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Nani Makes Shocking Claim About His Time At Manchester United

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Former Manchester United winger Nani has lifted the lid on David Moyes’ disastrous reign at the club and even called signing a new contract for the Scot the worst moment of his career.

The Portuguese midfielder joined Valencia earlier this summer, following an impressive showing for his country at Euro 2016, where he scored three goals. But as the 29-year-old prepares for his first-ever season in Spanish football, it appears he still isn’t over the cruel nature of his exit from Old Trafford.

Just three months after Moyes took over from Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, Nani was handed the bumper five-year contract, thought to be worth £100,000 per week, but he would only manage to fulfil a little over 12 months of it.
He made just 13 appearances under Moyes and was loaned to Sporting Lisbon by his predecessor Louis van Gaal, who eventually sold Nani permanently to Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

In an interview with the Guardian, Nani said: “It could have been the best moment of my life but it turned into the worst.
“After you sign a contract like that, you think all the people will be behind you and help you. And you see the opposite.
“Then the stress comes. I was down and, when it’s like that, of course, the injuries come too. It was a bad moment. It was something that made me very down, very disappointed.”

Nani also revealed that van Gaal told him he’d be way down the pecking order at United if he chose to stay and fight for a starting berth.He added: “He told me that, if I wanted to stay to fight for a position, then good but I would not be his first option or maybe even the second.

“I said: ‘No. I have been here for many years, I have been very important to this club and I think it’s time to decide.’ I wanted to play every game in the starting XI.”

What do you make of Nani’s comments? Did United let him go too soon?

This story was first featured on talkingbaws.com

“I Was Unfairly Treated At Manchester United” – Moyes

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The Scot, now Sunderland manager, insists that he was not given a fair crack of the whip at Old Trafford, but maintains that his spell at the club made him better

David Moyes believes he was harshly treated by former club Manchester United as he looks ahead to his tenure with Sunderland.

Fronting the media as Sunderland manager, Moyes opened up on his time at Old Trafford, where he was sacked less than a season into a six-year deal with the Premier League giants.

However, Moyes – who was ultimately replaced by Louis van Gaal ahead of the 2014-15 campaign – has now hit back at his former employers after his move to the Stadium of Light.

“I’ve said all along that I was (unfairly treated). When you sign a six-year contract and you end up there ten months, yeah, I believe I was,” said the Scot.

“But that is life in football. Ultimately the key is to win football matches. I didn’t win enough football matches.

“You must say there were mitigating circumstances. And I think you could say there are maybe things that have gone on since then, that would actually justify that even more so.”

Nevertheless, Moyes believes that his brief spell at United did wonders for his career.

“It gave me an unbelievable idea of what it is at the top,” he added.

“I believe that’s where I can work and that’s where I should be working, and my level is that, because that is what I saw in the time I was there.

“You don’t get offered those jobs, you don’t get offered big jobs, if you’ve not done something. You don’t get offered the Real Madrid job, the Barcelona job, the Manchester United job, if you’ve not had something to suggest that there’s a reason for that job.

“Yeah I am better [as a manager]. I have had several opportunities, big ones, but timing is so positive. The timing for this job at Sunderland was right. It feels good to me.”

After being fired from Old Trafford, Moyes went on to coach Real Sociedad in La Liga, where he was also sacked after a promising start.

Manchester United Worth $1billion Less Than When Louis Van Gaal Took Over As Manager

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Manchester United has suffered a spectacular financial decline in the last one year. It’s been revealed that over $1billion has been wiped off the club’s share price value from July 2014 to March 2016.

Dutch coach Louis van Gaal took over management reins at the club in the summer of 2014, after leading Holland to third place at the World Cup. Since he joined Man U, the club’s share price has dropped by $6.25. It went from $19.58 to $13.33, on the close of the New York Stock Exchange on March 23 2016. Over the same period, the US stock market has risen by 3 percent.

“Football clubs typically don’t present a particularly attractive investment proposition because their revenues are lumpy, and their employees are rather expensive,” said stock market analyst Laith Khalaf.

