Mourinho Reduces Role At Charity Game

 

Jose Mourinho with Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho will no longer take charge of England for Sunday’s Soccer Aid charity game.

Mourinho was due to manage an England XI including ex-Arsenal keeper David Seaman and former United defender Phil Neville, plus a host of celebrities. The 53-year-old could still help train the squad and will be at Old Trafford for the game, although he might not be in the dug-out. Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce takes over from Mourinho. The match is Mourinho’s first at Old Trafford since his appointment as Louis van Gaal’s successor last month.

The former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss visited United’s Carrington training ground for the first time on Monday. He was given a tour by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and met club legend Sir Bobby Charlton during his seven-hour visit. Mourinho is yet to meet with Ryan Giggs. The Welshman still has a contract as an assistant manager, although Mourinho’s long-time deputy Rui Faria is expected to be in that role next season. Giggs, 42, is on leave until Saturday and is yet to be contacted by Mourinho or Woodward – and is still to be told what role, if any, they have for him. Meanwhile, midfielder Michael Carrick is expected to stay on at United for another season. The 34-year-old is out of contract but a new one-year deal has been offered by the club. BBC

Mourinho Reduces Role At Charity Game

Premier League Change Referee For Being A Leicester City Fan

The Premier League have changed the referee for Tottenham’s crucial game in the title race against Stoke on Monday following pressure on social media.

 

The original choice of Kevin Friend outraged Spurs fans because he lives in Leicester and admits to being a fan of the Premier League leaders, who have a seven-point lead over the north London club with five games to go.

The Professional Game Match Officials Ltd do not pick Friend to referee matches involving Leicester because of his allegiance, but they normally do not take into consideration secondary factors such as a referee officiating in a match that might have ramifications for the club he supports.

But PGMOL boss Mike Riley had second thoughts over Friend’s appointment because of the importance of the Spurs fixture to the title race and to avoid unnecessary pressure on the referee.

He has been replaced by Neil Swarbrick, who hails from Preston, and Friend will switch to Newcastle’s home tie against Manchester City.

A statement said: ‘Kevin Friend, initially selected for the game, is from Leicester and has attended matches at Leicester City in a personal capacity. Given the context of this match, it was felt unnecessary to add extra scrutiny on the refereeing appointment.’

 

Leicester need just three victories from their remaining games against West Ham, Swansea, Manchester United, Everton and Chelsea to lift the title.

Premier League Change Referee For Being A Leicester City Fan

Manchester United Top 4 Hopes Crashed

Tottenham Hotspur scored three times inside six second-half minutes to inflict a chastening 3-0 defeat on Manchester United, leaving the Reds four points shy of the Barclays Premier League top four.

Dele Alli, Toby Alderweireld and Erik Lamela scored the quickfire goals that secured Spurs’ first victory over United at White Hart Lane in 15 matches, since a 3-1 win in May, 2001.

Delle Alli scored the opening goal in the 3-0 demolishing of Manchester United

The result means qualification to next season’s UEFA Champions League looks a tall order for Louis van Gaal’s men with only six top-flight matches left to play this season.

Kick-off at White Hart Lane was delayed by 30 minutes due to United’s team bus being stuck in traffic and that meant the Reds had to complete a much shorter warm-up than normal, although that didn’t appear to make an impact in the opening exchanges of the first half.

Erik Lamela unmarked at the far post scored the last goal in Spurs’ quest to stay close in the race for the premier League crown

Van Gaal’s men controlled much of the ball and registered shots at goal through Jesse Lingard and Tim Fosu-Mensah, the powerful Dutch youngster who was recalled to the XI in place of Matteo Darmian.

Title-chasing Tottenham needed to win the game following Leicester City’s 2-0 win at Sunderland earlier in the day and Mauricio Pochettino’s men began to show their quality as the half ticked on, with an offside Harry Kane forcing a point-blank save from David De Gea and Christian Eriksen curling wide, before Erik Lamela spurned an excellent chance when his free header flew wide of the back post just before the half-hour mark.

