Wednesday, 7 May 2014

Bayerns Muller not about to jump ship

Bayerns Muller not about to jump ship

Bayerns Muller not about to jump ship

Posted: 06 May 2014 09:45 PM PDT

After Bayerns UEFA Champions League defence came to a swift end at the hands of Real Madrid in the semi-finals, speculation of discontent among the playing group at the Allianz Arena has circulated. But Germany international Muller stressed he was not among the unhappy under coach Pep Guardiola, and ruled out an off-season move to Manchester. I didnt make these rumours up myself, so I dont particularly want to comment on them too much, but Im definitely not about to jump ship at Bayern, Muller told Austrian newspaper Krone. That said, I cant make any guarantees for all time. With Louis van Gaal set to assume the managerial reins at United, pundits were quick to link a Muller move to Old Trafford given the players connections with the Dutch boss. Van Gaal tutored Muller at Bayern, nurturing him into a first-team starter. Former Bayern player and coach Franz Beckenbauer slammed club chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge for calling on Muller to publicise his feelings on his situation. Muller started in 24 Bundesliga games this season, and was subbed off in 10 of those, while he made eight starts in the UEFA Champions League, and was taken out of the game on half of those occasions despite five goals in Europe.

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Pogba thankful to United

Posted: 06 May 2014 09:06 PM PDT

Pogba joined Juventus on free transfer from United in 2012, after opting not to renew his contract with the Premier League giants. The France international has flourished since arriving in Turin, winning back-to-back Serie A titles under the management of Antonio Conte. And while he recently lifted the lid on decision to leave Old Trafford, the 21-year-old expressed his gratitude towards the Manchester club in an interview with BBC. Ive made a great decision coming here from Manchester United, said Pogba, who recently tasted league success after Romas defeat to Catania left Juve 11 points clear at the summit with two games remaining. Im thankful to them every day because thats where I gained the experience that prepared me for training with big players like (Andrea) Pirlo, (Arturo) Vidal, (Claudio) Marchisio and (Gianluigi) Buffon. Im grateful to United but now Im at Juventus and Im happy here. Pogba has formed a formidable partnership with Italy international Andrea Pirlo in the centre of Juves midfield. The duo have scored 11 league goals between them this season and Pogba paid tribute to Pirlo by saying he wants to be like the veteran midfielder. Being with Pirlo is just great you learn every day with him and you just enjoy your football when you see him play, he said. Hes been a top player for many years now and when you watch him you just want to be like him.

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Giggs wants more protection for Januzaj

Posted: 06 May 2014 04:19 PM PDT

Januzaj appeared to be deliberately stood on by Hull midfielder David Meyler in an unsavoury incident during the closing stages of United's 3-1 Premier League win at Old Trafford, leaving the attacking midfielder with visible marks on his leg. Former manager David Moyes led the way in demanding protection for the 19-year-old during his brief 10-month tenure and now interim boss Giggs has joined the chorus in calling for action from the Football Association, who have the power to suspend Myler. "I didn't see it, but I've seen his leg (with stud marks)," Giggs told reporters after the match. "It's not great to see, it is terrible his leg. He needs protecting, he's a brilliant player, he's exciting, the authorities need to stamp down on it. "I'm not sure what can happen now but it was bad, I didn't see the stamping but I've seen his leg and it's a joke. "It's not broke the skin but it just goes from knee to his ankle." It is not the first time Januzaj has been the victim of a stamping incident, with Fulham defender Sascha Riether suspended for three games after the FA used trial by video to punish the German. Meanwhile, Giggs' playing future remains uncertain after the Welshman confirmed he would take time to think about the situation at the end of the season. The 40-year-old, who is out of contract in the off-season, was a second-half substitute in what could have been his final home appearance for United. With Louis van Gaal expected to take the reins in Manchester, Giggs is in contention to join the Dutchman's backroom staff but his days as a player are still up in the air. "Not decided yet, nothing's changed, just wait till the season's finished, get a holiday and then think about it in the next couple of weeks," he said.

