Fabregas : I prefer Arsenal over Manchester United

Arsenal are reportedly set to make a £35million bid for Cesc Fabregas after he told Arsene Wenger he wants to return to the club.

Fabregas’ days at Barcelona look increasingly numbered with new manager Luis Enrique not thought to be a fan of the pass-master.

Manchester United have been strongly linked with a move for the 27-year-old, but reports now claim that he wants to return to Arsenal – and the Gunners are working on a £35million offer.

It’s not clear where he’d fit into Arsene Wenger’s plans, with Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey firmly established in the Arsenal engine room, but Fabregas is seen as a player who is too good to ignore.

Arsenal have the first option to sign him because of a buy-back clause which was inserted in his contact when he was sold to Barca.

It means that Arsenal get the first opportunity to sign the player, if Barca put him up for sale.

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Evra signs Manchester United extension

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him at Old Trafford until the end of the 2014-15 campaign.

The left-back has been vocal in his uncertainty over his future but, the new manager Louis van Gaal was keen to retain the Frenchman's services.

The 33-year-old triggered a unilateral option to extend a contract worth over £6 million annually into a fourth season with his appearance record under the Dutchman's sacked predecessor, David Moyes.

Evra was a target for Serie A champions Juventus - with a two-year deal on offer - but has now opted to remain at Old Trafford.

Despite being keen to keep Evra at the club, manager Van Gaal has also approved United's attempt to sign Luke Shaw from Southampton and it is his intention to split left-back duties between the young England international and veteran Evra.

The former Monaco defender joined Manchester United in 2006 and has enjoyed a highly successful spell in England, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League.

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Man Utd agree deal for Toni Kroos

The Red Devils have been in talks with the Bundesliga champions over a suitable deal for the last two months, but David Moyes' sacking created an obstacle.

However, reports claim the deal has made significant progression after Louis Van Gaal formally replaced the Scot on Monday, with the 'principles of an agreement' now in place.

The Germany midfielder is approaching the final year of his contract and Bayern are looking to sell to avoid Kroos leaving on a free next summer.

And the Dutch boss is keen to make the 24-year-old one of his first signings as he looks to rebuild a broken United.

Van Gaal is understood to have a £200m budget to play with in the summer, with both the midfield and defence desperately in need of new talent.

Next season United will be without Nemanja Vidic (Inter Milan), Rio Ferdinand (free) and long-term attacker Ryan Giggs, who will take the position on Van Gaal's assistant manager.

Left-back Patrice Evra could also be on his way out of Old Trafford, with Luke Shaw reportedly close to signing as his replacement from Southampton.

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Van Gaal: Sir Alex Ferguson won't be a problem for me

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal does not believe the presence of Sir Alex Ferguson at the club will negatively influence his Old Trafford reign.

Questions were raised over the former United manager's continued involvement at the club during David Moyes's unsuccessful spell in charge.

But the current Netherlands coach is sure he will not face the same problems, claiming he is his own biggest critic.

“I don’t think he (Ferguson) is the biggest problem,” Van Gaal said. “I put more pressure on myself than others do.

“I’ll undoubtedly have a drink with Ferguson. We’ve done that before and we like each other.

“But nobody can put more pressure on myself than I do, so I do not expect any problem with Ferguson.”

The Dutchman also insisted he will be in charge of identifying transfer targets this summer, but will not play a role in negotiations to sign players.

Van Gaal added: “I say which players I want and which players can leave. But they (United) have to negotiate. I’ve never interfered with transfers.”

Van Gaal has been viewed by many as a short-term appointment by United, but the 62-year-old believes he can manage into his 70s, though he will leave all transfer negotiations to chief executive Ed Woodward.

“In three years I’ll be 65,” he added. “How old was Bobby Robson? In his 70s.

"[Giovanni] Trapattoni is still active, but I can’t see myself like that.”