“Mistakes on the pitch can be costly for shareholders too – in 2015 Manchester United’s broadcast revenues dropped by £30 million as it failed to qualify for the Champions League in that season. So far this year things seem to be picking up with a bounce in revenues, but if the club fails to qualify for the Champions League this season, next year could be a fallow one for investors.”

Lampard Backs Mourinho For Manchester United Job

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The Chelsea legend says the Portuguese has all the attributes to succeed at Old Trafford, and voiced his support for John Terry in the defender’s contract standoff with the Blues

Chelsea icon Frank Lampard believes that former coach Jose Mourinho would rise to the challenge at Manchester United should the club turn to him to revive their flagging fortunes.

The Portuguese has long been the front-runner to replace former mentor Louis van Gaal since ending his second spell at Stamford Bridge in December with the Blues languishing in the bottom half of the table.

Lampard, who won two leagues titles and three domestic trophies in Mourinho’s first spell in charge at Chelsea between 2004 and 2007, is convinced that the unemployed coach would be a success at Old Trafford should United decide to part company with Van Gaal at the end of the 2015-16 season.

“I think Mourinho can manage anywhere in the world,” the New York City FC midfielder, who was in attendance at the FIFA Interactive World Cup finals, told Goal when asked if Mourinho could return United to their former glory.

“I think he’s shown it with his record and whether it’s with Porto, a so-called smaller team in Europe; Chelsea, the success he had there; Inter, again taking a team that’s hardly won the Champions League to go and win it; Real Madrid.

“No job will be too much for him. [Manchester United is] not an easy job, similar with Antonio Conte with Chelsea [the Italian is expected to take over in the summer], but he certainly has the attributes to do it.”

Meanwhile, Lampard’s former Chelsea and England team-mate John Terry has been locked in a dispute over whether to extend his Blues contract, which is set to expire in June. The centre-back has been vocal in his desire to re-sign at Stamford Bridge, while the club appear to be reluctant to meet his demands.

However, Lampard thinks Terry’s talent and experience could be crucial in recovering from the disappointment of a season spent in mid-table obscurity.

“It’s a difficult one with John Terry,” he said. “I think, for me, he’s been probably the best defender at Chelsea again this year. I think he’s a leader, he has a huge presence with the club.

“For me, I would [give him another contract], but it’s a decision for the club to make. I know John wants to stay. I think he’s a help for the young players at the club, I think he’s a link with the fans at the club, but the decision will be made by the owners. Same as what happened with me, eventually your time comes. I’m not sure now is his time. I’ve seen him perform this year, and I think he’s done very well.”

Lampard left the Premier League behind in 2015 to join MLS franchise NYCFC midway through its debut season.

One of his team-mates at Yankee Stadium is Italy, Juventus and AC Milan legend Andrea Pirlo and the Englishman freely admits that he has been left in awe of his former World Cup and Champions League rival.

“Pirlo is great,” Lampard said. “I have huge respect from playing against him for many years, and playing with him is an absolute pleasure. His passing, his work ethic, which I didn’t know until I played with him, how hard he works in the week in training and in the gym. As a player, he’s a genius with the ball.”

Van Gaal Welcomes Guardiola Arrival

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The Manchester United boss is looking forward to renewing acquaintances with the Spaniard, who he worked with during his time in charge of Barcelona

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has welcomed Manchester City’s appointment of Pep Guardiola.

Van Gaal was Guardiola’s manager during their time together at Barcelona and made the former midfielder his captain at Camp Nou.

The Spaniard has since followed his old boss into management and enjoyed great success during his time in charge of both Barca and Bayern Munich.

His next challenge will see him replace Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad Stadium next summer, where he will immediately become a rival of Van Gaal, though the Dutchman says he will be happy to see him.

He said: “He is my former captain so I am very pleased to see him. And I can speak Spanish so it is very convenient for me!”

Van Gaal was talking after United’s 3-0 win over Stoke City on Tuesday night, which came courtesy of goals from Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney.

Rooney Slams Man Utd Defence After Conceding ‘Silly’ Goals Against Newcastle

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The Red Devils captain was in fine form at St James’s Park, scoring two goals and setting up another, but was disappointed to see his side twice throw away a lead in the 3-3 draw

Wayne Rooney expressed his frustration with the “silly” and “avoidable” goals Manchester United conceded in their 3-3 draw against Newcastle United.