Manchester United Top 4 Hopes Crashed

Liverpool Striker Set To Return From Loan

Liverpool Striker To Return From Unsuccessful Loan Spell

Mario Balotelli is set to return to Liverpool from his Serie A loan spell after AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani admitted that the striker is currently falling short of expectations.

The Italy international is on a season-long loan at the San Siro, but has scored just three times in 17 appearances so far.

Mario Balotelli has had a torrid time since his 16 million pounds move from AC Milan

Galliani said: ‘We really like Mario, but he has to convince us to earn a permanent deal.’

Galliani added: ‘Mario is feeling well. He is desperate to stay here at Milan. But like I have said before, he does not merit a permanent deal at the moment.’

Mario Balotelli in action for AC Milan as a loan player

Balotelli, 25, previously played for the Rossoneri  between 2013 and 2014, scoring 30 goals in 54 appearances in all competitions before making a £16million switch to Liverpool.

Liverpool Striker Set To Return From Loan

Antonio Conte Introduced To Chelsea Team

Chelsea’s new boss, Antonio Conte was introduced to his squad on Tuesday and will hold a series of individual meetings with those who want to leave.

Players were surprised when the Italy coach, who takes over after Euro 2016, arrived at Chelsea’s Cobham training complex with technical director Michael Emenalo.

Chelsea’s legend, John Terry will be out of contract after this season and is hoping new manager will serve him a new contract after the visit

He wants to establish who is keen to leave ahead of a potential summer rebuild, and will hold meetings with Eden Hazard, John Terry, Nemanja Matic and Diego Costa.

Diego Costa’s future has come up for this discussion after struggling to replicate last seasons form

Conte is determined to get an initial picture in his mind of what he is facing prior to concentrating his efforts on guiding Italy at Euro 2016.

Antonio Conte Introduced To Chelsea Team

Man. United Open Transfer Talks With Aubameyang

20-times English premier league champions, Manchester United have opened transfer talks with BVB Dortmund forward, Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng.

The Gabonese international has been in red-hot form since he moved from the French ligue to the Budesliga couple of seasons ago and his consistency has seen him among the big names in Europe.

Aubamayeng celebrates scoring for Dortmund in the europa league quarter finals against Tottenham

Dortmund insist their 26-year-old striker and African Player of the Year is not for sale despite interest from Old Trafford, Arsenal and Real Madrid  but United would be able to offer in excess of £60m to lure the forward to Old Trafford.

United’s interest in the 26-year-old, who has become one of the most sought after strikers in Europe is well known and are in pole position to offer Aubameyang the carrot of becoming a global superstar and making him one of the most famous African players of all time.

Man. United Open Transfer Talks With Aubameyang

United Triumph Over City In Manchester Derby

Marcus Rashford scored on his Manchester derby debut as United all but ended City’s title hopes with a 1-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium.

Marcus Rashford cools shoots pass Joe Hart to give United all three points

The United academy product’s 16th-minute strike proved to be the decisive goal as United ground out a much-needed victory courtesy of Rashford’s fifth goal on his eighth appearance for the club.

Manchester City vs Manchester United

City’s cause was hampered by the loss of Raheem Sterling and Joe Hart in either half to injuries, and they failed to really test David de Gea, Sergio Aguero’s header against the post the closest they came to equalising.

David De Gea celebrates Manchester United’s opening and only goal

The result sees United maintain their quest for Champions League qualification and was the perfect tonic as they atoned for their Europa League exit to Liverpool in style.

 

City remain 15 points adrift of leaders Leicester with just eight games to play and are now mired in the race for the top four, with United, level with fifth-placed West Ham, just a point off their city rivals.

United Triumph Over City In Manchester Derby

Falcao Ready To End His Chelsea Nightmare

Falcao Ready To End Chelsea Move

Radamel Falcao’s Chelsea and premier league nightmare looks to be coming to an end after his former club, Atletico Madrid are trying to bring the Colombian back to Spanish capital.

 

 

The world time world’s best forward has had a miserable couple of years in England and he is now desperate to leave the Premier League champions, who are also willing to let him go.