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Van Gaal : Mourinho is jealous of my CV

Louis van Gaal has revealed that Jose Mourinho texted him on his appointment as Manchester United manager to reveal his jealousy at the list of clubs the Dutchman has managed.

Van Gaal's imminent move to Old Trafford will provide the latest chapter in an illustrious career which also includes spells in charge of Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Mourinho was interviewed by the Catalan giants prior to the appointment of Pep Guardiola in the summer of 2008, and was widely reported to be keen on succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson as United boss before David Moyes was chosen.

And speaking to Dutch television channel RTL, Van Gaal claimed that Mourinho - his former assistant and long-time friend - had been in touch to reveal his awe at his mentor's CV.

"Jose Mourinho was one of the first people that texted me when I got the job. He said that he was jealous of my resume of clubs," Van Gaal said with a smirk.

The 62-year-old also insisted he does not foresee any problems with Ferguson, who remains on the board of directors at United and previously endorsed Ryan Giggs for the manager's job.

"I will probably have a drink with Sir Alex Ferguson, but we've done that a couple of times before," he added. "We get along quite fine.
"I don't think his pressure will be a big problem. I put a lot of pressure on myself. We need to get United back to the summit, as soon as possible.

"Maybe people will think that this will happen in the first seeason, but we'll have to see. In the end, there's only one team that becomes champions."

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Ferdinand : Manchester United will regret Vidic exit

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand fears that the club could end up regretting Nemanja Vidic's departure - just as they did Jaap Stam's exit in 2001.

Vidic, 32, will join Inter in the summer after opting not to renew his contract and Ferdinand has compared the loss to that of Stam - of whom Sir Alex Ferguson later admitted that "in playing terms, it was a mistake" to let the Dutch centre-half go at the age of 29.

Stam was sold to Lazio in the summer of 2001 and went on to play at the top level with various clubs for another six years.

"Only time will tell if Man United regret allowing [Vidic] to leave," Ferdinand told reporters at the launch of BBC Sport's World Cup coverage.

"Obviously Jaap Stam played on for quite a few years at a good level after he left Man United and the same thing could happen with Nemanja. He's a great player and it's a shame he had to leave."

The 35-year-old Ferdinand could join Vidic in leaving Old Trafford this summer with his contract also due to expire.

The former England captain was coy on his future, insisting that no decision will be made until David Moyes's long-term successor - who will be Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal - has been confirmed.

"I'm fit, I'm healthy and I want to continue playing," Ferdinand added. "I've spoken to a lot of mates of mine in the game and they all say the same thing - keep playing for as long as you can. I want to do that.

"The club at the moment is in a position where they can't really make any decisions about anything. For me to be saying that I want to do this or that is irrelevant.

"We've got to see who becomes the new manager and boxes will be ticked from there.

"I just want the best solution for the club. Whatever it is, I'll respect it and, after that, I'm open to offers. I'd rather wait and see what happens at United and then there'll be a decision made."

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Januzaj : CR7 my role model for Manchester United success

Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj says that he is using former Red Devils hero Cristiano Ronaldo as a model for his development.

Since making his United debut against Sunderland as an 18-year old earlier in the season, the Belgian is now regarded as one of the brightest prospects in world football and sees the Real Madrid superstar as the example to follow.

Januzaj cites the Portuguese's commitment to physical training in the gym as a particular lesson as he attempts to become stronger on the ball.

"I watch [Ronaldo] a lot and try to do the same things that he does," the youngster told Inside United. "He is a very good player.

"I always look at him and watch his games as well and try do what he is doing and remember what he did at Manchester United.

"I have to work hard in the gym like he did because, when he came here, he wasn't strong but, after a year or so, he became really strong and could push people away. I'm getting a bit stronger now due to the gym work."

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Southampton - Manchester United Match Preview

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Vidic: My heart will remain at Manchester United

Nemanja Vidic insisted his heart will always be with Manchester United after making his last home appearance for the club on against Hull City on Tuesday.