Rooney turned in arguably his best performance of the season at St James’s Park, scoring two goals and creating another to twice put Louis van Gaal’s side ahead.

But Newcastle battled back from two goals down to level the score at 2-2 and then responded again when the England captain seemed to have won the game late on.

And Rooney feels his side made it easy for their hosts, insisting they should have held out for the three points.

“I think after going 2-0 up we were in control of the game, and then we’ve let them back into it,” Rooney told MUTV. “To then get our third goal and concede again was disappointing from us.

“I think they were silly goals to concede on our behalf and they were avoidable. They have cost us two points so we’re disappointed.

“We can’t keep going on conceding three goals every game so we have to work on that and create the chances without giving goals away.

Manchester United Going Backwards Under Van Gaal, Says Ferdinand

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The former defender says the next six months are crucial and finishing outside the top four may mean the club miss out on Pep Guardiola or Carlo Ancelotti

Manchester United players are too afraid to express themselves and are going backwards under manager Louis van Gaal, according to former defender Rio Ferdinand.

Van Gaal has been criticised for his defensive style of play but the under-pressure Dutchman has showed no signs of swaying from his rigid approach despite the club’s five-match winless run.

United lost 2-1 at Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, adding to their Champions League group-stage exit midweek.

And Ferdinand said something has to change, sooner rather than later, with United fourth in the standings, four points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

“Players are playing it safe because they are afraid of the consequences if they try to take chances,” Ferdinand told The Sun.

“Manchester United are going backwards again and I don’t see that changing because the manager will not change.

“They have to be allowed to express themselves.” 

Van Gaal is under contract until 2017 but faces an uncertain future amid increasing fan frustration.

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola and former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti have been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Ferdinand added: “Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti will be available this summer and the question is will they be able to do a better job than Van Gaal?

“The board and owners might want to be loyal to Van Gaal after investing so much in him but they also have to do what is best for United.

“And if United finish outside the top four, that will be catastrophic.

“It might rule out the chance of getting either Guardiola or Ancelotti.

Van Gaal: Man Utd Need Signings – But It won’t Be Easy!

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The Red Devils have been widely criticised for their style of play this season, and the Dutchman says that they will look to strengthen their squad in the “difficult” window

Louis van Gaal wants to add to his Manchester United squad in the upcoming transfer window but says January is a “more difficult” market than the summer.

United sit third in the Premier League table ahead of Saturday’s home game against West Ham but, despite being just one point adrift of leaders Manchester City, Van Gaal has faced criticism for his side’s functional and often underwhelming recent performances.

The club have scored just seven goals in their last nine matches in all competitions and are suffering with a raft of injury problems, leading to speculation that Van Gaal may attempt to bring in more firepower when the transfer window reopens next month.

However, speaking at his pre-West Ham media conference on Friday, Van Gaal sounded a warning about his chances of strengthening the squad before the end of the season.

“They are always contact injuries and you cannot afford that. We have a lot of contact injuries and also long-lasting injuries so that’s our problem,” the Dutchman explained.

“So we are looking [at players for January] but as you know it is not so easy to buy players and in January it is more difficult. We are looking but it is not for sure.”

Van Gaal also revealed that captain Wayne Rooney is out of Saturday’s match and may miss next week’s crucial Champions League trip to Wolfsburg due to a “nasty” ankle injury, while defender Marcos Rojo is facing a spell on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder in training.

“I Thought Louis Van Gaal Was An Idiot” – Xavi

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The midfielder admits that it took a while for him to be convinced by the quality of the Manchester United coach and expressed sympathy for his old team-mate Victor Valdes

Barcelona icon Xavi has revealed that he thought Louis van Gaal was an “idiot” when he first took over at Barcelona.

The Dutch coach guided Barca to two league titles, a Copa del Rey and the Uefa Super Cup during his first spell at the Catalan side.

But while the midfielder admits he had initial reservations over his coaching methods, he is full of praise for the current Manchester United boss.

