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Tag: Manchester United

  • Barcelona reach Champions League semi-finals with Messi exhibition against Manchester United

    Lionel Messi produced another masterful Champions League performance to knock out Manchester United and fire Barcelona into the semi-finals in a 3-0 home win on Tuesday.

    It was Barcelona’s first time of reaching the semi-final of the competition in four years.

    Barca, who toyed with United for the majority of the encounter, sealed a 4-0 aggregate victory and will meet either Porto or Liverpool in the last four.

    Messi had failed to score in his last 12 quarter-final appearances, but he settled his side’s nerves after a bright start from United.

    Collecting a misplaced pass from Ashley Young, Messi curled the ball into the bottom corner in the 16th minute.

    The Argentine then pounced on another lapse from United’s defence four minutes later to win back possession high up the pitch and fire a shot from outside the box.

    The ball then slipped under the arms of visiting keeper David de Gea.

    Philippe Coutinho finished off a therapeutic win for the Catalans, after three quarter-final failures in a row, by curling into the top corner in the second half.

    United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s greatest night as a player came at the Nou Camp.

    But after losing the first leg at Old Trafford 1-0, his team needed to become the first side to win a European game there in 31 matches in order to progress.

    They clung to the hope of another famous European escape act after last month’s miraculous 3-1 win at Paris St Germain and made a strong start as Marcus Rashford hit the crossbar in the opening stages.

    They also survived a scare when a penalty awarded to Barca for an apparent foul by Fred on Ivan Rakitic was overturned after a VAR review.

    Yet their hopes were soon extinguished when Young was caught in possession on the left wing and Messi seized the ball.

    He scurred across the pitch and held off more United defenders before bending a superb shot past the outstretched De Gea.

    The Spanish goalkeeper was left embarrassed for Messi’s second goal as the Argentine’s tame shot crept under his body.

    United looked down and out and Messi nearly dealt them further pain before halftime by sparking another quick break, but this time De Gea thwarted the Catalans.

    De Gea was taunted by Barca fans in the second half, which turned into a procession for the home side and the out-of-form Coutinho turned up the party atmosphere with his sensational strike.

    The nearest United came to finding the target after the break came when Barca keeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen turned an Alexis Sanchez header around the post late on. (Reuters/NAN)

  • UCL: 5 reasons Manchester United could upset Barcelona

    It is hard to write off Manchester United as they slug it out with Barcelona tonight in the Camp Nou for the spot in the Semi-Finals despite losing the first leg 0-1.

     The Red Devil may beat Barca for the following reasons: 

    1.    No doubt, Barca is the dominant force in Spain, where they are heading towards their fourth La Liga title in five years, but their Champions League fortunes tell a different story. Not since they last won it four years ago have they gone past the stage they find themselves now. Therefore, United may hope that previous failure and current expectation, especially in light of Real Madrid’s recent monopoly on the European Cup, weighs too heavily on their mind.

    2.    The return leg at Camp Nou is similar to the round of 16, Manchester United will have an away fixture in the return leg. This had helped them to defeat PSG based on away goals and similarly, Barcelona could also be put under pressure in their home game.

    Manchester United will have a clear idea as to how many goals to score in the return leg to progress and this could help them in devising their game plan. We have seen Barcelona falter at this stage in the previous seasons and United will hope for something similar tonight.

    3.    Barcelona has not been at their best in the Champions League in the last few years. The side lost in the quarterfinals in each of their last three Champions League campaigns. It is on record that the Catalan side lost a three-goal lead to Italian side Roma last year while in their previous two campaigns Barca were ousted by Juventus and Atletico Madrid.

    4.    With Paul Pogba in form, he is by far the most improved player under Solskjaer’s management up till now. What Solskjaer has done is given Pogba the free role he thrives in while Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic have taken over the defensive midfield mantle. If Pogba is in the mood, United will win the midfield battle that is already intriguing on the cards.

    5.    David De Gea has lately looked unsure in his decision making but make no mistake, he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and on his day, nothing goes past him.

