes of picking up a point, Aaron Ramsey converting a rebound after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had hit a post, though the latter did go on to score his 14th league goal of the campaign.The final scoreline flattered Arsenal, who papered over the cracks in their defence by scoring two late goals.
Ryan Sessegnon twice wasted opportunities to put Fulham in front, missing the target with a curling left-footed shot when clean through before failing to make any contact at the back post when picked out by Andre Schurrle's inviting cross.The let-offs allowed Arsenal to open the scoring instead, Xhaka's run from deep seeing him control Alex Iwobi's cross on his knee and steer a left-footed volley beyond Sergio Rico.
Fulham's Spanish goalkeeper denied Lacazette late in the first half but could do little to prevent the French striker capping off excellent work by Aubameyang and Sead Kolasinac 10 minutes after the break.
Sessegnon's low cross allowed Kamara to make amends for his penalty miss last time out against Huddersfield Town, the forward having defied team orders to take the kick in a 1-0 win, but Arsenal overcame the wobble to ease over the line.
Ramsey restored the two-goal cushion and Aubameyang added another four minutes later, his drive taking a deflection to beat Rico and put him one clear of Mohamed Salah in the scoring charts.
