Saturday, 3 May 2014

Verheijen: Van Gaal perfect for United

Verheijen: Van Gaal perfect for United

Verheijen: Van Gaal perfect for United

Posted: 02 May 2014 07:57 PM PDT

The fallen Premier League champions are on the lookout for a new manager after David Moyes was sacked in April, just 10 months into a six-year deal. Van Gaal, who will leave the Netherlands following the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, is favourite to fill the void left by the Scotsman, with some reports suggesting he may be unveiled as soon as next week. In an interview with British newspaper The Mirror, former Wales assistant coach Verheijen believes the 62-year-old is the right man to return United to their glory days. Van Gaal is extremely keen to take a job in the Premier League, Verheijen said. Van Gaal is a team builder from scratch and like a teacher. I think he would be perfect for Manchester United. The fact there could be as much as 200m to spend on new players is a huge attraction. If most of that money had already been spent in the last year then I think it would have been less interesting to take this job. Then he might have to deal with players he might not have bought himself. Verheijen was critical of Moyes throughout his brief tenure at Old Trafford, using Twitter to voice his disapproval with aspects of the 51-year-olds coaching and tactics. While claiming Moyes was out of his depth in Manchester, Verheijen said United officials should take responsibility for appointing the wrong manager. You really wonder if the people who are responsible at Man United are actually doing their homework, he said. I dont think it is so much the problem and responsibility of David Moyes. But if the people at United had done their homework they would never have appointed David Moyes, they would have appointed someone else. When you are managing Man United you need different tactical qualities to when you are an underdog like Everton. It has to do with tactical flexibility.

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Fellaini saddened by Moyes sacking

Posted: 02 May 2014 06:37 PM PDT

Moyes lasted just 10 months into a six-year contract after United decided to pull the pin last week following a disastrous season that has left the club languishing in seventh position in the Premier League. Fellaini, who has also come in for heavy criticism this season for a number of unconvincing performances, was Moyes first signing at Old Trafford following his arrival from Everton for a reported fee worth 27.5million. Having spent five years together at Goodison Park, the Belgium international admitted it was disappointing that his working relationship with Moyes had come to an end. Although, Fellaini conceded United officials had little option but to axe the Scottish manager on the back of their worse campaign in recent memory, which also means they will miss the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 19 years. It was a hard week for me (last week) because I was close with the manager, Fellaini told MUTV ahead of Saturdays clash against Sunderland. I was sad, but thats football. Results are the most important thing in football so the club decided to make the choice. Now we have a new manager and we are looking forward. We have three more games left in the season and we want to finish strong. Outgoing Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal is reportedly set to take the reins following the FIFA World Cup but, in the meantime, United legend Ryan Giggs has been named as interim manager until the end of the season. Working alongside fellow club legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, Giggs first match in charge resulted in a thumping 4-0 win over relegation candidates Norwich City and Fellaini sad the successful trio had the respect of the United players from day one. When they came in the first thing I saw was that the players respect the manager and I think thats important, said Fellaini. They were big players before and they know the club and the biggest manager (Sir Alex) Ferguson.

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Thiago Silva: Premier League? Im not a big fan