“After two days of training under him, I thought, ‘Who is this idiot?'” he told ESPN. 

“After one week, though, I thought, ‘He’s right.’ He’ll always be in my heart, Louis van Gaal.

“He is a good person, a very good trainer. He has a very strong character, but he’s calm in the Premier League because there’s less pressure. He’s much calmer than when he was at Barca or Bayern Munich.

“He’s honest, methodical and a real perfectionist. He’s very demanding, he’s strict and he wants to achieve the highest levels possible.”

Xavi’s former Barcelona and Spain team-mate Victor Valdes is currently going through a hard time under Van Gaal, having been dropped from the United squad and criticised by the coach.

Valdes has been told he could be fined if he attends the club’s training ground before the first team has left and Xavi hopes his friend can find a way out of the situation.

“[Van Gaal and Valdes] are two strong characters, but it’s a difficult situation for Victor. 

“Let’s hope he finds a solution soon. I’m sad for him. He’s a great professional, a good person. He’s training, he’s working hard. He’ll return to football. It’s better for Victor to be playing football.”

The 35-year-old, currently playing for Al Sadd, says he has been surprised by the playing style that Jose Mourinho has adopted throughout his coaching career as it is very different to the one he adhered to during his time as Van Gaal’s assistant at Barcelona. 

“He was the assistant coach, someone who understood the philosophy of Barca and who shared many of the same characteristics as Van Gaal. He was very respected by the players,” he added.

“He trained us sometimes alone at Barca B and he was excellent. I’m surprised that he became known for another type of football, more defensive, because he wasn’t like that with us.”

“Manchester United Must Start Making Life Easier For Themselves”- Bastian Schweinsteiger

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The German says he experienced 10-man defences in the Bundesliga

Manchester United are making strides towards breaking down defensive opponents says Bastian Schweinsteiger.

The Reds finally shattered West Brom’s 10-man blockade at Old Trafford on Saturday with second half goals from Jesse Lingard and a late Juan Mata penalty.

But the German midfielder concedes the Reds still have to get better and understands the fans frustration with United’s possession style and lack of excitement.

“You recognise what the supporters are saying but football is not only attack,” says the 31-year-old.

“There are teams with different game styles and they also win titles. But especially in home matches we have to press and go forward.

“We did well offensively against West Brom. When you are playing a team who defend with ten men it is not easy to find the gaps. There is still room for improvement but we did improve on breaking a team down.

Schweinsteiger speaks excellent English
Schweinsteiger speaks excellent English

“Teams defending is not exclusive to England. In Munich it was exactly the same. It was difficult then with opponents defending heavily. I saw recently Bayern drew 0-0 at Frankfurt because Frankfurt were defending.

“It happens but you have to find solutions and this is where we can still improve to make it easier for ourselves.”

Van Gaal: “I’m To Be Blamed, Not The Man United Players”

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal feels supporters should blame him for the club’s inconsistent form rather than taking their frustrations out on the players.

“I think the fans have to support the players, otherwise they make it very difficult for the players to play at Old Trafford,” he told reporters.

“Until now they were fantastic, so I cannot complain about the fans. I can only advise the fans to criticize the manager and not the players.”

More to follow…

Carrick Defends Van Gaal: ‘I’ll Take Winning Over Tactics’

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Having been criticised for their pedestrian style of play, the midfielder says tactics are over-analysed in the present era of football when games are being won

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick feels criticisms of Louis van Gaal‘s tactics are misguided and insisted they should not be a concern if his side are winning.

United have been criticised for their possession-based game under manager Van Gaal, who has showed no sign of moving away from his rigid and risk-free approach, despite growing frustration among supporters.

Chants of “attack, attack, attack” were sang during United’s 1-0 Champions League win over CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford on Tuesday, while the withdrawal of Anthony Martial for Marouane Fellaini was met by boos.

Carrick, however, feels complaints over tactics should not be made given they are winning games.

“It’s about winning, isn’t it?” said Carrick. “Winning games and trophies.

“Of course we want to play exciting football and score loads of goals, but it’s not always easy when teams are coming and putting 10 men behind the ball. It’s difficult.

