Posts of juillet 2015

Chiefs make late changes through injury

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Kaizer Chiefs have been forced into a late change to their Carling Black Label Cup starting line-up. ||| Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs have been forced into a late change to their Carling Black Label Cup starting line-up with the withdrawal through injury of goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo. The gloveman will be replaced by Reyaad Pieterse in the fixture against Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium on Saturday. The 23-year-old Pieterse made his debut in the 2013/14 season and has in fact already played in a Soweto Derby, keeping a cleansheet when Kaizer Chiefs beat Orlando Pirates 1-0 in November 2013. Injuries have affected both teams this year, but each has been able to put out a strong starting XI as voted for by their passionate fans. They will be led by Champion Coaches Sidney Molepo (Kaizer Chiefs) and Tumo Katane (Orlando Pirates) at a sold out FNB Stadium. In front of Pieterse for Kaizer Chiefs will be a defensive line of fullbacks Kgotso Moleko and Tsepo Masilela, as well...

Pirates primed for derby delight

With a busy off-season schedule, Pirates coach Eric Tinkler said that he has not had much time to think about the Carling Black Label Cup. ||| With the busy busy off-season schedule that Orlando Pirates have had to go through this month, Pirates coach Eric Tinkler said that he has not had much time to think about tomorrow’s Carling Black Label Cup. “To be entirely honest with you, up until now I haven’t really thought about (Kaizer) Chiefs, because I’ve been so focused on the Caf Confed,” Tinkler said yesterday. Tinkler’s side has endured a packed but productive off-season schedule with their involvement in the CAF Confederations Cup. There most recent match was a hard-fought 1-0 win away at CS Sfaxien. While the consistent games against tough opposition may be seen as an edge against relatively less match-ready Kaizer Chiefs, Tinkler said that player fatigue from the matches and the travelling was a huge concern. “You’re kind of skating on thin ice at this stage, knowing that...

New Arsenal deals for Walcott, Cazorla

Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla have both agreed contract extensions with Arsenal, the club announced. ||| England forward Theo Walcott and Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla have both agreed contract extensions with Arsenal, the Premier League club announced on Friday. Walcott, 26, announced on Twitter that he had signed a four-year contract, but the length of Cazorla's deal was not disclosed. “We're delighted to have extended the contracts of Santi and Theo,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told the club's website. “Both are top quality players who are hugely important and influential to our squad. “As well as their huge contributions on the pitch, they both have a great deal of experience and are very popular off the pitch. “We're very pleased with them both signing contract extensions, as it provides our squad with further stability of quality.” Walcott tweeted a picture of himself wearing Arsenal's home kit and standing beside the Emirates Stadium pitch, accompanied by the caption:...

LVG’s to-do list

Despite a decent pre-sason tour, Manchester United have crucial issues to sort ahead of the new Premier League season. ||| Manchester United’s summer of reconstruction seemed to be going rather well as they made a cluster of new signings just before heading on tour to America. But two and a half weeks on, and with eight days to United’s opening league game against Spurs, boss Louis van Gaal has some issues . . . Distracted goalkeeper United have been playing hardball with David de Gea over his desire to move to Real Madrid and at the moment it would appear to have backfired. With the season upon us, United should have either sold and replaced him or persuaded him to sign a new contract. Instead, they find themselves with a distracted player who is short of match practice after beginning this tour with a mystery back ‘injury’ and two back-ups in Victor Valdes and Sergio Romero who, for different reasons, are in no position to play, either. United’s insistence that they will not...

Nothing friendly about Soweto derby

Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler says a derby match against Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs is always fiercely contested. ||| Johannesburg – Despite the match being akin to a pre-season friendly with fan-chosen starting line-ups, Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler, speaking ahead of the Carling Black Label Cup clash against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday, says a derby match is always fiercely contested. “A game between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates is never a friendly. It’s the derby. Nobody likes losing it,” said Tinkler. “We’re going out there to win it because that’s what the fans want, that’s what the fans demand. I’ve tried to instil a winning mentality here with the (Pirates) players, irrespective of whether we are playing a competitive match or a friendly. We always play to win, and that won’t be any different on Saturday.” While most teams enjoyed a well-deserved rest from competitive football in the off-season, Pirates kept hard at work as they have continued...

