Fletcher tips bright future for Herrera |
- Fletcher tips bright future for Herrera
- Mata buoyed by early form
- Top 10 televised games you need to watch this season
- Personal reasons behind Evras Juventus switch
- Hernandez coy on talk of Man United exit
- Cavani certain he will stay with PSG
Fletcher tips bright future for Herrera Posted: 31 Jul 2014 09:56 PM PDT After Herreras transfer fell through on the final day of the transfer window in January, United came calling again in June and completed the signing of the Spanish midfielder in a big-money deal from Athletic Bilbao. Herrera, who penned a four-year contract, has flourished in the United States since making the move to Manchester, making the midfield position his own under new manager Louis van Gaal. Speaking ahead of Saturdays International Champions Cup fixture against Real Madrid in Michigan, veteran midfielder Fletcher told the clubs official website the 24-year-old is set to make a big impact in the Premier League. Hes a really talented footballer, Fletcher said. He has great enthusiasm and great energy in midfield. He always wants the ball and is always looking to make things happen. His enthusiasms infectious - its rubbed off on a few of us already - and he works hard for the team. He wants to learn and listen, he takes on instructions well and off the pitch hes a good lad. Hes settled in really well and not only with the other Spanish-speaking lads. I think hes going to be a key player for Manchester United. While Fletcher is tipping the former Real Zaragoza man to make an instant impact, the Scot said the arrival of Herrera and Luke Shaw bodes well for the future at Old Trafford. First and foremost, theyre both great lads. Theyre also top-quality players on the pitch, he said. Theres no doubt in my mind theyre great acquisitions not just for the quality they bring to the team right now but for what theyll bring in the future. Theyre both young and should have many years ahead of them here. Im sure theyll develop into real Manchester United players and help us win trophies. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
Posted: 31 Jul 2014 04:54 PM PDT Van Gaal was officially unveiled to the media on July 17, following his commitments with the Netherlands at the World Cup in Brazil, and he has hit the ground running at United. The Dutchman has introduced a new 3-5-2 formation - based on a three-man defence with two wing backs - and overseen three consecutive wins over the Los Angeles Galaxy, Roma and Inter in the United States. While Van Gaal recently admitted United will struggle for the first three months as they attempt to adapt to a change of system, Mata saidthe early signs have been promising ahead of Saturdays International Champions cup clash with Real Madrid in Michigan. The managers new system could be very good for us, Mata told Uniteds official website. Obviously we need to train more and improve but I think its very difficult for opponents when we play like this. For me personally, playing behind two strikers is a great position to help me perform at my best level. The first thing the manager told us in pre-season training was that the first three months of this season would be hard, because we had to change our mindsets and understand what he was trying to do, and there was a new system as well. Mata added: It will take time to fully adapt but, in the meantime, we are doing our best. Were enjoying training and the most important thing is that we are learning from him, because he is a very experienced coach. United open their Premier League campaign against Swansea City at Old Trafford on August 16. |
Top 10 televised games you need to watch this season Posted: 31 Jul 2014 08:00 AM PDT Sat Aug 16:Man United vs Swansea (BT, 12:45pm) After United's Chosen One disaster, it's the straight-talking Louis van Gaal who takes centre stage on the opening day, as his Reds side kick off the new Premier League season against Swansea. After intense media attention (and adulation), the 62-year-old will be keen for his side to deliver a convincing performance from the outset. EvenMoyes' men won this same fixture against the Welshmen away from home last season. Ah, memories. Sun Aug 17: Liverpool vs Southampton(Sky, 1:30pm) Having already signed Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren from Southampton, Liverpool's clash withtheir opening-day rivalswill be an inevitablyhigh-charged encounter. Who knows how Ronald Koeman's new side will be shaping up by the time their Anfield trip comes around, but it'll be interesting to see how they begin what many predict will be a difficult campaign. Sat Aug 23: Aston Villa vs Newcastle(BT, 12:45pm) Having ended last season under pressure from their respective fanbases, both Paul Lambert and Alan Pardew will be praying their sides make a positive start to the new season. With Newcastle opening the season against Manchester City and Villa facing Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea in September, this fixture could go a long way to shaping opinions and expectations for the year ahead. Sat Aug 30: Burnley vs Man United (BT, 12:45pm) A trip to the Liberty Stadium is almost light relief for Burnley, sandwiched in between the visits of Chelsea and Manchester United to Turf Moor. It's fair to say the Clarets' return to the top flight is to open in challenging circumstances. But optimistic fans will point to their shock 1-0 victory over the Reds back in 2009, courtesy of Robbie Blake's thunderbolt volley, as inspiration for the current generation. With a relatively straightforward beginning to the season for United, meanwhile, Van Gaal will want to avoid any embarrassing slip-ups. Sat August 30: Everton vs Chelsea (Sky, 5:30pm) Can he do it again? Having led the Toffees to fifth place last season, the real challenge now for Roberto Martinez is sustaining it. Successive home fixtures against Arsenal and Chelsea will show whether the Spaniard's side still possesses the quality to compete against the very best, let alone handle the demands of European football. The encounter is also an interesting one for Romelu Lukaku, who'll line up against his former charges as a permanent Toffee. Sat Sep 13: Arsenal vs Man City(BT, 12:45pm) After the record signing of Mesut Ozil last summer, Arsenal have again raided the coffers for Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers. But with this money comes increased expectations. Having