Man United want Savic!

Following Tuesday’s humbling defeat against Olympiakos, Manchester United look odds on not to win a trophy this season, in a real horror first season for recently appointed manager David Moyes.

League inconsistency and players not performing in big games have been just two of the reasons for United’s current blip.

The Red Devils currently occupy 6^th place in the Premier League, and look like missing out on Europe next season all together.

Recently retired footballer, and former United academy player Robbie Savage has listed ten mistakes that Moyes has made during his relatively short time at Old Trafford to date.

1- Moyes hasn’t been himself.

Savage states that Moyes has struggled at Old Trafford, due to the fact that he “is not being himself” due to that he is fearful of a backlash from disgruntled United supporters, who are already calling for his head.

Savage has also argued that Moyes had done what is best for the supporters, hence not substituting Robin Van Persie in the recent home defeat against Newcastle United.

2- “Bust in the big games”

United have really struggled against the ‘top teams’ in this current season, with Moyes’ side winning just one game, from nine games played against the rest of the top six.

Defeats against Tottenham, Everton, Liverpool, Chelsea, and a humbling 4-1 defeat against arch rivals City have all been major concerns, to the supporters, and Moyes alike.

3- No transfer tenacity.

Moyes spent big in the summer to try and attempt to overhaul the squad left by Ferguson, spending a staggering amount on Maurone Fellaini.

Fellaini joined for £26 million on transfer deadline day, and has failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford since his move from Everton.

Yes United captured a very good player in Juan Mata, but the failure to land Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona has had an effect on that squad, as the former Arsenal man may have been the difference.

Moyes midfield has been poor beyond belief, with Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Darren Fletcher, Shinji Kagawa and Fellaini have only scored two league goals between them this season.

4- Why goodbye.

United have let arguably their best centre back in Nemanja Vidic leave in the summer on a free transfer, with Inter Milan tying up a deal to take him to Serie A.

Vidic, in the games he has played this season, has been a rock in the heart of an ageing defence.

And with Rio Ferdinand all set to either retire or head off to the United States, Moyes may be regretting the option of letting Vicic leave, in the long term.

Patrice Evra is also set to leave Old Trafford for pastures new, with a host of clubs on the continent interested, after Moyes signalled his intentions to sign Luke Shaw from Southampton in the summer.

5-No starting XI Consistency.

Moyes’ beleaguered have really struggled in this certain area, which has probably conflicted to their current situation.

The United boss has failed to do what he did so well at Everton, and that is stick with the current team, at the current time.

6- A mixed up mentality.

Old Trafford used to be a real intimidating fortress in the Ferguson era, with sides bowing down to United’s sheer class.

However, this year, United have struggled at Old Trafford, with defeats against West Bromwich Albion, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, to name a few.

Moyes’ under-performing men even struggled to a draw against Southampton.

United are no longer really attacking teams at home, with the red devils more than happy to sit back and defend.

7- The Media.

The media have also been a real problem for Moyes and his squad this season, with him and his players scape-goats to various tabloid Newspapers, with Media sources hounding upon every slight weakness that Moyes may show.

“I didn’t see it coming,” is how Moyes responded to defeat at Olympiakos.

Under Sir Alex Ferguson, who somewhat controlled the Media circus to a point, were he would ban Journalist’s from Old Trafford on a regular basis.

Moyes’ body language and mannerisms cut him as a lonely figure during interviews.

Ferguson also seemed to have a certain swagger in interviews, spewing his views on one topic, something that Moyes has failed to grasp as of yet.

8- Changes in the backroom.

The departures of Mike Phelan, Rene Meulensteen and Ed Steele have all had consequences upon United’s bizarre current situation.

The trio had a wealth of experience behind them, with each of them coaching for several years, another thing Moyes failed to grasp, when he appointed the un-proven Phil Neville.

Meulensteen has since been sacked by Fulham in recent weeks, however, he would have been a very good coach under Moyes at United.

9- Tactical problems.

Moyes has somewhat failed to recreate the tactics that Ferguson employed so well to his squad, with clubs treating United like any other team, and working them out on a regular basis, due to their constant policy of the same tactics.