Humbled Khune to rejoin Chiefs

Matshelane Mamabolo says Itumeleng Khune's return to Kaize Chiefs proves power has shifted from the players back to club bosses. ||| The return of Itumeleng Khune to Kaizer Chiefs spells a death-knell for ‘player power’ and puts the club bosses back in control of the game. In an era where players demand – and often get – exorbitant salaries, the fact that a player of Khune’s calibre has failed to find a club will send a clear indication to the players that the clubs will not be held to ransom. Chiefs yesterday reported, on their website, that the country’s No1 goalkeeper will once again be turning out for them. “The club has reached an agreement in principle with goalkeeper Itumelng Khune and he will be joining us,” read the www.kaizerchiefs.com statement “Some internal procedures still need to take place though and then the deal will be 100percent finalised.” Khune’s return to Chiefs will no doubt be humbling to a player who seemingly expected to have clubs fighting over his...

Mario barred from Reds first-team

Mario Balotelli has been told he has no future with Liverpool and the striker is training away from the first-team squad. ||| Mario Balotelli has been told he has no future with Liverpool and the striker is training away from the first-team squad along with Fabio Borini and Jose Enrique, whom the club are also looking to offload this summer. Balotelli, 24, was not on the pre-season tour to Thailand, Australia and Malaysia, and neither has he been included in the squads for the friendly games against HJK Helsinki in Finland tomorrow or Swindon Town on Sunday. The club want £10m for a player who cost them £16m to sign last summer and they anticipate that any deal will probably go to the final day of the transfer window on 1 September. Rarely in the past has Brendan Rodgers asked members of the senior squad to train separately - Luis Suarez did so after his demand to leave the club in the summer of 2013 - but the Liverpool manager has told Balotelli that he does not want him around...

Gunners out to make statement of intent

Arsenal finished third in the Premier League last season, 12 points behinds champions Chelsea. ||| London - Old rivalries will be renewed when Arsenal play Chelsea in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday, with the Gunners hoping to prove they are the real deal and finally a match for the Premier League champions ahead of the new season. Arsenal won the FA Cup for the second successive year in May but finished third in the Premier League last season, 12 points behind winners Chelsea. Having signed Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, who won four Premier League titles and the Champions League during 11 years at Stamford Bridge, the Gunners should now possess the solidity at the back to complement their free-flowing attack. While Cech will go from Chelsea friend to foe in the traditional season-opening match between the Premier League champions and FA Cup winners, the loveless relationship between the two managers gives the fixture added spice. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger appeared...

Flamini thanks Chelsea for ‘good favour’

Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has stoked the fires ahead of the Gunners' Community Shield meeting with Chelsea. ||| Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has stoked the fires ahead of the Gunners' Community Shield meeting with Chelsea on Sunday by saying the champions have done them a “good favour” by selling Petr Cech. The Czech goalkeeper ended an 11-year stint at Stamford Bridge after moving across London to the Emirates Stadium last month for a fee of £10million (14.2m euros; $15.6 million dollars). “I was surprised by (Chelsea boss Jose) Mourinho because he really doesn't do that,” Flamini told British media on Thursday. “He (Mourinho) is a competitor and usually doesn't like to sell any players to his rivals, but it's a good favour for us and now we have to take advantage. “It's a top signing. That's why we have been lucky on this one,” added the French midfielder. The 33-year-old Cech was allowed to move from west to north London – despite Mourinho's reluctance to let...

Shabba promises to lead by example

Kaizer Chiefs captain Siphiwe Tshabalala says having the job doesn’t necessarily give him a start in the team. ||| Newly appointed Kaizer Chiefs captain, Siphiwe Tshabalala, says having the job doesn’t necessarily give him a start in the team – but he knows he should lead by example, and this will make him work extra hard to earn a place. “There are no guarantees, me leading the team doesn’t mean I’ll be a favourite to play. I need to lead by example, I need to work very hard and I need to be disciplined. And I’ve been doing that, being a good example,” said Tshabalala. “For me it is a challenge; if I was working hard, now I will have to work harder. I will definitely achieve that with the help of my teammates.” Tshabalala was announced as captain on the club’s website on Tuesday, and he will be leading the team with a committee of other six players – Lorenzo Gordinho, Morgan Gould, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siboniso Gaxa, Tsepo Masilela and Willard Katsande. The 30-year old winger...