The Serbia centre-back was brought on as a first-half substitute for the injured Phil Jones against Hull City after being presented with a gift by United legend Sir Bobby Charlton for his eight years of service.

In that time, Vidic won five Premier League crowns, three League Cups, five Community Shield winners' medals, one Club World Cup and one Champions League.

And despite celebrating his home farewell with a 3-1 victory, the 32-year-old admitted it was a "tough night".

"Physically I will leave but my heart will always be at this club. I've spent so many years here," said Vidic, who has agreed to terms to join Serie A side Inter.

"I've worked with so many great people and will always watch and care about United.

"It was a tough season. It has been a tough night - it was very emotional."

Vidic is adamant United will recover from a horror season which has seen them fall from first to seventh in the Premier League and looks set to deprive the club of European competition next season.

"A lot of players leave the club and a lot come here. United will always be the same and will always attract good, big name players," he added.

"I don't think it will be any different when the transfer market starts."

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Verheijen: Van Gaal perfect for Manchester United

Louis van Gaal would be the perfect fit for manager-less Manchester United, according to outspoken Dutchman Raymond Verheijen.

The fallen Premier League champions are on the lookout for a new boss after David Moyes was sacked in April, just 10 months into a six-year deal.

Van Gaal, who will leave the Netherlands following the World Cup in Brazil, is the overwhelming favourite to fill the void left by the Scotsman, with some reports suggesting he may be unveiled as soon as next week.

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," the Dutchman told the Daily Mirror.

"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 £200 million (€240m) 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-old's coaching and tactics.

While claiming Moyes was out of his depth in Manchester, Verheijen said United officials should take responsibility for appointing the wrong successor to Sir Alex Ferguson.

"You really wonder if the people who are responsible at Man United are actually doing their homework," he added.

"I don't 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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Rio Ferdinand keen to extend Manchester United stay

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says he is happy at Old Trafford and has reiterated his desire to renew his contract with the club.

The 35-year-old's current deal is set to expire at the end of the season and, with no talks having taken place over an extension, he has been linked with a summer move to a host of clubs, including LA Galaxy.

But, just 24 hours after caretaker manager Ryan Giggs called on the club to extend Ferdinand's one-year deal, the former England international has admitted he is keen to stay put – though he concedes he will have to wait to see if the club's new permanent manager intends to retain his services.

“Obviously I'll be waiting, playing the games until the end of the season and see what happens,” Ferdinand told BT Sport in an exclusive interview. “See if a new manager comes in or Giggsy gets the job, whoever, we'll have to wait and see.

“I feel fit, I feel healthy, I feel good. I'm enjoying my football so I'll definitely be playing on for another year, hopefully two or three more. But I'll take it year by year and hopefully another year.

“The most important thing is the club and the club's position with who they go with and once that's sorted out then everything else can take place after.

“As I said I'm happy here, I love playing my football. Manchester United's been great for me, it's enabled my dreams to come true and a lot of the things in football for me. So I have to respect whatever decision the club do and I'll do what's best by the club.”

David Moyes was sacked two weeks ago having overseen a wretched campaign – United currently sit in seventh – and Ferdinand believes Giggs has restored the feel-good factor at Old Trafford.

“The season hasn't gone to plan, it hasn't gone as well as what we want it as a club,” he added. “You don't like looking at the league table. When you're top of the league or fighting for the league you're always looking at the table, every morning you wake up, it's in your mind.

“Right now it's not something you want to look at, it's not pretty. So it's not been good in that sense and we want to see it improving and obviously the changing of management, Giggsy and (Paul) Scholesy, (Nicky) Butty, Phil (Neville) and the others are in charge now and it's been good.

“It's been 10 days or so now we've had with them, enjoying the training and stuff. Giggsy seems to have taken to it really well.”

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Kagawa linked with Borussia Dortmund return

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels has told Kicker that Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa would be welcomed back at the club with 'open arms'.

