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Tag: Manchester United

  • Full-Time: Man Utd 4-1 Newcastle (Pogba, Zlantan Return in Big Win)

    Full-Time: Man Utd 4-1 Newcastle (Pogba, Zlantan Return in Big Win)

    Man Utd 4-1 Newcastle, Game Over.

    Job well done for Manchester United, coming from behind to score four against Newcastle.

    Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner, assisted by Juan Mata gave Mancherster United the fourth goal.

    Paul Pogba scored the third goal.

    Martial and Smalling scored for the Jose Mourinhio side in the first half after Dwight Gayle scored for Newcastle in the 14th minutes.

    See Match Live Commentary Below

    90’+2′                    Foul by Marcus Rashford (Manchester United).

    90’+2′                    Florian Lejeune (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    90′                          Attempt saved. Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United) header from very close range is saved in the top left corner. Assisted by Ander Herrera.

    90′                          Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Robert Elliot.

    90′                          Attempt saved. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Manchester United) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Nemanja Matic.

    88′                          Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United) wins a free kick on the left wing.

    88′                          Foul by DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle United).

    85′                          Nemanja Matic (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    85′                          Foul by Mohamed Diamé (Newcastle United).

    84′                          Foul by Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United).

    84′                          Florian Lejeune (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

    83′                          Foul by Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United).

    83′                          Aleksandar Mitrovic (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    83′                          Substitution, Manchester United. Ander Herrera replaces Juan Mata.

    79′                          Substitution, Newcastle United. Mohamed Diamé replaces Dwight Gayle.

    78′                          Attempt missed. Jonjo Shelvey (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Isaac Hayden.

    77′                          Substitution, Manchester United. Zlatan Ibrahimovic replaces Anthony Martial.

    74′                          Javier Manquillo (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    74′                          Foul by Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United).

    73′                          Victor Lindelöf (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    73′                          Foul by Dwight Gayle (Newcastle United).

    72′                          Offside, Manchester United. Juan Mata tries a through ball, but Anthony Martial is caught offside.

    71′                          Substitution, Newcastle United. Aleksandar Mitrovic replaces Joselu.

    70′                          Goal! Manchester United 4, Newcastle United 1. Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Juan Mata.

    70′                          Substitution, Manchester United. Marouane Fellaini replaces Paul Pogba.

    69′                          Delay over. They are ready to continue.

    68′                          Delay in match Isaac Hayden (Newcastle United) because of an injury.

    67′                          Chris Smalling (Manchester United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

    67′                          Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by David de Gea.

    67′                          Attempt saved. Jacob Murphy (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner. Assisted by Joselu.

    66′                          Substitution, Newcastle United. Rolando Aarons replaces Matt Ritchie.

    62′                          Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by DeAndre Yedlin.

    61′                          Paul Pogba (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    61′                          Foul by Jonjo Shelvey (Newcastle United).

    58′                          Attempt blocked. Anthony Martial (Manchester United) header from the left side of the six yard box is blocked. Assisted by Paul Pogba with a headed pass.

    58′                          Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Florian Lejeune.

    58′                          Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Florian Lejeune.

    58′                          Attempt blocked. Anthony Martial (Manchester United) header from the left side of the six yard box is blocked. Assisted by Paul Pogba with a headed pass.

    58′                          Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Florian Lejeune.

    58′                          Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Florian Lejeune.

    57′                          Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Florian Lejeune.

    57′                          Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Ciaran Clark.

    55′                          Foul by Victor Lindelöf (Manchester United).

    55′                          Dwight Gayle (Newcastle United) wins a free kick on the left wing.

    54′                          Goal! Manchester United 3, Newcastle United 1. Paul Pogba (Manchester United) right footed shot from very close range to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Marcus Rashford with a headed pass.

    51′                          Nemanja Matic (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    51′                          Nemanja Matic (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    50′                          Joselu (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

    50′                          Joselu (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

    50′                          Foul by Paul Pogba (Manchester United).

    45′                          Second Half begins Manchester United 2, Newcastle United 1.

    45’+4′                    First Half ends, Manchester United 2, Newcastle United 1.

    45’+4′                    First Half ends, Manchester United 2, Newcastle United 1.

    45’+3′                    Attempt missed. Matt Ritchie (Newcastle United) left footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the right.

