More stories

  • in

    How Man Utd could line-up against West Brom with Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood doubts but Martial out with injury

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has something of an injury crisis on his hands ahead of Manchester United’s clash with West Brom.
    Having not played since the 3-1 win at Everton due to the international break, the Red Devils boss would have hoped to have come out of the blocks firing.

    How Man Utd could line-up against West Brom on Saturday

    But Solskjaer could be without his ENTIRE group of strikers, while also missing key men in defence.
    In attack, Man Utd will definitely be without Anthony Martial, who suffered a back injury on France duty.
    And there are doubts too surrounding Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.
    Rashford missed the international break with a shoulder injury, while Solskjaer asked both England and their Under-21s to not pick Greenwood.

    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
    Under-21s boss Aidy Boothroyd admitted Greenwood ‘has had a lot of niggling injuries and a lot of things going on in his life’.
    That leaves only Edinson Cavani available to lead the line should they miss out.
    And the new-boy – who scored his first United goal against Everton – is a doubt himself.

    Cavani only recently returned from Uruguay duty and even missed Thursday’s training session.

    Another way Solskjaer could line-up his Man Utd squad on Saturday

    The ex-Paris Saint-Germain veteran is still most-likely to lead the line, flanked by Daniel James and Juan Mata should Rashford and Greenwood miss out.
    In midfield, Solskjaer is likely to pick his preferred trio, with Scott McTominay and Fred playing deeper, and Bruno Fernandes slotting in at the No10 position.
    David De Gea will keen his place between the sticks.
    But with Luke Shaw out with a hamstring injury, Alex Telles may be forced to start at left-back after seemingly recovering from coronavirus, having returned a fresh negative test.
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka will continue at right-back, but there are concerns in the heart of defence.
    Phil Jones is unregistered, while there are injury doubts surrounding Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly.

    Maguire complained of a bruised foot following England’s win over Iceland.
    Lindelof played through the pain for Sweden despite a back injury, while Bailly could be fit, but has been out of action since early October.
    Bailly was picked for Ivory Coast’s two games during the international break – but failed to play in either match.
    That means Axel Tuanzebe will likely start, with Solskjaer hoping Maguire is pain-free for the match.
    Man Utd welcome West Brom to Old Trafford for Saturday’s 8pm kick-off.

    Man Utd vs West Brom FREE- Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time, team news for Premier League game More

  • in

    Man Utd winger Daniel James vows to fight for place after hitting top form with Wales

    DANIEL JAMES has vowed to fight for his Manchester United place after less than three hours of league action this season.
    The winger produced a top display for Wales in Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Finland, recording a superb goal and an assist.

    Daniel James scored a superb goal against Finland in Wales’ 3-1 Nations League win on Wednesday

    James has featured in just three Premier League games for Manchester United this season

    But despite falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford and being linked to a move to Leeds, James will not give up on his United dream.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
    The 23-year-old said: “Man United is my club and I love it there — whether I’m playing or not.
    “There were times I played a lot last season and I may not have played as much this time.

    “But I’m sticking in there and I’ll always be in and around it. I’ll never think differently to that.”
    James, who cost an initial £15million from Swansea in June 2019, returns to United for Saturday’s clash with West Brom buzzing after his 25-yard sizzler in Cardiff.
    His screaming, air-punching celebration signalled huge relief.
    He added: “You could see I was very happy to see it hit the back of the net. It helped I had less time and I instinctively hit the shot.

    “I feel really good at the moment. When I do play, I give my all.

    “And I’m as proud to play for Wales as I am for Man United.”
    James, who also set up Kieffer Moore’s header to seal Wales’ promotion to Europe’s elite, added: “The future is bright for Wales, definitely.
    “We all look confident here. It’s a great bunch of lads.
    “We all bond so well and you see that on the pitch.”