Former Fulham manager and current defender Dan Burn said it was easy to play against United, during their recent 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.

Meulensteen stated…

“Their game plan was straightforward. They put crosses in from wide angles. We defended it well.

“I do think that a few teams have come here with a different approach. Teams have come to Old Trafford and got something.

“Teams are thinking that there is a chink in United’s armour. We set out as everyone can see, we made it very difficult for them.

“They have some problems of their own. They kept creating chances and crosses but we defended fantastically well. You think at the end all the hard work will slip away. But at the end, for Darren Bent to score that equaliser, it felt like a winner.”

Midfield inconsistency has also been a problem for United this season, with Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick unable to start a real firm partnership.

10- He is NOT Sir Alex Ferguson.

Many United supporters presumed that Moyes would be a success early on, with the majority expecting the Scot to continue the work Fergie had done.

Ferguson won 13 Premier League titles during more than two decades in charge at Old Trafford, aswell as FA Cups, and the famous treble of 1999.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Andre Villas-Boas: ‘I want the Barcelona or Real Madrid job’

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Feb 28, 2014

Andre Villas-Boas has admitted in an interview that he is ready to make a return to management this Summer, and is keen on bagging either the FC Barcelona or Real Madrid hot-seat.

Recently fired from Tottenham Hotspur for a run of bad results and a Summer of poor signings, AVB is on the look-out for a new project to get his hands on, and despite both Barca and Madrid having full-time managers at the moment, he has admitted that he would love to take over at one of those clubs one day.

After making a name for himself in Portugal with Porto, Villas-Boas then came over to England and managed Chelsea. However, his run at Stamford Bridge was shocking and he was soon fired and replaced by Roberto Di Matteo, who guided the club to Champions League glory.

The Portguese then took over at White Hart Lane after Harry Redknapp left, and he lasted longer there than what he did at Chelsea, but he was still not very successful and ended up getting the chop earlier this year.

However, despite the poor reputation recently, Boas is still confident that he can one day manage one of the best clubs in world football.

Villas-Boas said: ‘Barcelona and Real Madrid are two of the best teams in the world. I am a young coach and it would be a dream to train either Madrid or Barcelona.

‘I would like to get to know other leagues and I have had offers from various teams. From around next June I am sure I will be managing again.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

I accept when I’m dropped, says Hart

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Feb 28, 2014

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has admitted that it was a challenging time for him in his career when he was dropped to the bench for his club after several blunders in between the sticks.

Due to numerous back-to-back errors, Manuel Pellegrini finally made the decision to bench Hart and play his back-up Costel Pantilimon instead.

The number-two ‘keeper played several games during Hart’s absense before the Englishman was re-called in December, and since then, Hart has been back to his top-form for City and he has admitted in an interview that it took a lot of strength to get over his blunders.

“You have to be able to accept when you are playing or not,” Hart, 26, told BBC One’s Football Focus ahead of Sunday’s League Cup final against Sunderland.

“After being dropped I just did what I always did – I went and trained hard and listened to what the manager had to say and knuckled down and got on with my job to the best of my ability.

“When managers have got decisions to make, whether it benefits me or not, I have to be man enough to take it.

“I work hard every day to win and I understand it doesn’t always go my way and you have to move forward.”

City are heading to Wembley on Sunday to face Sunderland in the Capital One Cup final, but Hart doesn’t know whether or not he will be playing due to Pantilimon playing most of the cup games this season.

“It is for the manager to decide. Costel has played most of the games and done well and played brilliant and not conceded a goal,” he added.

“It is a squad game, which I am learning more and more as I get older and the more and more I am involved in such a great side and squad.

“The manager is making a lot of good decisions at the moment and whether it is myself or Costel, we will play our hearts out for the team to get the result.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Inter Milan keen on signing Chelsea striker

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Feb 28, 2014

In a Summer which promises a lot of change for Italian side Inter Milan, they are putting all their eggs in one basket as they attempt to raid the Premier League for some of their talent.

With new owner, Erick Thohir, taking over the club, he has promised the fans that wholesale changes will be made in the Summer, including on the pitch as he attempts to bring the glory days back to the club that once one the treble, including the Champions League.