“I think there’s an awful lot made of tactics these days. People like to talk about that a lot more now than they did in the past.

“Different managers have different systems and the way they set the teams up. That’s just the nature of the game.

“Obviously our game is based on possession and dominating teams with possession. But at the end of the day, you have to score. That’s the name of the game.

“I don’t think it’s more conservative [under Van Gaal]. I just think it’s slightly different, in some ways, but not all ways.

“I thought we were more dynamic and aggressive in terms of attacking and getting forward quickly and getting crosses in the box.

“If you win 1-0 then the tactics don’t get discussed that much. That’s the way of things. It’s fine lines isn’t it?

“Yes, there are things as a team that we do differently to how we did them in the past but to me, that’s just obvious when you have a new manager and he has different beliefs.

“There’s a lot made of tactics and things at the minute, but as players we can’t get too involved in that. We just do what the manager tells us.”

“Van Gaal Told Us To Ignore Frustrated Man United Fans” – Jesse Lingard

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Jesse Lingard say Louis van Gaal instructed Manchester United to shut out the chants from supporters unhappy with the performance against CSKA Moscow

Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard said manager Louis van Gaal told his players at half-time to “ignore the fans” in the 1-0 Champions League victory over CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford.

United supporters vocalised their frustration towards the Dutch boss throughout the European tie, chanting “attack, attack, attack” at Van Gaal, with his preferred possession-based style wearing thin with fans accustomed to a more direct approach.

The home side had failed to score in 404 minutes before Wayne Rooney’s headed winner with 11 minutes remaining, and Lingard – who supplied the assist – admitted he was trying to excite the fans.

“I was trying to be as direct as I could and get the crowd on their feet,” the 22-year-old attacker said.

“Obviously I had to be direct at the right time, so we had to be patient sometimes. I’m glad the goal came.”

When asked what advice Van Gaal had given the players during the interval, Lingard said: “Just to keep going and perform the same as the first half. Be patient, ignore the fans and keep playing your own game.”

United moved to the top of Group B with their victory and hold a one-point lead over PSV and Wolfsburg.

Van Gaal Blasts Critics: I’m Sick Of Rooney Questions!

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The Dutch coach is refusing to entertain any more questions about the Manchester United captain after his side fired blanks once again, this time in the Manchester derby

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal lashed out at critics for constantly discussing Wayne Rooney, saying he would not answer more questions about the striker because he is “sick of it”.

The Old Trafford side missed the opportunity to go top of the Premier League with a dull 0-0 draw against neighbours Manchester City, with an attack led by captain Rooney guilty of firing blanks.

However, his boss Van Gaal has had enough of the scrutiny being placed on the 30-year-old, and struck out at the England forward’s critics following the result.

“I have to talk every week about Rooney, why?” the Dutchman said to reporters.
“Write it down, it’s your opinion. I don’t give any more answers about Rooney because I’m sick of it.”

The striker has endured a underwhelming start to the season in front of goal, netting only twice in nine Premier League outings so far.

I Would Cry If There Was No Football At Christmas – Wenger

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The Arsenal manager believes a winter break in English football is important, but would only support its introduction if it came after the traditional festive fixtures

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has joked that he would “cry” if there was no football at Christmas.

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal recently claimed that the packed festive schedule and lack of winter break in the English game was “evil”.

And while Wenger supports the introduction of a mid-season pause, he insists it should only take place after the customary December fixtures.

“I have a lot of respect for Louis van Gaal but I don’t agree with him on that,” Wenger said.

“Maybe it’s because I’ve been in England for such a long time. I had his ideas when I arrived here but today I would cry if you changed that because it’s part of English tradition and English football.

“To suppress the game on Boxing Day, the whole of Europe comes to England to watch the game. It’s a very important part of us being popular in the world, that nobody works at Christmas and everybody watches the Premier League.

“I want to go on with it,” he said. “I always pleaded for a break after January 1, but we have to keep this tradition alive.”

Martial Has Been Lucky, Says Van Gaal

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The coach has praised the quality shown by the 19-year-old in his first weeks at Old Trafford but feels good fortune has also played its part.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says Anthony Martial has had a “little bit of luck” in his first few weeks at Old Trafford.