Posted: 02 May 2014 01:15 PM PDT

The 29-year-old centre-back swapped Milan for Paris in July 2012; one of many big-money signings for nouveau riche Paris Saint-Germain in a €42 million deal. He has also been courted by fellow heavy spenders Manchester City, as well as Manchester United and Barcelona. While speculation over his future intensified last month after reports of a falling-out with PSG boss Laurent Blanc upon exiting the Champions League to Chelsea – another side once keen on recruiting him. However, speaking exclusively in the June 2014 issue of FourFourTwo, the former Fluminense stopper reveals he's not a big fan of the English top flight, claiming there's a lot of long ball and that he sees no future for himself there. "The Premier League is great, but honestly, I'm not a big fan," he tellsFFT. "I enjoy the games, but if you ask me if it's my dream to play there one day? Physically it's very strong, with so many aerial balls, but despite me doing well in the air I don't see myself playing in England one day." The Brazil skipper will be hoping to lead his country to a sixth World Cup crown on home soil later this year, adding to last summer's Confederations Cup triumph, and hold aloft the famous gold trophy at the Maracana on July 13. "That's what I look forward to – getting your name written forever in the history of Brazilian football and raising the World Cup trophy. It'll be remarkable." Read the full interview with Thiago Silva in the June 2014 issue of FourFourTwo which is a World Cup special, featuring interviews with fellow Samba stars Paulinho and Bernard, plus four of England's lions: Danny Welbeck, Ross Barkley, Jack Wilshere and Raheem Sterling. The magazine also begins its look at the 50 greatest World Cup matches, reveals a 22-step masterplan for England success in 2022 and recalls the Baden-Baden days of the 2006 tournament when the WAGs hit the headlines. Available in print and in a specially-designed-for-iPad version from Saturday May 3.

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In the mag: World Cup special! Neymar, Welbeck, David Luiz, Wilshere more

Posted: 02 May 2014 10:30 AM PDT

It's the most wonderful time of the... four-year cycle. The World Cup is upon us and, frankly, it's almost all we can think about. The good news is that we've crammed plenty of it into our new issue, available from Saturday May 3in printandin a specially-designed-for-iPad version. And it's not just the usual magazine - we've also put together a separate 74-page preview supplement. The glossy guide features everything you need to know about all 32 teams, info on all the host cities, tactical analysis, interviews with the likes of David de Gea, Mathieu Debuchy and Marouane Fellaini and an introduction to Brazil from the one and only Ronaldo. We've spoken to a host of players who'll be making the trip to Brazil in the coming weeks - including five Englishmen looking to make a splash at their first ever World Cup. Believe us when we say they're as excited about it as you are. But it's not just England who go under the FFT microscope... Never has one team - and one man - felt such a weight of their country's expectations to win the World Cup. FourFourTwo has learnt from stars past, present and future if Neymar Co. can handle the pressure of a World Cup in their own back yard... Young, talented and on the attack - England's new breed are ready and waiting to storm the samba nation. Danny Welbeck, Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Jack Wilshere tell FFT why they're not scared of taking on the best. Welbz and friends may have their eyes firmly on Brazil 2014, but the common theory is that, for England, this tournament is the chance to learn with a view to future success. If that's the case, there could be some big changes ahead, and FFT has drawn up a 22-step masterplan for glory in 2022. They went, they spent, they loved the attention. The WAGs made a lot of headlines eight years ago, but did England's other halves really cost Sven's charges the 2006 World Cup? FFT hits the Black Forest to find out... While England failed in 2006, Italy triumphed. That was the Azzurri's fourth world crown, which suggests Italy know their way around a tournament. But what is the Italian blueprint exactly? And if it's been so successful, why are they saying arrivederci to catenaccio, and taking up keep-ball? To celebrate the impending World Cup, FFT has drawn up a list of the 50 greatest games in the history of the tournament. Football's four-yearly festival has had so many cracking conests that we couldn't fit them all into one issue - so we've split the list in two. This month: the dirtiest game and the biggest shock. With a thriving domestic league and a national team heading into another World Cup, US 'soccer' has come a long way since since 1994, when the Land of the Free hosted a tournament book-ended by two dodgy penalties. FFT looks back at USA 94 with a little help from members of the current squad, and assesses the legacy left behind. As management debuts go, that of Ashley Westwood (the former Manchester United trainee and Crewe, Sheffield Wednesday, Northampton and Wrexham defender, not the current Aston Villa midfielder) is different to say the least. Yet the former journeyman is taking India by storm - with a little help from old boss Sir Alex Ferguson... The new issue also features an extensive One-on-One interview with former Tottenham, Arsenal, Portsmouth and England defender Sol Campbell, Cafu's all-time Brazilian dream team and Performance tips from Giorgio Chiellini and Mario Gotze. The June 2014 issue of FourFourTwo was brought to you by... Ronaldo, Jurgen Klinsmann, David Luiz, David de Gea, Sol Campbell, Dani Alves, Raheem Sterling, Danny Welbeck, Rivelino, Mario Gotze, Will Hughes, Danny Ings, Alexi Lalas, Diego Godin, Thiago Silva, Graham Zusi, Giorgio Chiellini, John O'Shea, Paulinho, Mauro Silva, Ashley Westwood, Brian Barwick, Joe Hart, Bernard, Ross Barkley, Michel Vorm, Landon Donovan, Sam Winnall, Gianluca Vialli, Cristian Tello, Jon Goodman, Michael Carrick, Cafu, Marouane Fellaini, Fernando Gago, Roberto Carlos, David Nugent, Matt Besler, Jack Wilshere, Graham Poll, Mathieu Debuchy, Alessandro Diamanti, Kyle Beckerman, Alex McLeish, Diego Forlan, Teo Gutierrez, David Davies, Ignazio Abate, Ross McCormack, Eder, Man v Food's Adam Richman and American Samoa's transgender player​. Available from Saturday May 3in printandin a specially-designed-for-iPad version.