Inter are also 90% sure that they have signed Nemanja Vidic from Manchester United, and they are now ready to go for his team-mate Patrice Evra, as well as Chelsea striker Samuel Eto’o and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Etienne Capoue.

Chelsea signed Eto’o from Russian side Anzhi in the Summer, but since then, he has failed to shine in the Premier League, despite netting a hat-trick against Manchester United, and with recent comments made by Jose Mourinho about the striker’s age, a move could be on the cards.

Eto’o, who enjoyed a successful spell with Inter earlier in his career, has previously admitted that his dream is to return to La Liga in order to play for first-club Mallorca once again, but could a move to Inter interest him this Summer as Mourinho and Chelsea eye a top-European striker to help boost their title chances next season.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Lampard wants fixture solution.

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Ben Reardon

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Feb 28, 2014

Chelsea’s veteran midfielder Frank Lampard has called upon the Barclays Premier League for greater protection for English clubs playing in the Champions League, and the UEFA Europa League.

Lampard’s side face Fulham at Craven Cottage, in a West London derby on Saturday, just 72 hours after they drew 1-1 in Istanbul against Galatasaray.

However, the experienced 35 year old has called upon the powers that be to give Champions League sides special treatment before games in Europe.

Lampard wants the Premier League to switch some games to a Friday night, like they do in the German Bundesliga, or the Italian Serie A, to help sides prepare for up and coming Champions League games.

“It’s not ideal,” Lampard told the Daily Mail. “We don’t expect any favours and certainly know we won’t get them. It’s about resting up and getting ready to go.

“I don’t know about the Premier League but other countries seem to look after their teams representing them in the Champions League. I’m not sure we do so much here.

“I’m not trying to get one over on other Premier League teams, it just seems a general rule. There could be a bit of common sense if you are getting back at 6am (on Thursday).”

However, despite his frustration, Lampard backed the title-chasing Chelsea squad to cope with the rigours of their schedule.

“We can’t moan, we’ve got a fantastic squad with fit young players,” he added. “We have to get on with it.”

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Mark Lawrenson predictions for weekend

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Feb 28, 2014

BBC pundit thinks Arsenal will drop points on Chelsea and Liverpool

Before every weekend of football action, BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson sits down and gives his predictions for the weekend’s Premier League fixtures, and this Friday is no different, but he has also included his prediction for the Capital One Cup final which takes place on Sunday as Manchester City take on Sunderland at Wembley.

Here are his predictions.

Everton 1-1 West Ham United

“A point will not do the Toffees many favours in the race for fourth, but a draw will be very acceptable to West Ham because it will keep their good run going.”

Fulham 0-2 Chelsea

“After his side’s draw with West Brom last week, Fulham boss Felix Magath said Fulham will beat Chelsea. They won’t.”

Hull City 2-1 Newcastle United

“Newcastle ended their slump with that late victory over Aston Villa last time out but I think this is a very tough game for them.”

Stoke City 1-1 Arsenal

“Arsenal won only once in six visits to Stoke when Tony Pulis was in charge of the Potters and I don’t think they will improve that this weekend.”

Southampton 0-2 Liverpool

“I really fancy Liverpool to go and win this because they are such a potent attacking force at the moment.”

Aston Villa 2-0 Norwich City

“I see Villa getting the win on Sunday, though. Norwich have only scored eight goals in 13 away games this season and they do not offer enough of a threat.”

Swansea City 2-1 Crystal Palace

“As things stand, I think 36 points will do. Palace have got 26 at the moment, but I do not see them adding to that total this weekend.”

Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Cardiff City

“A top-four finish for Spurs is still the target for their manager Tim Sherwood but I am not sure they will get it. I would expect them to beat Cardiff, but I would not say the same about their next game, which is against Chelsea.”

Capital One Cup final: Manchester City 2-0 Sunderland

“I think Sunderland will be resolute and full of vim and vigour but City’s quality, along with hard work, will see them through.”

What are your thoughts on these predictions? Will Arsenal slip-up in the title race? Comment below!