De Gea saga not helping United

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal conceded that uncertainty surrounding David De Gea was “not favorable”. ||| Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal conceded that uncertainty surrounding David De Gea was “not favorable” as the Premier League giants ended their US tour Wednesday with a 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. De Gea, who is reportedly Real Madrid's top summer transfer target, gave a shaky goalkeeping display as the French champions exposed United's defense with soft first-half goals by Blaise Matuidi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Van Gaal is hopeful United will retain the services of De Gea this season but acknowledged the rumors swirling around the star goalkeeper were not helpful to either the play or the club. “We have a situation that is not favorable for David De Gea, but neither for us and neither for the club (Real Madrid) that maybe he wants to go (to),” said van Gaal after United's defeat at Soldier Field. The veteran Dutch coach was reluctant to be too...

PSG beat United in Chicago

Paris Saint-Germain beat Manchester United 2-0 in their International Champions Cup clash in Chicago. ||| Blaise Matuidi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored first half goals as Paris Saint-Germain beat Manchester United 2-0 on Wednesday in their International Champions Cup clash in Chicago. The game between the two sides was shrouded in a bubbling controversy with Manchester United without Argentine winger Angel Di Maria, who is reportedly seeking a move away from the English Premier League side with PSG a likely destination. The victory for the French team moved them to the top of the invitational 10-team competition along with New York Red Bulls on 10 points. PSG, who had lost their last game to Chelsea, created the early opportunities at Soldier Field, as Ibrahimovic zipped a great scoring chance over the crossbar within the first few minutes. United, who defeated Barcelona on Saturday, however thought they had opened the scoring when midfielder Juan Mata had the ball in the back...

Mourinho hits back at Benitez

Jose Mourinho has launched a stinging attack on Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez after the Spaniard's wife teased the Chelsea boss. ||| London - Jose Mourinho has launched a stinging attack on Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez after the Spaniard's wife teased the Chelsea boss by saying her husband was always having to tidy up messes left by the Portuguese. Montserrat Seara triggered the attack after Spanish newspaper La Region published her light-hearted remark following Benitez's appointment at the Bernabeu last month, the third time he has joined a club previously managed by his rival. Mourinho was clearly not amused and speaking to reporters after Chelsea beat European champions Barcelona on penalties in a Washington friendly, he delivered a withering straight-faced response. “The lady is a bit confused,” he said after the match that ended in a 2-2 draw. “I am not laughing... “Her husband went to Chelsea to replace Roberto Di Matteo and he went to Real Madrid and replaced...

Tshabalala named Amakhosi skipper

Kaizer Chiefs appointed Siphiwe Tshabalala as their captain for the 2015/2016 Absa Premiership season. ||| Kaizer Chiefs yesterday offered the strongest hint yet that they are ready to move on without their out-of-contract senior players who are still to find new clubs when they appointed Siphiwe Tshabalala their captain for the 2015/2016 Absa Premiership season. Tshabalala, an Amakhosi veteran, takes over the armband from central defender Tefu Mashamaite who did not renew his contract in the hope of a move overseas. But after failing to secure a deal in the American Major League Soccer with New York City as well as in Cyprus, there is a possibility of Mashamaite returning to the local league. If he does come back to South Africa and Chiefs, the central defender, who was last season’s star at both the league and club awards, will have to return to being just a normal player. Ditto for Itumeleng Khune, the goalkeeper who previously captained Amakhosi before Mashamaite was elevated....

Wenger, Jose rivalry starts again

Arsene Wenger has hit back at Jose Mourinho's comments about Arsenal's spending, signalling the start of another season of their rivalry. ||| Arsene Wenger has hit back at Jose Mourinho's comments about Arsenal's spending, signalling the start of another season of their timeless rivalry. Whether it is psychological warfare or petty sniping is a matter for debate, but the two meet in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday and the build-up has already begun. Mourinho opened festivities this week when he said that, despite Arsenal's frugal reputation, any examination of their spending would produce “surprising” results. Wenger spent £42m on Mesut Özil in 2013 and £35m on Alexis Sanchez last year. The accusation of “buying success” is one which Wenger has traditionally directed at other clubs and so the Arsenal manager was especially keen to defend himself against it yesterday. The club, he said, had improved players far more than simply buying them. “I believe that one day,...