    45’+1′                    Goal! Manchester United 2, Newcastle United 1. Chris Smalling (Manchester United) header from the right side of the six yard box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Ashley Young with a cross following a corner.

    45’+4′                    First Half ends, Manchester United 2, Newcastle United 1.

    45’+4′                    First Half ends, Manchester United 2, Newcastle United 1.

    45’+3′                    Attempt missed. Matt Ritchie (Newcastle United) left footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the right.

    45’+1′                    Goal! Manchester United 2, Newcastle United 1. Chris Smalling (Manchester United) header from the right side of the six yard box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Ashley Young with a cross following a corner.

    45’+1′                    Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Joselu.

    45’+1′                    Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Joselu.

    44′                          Attempt saved. Jonjo Shelvey (Newcastle United) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Jacob Murphy.

    41′                          Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Joselu.

    40′                          Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Joselu.

    39′                          Attempt missed. Jacob Murphy (Newcastle United) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by DeAndre Yedlin.

    37′                          Goal! Manchester United 1, Newcastle United 1. Anthony Martial (Manchester United) header from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Paul Pogba with a cross.

    36′                          Delay over. They are ready to continue.

    35′                          Delay in match Robert Elliot (Newcastle United) because of an injury.

    32′                          Isaac Hayden (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

    32′                          Foul by Paul Pogba (Manchester United).

    32′                          Florian Lejeune (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    31′                          Dangerous play by Juan Mata (Manchester United).

    31′                          Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Ciaran Clark.

    29′                          Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Ashley Young.

    25′                          Attempt missed. Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United) header from the centre of the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Victor Lindelöf.

    23′                          Delay over. They are ready to continue.

    23′                          Delay in match Dwight Gayle (Newcastle United) because of an injury.

    22′                          Attempt blocked. Matt Ritchie (Newcastle United) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Isaac Hayden.

    21′                          Joselu (Newcastle United) wins a free kick on the left wing.

    21′                          Foul by Paul Pogba (Manchester United).

    20′                          Attempt missed. Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) right footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Ashley Young.

    19′                          Attempt missed. Jacob Murphy (Newcastle United) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Jonjo Shelvey.

    18′                          Attempt saved. Jacob Murphy (Newcastle United) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Matt Ritchie.

    18′                          Attempt blocked. Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Anthony Martial.

    16′                          Attempt missed. Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left following a corner.

    16′                          Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Isaac Hayden.

    16′                          Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Isaac Hayden.

    15′                          Foul by Jonjo Shelvey (Newcastle United).

    15′                          Anthony Martial (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

    14′                          Goal! Manchester United 0, Newcastle United 1. Dwight Gayle (Newcastle United) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by DeAndre Yedlin.

    12′                          Attempt saved. Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.

    12′                          Isaac Hayden (Newcastle United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

    12′                          Juan Mata (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

    12′                          Foul by Isaac Hayden (Newcastle United).

    10′                          Attempt missed. Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Jonjo Shelvey with a cross following a corner.

    10′                          Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Ashley Young.

    9′                             Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Nemanja Matic.

    7′                             Attempt missed. Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Antonio Valencia with a cross.

    7′                             Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

    7′                             Foul by Javier Manquillo (Newcastle United).

    5′                             Foul by Isaac Hayden (Newcastle United).

    5′                             Paul Pogba (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    3′                             Offside, Newcastle United. DeAndre Yedlin tries a through ball, but Dwight Gayle is caught offside.

    2′                             Javier Manquillo (Newcastle United) wins a free kick on the left wing.

    2′                             Foul by Antonio Valencia (Manchester United).

    –                              Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

  • Pogba and brothers stylish at MTV awards

    Pogba and brothers stylish at MTV awards

     

    Paul Pogba is no stranger to a flamboyant haircut — and the Manchester United star has opted to add a new style to his collection on Friday.

    Pogba is currently working his way back to full fitness following a hamstring injury that he suffered in September.

    The 24-year-old has missed the last 12 matches for the Red Devils since picking up the injury against Basle in the Champions League.

    But he certainly looked as though he’s getting ready to return to the limelight as he revealed his new look.

    A Star Barbers in Chessington, who have recently been banned from Chelsea’s training ground, cut Pogba’s hair and they were the first to show off the midfielder’s new style.

    ‘New levels, brings new devils,’ was the message that was tweeted by the hairdressers on Friday.