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Poyet eager to complete great escape

Posted: 02 May 2014 09:20 AM PDT

Head coach Poyet stated after last months 5-1 hammering at Tottenham that it would take a miracle for his side to avoid the drop, but they now have control of their own destiny. A Sunderland victory at Manchester United on Saturday, combined with a Norwich City defeat at Chelsea the following day and both Cardiff City and Fulham failing to win, would all-but ensure the Wearside club remain in the Premier League. And Poyet, whose side have a significantly better goal difference to the three sides below them and a game in hand, believes it would afford him a first opportunity to relax since taking the reins at the Stadium of Light in October. That would be the first week during my time at Sunderland that I could relax a little bit, maybe play golf, he said. The Uruguayan is reluctant to state how many points he reckons would guarantee his sides survival, but is eager to avoid a tense final day. Its very difficult to say, he continued. Our idea a long time ago was four wins, so we are still two wins away. We need to make the same points as Norwich and hope that the other two teams do worse than us. The closer you get, its not about the points, its about having three teams behind you somehow. The best way is winning a couple of games. It could go to the wire, there is still a possibility, so we need to make sure we take our opportunity this weekend. Connor Wickham was handed the Premier League player of the month award for April and Poyet expressed his delight for the striker, who has scored five goals in his last three appearances after spending loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United this season. He totally deserved it because, with respect to everybody, there wasnt a player in that kind of form in the last few weeks, Poyetsaid. There were teams that did very well - Palace won four or five games in a row, but there was not one player standing up and being the difference. But for us, it was Connor with no doubt. However, Poyet stopped short of tipping Wickham for a place in Englands FIFA World Cup squad, adding: Every single English player needs to be ready. I know a few have more of a chance than others.

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No decision taken on future, says Giggs

Posted: 02 May 2014 02:49 AM PDT

The United legend took over as interim manager at Old Trafford last week after David Moyes' unsuccessful tenure was brought to an end. Giggs oversaw a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Premier League strugglers Norwich City in his first game at the helm, and has been backed to take the reins on a permanent basis by several past and present United players. However, the United hierarchy are thought to prefer a more experienced option, with Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal the hot favourite to be appointed. Those rumours will not distract Giggs from the task of preparing his side for Saturday's showdown with Sunderland. The 40-year-old says discussions over his future will take place at the end of the campaign. "Nothing has changed. (This job) is just until the end of the season," Giggs said in a press conference on Friday. "We will chat when the season is over. The main concentration I have is on the Sunderland game and then after that the remaining two games. "I have a lot to think about - whether to continue playing. But my concentration is just on now. We will see what happens at the end of the season."