Sherwood continues Villa revamp

Jose Angel Crespo has become Aston Villa's seventh close-season signing after sealing a move from relegated La Liga side Cordoba. ||| London - Jose Angel Crespo has become Aston Villa's seventh close-season signing after sealing a move from relegated La Liga side Cordoba, the Premier League club said on Tuesday. The 28-year-old defender has signed a three-year deal to join Villa, who finished one place above the relegation zone last season following manager Tim Sherwood's appointment in February. Villa's other new faces include Scott Sinclair and Micah Richards from Manchester City, Idrissa Gueye from Lille and Jordan Ayew from Lorient. “Jose is a player who has been on our radar for some time and we're really pleased to secure his signature,” Sherwood told Aston Villa's website (www.avfc.co.uk). “He is an experienced player who has played in La Liga and Serie A - two of the strongest leagues in the world - and from speaking to him, I know he can't wait to play for Aston Villa.” Crespo,...

Chelsea beat Barca on penalties

Chelsea wrapped up their pre-season tour of the United States on a high note by beating Barcelona in a penalty shootout. ||| Chelsea wrapped up their pre-season tour of the United States on a high note by beating Barcelona in a shootout after their International Champions Cup match ended 2-2 on Tuesday. Eden Hazard scored an exquisite opener for the English champions before the Spaniards hit back with two goals in the second half. Gary Cahill scored with a brave header late on to send the game to a shootout at FedEx Field in Washington. “For a preparation match it was fantastic for us,” Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho told Fox Sports. “It was a good pre-season game for us, I think (for) both teams and also for the public. You know, it's a friendly, but when Barcelona face Chelsea, you want to win, it's not a friendly.” While European champions Barcelona do not start their La Liga title defence until August 23, time is of the essence for Chelsea, who face Arsenal in the Community...

Vidal completes €40m move to Bayern

Arturo Vidal completed his transfer from Juventus to Bayern Munich by signing a four-year contract with the club. ||| Berlin - Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal has completed his transfer from Juventus to Bayern Munich by signing a four-year contract with the Bundesliga champions. No fee was disclosed but media reports put it at 40 million euros. “I wanted to take another big step forward in my career,” the 28-year-old Vidal told the Bavarian club's website (www.fcbayern.de) on Tuesday. “I want to keep developing as a player and win important trophies like the Champions League. I think the best opportunity to do so is with Bayern.” Vidal was a member of the Juventus team beaten 3-1 by Barcelona in last month's Champions League final at Berlin's Olympic Stadium. He becomes Bayern's second major signing of the transfer window after Brazilian midfielder Douglas Costa joined from Shakhtar Donetsk at the start of July. Bayern have also sold Germany playmaker Bastian Schweinsteiger to...

Chiefs hoping for a change of luck

Amakhosi’s record in the Black Label Cup makes for woeful reading: one win in four attempts. ||| Prominent Kaizer Chiefs supporter Saddam Maake says it is about time Chiefs start winning the Carling Black Label Cup after lifting the trophy only once in four years. Now in its fifth year, the competition will once more see the rivalry between Chiefs and Orlando Pirates continue when the teams meet at FNB Stadium on Saturday. “It is about time things change at the team,” said Maake. “This is a different derby, we have two local coaches going head-to-head after a very long time. Chiefs have been coached by foreign coaches for a while now but now, we have Steve (Komphela). He has to win this one and not by penalties as Pirates have done in previous years. “I don’t want to see us winning by penalties. We know this is a competition which allows the fans to be the coaches for the day, but Komphela’s input will be useful. It is a warm-up game for him, and we want to see if he will be...