    De Gea however has a Lionel Messi in the best form of his life to stop when he takes the field in the Champions League tonight. The Spaniard, who has kept 100 clean sheets in his Premier League career up till now, will need to deliver one hell of a performance over two legs to lead United to the semi-final of the Champions League this season.

  • Breaking: Man Utd starting XI vs Barcelona

    Manchester United have announced the starting line-up for the crunch quarter-finals match with Barcelona in the next one hour.

    This is the line-up: De Gea, Jones, Lindelof, Smalling, Young, Fred, Mc Tominay, Pogba, Lingard, Martial, Rashford.

     

  • UCL: Five reasons why FC Barcelona should beat Manchester United tonight

    FC Barcelona host Manchester United in the second leg of the quarter-finals match of the UEFA Champions League in less than two hours.

    The Catalans go into the fixtures with a 1-0 aggregate lead knowing that a draw at the Camp Nou is enough to secure them a semi-final place for the first time since 2015.

    Barcelona on paper is widely adjudged to win on paper, as they are favourites to win virtually every game and also among the favourites to win every title. Five reasons listed below show clearly why the Spanish side should emerge winners over the Red Devils.

    1. Messi factor

    Lionel Messi alone gives any team an upper hand and he will be very essential in Barcelona’s goal to win not just this game but also the UEFA Champions League this season.

    The 31-year old already has 43 goals this season whilst providing 18 assists, more than any other player by far.

    Messi will be a menace for the Manchester United defence.  He is very dangerous, can score, dribble and create from basically all angles.

    1. Home advantage

    The great battle between both sides will take place in Camp Nou in few hours. Records have it that the Spanish sides progress in knockout games when they play the second leg at home. In their last eight quarterfinal ties, they’ve played away first they progressed in six and so expected to be a torrid time for Man. United in the Nou Camp.

    Read Also: Messi succeeds Iniesta, named new FC Barcelona captain

    1. Technical superiority

    Although it is not exactly a golden ticket for the better team to progress but in this case it is very glaring that Barcelona possess a lot more quality in their squad compared to the Reds.

    They are better than Man United in almost all positions and also looking from the team-play perspective. Barcelona are more tactically sound and balanced in both defense and attack with their transition fast and smooth enough to break any team down.

    1. Hunger for UCL trophy

    Barcelona have been champions of La Liga in seven of the last ten seasons and are on course to  winning this year’s edition as they top the table leading second place Atletico Madrid with 8 points. They’re also on course to win their fifth consecutive Copa Del Rey title but have failed to win the UEFA Champions League, a trophy they last handled in 2015.

    Watching Real Madrid win three editions in a row after 2015, they are desperate to clinch the title, now that their rivals are out of the competition. Messi already promised fans at the beginning they will try to bring the UCL home.

    5. Midfield duel

    FC Barcelona will definitely win the midfield war against Manchester United. They have a balanced midfield with Sergio Busquet in defensive midfield role and controller Arthur holding onto possession and resisting press.  Arturo Vidal could also feature, doing the tackling and making life difficult for the Red Devils.

  • Pogba penalties seal victory for Manchester United over West Ham

    Two penalties from Paul Pogba earned Manchester United a 2-1 win over West Ham at Old Trafford as they moved up to fifth, within two points of fourth-placed Chelsea.

    Pogba converted in the first half after Robert Snodgrass was adjudged to have fouled Juan Mata and after Felipe Anderson equalised early in the second, struck again after a foul on Anthony Martial.

    United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rested Victor Lindelof, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay ahead of next week’s Champions League game at Barcelona while Marko Arnautovic did not even make the bench for West Ham.

    Fred had a shot from outside the area blocked after the ball fell to him from a Mata corner, and Declan Rice cut out a Martial pass as United tried to work the ball into the box.

    After 10 minutes, West Ham had the ball in the net when Anderson hooked home amid defensive confusion, only for United to be reprieved by a tight offside call.

    But after 19 minutes Pogba who put United ahead from the spot after Snodgrass challenged Mata just inside the area.

    Lanzini saw a free kick deflected over after Pogba was penalised for a high foot 25 yards out, and Anderson’s flick-on went across goal with no teammate able to get a touch.