    Man Utd set to offload four outcasts in January transfer window including Jones and Fosu-Mensah to lower wage bill More

  • in

    Celtic could make ‘very strong statement’ with Dean Henderson transfer from Man Utd amid frustrations behind De Gea

    FORMER Scotland and Rangers boss Alex McLeish believes Celtic can make a ‘very strong statement’ by signing Dean Henderson on-loan.
    Reports claimed earlier this week that the England international goalkeeper, 23, has grown frustrated at playing No2 to David De Gea at Old Trafford and wants to temporarily leave for game time.

    Dean Henderson has been linked with a loan move to CelticCredit: Reuters

    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
    He enjoyed two stunning years at Sheffield United previously, and there would undoubtedly be a queue of clubs happy to recruit him in January.
    Celtic failed to re-sign Fraser Forster from Southampton last summer after allowing Craig Gordon to leave on a free.
    They instead brought in Vasilis Barkas, but the new boy has been dropped in recent weeks and replaced by Scott Bain.

    That has led to the Scottish champions being linked with a swoop for the Red Devils stopper once the transfer window re-opens.
    United appear open to allowing their young ace to depart again for further experience.
    And McLeish has told Football Insider that Henderson would be a superb acquisition for the Bhoys.
    He said: “Yeah, he’s quite special. From the footage I saw of him from the whole of last season he was at a fabulous level.

    “His team actually had a great season built on the back of some fantastic work by him.

    “That’s what they say about a goalkeeper, they can save you, a good club goalie, 10 points a season, an international goalie 15 points a season, a world-class goalie, 20-odd points a season.
    “These are the numbers that these goalkeepers, along with the coaches, strive to make and that, for me, would be a very strong statement.”
    England boss Gareth Southgate handed Henderson his first cap when he came off the bench in last week’s win over Republic of Ireland.
    But the Three Lions boss has told him he will not be considered as first-choice if he is not playing at club level.
    Henderson has been restricted to just three appearances for United this term, with two in the Carabao Cup and another in the embarrassing 2-1 Champions League to Istanbul Basaksehir.

    Dean Henderson expects to be Man Utd No1 next season as he fights for England place More

  • in

    Chelsea star Reece James celebrates Man Utd ace sister Lauren’s first England call-up with family pic

    REECE JAMES has celebrated his younger sister, Lauren, being called-up by England for the first time.
    The Chelsea star, 20, beamed on Instagram as he congratulated his sibling on her debut Lionesses bow.

    Reece James has congratulated sister Lauren on her first England call-upCredit: Instagram / @rjames

    Lauren James has been starring up front for Man Utd in recent monthsCredit: PA:Press Association

    Reece has established himself as arguably England’s No1 right-back – battling Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker for the starting spot.
    And now Manchester United star Lauren, 19, is hoping to lead England’s women to glory.
    Lauren had been called-up for the Lionesses game against Norway on December 1.
    However, due to coronavirus, she will be forced to wait for her debut, with the match having since been called off.

    On the teenage striker’s international call-up, proud brother Reece captioned his snap: “Congratulations @laurennjjames on your first @lionesses call up.
    “Keep working hard. The future is yours.”
    Lauren was called up by England on Tuesday – and took to Twitter to reveal her joy.
    She tweeted: “Honoured and grateful for my first Senior @Lionesses call up!”

    Reece James is now an established member of England’s first-team squadCredit: AP:Associated Press

    Arsenal and England legend Ian Wright replied: “Delighted for you Lauren. Fully deserved.”
    At the time of her call-up, boss Phil Neville claimed: “I’m delighted to give Lauren James her first senior call-up.
    “She is an exciting young player  hat we want to help develop further. 
    “She joins the squad alongside many other young players who we’ve introduced over the last few months.”