led for so much of last season before falling away in a familiar fashion, the question is whether the Gunners will mount a credible title challenge this time. This clash with the current Premier League champions could tell us a lot about their chances. Sun Oct 5: West Ham vs QPR(Sky, 4:15pm) Will Allardyce's West Ham play attractive football? Will QPR flop again in the top flight? Will Rio Ferdinand be an inspired signing or another overpaid has-been? By this point, we might at least have an idea of answering some of these questions. In any case, a return to Upton Park for Rio and Harry Redknapp should make this an interesting match-up. Sun Oct 26: Man United vs Chelsea(Sky, 4pm) Van Gaal's first big challenge at Old Trafford. Annoyingly, the Dutchman has already vowed not to be drawn into a war of words with Jose Mourinho, after Chelsea's Portuguese prince claimed Luke Shaw's wages would have "killed" the Blues. Van Gaal remained unmoved."He shall not do that with me," declared our Louis. "I play against Chelsea, and not against Jose Mourinho. My team and his team are playing against each other." Sat Nov 1: Newcastle vs Liverpool(BT, 12:45pm) A Premier League fixture that nearly always delivers goals, epitomised by that famous 4-3 in 1996. Last season's encounter at St James' Park produced a thrilling 2-2 as the Magpies held on for a point with 10 men. Both sides have made a number of exciting attacking investments this summer, so it wouldn't be wrong to anticipate yet another goalfest. Sat Nov 8: Liverpool vs Chelsea(BT, 12:45pm) Even before last season's decisive corresponding fixture, a modern rivalry had long emerged between Chelsea and Liverpool from the days of Rafa Benitez and Mourinho. However, the west Londoners' 2-0 victory at Anfield spoiled the hosts' march to the title, and sparked a Brendan Rodgers rant about his former mentor. Last season's events have surely revitalised a rivalry that will provide imperative viewing when the sides meet for the first time next season. SEE ALSO Top 10 non-televised games you should go to this season This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
Personal reasons behind Evras Juventus switch Posted: 31 Jul 2014 07:22 AM PDT The France left-backagreed a two-year contract withthe Serie A champions earlier this month after asking to leave United towards the end of the previous campaign. His decision to move onended an eight-and-a-half year stay in England that saw the 33-year-old lift five Premier League titles, three League Cups and the UEFA Champions League. Evra revealed on Thursday that although he had signed a one-year extension atOld Traffordin May,he had no hesitation in making the switchto Turinonce a£1.2 million deal had been agreed. "It was really difficult to leave Manchester United, it was for personal reasons," he said at a media conference in Turin. "Three months before the end of the season I asked to speak to other clubs and when I knew Juventus were interested it was an easy decision, but the most difficult thing was to leave Manchester United. "Manchester had great confidence in me. I spoke to [United manager Louis] Van Gaal who was sorry to see me go, but I wanted to come to Juventus." Juve have won the past three Serie A titles under Antonio Conte, however there preparations for the new campaign were thrown into doubt when the head coach left his role with the club on July 16. Massimiliano Allegri replaced Conte at the helm and Evra, who does not have any concerns about the 45-year-old's departure, is ready for the challenges that come with defending the league crown. "The minute Juventus came calling, I knew it was the right choice for me," he added. "They have the same winning mentality as me. "Juve wants to win this year, I have never won the championship four times in a row, but it won't be easy. "I managed to do it three times with Manchester United and know how difficult the challenge is. "We hope to do well in the Champions League too. It's a great competition and we'll look to go as far as we can." This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
Hernandez coy on talk of Man United exit Posted: 31 Jul 2014 05:05 AM PDT The Mexico international has been tipped to leave the club during the current transfer window, with Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck providing stiff competition for forward places. Unless Hernandezcan convince Louis van Gaal he merits a starting role, the 26-year-old looks set to be on his way, with Inter and Atletico Madrid reportedly interested in his signature. The former Guadalajarafrontman said he would "not say no" to any interested sidebut acknowledged the interest from Inter. "I know there is much interest in me from the Italian club and I thank them for this," he told LaCorriere dello Sport. "There are also other teams and everything obviously is pleasing, but right now I belong to Manchester United. "It would be disrespectful to mention other teams even though I do not know what will happen once the tour of the US concludes. "[Inter] are a great club, but if I were to transfer, I would not say no to any club. "Italian football, however, is amongst the best in the world, I have followed it since I was little and it would be a very important showcase at a personal level." This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
Cavani certain he will stay with PSG Posted: 31 Jul 2014 01:50 AM PDT The 27-year-oldonly joined PSG from Napoli 12 months ago, but has been linked with another move in the current transfer window. Manchester United are among those to have been linked with the attacker, but Cavani insists he has no doubt over his future plans. He told L'Equipe: "I'm certain that I'll stay - why wouldn't I? "I feel very good in Paris,I have a contract to respect at PSG. I'd prefer to be here. I feel good here." Cavani was often utilised in a wide role during his first season with PSG, but revealed any issues over his position have been resolved ahead of the new Ligue 1campaign. "We had some small problems with respect to the position I wanted but I feel very good about that," he added. "I waited for the right moment to speak. It's important for a striker to play in a position which is natural for him. Now everyone knows myposition and it's not worth talking about." PSG begin their 2014-15season on Saturday, taking on Guingamp in the Trophee des Champions in Beijing. |
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