 

Falcao is on loan from Monaco but due to his recent injury record, the French club are unwilling to cut short the loan deal.

 

The 29-year-old prefers a move back to Spain after the recent signing of Alexandre Pato saw him fall further down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

Falcao Ready To End His Chelsea Nightmare

Review: Ghanaian Players abroad England

Ghanaian Players abroad

sportscrusader.com reviews how Ghanaian players fared with their various European clubs.

England

Jordan Ayew Aston Villa were 4-0 losers to 2012 FA cup champions, Manchester city. The Ghanaian forward played the entire duration of the game but as has been the norm the Villains can’t stop draining goals.

 

Baba Rahman got his first game and start under new interim manager Guus Hiddink as the blues left the home of Milton Keynes Dons-MK Dons as 5-1 victors. Rahman whose performance was very impressive through the full duration of the game will hope for at least some game time in their midweek premier league clash against.

 

Spain

Las Palmas defeated in their la liga clash. Ghanaian combative Midfielder Mubarak Wakaso was instrumental in the 2-1 victory over Celta de Vigo but his performance won’t be complete without his trademark – been booked before his substitution in the 87th minute.

 

New Malaga loan signing from English premier league side, Chelsea, Christian Atsu warmed the bench as the side won 2-0 away from home against  Eibar.

 

Alex Partey came on in the second half for nine man Atletico Madrid but couldn’t help prevent a 2-1 defeat to world club champions and 2014/15 UEFA champions league winners, Barcelona.

 

Italy

Kwadwo Asamoah sat out injured as Juventus continued with their winning streak after defeating Chievo Verona by 4-goals. Ghanaian Midfielder Yussif Rahman played minutes for the home team – Chievo Verona.

 

Kevin prince Boateng played just 2-minutes as AC Milan thrashed city rivals inter in the Milan derby. Goals from heaped more pressure on under-fire inter Milan manager, Roberto Mancini. The Biaconneri’s have won just in their last games.

 

Agyemang Badu played the full 90-minutes as Udinese drew goalless as the Zebra’s continued their search for a first Serie a win in their last 4-games recording three defeats.

 

Afriyie  Acquah played just 58-minutes in Torino’s goalless drawn game against bottom place, Hellas Verona.

 

Yussif Rahman Chibsah played 76-minutes in Frosinone 3-1 defeat away to 5th placed AS Roma. The newly promoted, Frosinone have to start picking up maximum points as the season looks gloomy for a chance to stay in the league beyond this season.

 

Carpi drew one all against Palermo in their Serie A clash. Ghanaian versatile player, Isaac Cofie only lasted 45-minutes of the first half as for tactical reasons from coach Fabrizio Castori Cofie sat out the second half of the match.

 

Greece

Ghanaian veteran midfielder, Michael Essien continued his consistent stay with his Greek club Panathinaikos. The former Chelsea combative midfield dynamo scored his first goal against Levadiakos. Essien lasted the entire duration in his sides 1-2 away victory against Platainas.

 

France

Majeed Waris returned from injury and helped his Lorient side win maximum points against Reims in the French Ligue 1. Two Goals from Zargo Toure in either halves of the games ensured Lorient stayed in 13th place and above the relegation zone.

Review: Ghanaian Players abroad England

Ghana Comedian Thumbs Up Adebayor"s Palace Move

Emmanuel Sheyi Adebayor completed a six month transfer deal to premier league side, Crystal Palace after being without a club since his release from Tottenham hotspurs. The deal has an option to be extended further based on performance from the former AS Monaco player.

 

Ghanaian comedian and a bosom friend to the Togo international, Funny Face has joined in the celebration like all other fans of the former Arsenal forward.

 

Known in real life as Benson Nana Yaw Oduro, Funny Face took to his Facebook wall to express his joy on the news of his brother as he likes to call finally getting a new club.

The producer cum main act in the television series cow and chicken wrote on his wall, “delay doesn’t mean denial. To God be the glory! You kept hope alive and never gave up.”

Great things are about to happen. Let’s go #crystalpalace, he added.