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Giggs calms fears over Rooney fitness

Posted: 02 May 2014 02:25 AM PDT

Reports emerged on Thursday suggesting the England international had left training prematurely to undergo a scan on a groin injury, sparking immediate fears over his involvement for Roy Hodgson's side at the global showpiece in Brazil that starts next month. Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of United's Premier League game with Sunderland on Saturday, Giggs revealed that Rooney had a slight groinstrain and was also struggling with illness. However, the striker has not yet been ruled out of facing Sunderland at Old Trafford. "A few of the lads have had a bug. Anders Lindegaard has, Wayne Rooney has too. Wayne also has a tight groin," said Giggs. "You have to be careful with the bug because the immune system is down a bit but, Wayne being Wayne, he wants to play. We'll monitor it over the next 24 hours." Giggs was handed a further boost this week with Robin van Persie's return to training following a six-week lay-off with a knee injury, although Saturday's game may come too soon for the Dutchman. "Robin has been back training this week. He's looked good," Giggs added. "Whether tomorrow is too early we'll just see how he goes today. He's looked really good this week." Giggs will lead United for the second time since being asked to temporarily take the reins after the dismissal of David Moyes. The Welshman is looking for back-to-back victories following last weekend's 4-0 rout of lowly Norwich City.

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Hodgson backs Januzajs Belgium decision

Posted: 02 May 2014 01:07 AM PDT

The Football Association were reportedly keen to entice the Manchester United winger to commit his international future to England, though the 19-year-old would not have been eligible to do so for another four years. Januzaj qualified to represent a host of countries including Albania, Turkey and Serbia, but last week announced his intention to play for the country of his birth, and he could now feature for Marc Wilmots' men at the FIFA World Cup. Rather than be disgruntled by that decision, Hodgson believes it would have been strange for Januzaj to commit to England considering how long he would have to wait to make his debut. "If a player isn't eligible to play for England until 2018, then what's the problem if he goes and plays for someone else?" Hodgson said. "I'm sorry, but sometimes I don't see what the fuss is about. "He's not English anyway - let's be fair. We can argue that, under the current FIFA rules, by 2018, he might be eligible to play for England. "But how can you be upset in 2014 if he goes and plays for one of the other countries that he's actually eligible for? He was born and brought up in Belgium. We can't be disappointed by that. "It would be very different if he was available to play for us and we passed up the opportunity and he went to play for Belgium. The question would be relevant. But it's not relevant when he can't play until 2018."

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The FourFourTwo Preview: Man United vs Sunderland