    Romelu Lukaku set up a chance for Pogba, whose strike was blocked, and he was again involved when he found Dalot, whose attempt was wayward.

    With the first half entering its final 10 minutes, Mata’s cross was steered over by Martial from a difficult angle and then Chris Smalling’s header from a Mata corner was too high.

    But West Ham needed only four minutes of the second half to level, Lanzini producing an excellent cross for Anderson to steer past De Gea from close range.

    The visitors were growing in confidence, Pablo Zabaleta trying his luck with a shot from outside the area that was held by De Gea.

    Solskjaer made an early change as he looked to refresh his side, Rashford on for Mata, and Rashford almost made an instant impact when his angled strike was stopped by Lukasz Fabianski.

    Lanzini suffered an injury and was unable to continue, Grady Diangana replacing him and then Rashford headed over from close range when he should have scored.

    Marcos Rojo tried his luck from 25 yards, Fabianski saving, and at the other end Rojo blocked a fierce Rice effort.

    Former United player Javier Hernandez made way for Michael Antonio after 72 minutes and Solskjaer made a double change, Mason Greenwood on for Lukaku and Andreas Pereira replacing Rojo.

    Moments after West Ham had introduced Ryan Fredericks for Zabaleta, Antonio smashed a fine strike against the crossbar from the edge of the box with De Gea well beaten, and the United keeper then conjured a stunning save from the same player’s header.

    And the Hammers were left to rue those moments when United were awarded their second penalty, Fredericks fouling Martial and Pogba stepping up to convert again for the game’s decisive moment.

  • UCL: PSG should listen to me more, says Alves

    Paris St German’s experienced Brazil international defender Dani Alves said on Thursday that the club should follow his recommendations to improve in the Champions League.

    With three Champions League crowns, three Club World Cup titles and two UEFA Cup triumphs among his trophy haul the full back is the world’s most decorated active player.

    The experienced Brazilian however feels his voice is not being heard at runaway Ligue 1 leaders PSG.

    PSG have been knocked out of the Champions League in the last 16 for three years in a row, going out on away goals against Manchester United this season after winning the first leg 2-0 at Old Trafford.

    “I know how to win,” the 35-year-old, who joined PSG in 2017 from Juventus and has been negotiating a contract extension for next season, told RMC Sport.

    “When I want to say something I would like to be followed. Not because I’m better than any other but because I’ve been there.

    “When someone has been there maybe it’s good to listen to them, to rely on their experience.

    Read Also: Hard to Take!  PSG fan shatters Television over 3-1 defeat

    “Maybe it will work, maybe it won’t. I would like that when I say something, one would listen more.”

    Alves, who spent six years at Sevilla and eight at Barcelona before moving to Italy in 2016, felt PSG should have been less complacent and more aware that history was against them.

    “When you are up against a historical opponent in football, boxing, tennis, history will always be against you,” he said.

    PSG are on the brink of an eighth Ligue 1 title, which they can clinch on Sunday by avoiding defeat at second-placed Lille.

     

    NAN

     

     

  • Barca XI vs Man United XI

    Barcelona announces the squad for the game against Manchester United.

    The Spanish side, Barcelona make just one change from their weekend win over Atletico Madrid as Semedo replaces Roberto in defence.

    XI: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Arthur; Coutinho, Messi, and Suarez.

    Sub: Cillessen, Umtiti, Roberto, Vidal, Alena, Malcom, Dembele.

    Manchester United team to play Barcelona: De Gea, Young, Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw, Dalot, McTominay, Fred, Pogba, Lukaku, Rashford

    Subs: Romero, Jones, Rojo, Pereira, Lingard, Mata, Martial

  • Man U suspends chase for Jadon Sancho and Callum Hudson-Odoi

     

    Manchester United  believe interest in Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho and Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi will have to be shelved with their respective clubs maintaining they do not wish to sell.

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants a right back, two midfielders and a right winger for his summer rebuild.

    England internationals Sancho and Hudson-Odoi have been discussed but there is a growing air of realism around the United camp that both will be extremely difficult to prise away this summer.