Kagawa left Dortmund for Old Trafford two years ago and he has scored six goals in 54 appearances for United.

However, he has started just 12 Premier League games this season amid suggestions United have struggled to get the best out of the Japan international.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a return to Dortmund and Hummels would not complain if Kagawa was re-signed by the Bundesliga club.

"We would take him with open arms, of course," he told Kicker.

"Having an offensive line with [Marco] Reus, [Henrikh] Mkhitaryan and Kagawa would certainly be stylish.

"But I would not say anything about the other great players we have playing for us. The attacking midfield is probably the best part of our team without Shinji."

Hummels is also not concerned by the impact any possible big-money signings this summer will have on the morale of Jurgen Klopp's squad.

He added: "I cannot imagine that it would be a big issue with us. In our team we are not only out for success.

"At the end of the day, everyone is responsible for their own contracts. Nobody forced us to sign them. We want to play good football.

"If we had a star attacker who earned more money than us, no one would feel bad about it."

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Mourinho not interested in Man Utd job

Jose Mourinho has categorically ruled himself out of the running to take the vacant managerial position at Manchester United.

The Portuguese was considered one of the favourites to replace Sir Alex Ferguson last year, but David Moyes was chosen to take the position and Mourinho opted to return to former club Chelsea.

Moyes's tenure proved short and unsuccessful, with the Scot leaving on Tuesday less than 12 months into a six-year contract and Mourinho has made it clear there is no chance he will leave Stamford Bridge for another job.

At a press conference on Friday ahead of Chelsea's match against Premier League leaders Liverpool, Mourinho said: "Of course not, I don't know how somebody can think about it.

"I left Real Madrid to come specifically to Chelsea. I signed a four-year contract. I told Chelsea they never have to worry about me because I never want to leave.

"So I'm here as long as they want me to stay. No job would move me from Chelsea."

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Everton - Manchester United Match Preview

PROBABLE LINEUPS

MISSING PLAYERS

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Guardiola: Defeat vs Manchester United is unthinkable

With their FC Hollywood swagger, Bayern Munich are not the sort of club you would associate with self-doubt and fragility, especially after a season of setting record-breaking benchmarks of excellence.

Yet for all that, there were a few hints of nervousness flitting around the Allianz Arena here as coach Pep Guardiola conceded that if Bayern fail to overcome Manchester United it would be too much to bear for Germany’s powerhouse champions.

“If we are not in the semi-finals, it is a huge mistake for us, for me, the new manager,” Guardiola conceded, with typical candour before resuming his quest to emulate the treble-winning season last year of predecessor Jupp Heynckes. “I know if we are not in the Champions League final, this club cannot deal with that. It’s very important me, for the team and I knew that before I came here. I knew right from the start that I have got to be in the situation so I can also get this treble. If I don’t do that, then, hey, it’s not so good! I have to accept this.”

In other words, Guardiola accepts that if Bayern slip he will be perceived to have failed, something to which he is not accustomed. Being the outstanding pass master he is, though, he is adamant that his side will find a way to breach the massed “eight or nine” man defence, which he is convinced will again be David Moyes’s modus operandi, and move ever closer to becoming the first team to defend successfully the Champions League.

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Newcastle United v Manchester United: match preview

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Newcastle United v Manchester United
St James' Park
Kick-off: 15.00 BST.
TV: Highlights, BBC ONE Match of the Day.

Newcastle (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Elliot; Santon, Coloccini, Williamson, Dummett; Ben Arfa, Tioté, Anita, Gouffran; De Jong, Cissé.
Out: Sa Ameobi (ankle), Debuchy (groin), Krul, Obertan, R Taylor (all knee), Rémy (calf), Sissoko (hamstring).

