Saturday, 1 February 2014

Cardiff complete deals for Fabio and Zaha

15:38

By: TBMU Admin On: 15:38   In:   No comments

Cardiff complete deals for Fabio and Zaha

Cardiff complete deals for Fabio and Zaha

Posted: 31 Jan 2014 05:33 AM PST

Winger Zaha has joined on loan from Manchester United for the rest of the season and defender Fabio has followed him from Old Trafford on a permanent deal after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee. Zaha has been restricted to just four appearances in all competitions for United following his arrival from Crystal Palace, butSolskjaer is backing the 21-year-old to hit the ground running at Cardiff, who are bottom of the Premier League. Former United strikerSolskjaer said: "He has pace, power, technical ability and goes past people. He will give us that extra change of tempo in the final third, where we really need it," the Norwegian continued. "He will bring that little final bit to find pockets of space and produce a bit of magic." Fabio, meanwhile, struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford after moving to England from Fluminense in January 2008along with twin brother Rafael. The 23-year-old Brazil international made just 22 Premier League appearances for United and spent the whole of last season on loan at QPR. Reflecting on his move, Fabio said: "I'm very excited to be part of this and I'm looking forward to helping Cardiff City. I know this is the right move for me." Cardiff have already signed Jo Inge Berget, Mats Moller Daehli and Magnus Wolff Eikrem this month. Both players go straight into Cardiff's squad to face Norwich City on Saturday.

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Top-flight clubs set to smash £100m barrier

Posted: 31 Jan 2014 04:26 AM PST

Figures released by Deloitte show that teams in the English top flight have parted with roughly £10m less compared to the start of the last day of the 2013 January window. Juan Mata's £37.1m move from Chelsea to Manchester United is the standout piece of business in the window so far, with a raft of last-minute deals set to go through and push spending past the £100m mark. "As we enter the final day of this year's transfer window, Premier League clubs' gross spending currently stands at £95m," said Dan Jones, partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte. "This is a broadly similar picture to last year, where gross spending at this point totalled £85m. "We expect deadline day to again be a busy time for Premier League clubs. However, regardless of the amount of activity, we have already seen the 2013/14 season set a record for Premier League transfer spending. "This season the combined transfer spend of Premier League clubs has passed the £700m mark for the first time, with spending currently at c.£725m. "It is important to put this in context; the transfer spending is supported by the record level of revenues of Premier League clubs, driven primarily by new broadcast agreements. "This gives Premier League clubs the ability to continue to invest significantly in their playing talent."

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Solskjaer confirms Zaha loan from Man United

Posted: 31 Jan 2014 03:01 AM PST

The Manchester United winger has not started a Premier League game for the champions since agreeing a move from Crystal Palace last January, having been loaned back to the London club for the remainder of last season. Zaha links up with former United striker Solskjaer at the Cardiff City Stadium as well as defender Fabio, who is on the verge of switching from Old Trafford. "That signing should be done by now. His name is on the paperwork. He is a Cardiff player," said Solskjaer on Friday when quizzed onZaha. The former Molde boss believes Zaha can make a big difference at Cardiff, who are bottom of the Premier League. "He has pace, power, technical ability and goes past people. He will give us that extra change of tempo in the final third, where we really need it," the Norwegian continued. "He will bring that little final bit to find pockets of space and produce a bit of magic."

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The FourFourTwo Preview: Stoke vs Man United