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Januzaj can be a superstar, says Bruce

Posted: 06 May 2014 04:15 PM PDT

Januzaj, 19, impressed in United's 3-1 win over Hull at Old Trafford on Tuesday, days after being told he would be in Belgium's preliminary squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Bruce, a former United player who said the club would 'always be the greatest and best', believes Januzaj has a bright future ahead of him. "We see the young players they've got today, Januzaj in particular, that kid's going to be a superstar isn't he?" Bruce told a news conference. "If he keeps his feet on the ground, which I'm sure they will do here, then he's got everything the boy." It came on a day when debutant James Wilson, 18, netted a brace in United's win, which was completed by Robin van Persie's late strike. Bruce's side are winless in their past four Premier League matches, and the 53-year-old said keeping his squad focused had become a problem with their top-flight status secured. Hull have a shot at their first major trophy when they meet Arsenal in the FA Cup final on May 17. "Since we've got through (the FA Cup semi-final) the biggest problem I've had is keeping everybody focused on the job," Bruce said. "After Swansea (in the league) it was over and done, and my hardest problem has been to keep everyone focused on what lies ahead and that's been very, very difficult. "We need the final to come along quickly, but make no mistake, we'll be ready for it."

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United wait on Jones shoulder injury news

Posted: 06 May 2014 03:15 PM PDT

The England defender suffered a problem to his left shoulder in the first half of Tuesday's Premier League clash at Old Trafford and was taken to hospital for further medical checks amid concerns over the impact it could have to his chances of appearing at the FIFA World Cup. Jones collided with Maynor Figueroa as he rose to meet an Adnan Januzaj cornerin the penalty area and the 22-year-old landed awkwardly. Nemanja Vidic came off the bench to replace Jones at the heart of United's defence in his final Old Trafford appearance before joining Inter. And interim manager Ryan Giggs is yet to discover the severity of the centre-back's setback. "Phil Jones has gone to hospital," confirmed Giggs. "Hopefully he will be OK, it's too near to say what his condition is." "We'll have to see how he goes but it didn't look great." With the World Cup only weeks away, Jones and England manager Roy Hodgson will be hoping any damage is not too serious so he can be part of the squad in Brazil.

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Bruce beaming over Fryatt display for Hull

Posted: 06 May 2014 02:56 PM PDT

Fryatt's lively performance off the bench during Tuesday's 3-1 Premier League defeat at Manchester United was a major positive to emerge at Old Trafford for Bruce. The Hull boss made five changes to his side for the trip to United, presumably with the upcoming Wembley showpiece in mind, and Bruce's men initially struggled to get a foothold in the game. Bruce's decision to introduce Fryatt at half-time appeared to spark Hull into life and the striker was on hand to make it 2-1 with a curling 25-yard effort beyond David De Gea after debutant James Wilson's brace for United. And, although Robin van Persie added a late third for the home team, Bruce was pleased with his side's attitude, particularly Fryatt's desire to impress. "In the second half we decided to have a go at it and in the first half we were very comfortable," said the Hull boss to BBC Sport. "A lot of players have staked a claim to play in the FA Cup final. "Matty Fryatt has been terrific. He changed the semi-final and every time I have asked him to come on he has done well. "He looks favourite to take that position." Bruce also paid tribute to his opposite number as Ryan Giggs came off the bench to inspire United in the closing 20 minutes on what could be his final Old Trafford appearance as a player. "If it has ended for Ryan Giggs it has been some career," he added. "There will never be anyone as decorated. "Sometimes the word great is used too often but he has been one of the greats."

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Giggs: Good times will return for Man United

Posted: 06 May 2014 02:29 PM PDT

United are 18 points behind league leaders Liverpool with one game of the season remaining, but interim manager Giggs believes the club's supporters can expect the team to be back challenging for major honours again in the coming years after a disappointing last 12 months that saw David Moyes depart. The Welshman guided United to a victory in the final game at Old Trafford in 2013-14, with young striker James Wilson netting twice on his first-team debut. Robin van Persie also got his name on the scoresheet late on, his first goal since March after spending time on the sidelines with a knee injury, whileNemanja Vidic played his last game at Old Trafford before he leaves to join Inter. Speaking on the pitch at the end of the game, Giggs - who came off the bench to make what could be his final home appearance as a player - paid tribute to the United fans and urged them to keep the faith, although he stopped short of revealing what the future holds for him. "I'd just like to say a big thank you for your support this year," said Giggs. "A special thanks to Nemanja who's leaving us this year, he goes with all our best wishes and success in the coming years. "We know it's been tough this season and over the years we've been spoilt with all the success we've had, but you've always supported the team and I'm sure in the coming years we'll bring you more success. "I'd just like to say keep supporting us, you've seen a glimpse of the future tonight, that is what this club is all about, we give youth a chance. "We might not always win but we try and play attractive football, keep supporting us and the good times will come back soon."