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Brendan Rodgers insists centre-back Daniel Agger is still very much part of his plans.

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Feb 28, 2014

Even though Agger had a disaster against Swansea at the weekend, and was substituted early in the second half of the 4-3 win, but has been assured he will go straight back into the team for the visit to Southampton on Saturday.

“I think there has been a lot of unfair spotlight on Daniel this week. What happened to Daniel is no different to what happened to any player,” the manager said. “Just because it is a defender it is highlighted a wee bit more.

“But we made the change and won the game. It’s no different to me than a winger coming off or a striker or midfield player.

“I will judge every player, whether he is the team captain, the centre-forward or a squad player, I will make the decision if I think it will help us get a result.

“We made the change. Dan has taken it like the man he is. He has been outstanding in training this week and he will play on Saturday, there is no question about that.”

Written by Steve Milne

Follow me on Twitter: @stevenmilnelive

Ex-Man City star Nigel De Jong not interested in a switch to Liverpool in the summer

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Feb 28, 2014

The Dutch international spent three years at Manchester City and was a target for the Reds during the January transfer window with midfield enforcer Lucas on the sidelines with a knee ligament injury.

Liverpool’s move for De Jong failed to materialise before the deadline, but manager Brendan Rodgers was eyeing a potential summer move for the midfielder.

However Rodgers’ hopes of attracting De Jong to Anfield looked to have been dashed after the 29-year-old confirmed his intention to remain with the Serie A outfit.

“I want to try and stay at Milan for another four or five years,” De Jong said.

New Milan boss Clarence Seedorf brought in Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien to the San Siro last month.

Seedorf, since being announced as Massimiliano Allegri’s replacement, has made no indication that he is willing to let De Jong leave and will drive a high price for the former Ajax star.

Written by Steve Milne

Forster attracting interest from European heavyweights.

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Ben Reardon

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Feb 28, 2014

Barcelona and Real Madrid keen on the keeper

Glasgow Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster has become a somewhat surprise target for several of Europe’s top tier clubs.

Forster, who yesterday was called up to the England International squad for the friendly against Denmark next week, has been in superb form for his side this season.

Forster had kept 11 straight clean sheets for the Hoops, as the runaway league leaders look all set to win another Scottish Premiership title.

The English shot stopper also impressed in Celtic’s dismal Champions League campaign.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are both interested in the Hexham born Forster, with Barcelona viewing the current Celtic number 1 as an ideal replacement for the departing Victor Valdes, who is leaving on a free transfer.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are looking at Forster as a replacement for the frozen out Iker Casillas, who also looks set to leave the Bernabeu, with Diego Lopez replacing the Spanish stalwart in goal.

Atletico Madrid are also keen on the keeper, with Thibaut Courtois’ future still up in the air, AC Milan and Juventus are also interested.

A move to the continent may be too good to turn down for the ever impressive Forster, who may want to test himself at a higher level.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Robin Van Persie apologises and Hernandez clears-up instagram message

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Feb 28, 2014

Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie has apologised to his team-mates and also his manager after reports were released documenting comments he made to a TV station back in his homeland.

The striker was talking in a post-match interview after United lost 2-0 in Greece to Olympiacos in the Champions League last-16 first-leg, and Van Persie had a lot to complain about, with the majority of it appearing to be aimed at his team-mates.

The Dutchman said that he feels a lot of his colleagues run into his positions and get in his way throughout matches, and that means that he then has to move elsewhere around the pitch where it doesn’t feel natural to him.

After the comments were released, the atmosphere within United’s camp wasn’t to be desired as it left people feeling a bit confused and de-motivated, but when the 29-year-old arrived at training, he sat down with the team and apologised for his comments, which he says left him ‘genuinely shocked’ and explained to them what he actually meant.

It is believed that the apology was accepted by the players.

Another cause of worry within the United ranks was Javier Hernandez sending a subtle message to Van Persie via his instagram account.

The Mexican posted a message saying: ‘You’re nothing without your team-mates’.