The ex – Manchester City forward is yet to make his debut for Alan Pardew’s team after missing their FA cup victory over Stoke City on Saturday.

Ghana Comedian Thumbs Up Adebayor"s Palace Move

Transfer: Liverpool Challenge Arsenal For Young Ghanaian La Liga Prospect

Liverpool Compete Arsenal For La Liga Star

Liverpool are weighing up a move for Athletic Bilbao’s Spanish sensation Inaki Williams this month.

 

Jurgen Klopp is closely monitoring the 21-year-old forward as he considers bringing in more firepower in the January window. Klopp has been left short of options due to Daniel Sturridge, Danny Ings and Divock Origi’s injury problems while Christian Benteke has yet to convince since his £32m summer move to Anfield.

Hot prospect, Inaki Williams

Arsene Wenger and his Arsenal scouting team have like always kept a keen eye on Williams for years since he was tipped to break into the first team of the Bilbao based club.

Inaki Williams qualifies to play for Ghana and Spain has a £15.3m buyout clause in his current contract which expires in 2017.

Transfer: Liverpool Challenge Arsenal For Young Ghanaian La Liga Prospect

Review: How Ghanaian Players Fared With Their Respective Clubs In Mid-Week

Ayew Scored, Wakaso Booked And Partey Hopeful To Start For Madrid

Many Ghanaian players were involved in mid-week action for their various European clubs. In Spain the copa del rey continued whilst arguably the best league in the world, the English premier league continued with some mouthwatering games. In Italy where the exodus of Ghanaian players keep growing the Serie A action was replaced with games in the Italian cup.

 

footballcrusader.com reviews how Ghanaian players fared with their clubs and also how their individual performances helped their clubs as well.

England

Andre Dede Ayew scored a screamer after he received a long pass from goal keeper, Lukasz Fabianski and after he drove into the Sunderland box the forward drilled a rasping left-foot drive that flew past Vito Mannone into the far corner of the net.

Dede Ayew in action against Sunderland

Earlier on the Ghanaian international was brought down and a penalty awarded to the Swans, Gylfi Sigurdsson took full advantage and scored from the spot kick.

 

Italy

Kevin Prince Boateng started his first game after returning to AC Milan to the club for the second time.

Isaac Cofie in action for Carpi

Though he was a substituted in the 58th minute, the Ghanaian midfielder helped the Rossoneri become the first team to qualify into the Italian Cup semi finals after defeating Isaac Cofie’s, Carpi by 2 – goals to 1 at the San Siro on Wednesday. The 24 year old Cofie was an unused substitute in the game.

 

Spain

Las Palmas qualified into the semi final of the copa del rey after beating Eibar 3 – 2. Mubarak Wakaso like always cant seem to stay away from the books of the referee after he was booked with just 37 minutes into the game. Las Palmas qualified on 6 – 4 aggregate.

Atletico Madrid midfielder, Alex Partey

Alex Partey will hope to be in action when his Atletico Madrid side host Rayo Vallecano in the second leg of the Spanish Copa Del Rey after drawing the one all in the first leg.

Review: How Ghanaian Players Fared With Their Respective Clubs In Mid-Week

Smoked The Peace Pipe: Chelsea Duo Settle Their Differences

Chelsea Pair ‘Bury The Hatchet’ – Hiddink

The premier league defending champions can’t seem to get out of the news after a poor defense to the title they won convincingly sweeping away opponents with easy during the 2014/15 season. Chelsea have struggled to replicate that form and it cost manager, Jose Mourinho his job and also lost the backing of the board who have been supportive all season.

 

Chelsea duo, Diego Costa and Oscar were yesterday reported to be in each others throat during a training bust up and two had to be separated by team mates.

It is understood the clash occurred when Oscar rattled Costa with a hefty tackle before the former Atletico Madrid hit man responded with hard-hitting tackle of his own. The second clash is understood to have sparked the heated confrontation between the pair, who had to be pulled apart.