Angola real threat to Bafana

Bafana must make sure the road to Russia and World Cup doesn’t end in Luanda. ||| On the face of it, Bafana Bafana were given a good draw for their World Cup preliminary qualifying round two – Shakes Mashaba’s team being drawn to face Angola. But while they have yet to lose to the Palancas Negras since readmission into the international game, it would be folly of South Africa to expect an easy ride into the group stages of the qualifying competition for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. For one, never have South Africa had it easy against their fellow Cosafa members – most of Bafana’s victories over the years being pretty narrow. And while Angola appear to be slowly improving, Bafana Bafana are no world-beaters lately and Mashaba is actually in a rebuilding process since taking over the squad. One thing that is pretty evident is that Bafana are not lethal up front with a strikeforce led by Tokelo Rantie and Bongani Ndulula not the kind to leave opposition defences quacking in their...

LVG warning to De Gea

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has warned David de Gea that he could end up on the bench at Old Trafford. ||| Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has warned David de Gea that he could end up on the bench at Old Trafford following the signing of Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero. With Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos closer to signing a new contract with his club, De Gea’s hopes of moving to Spain in a swap deal this summer would appear to have decreased somewhat. And although Van Gaal admitted last night the signing of 28-year-old Romero on a free transfer is a safety net in case De Gea leaves, he has also warned his No 1 his place is under threat. ‘I have of course spoken with Sergio and also with David,’ said Van Gaal. ‘With me always the best shall be in the line-up. So you have to fight for that place. With the threat that David de Gea is going to Real Madrid, we had to prepare our season. ‘I think Sergio can fulfil that because you have to handle quickly what...

Hazard is better than Ronaldo - Jose

Jose Mourinho says he rates Eden Hazard as one of the world’s top three players — and better than Cristiano Ronaldo. ||| Jose Mourinho has given Eden Hazard an extraordinary vote of confidence with the new season about to get under way by saying he rates him as one of the world’s top three players — and better than Cristiano Ronaldo. Hazard, voted Player of the Year last season by both the Football Writers’ Association and the Professional Footballers’ Association, is now up there with the likes of Lionel Messi, according to Mourinho. And because of the trophies he won last season, Mourinho said he would rate Hazard above Ronaldo, who he managed at Real Madrid. ‘Last season, yes,’ he said. ‘In spite of the fact that Ronaldo was fantastic. Obviously it depends on the season they have. They have to win some titles, no? Football without titles is nothing. Messi won the treble. ‘He won three competitions last year, he reached the Copa America final. He had a fantastic season for...

Drogba joins MLS

Didier Drogba joined a growing list of famous international players in Major League Soccer by joining Montreal Impact. ||| Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has signed for the Montreal Impact, the club announced on Monday as the Ivorian joined a growing list of famous international players in Major League Soccer. Drogba, who was part of the Chelsea team that won the English Premier League title in May, has joined Montreal in a trade with the Chicago Fire, which had his MLS rights. “It's an honour to welcome Didier Drogba to the Impact,” said team president Joey Saputo. “This is one of the biggest days in club history and his arrival to the club will be beneficial in every aspect.” The 37-year-old Ivorian joins an MLS roster that includes Englishmen Steven Gerrard (Los Angeles) and Frank Lampard (New York City), Brazilian Kaka (Orlando), Spaniard David Villa (New York City) and Italian Andrea Pirlo (New York City). Drogba left Chelsea after playing 381 games and winning four...

James strike caps Real's win over Inter

James Rodriguez curled home a superb free kick to cap Real Madrid's win over Inter Milan in a friendly in Guangzhou. ||| Guangzhou - James Rodriguez curled home a superb free kick to cap Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Inter Milan in a friendly in Guangzhou on Monday. The Colombian midfielder, brought on for just the last 10 minutes of the International Champions Cup match, stepped up to bend the ball around the Inter wall from 25 metres out, giving goalkeeper Samir Handanovic no chance. Real Madrid youth product Jese had given his side the lead half an hour in, deftly controlling Marcelo's cross with his right foot, then stepping inside to score with his left at Handanovic's near post. Inter, beaten 1-0 by both Bayern Munich and AC Milan over the last week in China, enjoyed much of the early possession but were exposed by the pace of Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo on the counter-attack. A trademark free kick from the Portuguese wide man brought a terrific save out of the Inter...