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Premier League: Man United 3 Hull 1

Posted: 06 May 2014 01:41 PM PDT

The 18-year-old striker was trusted by interim manager Ryan Giggs to lead the line in United's final home game of the season on Tuesday and he rewarded that faith by finding the net in either half, much to the delight of the Old Trafford faithful. Wilson's first came in the 31st minute after Marouane Fellaini's assist and the teenager added a second just after the hour from close range. Substitute Matty Fryatt pulled a goal back for Hull two minutes after Wilson's second of the evening before Robin van Persie restored United's two-goal cushion with four minutes remaining with his first goal since March, a drilled effort from the edge of the penalty. Victory means United - who lost defender Phil Jones to a shoulder injury midway through the first half - can overhaul Tottenham and steal sixth spot on the final weekend of the season, while defeat for Hull extends Steve Bruce's winless run against his old club as a manager to 20 games. Giggs made eight alterations to the side beaten by Sunderland on Saturday as youngsters Wilson and Tom Lawrence were handed their first-team bows. Hull counterpart and Giggs' former United team-mate Bruce also made changes, no doubt with the upcoming FA Cup final in mind, and the visitors struggled to make any impact in the opening exchanges. Bruce's men were lucky to avoid conceding a penalty when Adnan Januzaj was tackled by Maynor Figueroa and the Honduran defender was in the thick of the action again when Lawrence's 16th-minute shot struck him on its way over the crossbar. The deadlock was finally broken after 30 minutes without a shot on target by Wilson following a Januzaj free-kick. The young striker latched onto a knockdown from Fellaini, his first assist of the season, and instinctively volleyed the ball into the bottom corner. Hull's lacklustre first-half display continued into the second period as United went close to doubling their lead. The effervescent Januzaj found space 25 yards from goal before firing a low shot towards goal that Eldin Jakupovic had no problems pushing away for a corner. United did get a second goal after 61 minutes and again it was Wilson who was on hand to score. After more excellent work from Januzaj and Fellaini saw an effort saved, Wilson pounced on the loose ball to double his tally. Substitute Fryatt found the bottom corner two minutes later with a superb curling effort from 25 yards to give Hull hope. Wilson was then replaced by Van Persie and Giggs also came off the bench to make what could be his final appearance as a player at Old Trafford. The Welsh winger made an immediate impact and produced some dazzling wing play that turned back time to bygone days when the 40-year-old terrorised defences. David Meyler had a late chance to snatch a point for the visitors, but David De Gea was equal to the task. And Van Persie punished Meyler's miss late on, the Dutch striker receiving a pass from Giggs before firing past Jakupovic at the second attempt to wrap up a comfortable victory.

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Giggs still has role at United, insists Bruce

Posted: 06 May 2014 04:08 AM PDT

Van Gaal will leave his post as Netherlands coach after the FIFA World Cup and is expected to be confirmed as the replacement for David Moyesthis week. Giggs has taken interim control since Moyes departure last month and will face Bruce at Old Trafford in his third game in charge on Tuesday. Bruce spent nearly nine years with United as a player and won three Premier League titles with Giggs under the guidance of Alex Ferguson. And the 53-year-old feels that the Welshman could play a pivotal role in helping Van Gaal succeed with United. Theres always going to be a place for Ryan at United because he has been a great there, Bruce said. But its a difficult one to call because if it is Van Gaal, he will have his own opinions on it. But Im sure they will find a space for Ryan somewhere. Hell do something and I dont think hell leave. He will be treated properly, Im convinced of that, and he will have some role to play. Ryan may still have a role as a player. If Ryan feels up to it, why wouldnt you keep him on? I saw him play a few weeks ago, and he still looks a very good player to me. If he was to be available on a free this summer, Id take him. He can come and see out his days at the KC (Stadium) in the Europa League.

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Vidic anticipating emotional farewell

Posted: 06 May 2014 02:41 AM PDT

Vidic's eight-year stay with United is to come to an end at the conclusion of the campaign, with the Serbian having agreed a deal to join Serie A club Inter for next season. The 32-year-old will take part in his final home game for the club on Tuesday as United, who can only finish as high as sixth following a hugely disappointing campaign, face Hull City. And Vidicconcedes that emotions are likely to be running high come the full-time whistle . "You never know what is going to happen with your emotions," Vidic toldThe United Review. "You can try to predict but I wasn't emotional before and I haven't cried yet. We will see what happens after the last game. It is going to be sad. "As we didn't do well this season, that walk around Old Trafford won't be the same after many years where we have always been celebrating something after the final game. "Now, it has become a chance to thank the fans for supporting us this year. I think this is definitely the least that we can do." Vidic is also keen to bow out on a high in his final two games to help restore belief among the United supporters as the club look to bounce back next season. "We must perform in these last games to give them something to look forward to next season and to believe this team can win again," Vidic added. "That is what the players are thinking about now - to try to put on good performances and build on that next season."