    Pogba has himself been vocal over the past few days. He has heaped praise on united team-mate Anthony Martial.

    Pogba told MUTV: ‘Anthony is a big, big, big talent. He’s a talented player – one of the best players I have ever seen or trained with.

    ‘He will improve a lot and you are going to see even more of Anthony, I’m sure.’

    Pogba and his brothers Florentin and Mathias were in attendance at the MTV European Music Awards on Sunday night.

    The Pogba brothers were all dressed up for the occasion in London, with the Manchester United midfielder dressed in a tidy black suit, while his two older siblings donned crisp blue suits.

    The France international Pogba is currently recovering from a hamstring injury and is trying to keep himself busy as he looks to get back to first-team action as soon as possible.

    Pogba hasn’t played competitive football since September 12, after suffering a hamstring injury early on in the club’s 3-0 victory over Basle in the Champions League.

    The former Juventus midfielder started the new campaign in impressive style, scoring twice and creating two assists for United in their first four Premier League games.

    He helped guide United to joint top with Manchester City on 10 points after their first four matches. Since his injury, they now sit eight adrift of Pep Guardiola’s men.

  • Man United eye £177m deal for Marco Asensio

    Man United eye £177m deal for Marco Asensio

     

    Manchester United are preparing to break their own transfer record by signing Marco Asensio.

    The Real Madrid forward has been eyed up by Jose Mourinho and United as they prepare to make a £177million move for the 21-year-old, according to Spanish outlet Don Balon.

    That would break the record transfer fee paid by United, set by the signing of Paul Pogba for £89m in the summer of 2016.

    The newspaper is also claiming that the Portuguese manager has reached out to Asensio over a potential switch.

    And there are suggestions he could be paid a staggering €27m (£24m) a season to make the move – or £461,000 a week.

    A move for Asensio would see the youngster put pen to paper on five-year contract at United.

    This all comes as the Old Trafford club are reportedly preparing to splash out in the transfer window next summer.

    Asensio has been in fine form for Real Madrid this campaign, scoring four goals and providing two assists for team-mates across his eight starts.

    He has been selected as part of the Spain squad for their fixtures over the international break.

    Asensio featured as a 65th-minute substitute, replacing club team-mate Isco, as Spain won 5-0 against Costa Rica on Saturday.

    Man United’s desire may however be mere day dreaming recalling that has been enjoying his 2017–18 season. He scored his first goal for the season with a 25-yard finish in a 3–1 win against FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou, for the Supercopa de España.

    He repeated the feat with a similarly spectacular effort in the second leg, in a 5–1 aggregate triumph. And as an indication that the 21 year is thoroughly enjoying his place at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium extended hi contract on September 28 till 2023 and it will take indeed a huge investment and convincing to get him out of the deal.

  • Pogba set to return after international break

    Pogba set to return after international break

     

    PAUL POGBA is on course to make his Manchester United comeback after the international break.

    Pogba has been sidelined for two months with a hamstring problem and missed the last 12 games.

    His absence has been a huge blow for Jose Mourinho, with United falling eight points behind local rivals Manchester City in the title race.

    Pogba, who cost United £90m from Juventus in 2016, completed most of his rehabilitation in the United States.

    But he has spent the last few weeks stepping up his work at United’s Carrington training complex.

    Mourinho is hopeful Pogba can be included in his squad for the visit of Newcastle to Old Trafford on November 18 when Premier League football resumes.

    United, endured a torrid Sunday, with a defeat to Chelsea followed by a severe train delay.

    The United boss will involve him in first team training next week with a view to naming him on the bench for the visit of the Magpies.

    But Mourinho will not rush him back for the sake of it and will be desperate to have him fighting fit for the crunch derby clash with Pep Guardiola’s men on December 10.

    His return to the fold will be a massive boost for Mourinho, who knows United can ill-afford to slip further behind their neighbours otherwise their title challenge could be dead and buried before Christmas.

    Mourinho has made a point of not using Pogba’s absence as an excuse for his side’s inconsistent form in recent weeks.

    But he admitted after last weekend’s defeat at Chelsea that United had missed his influence and dynamism.

    Mourinho has also penciled in Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s comeback for the start of December when United face CSKA Moscow at home in their final Champions League group game.

    The Swedish ace has been sidelined since rupturing knee ligaments in April.