The 19-year-old has netted four goals in four appearances in all competitions since joining United from Monaco on deadline day of the summer transfer window.

He has also been compared to France legend Thierry Henry for his calmness in front of goal, though Van Gaal believes good fortune has played a part in his fine start.

“It is a little bit of luck, but of course the main thing is his quality,” Van Gaal stated at a press conference.

“As a player, he has to do it and he has to cope with the pressure. What we have seen until now, he can do it.

“His personality is that he is an open guy, he is listening, he is watching, he is focusing on the matches. For a manager, he is a very coachable player – that is also why I bought him.”

The arrival of Martial has limited James Wilson’s opportunities at Old Trafford and Van Gaal has admitted the young striker could be allowed to leave on a temporary basis in order to get more playing time.

“We will wait until December to review Wilson’s situation,” the Dutchman added. “We might decide to loan him out.”

The England Under-21 international scored once in 13 Premier League appearances last term, but has yet to feature for the first team in 2015-16.

De Gea & Van Gaal Set For Crunch Talks

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The Manchester United goalkeeper is determined to win his place back from Sergio Romero after his deadline day move to Real Madrid fell through at the last minute.

David de Gea is set for crunch talks with Louis van Gaal on Wednesday with the Spaniard determined to win his place back in the Manchester United starting XI following the dramatic collapse of his move to Real Madrid.

The goalkeeper has yet to play for United this season as Madrid’s continued interest led manager Van Gaal to exclude him from the first team, claiming the club’s Player of the Year was not in the right place, mentally, to play.

“In spite of the fact that David de Gea wants to play, we think that it is better for him [not to],” Van Gaal explained when dropping De Gea.

“For me it’s not normal that [Sergio Romero] is playing but I think in circumstances as this, it is the best decision.”

But after his much anticipated move to Madrid fell through on Spain’s transfer deadline day, De Gea is now back in contention to start against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.

De Gea returns to Manchester on Wednesday after starting his first game of the season in Spain’s 1-0 away win against Macedonia on Tuesday, and the 24-year-old insisted he is ready to play for United once more.

“I felt good. I really liked playing again,” De Gea told reporters after the match in Skopje. “Now I have to keep working, and I hope to be lucky now with my club.

“All of the support I received is very important to me. I have great friends and I’m very grateful to all of them.

“I will do in the future exactly what I do now: to be calm, and to keep working and improving. Definitely, I’m enjoying football. I’m happy.”

Romero has started all six of United’s competitive fixtures this season in De Gea’s absence, but the Argentine came under fire for his part in the loss to Swansea City last time out.

And with De Gea’s future now resolved for the short term at least, Van Gaal could give the former Atletico Madrid man the nod to return to the starting line-up for Saturday’s high-profile fixture against Liverpool. 

Van Gaal’s Time Is Up – Shearer

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The former England captain believes the Red Devils head coach has had enough time to build his own team and criticised the Dutchman’s style of football.

Alan Shearer has hit out at Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal over his inability to build a winning team and has accused the Dutchman of letting his team play ‘dull’ football.

United spent over £100m in transfers this summer but currently sit fifth in the Premier League table having taken seven points from four games. 

Former England skipper Shearer has not been impressed with their performances so far this campaign, stressing that Saturday’s match versus Liverpool is a must-win for the Old Trafford side.

“I would argue Louis van Gaal cannot even afford to draw the game against Liverpool,” Shearer writes forThe Sun. 

“He has been asking for more time for his team to blend, for young players to develop etc. Time is up I’m afraid – the time is now. 

“You cannot oversee the changes he has made, backed by hundreds of millions, and then claim you are a victim because it needs time to blend. It is your job to mould a side and I would suggest a year is plenty for a club of Manchester United’s standing.

“You can get away with the dull, functional football Van Gaal is dishing up if you are getting results. But if you go back to the end of last season, Van Gaal’s league run over the last 10 games now stands at three wins, three draws and four defeats.

“Van Gaal’s CV has afforded him the time that David Moyes was not given. But a poor result on Saturday and questions will start to be asked.”