Oscar embrace Costa after the Spansh striker assist gave him an easy tap in to give Chelsea the lead during the 3-0 victory at Crystal Palace

During interim boss Guus Hiddink’s pree conference today, the Dutch manager said, “He took a charge from behind and it was overdone and especially when you know it is Oscar – he got Diego and of course they scrambled and stood up which is a normal reaction and then chested a bit without the threat of punching. It was the two bulls – I don’t like when they hit but with the intensity of the training session, we had a very sharp training session and it was on the edge.

Costa and Oscar walk out together to train at Cobham on Friday

“After that Oscar apologised in front of the group and he apologised for over reacting and then they looked at each other and started laughing. Jokes were made afterwards and it was a battle that happened afterwards. It is solved. If they have solved it in the way it has been done then there is no need for discipline. It was solved within seconds,” he added.

 

Chelsea’s next premier league game is at home to West Brom on Wednesday, 13 January but will meet league one side, Scunthorpe United in the Emirate FA cup on Sunday.

Smoked The Peace Pipe: Chelsea Duo Settle Their Differences

Chelsea Players Turn Cobham Training Ground Into "Boxing Ring"

Chelsea Players Fight; Yes! He’s Involved

Chelsea team-mates had to separate Oscar and Diego Costa during a furious training ground bust-up on Thursday.

 

The report claims that the pair exchanged blows, but an eye witness insisted Oscar and Costa were dragged apart before the incident escalated that far. Oscar produced what is being described as an “outrageous” challenge into the knee of Costa after the striker had initially gone in hard on him

Spanish forward, Doego Costa s known to be temperamental involved in a training bust with colleague

It was after Oscar’s challenge that the pair squared up and had to be pulled apart by their shocked team-mates.While Costa has a reputation for losing his temper, the incident was largely being blamed on Oscar – even though the pair quickly struck a truce.

Oscar is believed to have started the bust up

A source said, “Oscar’s challenge was outrageous, it was straight into the knee of Costa and could have done him some real damage.

That sparked a brawl between them and the other players had to stop it”, he added.

Chelsea Players Turn Cobham Training Ground Into "Boxing Ring"

Revival: "Obi Mikel Is Our Key Player" - Chelsea Boss

Chelsea Find ‘New Star’ In Nigerian Midfielder

Jose Mourinho was sacked as Chelsea boss after guiding the Blues to their fifth premier league title in the club’s history and Guus Hiddink like Mourinho returns to Chelsea for the second time as Interim boss but it is neither managers under the spotlight or receiving the praise for the teams revival, but rather Mikel Obi.

 

Many have asked why Mikel is or has still been at Chelsea with limited game time thrown at him and questioned why his talent has been wasted with a change in his favoured attacking position to a defensive midfielder. Mikel Obi was once touted to rule the world of football along with perhaps the best player the game has seen – Lionel Messi, during the Fifa Youth world cup in 2005.

The 28 – year old Nigerian international had firstly changed from the attacking player that got Manchester united and Chelsea fight over his signature as a teenager to a defensive midfielder. Mourinho signed Obi to Chelsea in 2005 under controversial circumstances after Manchester united had unveiled him and this cost Chelsea to pay compensation to United for forcing the Nigerian to terminate his contract.

 

Mikel Obi has undoubtedly played his best games at Chelsea under one manager and one manager only and that’s Guus Hiddink. The Dutch manager’s appointment after fans favourite Mourinho was sacked was well and truly appreciated by Mikel when he asked team mates to put a poor defense of their title behind and focus on the future.

 

The Nigerian international has started all games under Hiddink and has spearheaded a Chelsea revival, thanks to a much needed defensive shield for the Blues defenders. Chelsea have leaked goals and since Mourinho’s ninth defeat in the league are yet to taste one under the Dutch boss.

Chelsea put in their best performance of the 2015/16 season away to Crystal Palace. The defending league champions defeated their London rivals by 3 – goals to nil and moved from 16th place to 14th on the league table. Mikel Obi won the man-of-the-match with a spectacular showing and team work that got the praise from his manager Hiddink.

Guus Hiddink, the man responsible for Mikel’s revival

In his post match interview, the former Dutch national team manager said, “He played very well but also in the previous game. He’s the ideal player in my opinion to bring balance to the team. If the team is not willing to defend well, or hasn’t got the right balance, then you’ll concede a lot of goals.