    Dortmund have already stated they are planning for Sancho to stay with sporting director Michael Zorc underlining ‘it will be very difficult even for the biggest of clubs’ to buy the former Manchester City winger, particularly with Christian Pulisic leaving for Chelsea this summer.

    City negotiated a matching rights clause in Sancho’s contract which enables them to offer the same amount as rival suitors, should Dortmund agree to sell, but the German club have proven stubborn in the past once they make such a declaration.

    They know clubs may be willing to offer up to £100m for the 19-year-old but point to the fact he is tied to a contract until 2022 and could improve again by playing more regularly next season.

    Chelsea have less security over Hudson-Odoi as he has just one year remaining on contract but they still plan to reassure him he will feature more regularly and are reluctant to allow him to join Premier League rivals

    They also point to the fact that other suitors Bayern Munich, while offering a lucrative contract, do not have a track record for giving teenagers greater game time.

    The risk for Chelsea is he could go abroad for relatively low compensation next year while United could be asked to pay up to £20m at a tribunal here.

    Chelsea’s appeal against their transfer ban will be heard next Thursday, April 11, and they are exploring whether taking their fight to the Court of Arbitration will still allow them time to conduct transfer business.

     

  • Juan Mata to become Man U ambassador after retirement

     

    Juan Mata is reportedly being lined up for a club representative role at Manchester United in the future – and the midfielder already has the classy car part of being an ambassador down perfectly.

    The Spain international was spotted in Altrincham on Tuesday afternoon after having lunch with a friend.

    Mata grinned at the camera as he got into his sleek Aston Martin DB9, priced at around £160,000

    Mata may not be a Manchester United player for too much longer, with his contract set to expire this summer.

    Mata remains in the first team picture at United, with 29 appearances and five goals this season, but his age means the club are unwilling to offer him more than a one-year playing deal.

    However the 30-year-old, who has spent five and a half years at Old Trafford after being signed by David Moyes, is a popular and respected figure at the club.

    According to the Manchester Evening News, United are interested in having Mata return as a club ambassador when he retires from playing, even if he leaves on a free transfer this summer.

    They say club officials have been impressed by Mata’s charity work of the pitch, setting up the Common Goal initiative.

    Common Goal was founded by Mata in August 2017, and asks footballers to donate one per cent of their salaries to charitable organizations.

    So far 80 managers and players from the world of football have signed up to Common Goal, and more than £1million has been raised.

     

     

  • Rashford, Martial give sloppy Manchester United win over Watford

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrated his first game as permanent Manchester United manager with a 2-1 English Premier League (EPL) win over Watford at Old Trafford on Saturday.

    The victory helped his team to move back into the competition’s top four.

    It was a far from impressive performance from Manchester United, but goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial earned the victory which moved them up to fourth in the table.

    They are now level on points with third-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

    After a slow start, Manchester United took the lead in the 28th minute when Luke Shaw played a delightful through ball into the path of Rashford.

    The England international clipped the ball past advancing Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster.

    Watford enjoyed plenty of possession in Manchester United’s half and looked dangerous when breaking, without causing David De Gea too much work.

    Manchester United’s main problem was their midfield which barely operated as a unit.

    Read also: UEFA charges Neymar for “insulting’’ referee after PSG’s loss to Manchester United

    Neither the deep-lying Nemanja Matic nor Paul Pogba, in an advanced role, were anywhere near their best and that left the only effective route down the flanks.

    It was from a burst down the right wing that Manchester United made sure of the points, with Martial’s strike in the 72nd minute.

    Substitute Jesse Lingard’s low cross caused Martial and Foster to tangle for the ball, which fell kindly for the Frenchman who hooked home Manchester United’s second.

    Watford got some reward for their positive approach when Abdoulaye Doucoure slotted home in the 90th minute after an exchange of passes with substitute Isaac Success.

    “We were awful in the second half, we were lucky with the result,” said Shaw, one of Manchester United’s better performers.

    “The most important thing is the three points. We need to forget about the game today because we were not at our best at all,” added the England left back.

    Norwegian Solksjaer, handed a three-year contract on Thursday, has led Manchester United to 15 wins in 20 matches in all competitions since taking over as caretaker manager in December.(Reuters/NAN)