  • PSG step up interest in Jose Mourinho

    PSG step up interest in Jose Mourinho

     

    Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho may not be impressing everyone right now, but not Paris Saint-Germain.

    Mourinho, 54, spoke glowingly about PSG last month and numerous reports in France and the UK claim that Les Parisiens have reached out to Mourinho’s agent, Jorge Mendes, about him managing in the French capital, plus Mourinho wants assurances United will spend PSG-level cash.After a huge splurge this summer which saw them break the world transfer record twice to sign

    Neymar from Barcelona for $265 million and Kylian Mbappe from Monaco for $208 million, Mourinho wants United’s hierarchy to back him in the transfer market.

    Another report from the BBC says that Mourinho has been told he must sell players in January before he can bring in anyone else.

    In his previous interview with French outlet TF1, Mourinho said that he would not finish his coaching career at Old Trafford which led to PSG, currently coached by Unai Emery, reaching out about his availability.

    Mourinho’s deal at United runs out at the end of next season and despite guiding the Red Devils back into the UEFA Champions League and into second place in the Premier League 11 games into this season, plenty of critics are circling with regards to the defensive style of play at United.

     

    League titles in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain prove Mourinho’s worth and two Champions

    League titles over the years have added to his legend as a serial winner with FC Porto, Chelsea,

    Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea again, and then United last season.

    But maybe Mourinho has realized that it will take PSG-money to overtake Manchester City as the elite club in the Premier League for the next few years and he will try and get out of United next summer? PSG’s current boss, Emery, is on a short leash after finishing second in Ligue 1 last season and an incredible collapse in the Champions League Round of 16 against Barcelona.

    A blank checkbook and the chance to manage Neymar, Mbappe and Edinson Cavani would be the stuff dreams are made of for any manager. Especially Mourinho.

    All of that aside, call me a cynic, but this PSG speculation feels like Mourinho is pushing pretty hard to get a new long-term deal at United. Or, at the very least, a spending spree in

    January from Executive Vice Chairman Ed Woodward,so he can try and close the ever-widening gap with Manchester City.

  • Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd: How Jose Mourinho was Humbled at Stamford Bridge

    Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd: How Jose Mourinho was Humbled at Stamford Bridge

    All over, what a win for Chelsea and Antonio Conte. Big blow to Manchester United’s title hopes, falling eight points behind leaders Manchester City.

    This result could provide a big impact in the Premier League title race and Manchester United have work to do. They sit eight points behind Manchester City and now have to look over their shoulders, with Tottenham and Chelsea right behind them and providing plenty of pressure. November will be a crucial month for the Red Devils.

    There was a lot of pressure on Antonio Conte heading into this game but his side have responded in superb fashion. The victory means Chelsea are three points clear of Liverpool, Arsenal and Burnley in the race for a top-four finish. Crucially though, they’re now just a single point behind Tottenham and Manchester United.

    What a header from the Spaniard! Morata header in the 55th minutes has given Chelsea lead over Man Utd at Stamford Bridge. Morata powers in header from Azpilicueta’s deep cross.

    It’s been coming and Chelsea finally take the lead. Azpilicueta launches a ball towards Morata and the Spaniard, under no pressure from the Manchester United defenders, heads into the top corner past his compatriot De Gea- his seventh Premier League goal of the season.

    A superb ball from Azpilicueta. Morata had plenty of space but he had to be found and the ball from the defender was spot on.

    Asked if it was his most important goal for Chelsea, Alvaro Morata told Sky Sport; “For sure.”It is important that we won. We had a very good chance today to come back to winning ways. We are happy now with the international break we can go with three points.”

    Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho takes the positives from his side’s current position of second in the league. In the post match interview he said, Manchester United are in a better position than 18 other teams in the league,

    “It was an even match. Both teams could win. The first to score would be in more defensive control and to win the match.

    “The first half was really even. In the second half in the only period where they were on top of the game, they scored.

    “It frustrates us to concede a goal in this situation. We lost ourselves after the goal emotionally. We found again the balance and desire in the last 15 to 20 minutes. It was all us. We had big chances to equalise but we couldn’t,” he said.

    ‘Happy’ Conte was pleased with the handwork and spirit of the Chelsea players. He told Sky Sports that; “It’s an important victory. When you play against Manchester United it’s always a massive game. We know very well this team is very strong. This type of win is important for our confidence. We showed great desire and passion to win this kind of game.