Manchester United (Possible, 4-2-3-1): De Gea; Smalling, Jones, Vidic, Büttner; Valencia, Carrick; Mata, Welbeck; Fellaini; Rooney.
Out: Van Persie (knee).
Tests: Giggs (hamstring), Rafael (thigh).

Referee: Kevin Friend. Matches: 15, R1 Y50.

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Manchester United v Bayern Munich / Lineups

Man Utd 4-2-3-1De Gea, Jones, Vidic, Smalling, Buttner, Carrick, Giggs, Fellaini, Kagawa, Valencia, Rooney

Bayern Munich 4-5-1 [4-3-3]Neuer, Rafinha, Boateng, Martinez, Alaba, Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Robben, Muller, Ribery, Mandzukic

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Moyes: We're good enough to beat Bayern

David Moyes says Manchester United should consider themselves on a level playing field as Champions League quarter-final opponents Bayern Munich.

The manager has been criticised recently for suggesting Liverpool and Manchester City were favourites for their matches, but he was in tubthumping mood before the home game with the European champions on Tuesday night.

"We know that on our day we're as good a side as any but we have to show it more often," Moyes said.
"I've got great belief in the players and I've said that from day one - that hasn't changed. I get the feeling the players all want to play, I can tell that from their attitude in training.

"They all want to play in the big games, that's what the players here have wanted to do over the years."
United, seventh in the Premier League, are the longest odds they have ever been for a match at Old Trafford, but Moyes says he has no fear of facing Pep Guardiola in the opposite dugout.

"I'm really looking forward to coming up against him," Moyes said. "I've no doubt I'll be doing it plenty of times in the future."

Asked why Guardiola has had so much more success, having already won the Bundesliga title, he said: "He had a year to get himself ready for the Bayern job."

Sitting alongside Moyes at the official press conference, Ryan Giggs took up the theme. "As players, we don't see ourselves as underdogs," the player-coach said. "We see ourselves as Manchester United, playing in the Champions League. It's two huge clubs, two great histories, two teams who play football the right way."

Moyes has injury problems in his backline with full-backs Rafael and Alexander Buttner now doubtful to feature while Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans work their way back to full fitness. "We have defensive issues undoubtedly so we will have to make one or two changes."

Shinji Kagawa, who has played Bayern Munich four times, winning all four, could retain his place in the side having started against Aston Villa on Saturday. "It's something we seriously consider. He is in our thoughts for tomorrow," said Moyes.

Moyes added that a degree of caution is required in the first leg. "We have to make sure both games are important but we'd love to go to Germany with a win under our belt."

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Thiago Alcantara will miss Manchester United game

Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara will miss the Champions League quarter-final with Manchester United after suffering a knee injury.

The club confirmed the Spaniard will miss both quarter-final games against Manchester United and the semi-finals should Bayern progress.

Bayern coach Pep Guardiola said: "It's bad news. We're going to miss him a lot."

Thiago suffered the injury in the first half of Bayern's 3-3 draw at home with Hoffenheim.

An MRI scan late on Saturday by team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt confirmed the extent of the injury.

Team-mate Thomas Muller said: "It's very bitter and comes at a catastrophic time, just before the important games."

Bayern clinched the Bundesliga in record time on Tuesday and hope to defend their Champions League crown.

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Manchester United v Liverpool: match preview

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Manchester United v Liverpool
Old Trafford
Kick-off: 13.30 GMT.
TV: Live, Sky Sports 1, Highlights, BBC ONE Match of the Day2.

Manchester United (Possible, 4-2-3-1): De Gea; Rafael, Jones, Vidic, Evra; Carrick, Fellaini; Mata, Rooney, Welbeck; Van Persie.
Out: Evans (calf), Hernández (knee).

Liverpool (Possible, 4-3-3): Mignolet; Flanagan, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson; Henderson, Gerrard, Coutinho; Sturridge, Suárez, Sterling.
Out: Coates, Enrique (both knee).

Referee: Mark Clattenburg. Matches: 20, R1 Y66.

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