United need a big-name signing - LVG

A year in to his mission to fix what he famously described as a ‘broken’ Manchester United, Louis van Gaal is warming to the task. ||| A year in to his mission to fix what he famously described as a ‘broken’ Manchester United, Louis van Gaal is warming to the task. First some good news. The United manager no longer believes it a certainty that he will retire at the end of a contract due to expire in two years. ‘You can never say ‘‘I go’’ can you?’ said Van Gaal. ‘I have already said to my wife it might be that we extend in Manchester.’ Less heartening for United followers is his hint that he feels his team — 17 points shy of champions Chelsea last time — may not yet be quite ready to close the gap. ‘We only have a better balance of the team,’ reflected Van Gaal. ‘It’s not my Manchester United yet. ‘Why? Because we have to look for more balance in the team and for more creativity. For example, Chelsea have Eden Hazard, Willian and Oscar. There is a lot of creativity there. Manchester...

Pressure on Pellegrini

Manuel Pellegrini admits Manchester City must do better this season amid fresh speculation linking Pep Guardiola to the City job. ||| Manuel Pellegrini admits Manchester City must do better this season amid fresh speculation about Pep Guardiola taking over at the Etihad next summer. Pellegrini has entered the final 12 months of his three-year deal after ending last season empty-handed. City surrendered the Premier League title to Chelsea and exited at the first knockout stage of the Champions League to Barcelona for the second year in a row. Pellegrini kept his job but has acknowledged the need to win a trophy and reach the last eight in Europe this time around. Asked what would represent a good season, he said: ‘First of all to win titles. It is important to win a title — we will try to win all four. ‘The Champions and Premier League are more important, and after that to be comfortable about the way we play the whole year and be competitive in all competitions. I hope we are...

PSG closing in on Di Maria

Paris Saint-Germain expect Angel Di Maria to arrive at their pre-season training base in New Jersey to complete a £45.9m transfer from Manchester United. ||| Paris Saint-Germain expect Angel Di Maria to arrive at their pre-season training base in New Jersey today to complete a £45.9m transfer from Manchester United. The French champions are confident they have secured a deal with the Argentina international, who is leaving Old Trafford a year after arriving from Real Madrid for a British record £59.7m. Di Maria will undergo a medical but no complications are expected. PSG's next match on tour is against Manchester United on Thursday in Chicago. But it is likely to come too soon for the winger to make his debut against his former club; he was given extended time off by United following the Copa America and has yet to do any pre-season training. The deal is being celebrated as a major coup at PSG despite Di Maria's troubles at Manchester United, where he started just 20 Premier...

Walcott close to new Arsenal deal

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Theo Walcott is close to signing a new contract with Arsenal. ||| Arsene Wenger has confirmed Theo Walcott is close to signing a new contract with Arsenal. The forward’s deal expires at the end of the season, meaning he can start negotiating a free transfer move to a foreign club from January. However, talks over a four-year deal — which would include a rise on his £90,000-a-week wages — are progressing well, with both parties very confident of a successful outcome. Sportsmail revealed last month that Arsenal were close to an agreement with Walcott after positive talks. And Wenger revealed yesterday that a deal is imminent, saying: ‘He’s not signed the contract yet, but we are getting closer and closer and hopefully we can finalise it very soon.’ The news will provide the Gunners with a major boost ahead of the new season. Walcott scored the only goal against German side Wolfsburg yesterday as Arsenal secured their second pre-season trophy of the...

United sign Argentine keeper

Manchester United have signed Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero on a three-year deal, the club confirmed. ||| Manchester United have signed Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero on a three-year deal, the club said on Sunday. The 28-year-old, who played under United manager Louis van Gaal when they were both at Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, left Sampdoria in the summer at the end of his contract. “To play for the biggest club in the world is a dream come true for me,” he told United's website. “Louis van Gaal is a fantastic manager and I cannot wait to get started on this new and exciting challenge in my career.” Romero has joined United on their pre-season tour of the United States, where they beat Barcelona 3-1 on Saturday. “Sergio is a very talented goalkeeper. He was a young keeper during my time at AZ Alkmaar and I am delighted he is joining Manchester United,” said Van Gaal. Romero and his new manager also crossed paths last summer at the World Cup where Argentina eliminated the...