Rojo: I’ve Had Offers But I’m Staying At Man Utd

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The defender is yet to feature this season, with makeshift centre-back Daley Blind preferred alongside the impressive Chris Smalling, but wants to fight for his place

Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo wants to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford, amid reports off a possible deadline day exit.

Rojo is yet to feature for United this season, after failing to link up with his team-mates during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States in July, while the Argentina international has been linked to Monaco.

Louis van Gaal has preferred makeshift centre-back Daley Blind alongside Chris Smalling since then, but Rojo has no intention of leaving Manchester after just one season, despite offers from elsewhere.

“I have received offers but my idea is to stay here [United] and fight for a position because it is a great club,’ the 25-year-old told ESPN Radio.

“I’ll try to play as much as possible. I talked to Van Gaal when I returned and was upset by everything that had happened but he said he was counting on me.”

Rojo – a £16 million signing from Sporting Lisbon following the 2014 World Cup – made 22 Premier League appearances last term.

Van Gaal Targets Revenge Against Swansea

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The Swans recorded a historic double over Manchester United last season, including victory in the manager’s opening game, but the Dutchman says his squad is now more prepared

Louis van Gaal is targeting revenge as he prepares his Manchester United squad to face Swansea City.

Goals from Ki Sung-yueng and Gylfi Sigurdsson saw Van Gaal lose his first game in charge of United 12 months ago, before Garry Monk masterminded a second victory at the Liberty Stadium in March.

Van Gaal, who is now approaching his 50th game in charge, insists his squad are in better shape ahead of Sunday’s clash but feels a victory is still a tall order.

“I don’t want to lose again,” he told reporters. “It’s the only club we could not beat or gain one point against [last season]. I hope we can improve and that we can show that we are better than last year.

“My first match was against Swansea and we lost – now I have my 50th and I hope we can show we have improved. It will be difficult to beat them but we are better prepared than this time last year.

“Adnan Januzaj was injured and because of that he was out of the team. He shall not play against Swansea.”

United were placed against PSV, CSKA Moscow and Wolfsburg on Thursday’s Champions League group stage draw and Van Gaal says preparation is already underway ahead of the September 15 kick-off

“It could be worse but it could be better also,” he said. “I am not so interested, we have to look now to the clubs because these days shape is more important than it was in the past.

“Marcel [Bout, United’s chief scout] is already going to the matches of Wolfsburg and also PSV. PSV have to play Feyenoord so that’s a big match in Holland – we have to analyse now.”

Van Gaal: ‘Very Bad Rooney Will Get Back On Track’

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The Manchester United boss has praised his captain for admitting to a poor showing against Aston Villa and is confident he will score goals soon. 

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has commended under-fire captain Wayne Rooney for publicly admitting his performances have been below par in 2015-16.

Rooney acknowledged his growing critics following United’s 3-1 Champions League play-off win over Club Brugge, conceding he has made an underwhelming start to the season.

The 29-year-old, who is yet to score a goal in the opening three matches of the campaign, singled out his below-par display at Aston Villa last week, and Van Gaal lauded the United skipper for his honesty.

“It always starts with the player himself, when you are saying publicly that you are so bad, you know that you are very bad at that time, but I think that’s fantastic that a player admits that,” Van Gaal told reporters ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Newcastle United.

“But also for me, it’s unbelievable because he’s one of few players who are saying such things.

“After a few weeks it can bring pressure from the media, he took a risk, but he is very confident that he shall make the goals that we expect from him, and I have that confidence also.

“My standards he knows already, he knows what I want from a striker, how he has to perform, he thinks he can do it and I do also, otherwise I wouldn’t put him in that position. Last season he played in all the positions, but I think his best position now is the striker position, and the second position is the number 10.

“He has to admit he was bad so he can improve, if you do not admit you cannot improve.”

Rafael Explains Manchester United Exit: Van Gaal Didn’t Like Me

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The Brazilian full-back lost his place in the Red Devils’ starting XI to Antonio Valencia and made the move to Lyon this summer after seven years at Old Trafford

Rafael claims that he was disliked by Louis van Gaal at Manchester United but is unaware if the Dutchman’s reported aversion to Brazilian players led to his departure from the club.