    Delighted for you Lauren. Fully deserved.
    — Ian Wright (@IanWright0) November 17, 2020

    England defender Reece James celebrates his side’s 3-0 win over Ireland at Wembley More

  • in

    Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma beats Man Utd captain Harry Maguire as ten best heading defenders in Premier League so far revealed

    CHELSEA star Kurt Zouma is the Premier League’s best header of a football in the 2020-21 season so far, beating Manchester United captain Harry Maguire.
    The Blues defender, 26, has turned his career around under Frank Lampard this season after being on the brink of being sold not long ago.

    The best headers of a football in the PL in 2020-21 so far

    Kurt Zouma has won all but ONE of his aerial battles this seasonCredit: Rex Features

    But Zouma has formed a strong partnership with veteran Brazil star Thiago Silva this season.
    And it has led to the Frenchman winning a staggering 96.3 per cent of his aerial duels, according to CIES Football Observatory.
    Zouma has won 26 out of his 27 headed battles, easily the best record in the Premier League.
    But that success rate of over 96 per cent is also the best in Europe – not just in the ‘Big Five’ leagues, but the entire continent.

    ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
    Amongst Premier League players, only Maguire can boast a tally of 90 per cent or more, aside from Zouma.
    The Man Utd skipper has won 27 of his 30 aerial battles – a success rate of exactly 90 per cent.
    To put Zouma and Maguire’s incredible efforts into context, only SIX other players in the entire Premier League can boast a success rate of over 80 per cent.

    Everton’s Yerry Mina has won 86.2 per cent of his headers, while Burnley star James Tarkowski has a success rate of 85.7 per cent.

    Harry Maguire has won an incredible 90 per cent of his headed battlesCredit: PA:Press Association

    Leicester ace Jonny Evans (84.6 per cent) and Aston Villa star Tyrone Mings (83.3 per cent) come in fifth and sixth.
    Southampton’s Jan Bednarek is seventh with a success rate of 81.4 per cent.
    But Bednarek really stands out having attempted an outrageous 43 headers, winning 35 of them – easily the most in the Premier League this term.
    Leeds star Liam Cooper (80 per cent), Tottenham’s Matt Doherty (78.6 per cent) and Wolves ace Willy Boly (76.9 per cent) complete the top ten.

    Man Utd set to offload four outcasts in January transfer window including Jones and Fosu-Mensah to lower wage bill More

  • in

    Youri Djorkaeff reveals he rejected Man Utd and Liverpool transfer to join Bolton after talks with Ferguson and Houllier

    YOURI DJORKAEFF has revealed he rejected Manchester United and Liverpool to join Bolton in 2002.
    The France legend, now 52, was one of the biggest names in football when he stunned the world by moving to the relegation-battling Trotters.

    Djorkaeff has revealed he turned down Liverpool and Man Utd to join BoltonCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    After spells at Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Kaiserslautern, Djorkaeff revealed he was forced to quit the German club.
    He was ordered to find first-team football if he was to be considered for France’s 2002 World Cup squad by then-national boss Roger Lemerre.
    Despite being courted by Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier and Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson, Djorkaeff was lured across The Channel by Big Sam Allardyce.
    On his move to the Reebok Stadium, Djorkaeff told The Football Mine: “I had some difficulty with my coach at Kaiserslautern.

    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
    “I had dinner with Sam Allardyce in Germany and we talked about anything and everything.
    “He told me about the situation at the club and how they were near relegation.
    “I saw this tough guy and his passion for this club and their fans and it got to me.”

    Djorkaeff continued by saying he wanted to ‘conquer England’ – while revealing his avid Liverpool fandom.

    Djorkaeff was convinced to head to the Reebok Stadium by Sam AllardyceCredit: PA:Press Association

    The 1998 World Cup winner added: “I thought like a chevalier (knight): let’s conquer England, let’s cross Le Manche (The Channel).
    “When I had been playing, my attitude to England was the same as all French people; it was hate-like-hate-like.
    “But I was crazy about Liverpool and remember cheering them on when they were playing Saint Etienne in 1977 in the European Cup.
    “All these guys with their crazy hair and those red shirts.
    “I bought lots of Liverpool shirts and hats all the time – not wearing them, just collecting.
    “I was fascinated by the club and the fans.”