    “We can win or lose but our spirit must be this. Last season our spirit was in every game – we started this season with a lot of problems. We were up and down. This game showed if we want we can.”

    He was asked if David Luiz has a future at Chelsea: “I don’t know. He has to work really hard otherwise they are on the bench or in the stand.”

    Substitution

    Mkhitaryan, who’s been a passenger throughout, is the first man sacrificed as Anthony Martial takes his place. Chelsea forced all the way back to Courtois after their own corner but they remain the better side here.

    Fellaini is the second man on, with Phil Jones sacrificed. It suggests a tactical change for the visitors, who could now set-up in a 4-3-3.

    Big opportunities already have been wasted with Rashford’s miss and spectacular Phil Jones own goal chalked off for push by Morata in the first half.

    Match statistics has it that Chelsea leads with 56.6% possession and Machester United has 43.4% in the first 45 minutes

    But, It has been a frantic opening 25 minutes, but it has settled down a little bit now and Chelsea are starting to monopolise possession.

    The balance seems to be good in this Chelsea side today. Bakayoko and Fabregas have been let off the leash with Kante back and Herrera has got a massive job on his hands to keep control in that area.

    Read what the two managers said before the match

    And Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said Leaving David Luiz out) is a tactical decision. There is Andreas Christensen in good form and we have Ethan Ampadu who is a good, young player at the club.

    “We are conceding many goals so you have to find stability and solidity. We have to be patient with the team and defend in the right way.

    “Manchester United is a really good team they will want to win, like us. We have to try playing our football and be focused from the start to the end.”

    Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho left it open saying anything can happen in the match “The same team as against Tottenham shows I was pleased with the performance but we do not have many other options for this game. We tried to prepare the team best we could and we are ready for a big match.

    “When you have one bad result, this is what happens at a big club. People that work at big clubs, they are used to it and know how to cope with the pressure. That is what we did after losing against Huddersfield and we managed to get results. Chelsea are not at all affected by the defeat against Roma.

    “We have to respect big players individually. I would be very happy if Chelsea does not care about Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford or Henrikh Mkhitaryan. They will be trying to win the match but also thinking about them. We are going to try to win the match but Eden Hazard, Alvaro Morata, do not deserve respect? We would be in trouble.

    “I expect a big match, difficult for both teams trying to win and respecting their opponents.

  • Tax Fraud charges: Its case closed-Jose

    Tax Fraud charges: Its case closed-Jose

     

     

    Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says he has paid to settle accusations of tax fraud in Spain.

    The 54-year-old attended court in Pozuelo de Alcarcon on Friday to answer charges of tax fraud totalling €3.3million, which he has always denied.

    Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Mourinho said “the case is closed” and that he only attended to settle the matter.

    “I was told that my tax situation was completely legal,” he said, as quoted by ESPN.

    “A few years later I was told that there was an investigation opened and they told me that to regularise my situation I had to pay sum X.

    “I did not answer, I did not argue, I have paid and signed with the state that I am definitely in compliance and the case is closed. That is why I am here, nothing else.”

    Mourinho was summoned at the end of September over allegations he defrauded Spanish tax authorities of €3.3m between 2011 and 2012, while he was head coach of Real Madrid.

    When the charges were announced in June, Mourinho’s representatives issued a statement denying he had been contacted by prosecutors and insisting his taxes had been paid in full.

    United were forced to rearrange their pre-game media duties ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea due to the hearings but Mourinho insisted it was not a distraction.

    “It’s just a change of normal training time because I want to be there and I can’t be there in the morning so I have to change the timings,” he said on Thursday.

  • Matic: I don’t care if Chelsea fans boo me

    Matic: I don’t care if Chelsea fans boo me

     

    Nemanja Matic  is on a mission to pile on the pain for his former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.

    And the Manchester United star admits he couldn’t care less if Blues fans abuse him when he returns to Stamford Bridge.

    Matic is relishing facing his old club when the two giants clash in what promises to be an explosive showdown on Sunday.

    The Serbian has been a revelation since joining United in a shock £40m deal last summer.

    Conte’s decision to sell the Serbian midfielder is becoming one of the worst of his managerial career.

    Now Matic is keen to add to the Italian’s woes by ignoring the flak to help United secure what would be a massive win in the title race

    “As I said, when I played at Chelsea I always gave my best to help the team, but now Manchester United is my club and I will try to win there.”