”I think John Obi can be one of the key figures in bringing back that balance. On this podium very talented players can explore their qualities.”

He added, “he (Mikel) can recover his radar, he reads the game very well, he knows where the strength of the opponent is and knows how to combat that. He has very good sense, he doesn’t do it in a brutal way, he’s very elegant. Someone who can defend so smoothly is very beautiful. I don’t expect the decisive final pass from him – he can (do that), but he can also let the other players (play).”

Mikel will hope to improve upon this performance and form to enable him keep his immediate competitor and out-of-form Serbian international Nemanja Matic warming the substitutes bench.

Revival: "Obi Mikel Is Our Key Player" - Chelsea Boss

Statement: "Accam Is Going Nowhere" - Chicago Fire

David Accam Is Not For Sale –  Chicago Fire Admin

Chicago fire and Ghanaian international, David Accam has been linked with a January transfer to English premier league side, Stoke city.

 

Accam, 25, has been training with the English side to keep up in shape as the MLS 2014/15 season ended in November. The 5 ft 8″ versatile forward who can play as a winger as well has scored 10 – goals in 24 – appearances and it’s this form that has made him a hot prospect for Mark Hughes to try snatch him away from the Major League Soccer side.

 

Chicago fire General manager, Nelson Rodriguez told Comcast Sportsnet in an interview has rubbished reports linking the Ghanaian forward with a move to the Stoke city.

He said, “David is a key part of our team and a key part of our plans for 2016 and beyond. I don’t really understand where the rumours have originated from and why they even exist. We have had no discussions at all with Stoke or any other team for his transfer or service.”

Chicago Fire forward David Accam (11) passes the ball during an MLS game

He answered when asked about Accam training at Stoke, he said, “to David’s credit, he wants to have a bigger and better season than he did last year. He thought that getting a head start on training would put him in a better position to achieve that goal of an improved season in 2016 and we were pleased to accommodate his request.

 

Though Roudriguez is sure Chicago fire will retain David’s services, he was open to future opportunities for the young Ghanaian forward. “I’ve learnt never to say, or rarely to say ‘never’, but it would be extremely difficult,” the administrator said.

 

The former Right To Dream Academy forward is concentrating on his play and not allowing the rumours to distort his plans for the upcoming MLS season.

Statement: "Accam Is Going Nowhere" - Chicago Fire

Transfer: Arsenal Battle Manchester United For "Next Ronaldo"

Louis van Gaal Closes In On Signing ‘The Next Cristiano Ronaldo’

 

Manchester United have lacked pace, athleticism and purpose upfront this season under Louis Van Gaal and the January winter transfer window offers his the opportunity to fill those gaps with the right players.

 

Van Gaal is desperate to bring some pace to the United set-up and Benfica winger Goncalo Guedes ticks just that box and makes the grade as well to assist the Dutch man keep his job at least until the summer of 2017.

The young Portuguese – dubbed the ‘next Ronaldo’ in his home country – has been watched by United scouts and, according to Shoot, Van Gaal has given the green light to sign the player.

 

A hot prospect in world football lately does not go unnoticed and for that reason premier league leaders, Arsenal are also keen on signing the 19-year-old, so Van Gaal is well aware that he has a battle on his hands.

Transfer: Arsenal Battle Manchester United For "Next Ronaldo"

Transfer: Manchester United Open Talks With Real Madrid Attacking Midfielder

Manchester United Ready To Meet Madrid’s Price Tag For Midfielder

 

Manchester United have reportedly opened talks to sign Real Madrid world cup star, James Rodriguez after he’s struggled to tie down a place at the Santiago Bernabeu.

 

Spanish website Fichajes reported the Red Devils have entered negotiations to cut a £59 million move for the Colombia international. Rodriguez scored 17 goals and made 18 assists for Los Merengues in 44 starts across all competitions last season, but he’s managed just eight starts under the new manager, which will give United hope of striking a deal.