    Djorkaeff helped Bolton survive relegation and stayed for two more seasonsCredit: PA:Press Association
    But Djorkaeff admitted he turned down Liverpool, as well as Fergie’s Man Utd, to head to Bolton.
    He claimed: “I was talking to Liverpool, Manchester United and Bolton all at the same time.
    “I spoke to [then Liverpool boss] Gerard Houllier, who was a great friend, but he said I cannot promise you to be playing all the time.
    “We were approaching the 2002 World Cup and I spoke to Roger Lemerre, the French national coach, who told me I needed to be playing to be considered.
    “It was the same with Sir Alex, so, I thought: ‘I’ll go to Bolton for the last 12 games.’
    “I didn’t know what to expect but I was in love with England, in love with its s***ty weather, the people, the fans.”
    On Djorkaeff’s arrival in England, Bolton were staring relegation squarely in the face.
    But the forward chipped in with four goals in their final 12 games as they somehow survived relegation, finishing four points ahead of 18th-placed Ipswich, in 16th.
    Djorkaeff fell so in love with Bolton he stayed for two more full seasons, scoring 20 times in 75 goals in all, leading the club to eighth in his final season.
    Long after the France star’s retirement, Allardyce paid tribute to Djorkaeff when picking his best XI of players he’s worked with.
    Big Sam said: “Youri was top-class, a brilliant human being as well as a brilliant footballer.”

    Shaun Custis says it’s not over the top to compare Jack Grealish to Gazza More

  • in

    How Man Utd could line up vs West Brom without Martial, Rashford AND Greenwood as France star suffers back injury

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER could be without Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood when Manchester United face West Brom on Saturday.
    The attacking trio are all doubts to be named in the matchday squad as the Red Devils look to win their first Premier League game at Old Trafford this season.

    This is how Manchester United could start against West Brom on Saturday

    And United are now sweating over the fitness of Martial after the striker came off during France’s 1-0 win against Portugal with a back injury.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
    Martial then failed to take part in Les Bleus’ training session on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s Nations League clash against Sweden.
    It’s touch and go whether Rashford is available for United’s weekend fixture as he is currently recovering from a shoulder problem.

    The 23-year-old picked up the injury during the 3-1 win against Everton, leading the player to withdraw from the England squad.
    His Three Lions team-mate Greenwood could also miss out on facing the Baggies due to illness.
    Goalkeeper David De Gea is likely to yet again keep out Dean Henderson to start between the sticks for United on Saturday.
    Right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka will almost definitely be named in the line-up, with a centre-back pairing of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire once more.

    And it could be a first Premier League appearance for Brazilian left-back Alex Telles after he tested negative for coronavirus.

    First-choice left-back Luke Shaw is out for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury, paving the way for Telles to come into the side.
    Fred could start alongside Scott McTominay in the centre of midfield after they impressed together at Goodison Park.
    And Bruno Fernandes will likely once again be deployed in a more advanced role as he looks to add to his six goals this term.
    Should Martial, Rashford and Greenwood all miss out, then Edinson Cavani could be handed his first start in the Premier League.
    Juan Mata could then feature on the left wing, with Wales international Daniel James on the right flank.

    Harry Maguire says Man Utd are the biggest team in the world and that’s why everybody loves seeing them lose More

  • in

    Man Utd’s ten most expensive transfers in and out and where they are now including Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria

    MANCHESTER UNITED have never been shy in splashing the cash in their quest to be the best team on the planet.
    But in recent years, with the Premier League titles drying up, they’ve been forced to spend even bigger.