    Matic insists he has nothing to prove when he returns to Stamford Bridge.

    He added: “Now I’m a United player I will try to do the best for my team and to take the points there.

    “I spent a good time there, three-and-a-half years, which is a long time, and of course it’s going to be something special again for me to play again in that stadium.

    “But now I’m on the opposite side, I have to be professional and do the best for my team.

    Nemanja Matic: Man Utd man will put up with boos from Chelsea fans

    “You’ll have to ask the others if I have a point to prove.

    “But I feel when I played there, I showed them my quality.

    “We won the title twice and also two cups, so I don’t have to prove to them anything.

    “I just have to prove something to my new club.

  • Jose tax fraud case threatens Man U Chelsea clash

    Jose tax fraud case threatens Man U Chelsea clash

     

    Jose Mourinho’s tax fraud case is in danger of disrupting Manchester United’s preparations for their match at Chelsea this weekend, with the Old Trafford boss set to travel to Spain for the hearing on Friday.

    United have brought Mourinho’s weekly press conference forward 24 hours from its usual slot to Thursday, and sources in Spain say they expect the Portuguese coach to be in court.

    Mourinho’s No.2 Rui Faria and his coaching staff will oversee training if he is out of the country, but the situation would be far from ideal.

    He suffered his biggest ever Premier League defeat as a coach when United were beaten 4-0 on his return to Stamford Bridge in October, and can expect another stern test against Antonio Conte’s side on Sunday.

    Mourinho is accused of defrauding the Spanish tax authorities of £2.9million during his time in charge of Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013 by not declaring profits from image rights.

    The case is due to be heard in Madrid at 10am, just two days before United face Chelsea. Mourinho has denied the charges.

    He settled a previous claim against him in 2014, paying a penalty of £1m, but prosecutors claimed in June that some of the information in that settlement was incorrect.

    Mourinho responded by issuing a statement insisting that his taxes had been paid in full. It read: ‘Jose Mourinho has not received any notification with regards to the news published today.

    ‘To this date, neither the Spanish tax authorities, nor the public prosecutor have contacted Jose Mourinho or his advisers who were hired for the inspection process.

    ‘Jose Mourinho, who lived in Spain from June 2010 until May 2013, paid more than €26m (£22.7m) in taxes, with an average tax rate over 41 per cent, and accepted the regularisation proposals made by the Spanish tax authorities in 2015 regarding the years 2011 and 2012 and entering into a settlement agreement regarding 2013.’

     

     

     

  • Mourinho explains Lukaku penalty snub

    Mourinho explains Lukaku penalty snub

    Without a goal in the previous five games, Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku was quick to grab the ball when his team was awarded a penalty in the 78th minute of their Champions League game against Benfica.

    United were 1-0 up and had already missed one penalty, a soft effort from Anthony Martial saved by Benfica’s 18-year-old keeper Mile Svilar.

    But with Lukaku ready to end his barren spell and secure the win, United manager Jose Mourinho signaled he wanted someone else to take the spot-kick.

    Spanish substitute Ander Herrera showed his willingness to take the kick, but still Mourinho was not happy until his clear choice, Dutch defender Daley Blind was given the ball and drove confidently down the middle.

    It was an unusual scene but Mourinho said it was simply the boss doing his job.

    “I am paid to take decisions – good or bad. In the first half the decision was bad because the player I chose to take the penalty missed,” he said.

    “In the second half I made another decision and I don’t see the drama.

    The penalty taker for this match was Martial, he took it in the first half and missed and he was not even on the pitch for the second one.

    “Then I have to make a decision.

    “Romelu wants to take, he had the personality to take the responsibility, Herrera the same, but my decision, based on what we did in training in the past couple of days, was Blind.

    “The players respected my decision and that is it – end of story.”

    While United were far from their best, Mourinho said he was pleased to have picked up a fourth win in four games in Group A.

    “We have not qualified yet? Four victories and it is still not enough? We must get that point from the two remaining matches.

    “I am more than happy. We changed a lot of players, we broke the natural dynamic and routines of the team and we played a kid (Scott McTominay) from the academy.

    “We scored two goals, did not concede, gained three more points, more money for the club because every victory means money and did not have any significant injuries.”

    NAN