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The FourFourTwo Preview: Man United vs Hull

Posted: 06 May 2014 02:09 AM PDT

Billed as The dawning of a new era for United; a fact-finding mission for Hull. The lowdown Crikey, what a rotten season it's been for Manchester United. Having watched their team of champions crumble under the stewardship of David Moyes, their fans have also suffered the ignominy of seeing their most bitter of rivals –Liverpool and Manchester City, not to mention Jose Mourinho (the man many feel they should have appointed last summer) –duking it out for the title. At times, it must have felt like some horrific, out-of-body experience. This, then, is a chance to bid farewell to a grim campaign as well as some departing personnel. If speculation is to be believed, manager-in-waiting Louis van Gaal is due to be unveiled this week; his first move will be to sweep away some of the remnants from Fergie's successful squad. Defender Nemanja Vidic is set to leave for Inter Milan in the summer, and recent performances suggest his partner Rio Ferdinand might struggle to survive the Van Gaal cull (one paper even linked him with a move to Arsenal in the close season), while winger Nani has been linked with Juventus. As if to underline the issues at United, England manager Roy Hodgson has also delivered some worrying news for Fergie's previously reliable international stock. "I'm pretty certain that the Manchester United players will understand that there's no God-given right that, because they've played in a few games up to now, they'll play all the games in the future," he said of England's looming World Cup campaign. "It's up to me to pick who the best players for the job are at any given moment." Fortress Old Trafford truly is creaking. It's a different story over at Hull. Safe from the drop under Steve Bruce and assured of a Europa League spot, the club have also secured a place in the FA Cup final. Their opponents are Arsenal, a team who play a form of brisk, expansive football previously expected at Old Trafford. This match represents something of a dilemma for Bruce, then. Should he stick with his strongest team in an attempt to build momentum towards their Wembley showdown? Or should he rest his wearier players and ensure fresh legs for an Arsenal team notorious for choking on the big stage? Decisions, decisions. Team news Hull emerged from their disappointing 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday unscathed, though defender James Chester will miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury. Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long–both of whom will be cup-tied for the final –are available for selection here, but long-term injuries headaches Allan McGregor, Paul McShane and Robbie Brady are unavailable. For United, the only development of note is that Wayne Rooney may return from a niggling groin complaint. Key battle: Wayne Rooney vs Curtis Davies The Hull centre-half has had an impressive campaign this year, leading to some pundits (well, Paul Merson) mentioning his name in the same breath as international selection. Arguably, he has enjoyed one of the better periods of his career, though Hull's tendency to leak goals –11 in the last four fixtures –will be a worry. Rooney, meanwhile, will be pumped at the chance of ending this season on a relative high. The frustration at watching United's crown slip has been etched into his face, though his work-rate, as always, remains high. Dependent on how well he has recovered from a groin issue, this might be a reminder to Hodgson that, come the summer, he is very much a man with a point to prove. The managers Well, the honeymoon period didn't last long did it? Following on from their crushing victory against a Norwich team in their death throes, United succumbed to Sunderland, a team on arguably one of the most inexplicable survival charges in memory. Stand-in manager Ryan Giggs looks unlikely to stay on beyond the summer: Van Gaal waits in the wings with Patrick Kluivert as his preferred No.2. According to The Mirror, Giggs has told United's decision-makers that he is unwilling to take a minor role within the new unit. Other quotes suggest an acceptance that he might not remain at the club for good. "I could have another 20 to 25 years in the game," he said. "And it might not all be spent at Old Trafford. If I went elsewhere it would be strange, but I can see myself doing that. The association I have with United will always be special. If I have to do it I'll do it, but how it will feel I don't know." In a week where Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis made calls for Bruce to be named Manager of the Year, the former United player has been able to revel in a season of impressive landmarks for Hull. Though there have been some cautionary words, too. "On an awful day [against Aston Villa], if someone had said to me two years ago we'd be safe in the Premier League, planning for a FA Cup final and in Europe, they'd be carting me off in white coats," he said. "It's quite remarkable. But we'll not last long in Europe playing like that. We won't play that badly again." Facts and figures United have won their last 6 league matches against Hull, including all 5 Premier League clashes. Hull have won 0 and lost 9 of their 10 previous league games away at United (D1). Rooney has scored 6 goals in 4 PL games against Hull, including 4 in 1 match in January 2010. Hull have never kept a clean sheet in a league match away at United, conceding 30 goals in their 10 trips. Hull have kept only 2 clean sheet away from home in the PL all season, only Fulham (1) have kept fewer on the road this season in the competition. United have lost more home games this season than Norwich (6) and West Brom (5). More FFT Stats Zone facts FourFourTwo prediction Tentative Hull to keep one eye on Wembley and succumb to another mauling. 3-0 United. Man United vs Hull LIVE ANALYSIS with Stats Zone

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Facts: Which England player has scored or created 28 goals in 28 appearances this season?