    Man Utd’s biggest transfers ever, both in and out, including Ronaldo

    From Paul Pogba and Harry Maguire to Angel Di Maria and v, United have time and time again shattered the £50million barrier.
    But which players have been involved in Man Utd’s ten biggest transfers – both in and out of the club?
    We take a look, counting down from No10 to No1 as the Red Devils hunt their first league title since 2012-13…
    10. NEMANJA MATIC

    Man Utd spent £40m on Matic to bring him in from Chelsea in 2017Credit: AP:Associated Press
    From: Chelsea

    To: Man Utd
    Fee: £40m
    AFTER three more years at Chelsea in his second stint at Stamford Bridge, Matic joined United in 2017.
    Matic has gone on to play 128 times for the Red Devils since then, including 89 Premier League matches.

    The 48-cap Serbia star is yet to win a trophy with Man Utd, coming closest in 2017-18, when losing the FA Cup final.
    Matic joined immediately after United lifted a Europa League-League Cup double and is still at the club.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
    9. ANTHONY MARTIAL

    Martial signed from Monaco for a fee rising up to £57.6m in 2015Credit: AFP or licensors
    From: Monaco
    To: Man Utd
    Fee: £44.5m*
    THE French striker turned heads when he joined United from Monaco for £36m in 2015 – then aged just 19.
    However, Martial’s fee COULD rise as high as £57.6m based on incentives, according to his former club – and is thought to stand at £44.5m as of today.
    Martial has scored 73 goals in 229 games – often played out on the left wing – since joining.
    He has won the FA Cup, Europa League and League Cup since joining from France.
    The 25-cap France striker is goalless in four Premier League games so far this season.
    8. AARON WAN-BISSAKA

    Wan-Bissaka has established himself as one of the best defensive full-backs in England since his £50m moveCredit: AFP or licensors
    From: Crystal Palace
    To: Man Utd
    Fee: £50m
    ON signing for United at the start of last season, Wan-Bissaka became the sixth-most expensive defender in football history.
    He was also the most-expensive uncapped English player at the time of his transfer.
    Since joining from Palace – where he was named the club’s Player of the Year in 2018-19 – the right-back has established himself as one of the best defensive full-backs in the world.
    However, some critics have suggested he needs to work on his attacking game if he is to thrive in the modern game.
    Wan-Bissaka has made 41 Premier League appearances after playing all but three matches top-flight last season.

    7. BRUNO FERNANDES

    Bruno Fernandes has been in superb form since his £50.8m January moveCredit: AFP or licensors
    From: Sporting Lisbon
    To: Man Utd
    Fee: £50.8m*
    FERNANDES joined United in January for £46.6m – signing a five-and-a-half-year deal.
    Having played a huge role in leading the club back into the Champions League, United have now spent £50.8m on the No10.
    That fee could rise to £55m, with the remaining £4.2m all based on appearances made at the Old Trafford club.
    Fernandes has already scored 13 times in just 22 Premier League games, with his expert penalties helping the club pick up some vital wins at the back end of last season.
    Most-recently, Fernandes scored twice as United came from behind to beat Everton 3-1 as they look to get their season back on track after a rocky start.
    6. FRED

    Fred has started to become a more regular starter at Man Utd in recent monthsCredit: EPA
    From: Shakhtar Donetsk
    To: Man Utd
    Fee: £52m
    THE Brazilian midfielder join the club in 2018 from Shakhtar Donetsk for a staggering £52m.
    Since arriving, Fred has scored just once 52 Premier League games.
    Despite being a divisive figure amongst fans early in his career, Fred has become a mainstay in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s 4-2-3-1 formation this season.
    The ex-Shakhtar star has formed an impressive partnership with Scott McTominay in the two deep-lying roles, between the defence and Fernandes.
    The 11-cap Brazil international – who hasn’t played for his country since October 2018 – is yet to win a trophy with United.
    But his solid season last year saw him in named in the Europa League Squad of the Season.
    5. ANGEL DI MARIA