Posted: 31 Jan 2014 12:07 AM PST

Billed as Presenting Van-Roo-Mata, the beginning of a beautiful friendship. The lowdown This is the first time Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Robin van Persie are all available to start for Manchester United. Many asked where Mata will fit into the side (and were told "For God's sake, anywhere"); Stoke will be first to find out. A 4-2-3-1 formation still looks most likely, with personnel the bigger dilemma. Rooney won't be moved from his neuf-et-demi position behind Van Persie, leaving Mata occupying a flank (though he'll hardly be getting chalk on his boots). Like a shopping trolley, the Spaniard tends to drift to the left, so he'll take the right-hand side – meaning David Moyes will have to drop BFF Antonio Valencia – with the opposite wing the venue of a battle royale between Danny Welbeck, Adnan Januzaj and Ashley Young (alright, and theoretically Nani as well). You'd expect Young to start at the Britannia after scoring one and creating the other in the win over Cardiff. Moyes' real problem is in central midfield. Pairing Phil Jones and Ryan Giggs – a defender and a 40-year-old – in the middle midweek was the very definition of a temporary solution. Paging Mr Fellaini. Mark Hughes would commit unspeakable acts for such a horrible 'problem' as trying to accommodate Mata. Stoke have taken only one point from their last six league games, and have lost their last three matches in all competitions 1-0. The Potters made Man United work hard in their previous league meeting, leading twice before losing 3-2 (racking up six yellow cards in the process). While pragmatism will be the order of the day, they won't – and shouldn't – fear the visitors. And why would you worry, when Peter Odemwingie is in line for his home debut and ready to score his second league goal in a year? Team news Nemanja Vidic and Steven N'Zonzi can sit down together over a cup of Darjeeling as they serve their suspensions. Stoke are without Andy Wilkinson (one crocked foot), Matthew Etherington (two left feet) and Robert Huth (face like a foot). Etherington and Huth are nearing returns, however, having not featured since November. For the visitors, Nani is hamstrung by his hamstring and Michael Carrick's rankled ankle means another week of United's midfield resembling a haunted fairground. That said, Marouane Fellaini could make his first appearance of 2014 after an operation on his sore wrist (settle down at the back). Knee-knacked Rio Ferdinand is a doubt, though he'll probably update us on Twitter about the extent of the problem while flicking through the Dulux chart to find the exact hue of his children's stool. Player to watch: Juan Mata (Man United) As luck would have it, Man United's second game since Mata's arrival is exactly the kind in which they need his precise skill set. Moyes' side have put in more crosses this season than a Tic-Tac-Toe champion, and against a team such as Stoke – and don't be fooled, Hughes' men still play more in the air than on the turf – that can result in disappointment. United may need less flight and more guile if they're to win here, and that's exactly what Mata provides. Just ask Chelsea, who couldn't unlock West Ham's 19th-century defence in his absence. Against Cardiff Mata played surprisingly deep, and it was occasionally uncomfortable to see that he was expected to send the ball directly into the box, instead of team-mates coming short for a pass. With Rooney back in the side, slick interplay may prove more profitable. The managers Leslie Mark Hughes is one of a Man United alumni often accused of rolling over against their old teams (see also Steve Bruce, Bryan Robson and – let's be unnecessarily brutal – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer). Since doing the double over them with Blackburn in 2005/06, when David 'Oh yeah, him' Bentley scored a hat-trick in a 4-3 win after a 2-1 triumph in the autumn, Hughes hasn't beaten the Red Devils once as a manager, drawing two and losing 10. Maybe that'll change now that it's Moyes and not Sparky's old boss in charge: Stoke did put in a good performance earlier this season, after all. But so far it's played two, won two for Davie, who is eyeing a move into fifth with a win here. Facts and figures Stoke have had draw/draw results in their last 6 home draws. Stoke have been level at half-time in their last 6 home matches against top-half teams. Man United have scored first in their last 5 away matches against Stoke. Stoke have seen both teams score in their last 4 home matches against top-half teams. More FFT Stats Zone facts • Find the best odds with Bet Butler FourFourTwo prediction Stoke make things difficult, but United prevail 2-1. Stoke vs Man United LIVE ANALYSIS with Stats Zone

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The FourFourTwo Preview: Stoke vs Man United

Posted: 30 Jan 2014 06:16 AM PST

Juan Mata - a £37.1million January signing from Chelsea - made his United debut in a 2-0 victory over Cardiff City on Tuesday, while Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney returned from injury. All three may start at the Britannia Stadium as David Moyes' side look to turn a faltering Premier League campaign around. Moyes had been without Van Persie (thigh) since a 1-0 UEFA Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, while Rooney (groin) had been sidelined since New Year's Day. In the duo's absence, the Old Trafford outfit fell to five defeats and were eliminated from both domestic cup competitions. But the midweek triumph over Cardiff could revitalise United's season, and they will feel more than confident of overcoming a Stoke side who are without a win in their last six Premier League matches and sit just three points clear of the relegation zone. Mark Hughes' men have suffered costly defeats to fellow strugglers Crystal Palace and Sunderland in recent weeks and, with United, Manchester City and Arsenal to face in the space of a month, may need to cause at least one upset to drag themselves out of the mire. However, securing victory over United is easier said than done - Stoke have not beaten the 20-time champions in the league since 1984. United have already won against Stoke on two previous occasions this season, triumphing 3-2 in the league before claiming a 2-0 League Cup victory at the Britannia Stadium last month. Hughes will be without the services of Steven N'Zonzi, who serves a one-match suspension following his dismissal against Sunderland on Wednesday, while Robert Huth (knee), Andy Wilkinson (heel) and Matthew Etherington (calf) are injury doubts. Marouane Fellaini (wrist) could return for United, but Rio Ferdinand (knee) is unlikely to feature and Michael Carrick (ankle) and Nani (hamstring) remain sidelined. Nemanja Vidic, meanwhile, serves the final game of a three-match ban.