Posted: 06 May 2014 01:23 AM PDT

On a bank holiday weekend where Liverpool's title hopes were almost killed off thanks to a 3-3 draw at Crystal Palace, Manchester City took a giant leap towards reclaiming the top-flight crown with a vital 3-2 win over Everton at Goodison Park. Meanwhile, the relegation battle is all but over after Sunderland's win against Manchester United at Old Trafford meant defeats for Cardiff and Fulham at Newcastle and Stoke respectively sent them both down. Norwich are virtually Championship-bound despite a hard-fought goalless draw at Chelsea. West Ham 2-0 Tottenham Andy Carroll had more shots (7, excluding blocked shots) than any other player this weekend, and only Eden Hazard (13) had more touches in the opposition box than him (12). Mark Noble won 9/9 tackles for West Ham in this game, a round-high figure and the most by a West Ham player in a match this season. Analyse the game with Stats Zone Aston Villa 3-1 Hull Villa made more unsuccessful passes (107) than any other side this weekend. Hull didn't complete a single dribble in this match, only the third time this season a team has done this. Analyse the game with Stats Zone Man United 0-1 Sunderland Man United had 17 shots in this game (including blocked) but only 2 hit the target. Sunderland scored with their only shot on target in this match. Analyse the game with Stats Zone Newcastle 3-0 Cardiff Newcastle had a round-high 11 blocked shots in this match. Cardiff managed just 2 successful lay-offs in this match, the fewest of any side this weekend. Analyse the game with Stats Zone Stoke 4-1 Fulham Stoke attempted 599 passes (completing 520) in this match – both Premier League records for the Potters. Only Michael Carrick (116) had more touches than Steven N'Zonzi (112) this weekend. Analyse the game with Stats Zone Swansea 0-1 Southampton Swansea played 49% of their passes in their own half in this game, the highest percentage of any team this weekend. Southampton conceded just 5 fouls in this game. Analyse the game with Stats Zone Everton 2-3 Man City Ross Barkley attempted (12) and completed (9) more dribbles than any other player this weekend. Only two different players have completed more dribbles in a Premier League match this season. Man City had the most shots from inside the box (11, excluding blocked) this weekend, and the fewest from outside the box (1, excluding blocked). Analyse the game with Stats Zone Arsenal 1-0 West Brom There was only 1 shot on target in the second half of this game (Arsenal managed it). West Brom managed only 1 shot on target in the whole game. In no Premier League game have they notched fewer this season. Analyse the game with Stats Zone Chelsea 0-0 Norwich Chelsea managed only 1 shot on target in the second half (4 in total). Chelsea had 76% possession in the second half. Despite playing just 45 minutes, Eden Hazard had more touches in the opposition box than any other player this weekend (13). Analyse the game with Stats Zone Crystal Palace vs Liverpool Joe Allen scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool, in his 50th league appearance for the Reds. Liverpool have scored 48 away league goals this season, the most recorded on the road in a Premier League season by any team. Steven Gerrard provided his ninth assist from a set-piece this season, 4 more than any other player. Liverpool scored their 14th headed goal of the season, which is 2 more than any other team. Liverpool have scored in 18 of their 19 away league games this season, failing to score only at Arsenal. Liverpool's away games this season have produced 80 goals, the most in a Premier League season. Luis Suarez equalled the record number of goals in the 20-team era of the Premier League (31, with Alan Shearer in 1995/96 and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007/08). Suarez is the first Liverpool player to score 31+ league goals in a single season since Ian Rush scored 32 in 1983/84. Mile Jedinak produced his first assist of the season. This match contained 4 left-footed goals, the joint-most in a match this season. Daniel Sturridge has scored (21) or assisted (7) 28 goals in 28 Premier League appearances this season. Liverpool threw away a three-goal lead for only the second time in the Premier League era (drew 3-3 at Southampton in August 2000). Analyse the game with Stats Zone

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