Posted: 02 May 2014 01:03 AM PDT

Billed as Fearless Black Cats aim to wreck Giggsy's honeymoon. The lowdown With Manchester United already having one eye on next season, there's been much debate on the club forums this week as to whether they could do without the distraction of Europa League football. United fans won't take many positives from the last 10 months – although a 3pm home kick-off on a Saturday (in May!) will be a welcome treat – but heading into the new term with no European distractions could be just what the club needs to focus minds on a top-four assault (well that and a few big-money summer signings. And a permanent manager). The Red Devils will probably need to win all of their final three games to have any chance of beating Spurs to that final European place – Hull and Southampton follow Saturday's visit of Sunderland – but the wave of optimism brought about by Ryan Giggs's presence in the dugout could be enough for United to make a late charge. Despite the distraction the Consolation Cup might cause, the Interim One, understandably, is targeting qualification while he is briefly in charge. "We are relying on other teams dropping points but I think it is important you have European football at Old Trafford," said Giggs. "I want to win [the final] games and I want European nights at Old Trafford, it is as simple as that." If Giggsy achieves his short-term goal, it's worth remembering that from next season the Europa League winners get a pass into the Champions League, which was a smart move by UEFA. Now all they need to do is ditch the seedings, the drawn-out group stage and the subsequent arrival of the Champions League duds for the knockout phase – instead returning to the UEFA Cup days of names-in-the-hat, two-legged ties, straight-knockout – and they'll have a real competition on their hands. Next up for Giggs is a side who were 35 minutes away from bagging a Europa League spot themselves in the League Cup final just two months ago – having won at Old Trafford in the semi-finals – but who are now solely focused on Premier League survival following a remarkable resurgence in April. Seemingly cast adrift at the bottom just three weeks ago after a home loss to Everton on April 16, Gus Poyet's side have responded in a remarkable manner, drawing at Manchester City, winning at Chelsea and then thumping relegation rivals Cardiff 4-0 last weekend. Only West Brom have avoided Premier League relegation after being bottom at Christmas (in 2004),but if the Black Cats can avoid defeat on Saturday they'll be well on course to repeat the feat – especially with winnable homes games to follow against West Brom and Swansea. Team news The headline news for United is that Robin van Persie could return, having recovered from his knee injury far quicker than expected. "He came back last Friday and trained well," said Giggs of the Dutch forward, who's been out with a knee injury since March 19. "He just needs to work on his fitness now but he looked great. We'll just have to wait and see how he goes this week." Giggs will also be without Rafael due to a thigh problem, while Wayne Rooney 'only' has a tight groin after reports on Friday suggested he could miss the World Cup. Poyet has stuck with the same starting XI for the past three games so it would be a surprise to see him rotate. Steven Fletcher is out (ankle ligaments), while Ki Sung-Yueng's knee knock should finish his season and his loan spell, with the South Korean ineligible to face parent club Swansea on the final day. Key battle: Nemanja Vidic vs Connor Wickham In his penultimate game at Old Trafford before leaving for Inter Milan, United's Serbian skipper will want to leave on a high following a frustrating season blighted by injury and David Moyes's desire to rebuild the Red Devils' defence. Last weekend's 4-0 win against Norwich might not have been his biggest test in his eight years at the club, but the 32-year-old looked very assured, topping the match stats for interceptions (5), clearances (19) and aerial duels (winning 12/12). On Saturday he'll be up against a 21-year-old striker who in a matter of weeks has been transformed from £8 million flop to potentially the saviour of Sunderland's top-flight status. With a solitary goal in his previous 37 Premier League outings, Wickham was only recalled from a loan spell at Leeds due to Fletcher's injury, but he hasn't looked back since finding the net at the Etihad, with 5 goals in his last 3 games. After getting the better of the Prem's meanest two defences, Wickham's newfound confidence was there for all to see against Cardiff. Of his 6 shots on goal (the highest in the game), his 2 on target both bothered the back of the net. Described by previous boss Paolo Di Canio as a "playboy model" who needed a "slap in the face" to get motivated, the former Ipswich striker has found plenty of love from Poyet. "We talk about needing a miracle but this team needed a shock – and Connor has provided it. He's changing everything," gushed Gus following last week's relegation battle. And with a brand new tattoo inked across Wickham's chest and shoulders – as he proudly unveiled on Instagram – it's odds-on he'll be whipping his shirt off at Old Trafford, even it's to trade with United's Serbian destroyer at full-time. The managers Even if he does win all four games Giggs is unlikely to be offered the United job full-time,but the Welshman is being lined up to work alongside the next boss – although his role will depend on who that is. With Real Madrid reaching the Champions League final, Carlo Ancelotti appears unlikely to exit the Bernabeu, meaning Louis van Gaal – a coach with a large entourage of loyal assistants – is the favourite. As for Poyet, if he can drag Sunderland out of the drop zone having taken the club to a first cup final in 22 years, he'll head to his summer holidays a very content man. "It's the most strange, incredible and unexpected season I've experienced in my entire career," he said. Facts and figures United have won their last 6 games with Sunderland including 5 win/win doubles. 10 of United's 17 home games vs bottom-half teams since start of last season have had at least 4 goals. 14 of Sunderland's last 19 trips to top-half teams have had at least 3 goals. Sunderland have conceded first in 9 of their last 14 away matches against top-half teams. Best Bet:Over 3.5 Goals @ 2.30 More FFT Stats Zone facts • Find the best odds with Bet Butler FourFourTwo prediction The three points are far more important to the visitors, but with the gloomdispersed around Old Trafford, Giggs to edge ever closer to his Europa League dream. 2-1. Man United vs Sunderland LIVE ANALYSIS with Stats Zone

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