    Angel Di Maria is one of United’s most expensive signings and salesCredit: Reuters
    From: Real Madrid & Man Utd
    To: Man Utd & PSG
    Fee: £59.7m & £44m
    THE Argentine star features TWICE on this list – involved in a big-money move both in and out of Old Trafford.
    Di Maria joined United in 2014 for a then-club-record – and British record – £59.7m from Real Madrid.
    But after just one underwhelming season, he was shipped off to Paris Saint-Germain at a loss of nearly £16m.
    The winger – who has won trophies galore in France – scored just three times in 27 Premier League games, with one of those his iconic chip against Leicester.
    Di Maria is still at PSG to this day, having won 15 trophies – including four Ligue 1 crowns.
    4. ROMELU LUKAKU

    Lukaku signed for £75m and was sold for £73m two years laterCredit: AFP or licensors
    From: Everton & Man Utd
    To: Man Utd & Inter Milan
    Fee: £75m & £73m
    ANOTHER player to feature twice on this list – Lukaku was signed from Everton in 2017 for a staggering £75m.
    In two seasons at Old Trafford, Lukaku showed his exceptional talent in fits and spurts, but struggled for consistency.
    The Belgian scored 28 times in 66 Premier League games and was sold to Inter Milan last summer in a deal worth £73m – just £2m shy of what they spent on him.
    Since moving Lukaku has become one of the world’s best strikers, scoring 41 times in just 57 games in Italy, including five Serie A goals in just six matches.
    Lukaku has also scored twice in just two Champions League games this term.
    3. CRISTIANO RONALDO

    Cristiano legft Man Utd for a then-world record £80m in 2009Credit: Reuters
    From: Man Utd
    To: Real Madrid
    Fee: £80m
    RONALDO left United in 2009 to join Real Madrid for a then-world-record £80m – having scored 118 times in 292 games in all competitions.
    The Portuguese superstar won three Premier League titles and one Champions League – as well as the first of his five Ballons d’Or – at Old Trafford.
    But things only got better for Ronaldo upon joining Real Madrid where he scored at better than a goal per game, with 450 strikes in 438 matches.
    Ronaldo won two LaLiga titles and four Champions League crowns during his nine-year stay, before joining Juventus in 2018 for £99m.
    Since moving to Italy, Ronaldo has won back-to-back Serie A titles – but has recently been linked with a move back to Man Utd.
    CR7 could even head back to Old Trafford on a free…
    2. HARRY MAGUIRE

    Harry Maguire is the most-expensive defender on the planet at £85mCredit: PA:Press Association
    From: Leicester
    To: Man Utd
    Fee: £85m
    MAGUIRE became the world’s most-expensive defender after signing for United last year in a deal rising from £80m to £85m.
    In his debut season, the England centre-back played a lung-busting 55 times in all competitions and was arguably the first name on the teamsheet.
    Somewhat understandably, Maguire has struggled to replicate his top form this season, but has still played ten matches, scoring once.
    Maguire even grabbed his second England goal during the international break after netting in the 3-0 win over Ireland.
    His first came in the 2018 World Cup quarter-final win over Sweden.
    1. PAUL POGBA

    Pogba joined Man Utd from Juventus for a then-world record £89m in 2016
    From: Juventus
    To: Man Utd
    Fee: £89m
    POGBA quit United in 2012 to join Juventus with just three Premier League appearances under his belt.
    He returned four years laster for a then-world record £89m with a reputation for being one of the best midfielders on the planet.
    However, his return to Old Trafford has been dogged by injuries and rumours of unrest, with Pogba publicly stating his desire to leave in 2019, with Real Madrid then circling.
    In 2020-21, Pogba is struggling to break into the first-team, with Fred, McTominay and Fernandes the preferred midfield trio.
    The 2018 World Cup winner scored just once in 16 Premier League games last season, and is goalless in seven matches this term.

    Harry Maguire says Man Utd are the biggest team in the world and that’s why everybody loves seeing them lose More