This lead to many United fans believing he was taking a swipe at Van Persie, but later on in the day, Hernandez tweeted this: “My comment on Instagram had nothing to do with RVP. We are great teammates working for the same goal, the TEAM! & Cause the team isn’t doing as well as we’d like everyone just wants to make everything look like a bad thing!”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsenal trio set for contract extensions

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Feb 28, 2014

Arsenal Football Club are set to secure the long-term future of three of their stars as they all look ready to put pen-to-paper and sign new lucrative deals at the club.

Santi Cazorla, Tomas Rosicky and Per Mertesacker are all in talks with the club over new deals and it is believed that Arsene Wenger and the board are keen to wrap up the deals as soon as possible so that they don’t risk losing any of their star players on the cheap once again.

Arsenal lost stars Samir Nasri and Robin Van Persie due to letting their contracts go down to the last year, and Wenger is adamant not to let that happen again with his new team, and he is ready to offer Cazorla, Mertesacker and Rosicky all extensions, with all three of them keen on signing new deals.

Wenger wants to offer Cazorla and Mertesacker three-year deals, whilst Rosicky will get a 12-month extension it is believed, but it isn’t clear how much the club are willing to offer each player, but it’s been suggested that the Spanish midfielder could be pocketing around £80-a-week with this new deal.

The club are not sure when the deals will be finalised, but they are hopeful of making an announcement soon.

They are also still working on a contract with Bacary Sagna, but those talks have shown no sign of a breakthrough since December.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Brendan Rodgers confirms Pepe Reina exit

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Feb 28, 2014

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who has spent the season out on loan in Italy, will not be making a return to Anfield once his loan expires.

The Spaniard, who was replaced by Sunderland’s Simon Mignolet, linked up with Rafael Benitez once again as he swapped Liverpool for Napoli for the season, and after the goalkeeper himself admitting that he has no plans to return to Merseyside, Rodgers has also now stated that the ‘keeper won’t be returning.

Although the shot-stopper said he will return in the Summer to sort things out, Rodgers has said there is nothing to sort out and criticised his player for writing an open-letter to the fans saying goodbye after he secured his loan-move away from the club.

“He’s already written his letter,” said Rodgers.

“He wrote a goodbye letter didn’t he? I was surprised a loan player wrote a letter. I would suspect that he should come back but obviously Pepe made it very clear when he went to Napoli that he was looking to move.

“He penned a great big letter saying he was going to work with the best manager that he’d worked with and thanked us for his time for Liverpool. So for me it probably sounded like he’d made his decision there.”

Reina has been previously linked with Spanish giants FC Barcelona, who will be looking for a new goalkeeper as Victor Valdes is leaving in the Summer.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Liverpool have Hoffenheim midfielder Roberto Firmino as a ‘top transfer target’

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Feb 28, 2014

Liverpool have reportedly identified Hoffenheim midfielder Roberto Firmino as a potential transfer target this summer.

The attacking midfielder has impressed with his displays in the Bundesliga and Reds manager Brendan Rodgers is hopeful of bringing the 22-year-old to Anfield, according to the Metro.

Firmino is built in a similar mould to Liverpool’s Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho, but Rodgers feels that the 21-year-old’s compatriot can add some further versatility to a forward line that has scored the most goals in the Premier League this term.

Hoffenheim are said to be looking for around £12m for the talented Firmino, but the price-tag would not put off the Reds if they land a Champions League place next season.

Rodgers recently revealed that he is planning for life in Europe’s premier competition next term as he looks to identify “next level” signings that would help his side compete.

“I think it’s vitally important [we qualify for the Champions League],” said Rodgers.

“For us to go to that next level that’s where we need to be. I took over the team in eighth and that’s what we have been building towards over the last 18 months.

“If we can get into the elite competition, it attracts a different type of player as well. I think it’s very important and hopefully it will be this year.”

The Northern Irishman is also said to be targeting a left-back in the summer months.

Jose Enrique has missed most of the season through injury, while on-loan Aly Cissokho is almost certain to be sent back to Valencia after struggling during his time at Anfield.

Written by Steve Milne

For more sports news follow me on Twitter @stevenmilnelive

Midfielder’s mum tweets anger to her son’s England squad exclusion

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Feb 28, 2014