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How Toni Kroos could reinvigorate Manchester Uniteds ailing midfield

Posted: 30 Jan 2014 04:43 AM PST

When Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayern Munich raised the curtain for the Bundesliga's second half (otherwise known as die Rückrunde)last weekend, managers Lucien Favre and Pep Guardiola weren't the only bosses looking on: Jupp Heynckes and Joachim Löw were both there, but it was the visit of Manchester United's David Moyes and Phil Neville that really raised questions. United have been linked with a plethora of players after theirpoor start and no fewer than four of them - including Dante, Mario Mandzukic, Patrick Herrmann and Max Kruse - were playing in the game at Borussia Park. But, rather surprisingly, they weren't the ones being watched by Old Trafford reps, but Bayern's talismanic midfielder Toni Kroos. They might have snapped up Juan Mata from Chelsea, but there are many reasons why Unitedshould still be chasing Kroos. The player is unsettled, and his frustrated reaction to being substituted in Wednesday night's late win over Stuttgart will only add more fuel to the fire. It's well documented that the 24-year-old Germany international has only 18 months left on his current contract at at the Allianz Arena, but with the Bayern academy graduate making the most appearances under Guardiola, it's unlikely the European champions will let him go easily.Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insists the Bavarians are keen to extend the youngster's deal: "We are interested that Toni prolongs his contract," he confirmed. After previous contract renewal talks broke down there aren't yet plans for them to re-open. "I am under contract with Bayern Munich," Kroos told Kicker."Actually, there are no further talks scheduled, and I will therefore fully focus on the second half of the season." United, meanwhile, will make life hard for Bayern to fulfill their intentions. Jupp to scratch Kroos was promoted into Bayern's senior team at the tender age of 17, making his debut in a 5-0 home victory over now 2.Bundesliga side, Energie Cottbus. The game is remembered for two reasons: firstly, he became the youngest player to represent Bayern in the Bundesliga (a record broken by David Alaba in 2010) and, better still, notched two assists inside 20 minutes of coming on. As he was slowly bled into the side, it was clear Kroos possessed all the qualities of a great attacking midfielder. But in order to further his career, Bayern were required to send him out on loan for more first-team experience. Thus, in January 2009, Kroos was shipped out to Bayer Leverkusen until the end of the campaign. But it was in the young midfielder's second season at Leverkusen - under Bayern coach-to-be Heynckes - where he really established himself. Heynckes thought highly of his temporary acquisition, and made the teenager an essential part of his side which challenged Bayern Munich for the title. Kroos was key, despite being used further wide than where Heynckes would later deploy him in his all-conquering Bayern juggernaut. But while it was clear Heyckes saw an attacking midfielder in Kroos at Bayern, Pep Guardiola saw otherwise. Since the meticulous Spaniard took the reins, Kroos has been moved back into a central-midfield role to accommodate him in the former Barcelona chief's 4-1-4-1 formation. When Guardiola arrived at Bayern, he made his ideologies clear: ball retention was integral. Revolutionary changes were made, most notably in the roles of Kroos and right-back-turned-central-midfielder Philipp Lahm. In his deeper role, Kroos' game is focused on keeping possession and finding passes for his more advanced team-mates. But his previous years as an attacking midfielder have certainly helped, and this attacking psychology has seen 61.8% of his completed passes go forward, with a herculean overall pass success rate of almost 92% in the Bundesliga. Tug of war Should Bayern fail in negotiating a new contract with Kroos – it's reported he wants to double his current wage of £75,000 - they may be forced to sell in the summer or risk losing him on a free the following season. The champions usually get their own way, but won't fancy the latter should the situation escalate. For United, Kroos could be the belated but much-needed replacement for Paul Scholes, and ease some tension on the ageing Michael Carrick. He'd slot seamlessly into Moyes' double-pivot 4-2-3-1 alongside Carrick in the short-term, with his success for Bayern this season coming alongside another disciplined midfielder in Lahm. But it appears United aren't the only English club evoking interest in Kroos' services. It's been suggested that Chelsea may be interested in pouncing should the German become available, but with an already overcrowded midfield it's hard to see why a player of such magnitude would want the competition should he depart for England. It may hinge on the possibility of David Luiz leaving in the summer. Kroos is an ambitious target for United, even by their standards, and Moyes Co. know full well that Bayern won't let him go without a fight. But when there's the chance of a player like him becoming available - see Mesut Özil and Arsenal as a case in point - it'd be absurd not to pursue. He could just be the missing piece this under-fire team has been looking for.

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Jones inspired by Mata arrival at Man United

Posted: 30 Jan 2014 01:46 AM PST

Mata became David Moyes' most high-profile signing at Old Trafford when he joined from Chelsea for £37.1 million last week. The Spain midfielder made his debut for United in a 2-0 win over Cardiff City on Tuesday and will hope to lift his new club into the UEFA Champions League qualifying places from their current position of seventh. Reflecting on Mata's arrival, Jones said: "It makes an impact in the dressing room when you sign a player of that calibre. "He is such a talented player on the ball. He has definitely lifted spirits in the dressing room and especially in training. "We want to impress and show him that we are one of the best teams to be at. He has done well and I am sure he will be a huge asset for us." Mata, Chelsea's player of the year for the past two seasons, found himself marginalised at Stamford Bridge this term following Jose Mourinho's return. Yet Jones said: "He will be a fantastic player for Manchester United. "He sees the pass that sometimes no one else sees. If he continues to make them I am sure we will soon be climbing the table."

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