The 25-year-old emerged as a mainstay in the United starting line-up under Sir Alex Ferguson but, after a season with David Moyes in charge at Old Trafford, started just six league games following the appointment of the former Netherlands boss.

Van Gaal has clashed with the likes of Rivaldo while at Barcelona in the past and Rafael, who left United for Lyon this summer, acknowledged the Dutchman’s track record with Brazilian players.

“I don’t know, sincerely,” he told Globo Esporte when asked about Van Gaal’s dislike of Brazilian players. “I don’t know what to say about that because I was the only one [at United], since Anderson left before.

“I know this history that he doesn’t like Brazilians but I can’t say: ‘Oh, he doesn’t like Brazilians’. I know that he didn’t like me but, if that’s because I’m Brazilian, I don’t know.”

Rafael described Ferguson’s departure from Old Trafford in 2013 as “fatal” to his United career.

He remarked: “I did the complete season, when [Ferguson] left. In 2012-13 I played almost every game, it was my best season at United – we were even champions – and that’s when they changed the manager. That change was fatal for me. I was going well, then Ferguson left.

“That’s what changed, so [Antonio] Valencia started playing as a right-back for Van Gaal. He’s also a great player but I was doing well in that position.

“Ferguson even called to wish me good luck. I had a very good relationship with him, he helped me a lot in Manchester, and always did everything to help me. He signed me when I was 16; I don’t even know what to say.”

Rafael also indicated that he holds no grudges over his exit from United, having lost his place in the side.

“[Van Gaal] had his opinions, his thoughts,” the defender said. “Everyone has their opinion. A manager is a manager. I always respected it and I will always respect it.”

Van Gaal Told His Manchester United Transfer Targets … By A Fan

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal can have no excuse for not having a productive close-season this summer after he was handed a list of juicy transfer targets by a fan.

The Dutchman was in attendance on Monday as the club’s Manchester United Foundation Dream Day brought supporters with life-limiting illnesses to meet the manager and players at their training ground.

One such fan had printed out a dossier on high-quality players to improve the team with a view to reclaiming the Premier League title next season, and told Van Gaal “I did some homework for you” as he handed it over.

The United boss read out the names – including the likes of Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale, former Red Devils youngster Paul Pogba and PSV up-and-comer Memphis Depay – before telling the fan: “I take it in mind … you are smart and a very cheap manager.”

The list included prices to prise away the targets from their current clubs. “[Mats] Hummels, £36 million,” Van Gaal noted, “[Nathaniel] Clyne of Southampton, £15m … Pogba, £75m … Bale, £12m … and Jackson Martinez of Porto, £25m. He didn’t tell me who I have to sell but, after a little bit of pushing, I know so it’s easy for me. Next year, we are champions!”

“It was really nice of him to do that,” the aspiring scout enthused, having also been given a signed shirt and taken a photo with goalkeeper David de Gea. “It was like a dream come true.”

Di Maria In Contention For Manchester United’s Clash With Aston Villa

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Louis van Gaal has revealed Angel Di Maria is in contention to be on the bench for Manchester United’s trip to Aston Villa on Saturday.

Di Maria has not featured since United’s 3-0 win over Hull City on November 29 due to a hamstring injury, but Van Gaal revealed in his press conference on Friday that the Argentina international has now resumed full training.

More to follow…

Van Gaal Slams EPL December Fixtures

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, has labelled the Premier League’s December fixtures as ‘crazy’.

The Red Devils are preparing to play six league games in December, starting with the visit of Stoke City on Tuesday.

United will also play three matches in the space of eight days over Christmas against Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

“I cannot change it, I don’t think it is good for the players that they play within two days of a match,” said Van Gaal.

“December shall be like that, and we have also family. I also have a wife, and kids and grandchildren and I cannot see them at Christmas.

“But, I want to work in the Premier League so I have to adapt and I shall adapt.”

The Old Trafford outfit are not in the Champions League this season, but the 63-year-old insists it does not give them any advantage in the league.