 

In early December, Spanish newspaper Marca claimed Rodriguez was “fed up” with life under the former Liverpool and Chelsea manager due to a lack of playing time.

 

Rodriguez has been unfortunate with injuries this term, but Benitez also left the winger out of his plans for a Champions League tie with Shakhtar Donetsk even when the player was fully fit.

Transfer: Manchester United Open Talks With Real Madrid Attacking Midfielder

Fergie Influence: Guardiola Chooses United Over City

Pep Guardiola Reveals His Next Team

 

Former Barcelona coach is perhaps the hottest and most sorted after coach and his pronunciation that he will leave Bayern München at the end of the 2015/16 season has caused a huge scramble for his signature.

 

The Spaniard has been linked to many premier league clubs with Manchester city as the firm favourite to secure his services. In recent times Chelsea, who recently parted ways with fans favourite Jose Mourinho have been rumoured to require his services. The reported figure of 20 million pounds purported to be what Roman Abramovich is offering is anything to go by that will Pep the highest paid coach in the whole world.

 

Pep is rumored to have revealed his next managerial destination is England to a group of friends during a time out.

The source said: “Pep always found the club (Manchester United fascinating. He likes clubs with huge tradition and United certainly have this.

“He won’t be short of options when it comes to deciding his next move and Manchester City are an ambitious club. But United could still prove to be the more attractive proposition.”

 

Now this news will interest the Glazers who are the owners of Manchester United to act swiftly in making a decision than wait for struggling Louis Van Gaal to find his feet after almost 18 months in the English premier league.

Fergie Influence: Guardiola Chooses United Over City

Betrayal: Who Has "Betrayed" Louis van Gaal Down At Manchester United This Season

Who Is At Fault For Manchester United’s Poor Run Of Form

 

Louis van Gaal’s future at Manchester United is under scrutiny, after a bleak recent run of form.

The Manchester based club’s Champions League hopes seems to be in doubt after the 2-1 defeat to Norwich city left them nine points off the Premier League lead.

The Red Devils may not have been playing free-flowing, champagne football earlier in the season, but the Dutchman had an organised, hard-to-beat side who were picking up the needed points.

However, after a six game winless run the Dutchman is now back under pressure, with Jose Mourinho’s arrival looming increasingly large following his departure from Chelsea.

Report has it that, senior players are said to be “no longer behind” the manager, and his time at Old Trafford could be set for a premature end.

But where does the blame fully lie, infront of manager Van Gaal? Or should his players accept their fair share of reponsibility too?

 

footballcrusader.com highlights the five players who might have failed Louis Van Gaal’s ‘trust’.

 

Wayne Rooney

Manchester united captain, Wayne Rooney

United required an inspirational leader this season, but skipper Rooney, desperately out of form, has fallen short of what is expected of him.

The 30-year-old marked his 500th appearance with another ignominious showing in the defeat by Norwich at the weekend and now has just two goals in 13 Premier League appearances.

Bastian Schweinsteiger

German and Manchester united midfielder, Bastian Schweinsteiger

The World Cup winner has failed to justify the hype that greeted his summer move from Bayern Munich and is currently serving a three-match ban for violent conduct.

Not as mobile as he once was, he’s proven too ponderous in possession and has often been by-passed by opposing midfielders.

 

Memphis Depay

Memphis Depay has struggled to find the form that earned his old team 25 million pounds

Another who has failed to deliver, having arrived with a burgeoning reputation, costing £25million from PSV Eindhoven. Has faded after a decent start and simply doesn’t influence enough games – looks short on confidence.

 

Marcos Rojo

Marcos Rojo closely marked by Southampton, James Ward-Prowse

Failed to make tail-end of United’s US pre-season tour because of visa issue and returned to training in poor shape.

Out after shoulder surgery, but has proven erratic even when fully fit.

 

Phil Jones

Manchester united defender, Phil Jones

Cannot be relied upon to stay fit, injuries restricting him to four Premier League starts.

Culpable for Norwich’s opener in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat and still questions remain over his best position.

Betrayal: Who Has "Betrayed" Louis van Gaal Down At Manchester United This Season