LVG has 3 places, but 7 players!

With Louis van Gaal planning to use a 4-3-3 formation, seven players will compete for three places in midfield. ||| London - With Louis van Gaal planning to use a 4-3-3 formation, seven players who cost £164.5 million will compete for three places in midfield. Bastian Schweinsteiger Cost: £14million (2015) Arrived from Bayern Munich having helped his club win the Champions League and starred in Germany’s World Cup win in 2014. At 30, there are doubts about his fitness and he was ruled out of last night’s friendly against Barcelona. Morgan Schneiderlin Cost: £24million (2015) Lauded as one of the reasons Southampton qualified for the Europa League last season. French holding midfield player, Arsenal and Spurs were interested in him. Michael Carrick Cost: £18million (2006) Vice-captain and one of only two survivors from United’s last Champions League win. He was at one time criticised for not being dynamic enough but Carrick is now regarded as one of the best passing midfield...

Ajax and SuperSport share third-place

SuperSport United drew with hosts Ajar Cape Town to share third-place in the Cape Town Cup, at Cape Town Stadium. ||| Cape Town - SuperSport United drew with hosts Ajax Cape Town 1-1 to share third-place in the Cape Town Cup, at Cape Town Stadium, on Sunday. After both teams lost in their opening matches of the four-team tournament on Friday, the playoff for third place took centre stage in the early afternoon. SuperSport took the lead on the quarter hour mark, and it seemed for much of the contest it would be the Pretoria side who would prevail. But it was Ajax who had the last say with an injury time goal to wrestle a draw. Crystal Palace and Sporting CP will contest the final at 3.30pm. Thuso Phala scored the opener in the 15th minute for SuperSport. Jeremy Brockie had a headed attempt from close range saved by Jody February in the Ajax goal, and Phala was well-positioned to nudge the rebound home to make it 1-0 to the visitors. In the 37th minute, SuperSport were awarded...

Di Maria adds fuel to rumours of move

Man United boss Louis van Gaal “does not know why” Angel Di Maria has not joined the club's pre-season tour of the US. ||| London - Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal “does not know why” Angel Di Maria has not joined the Premier League club's pre-season tour of the US following media reports the winger is close to signing for Paris St-Germain. The 27-year-old Argentina international, who joined United for a British record transfer fee of 59.7 million pounds ($92.59 million) last year, was expected to travel to the U.S after being given extended leave following the Copa America. However, British media have reported that Di Maria was a target for French champions PSG and that a deal was close for the former Real Madrid winger. “He was not on the plane,” Van Gaal told reporters after United's 3-1 win over Barcelona in Santa Clara on Saturday. “(Fellow Argentine) Marcos Rojo was also not on the plane. He has had a passport issue - for Angel Di Maria, I don't know why. I cannot...

PICS: ManU beat Barcelona in friendly

Manchester United kept up the positive momentum of their pre-season tour with a win over Barcelona in California. ||| California - Manchester United kept up the positive momentum of their pre-season tour with a 3-1 victory over Barcelona in the International Champions Cup on Saturday in Santa Clara, California. Wayne Rooney put the English club on top early by heading home a goal in the 10th minute before Jesse Lingard and Adnan Januzaj each added second-half goals. Manchester United, who beat Champions League winners Barcelona in the title game of 2009 and 2011, have enjoyed a successful U.S. tour with victories over Club America of Mexico and Major League Soccer club San Jose Earthquakes. Barcelona, playing without standouts Lionel Messi and Neymar, along with Claudio Bravo, Javier Mascherano and Dani Alves, made it an exciting match but failed to cash in on a few prime scoring chances. Luis Suarez twice hit the post on first-half shots for Barcelona and had another goal overturned...

‘Falcao can get back to his best’

Chelsea loan signing Radamel Falcao can get back to his free-scoring best under Jose Mourinho, Diego Costa said. ||| London - Chelsea loan signing Radamel Falcao can get back to his free-scoring best under Jose Mourinho and the Premier League champions will benefit from the Colombian's indifferent loan spell at Manchester United, strike partner Diego Costa has said. The 29-year-old Falcao developed a reputation as one the most feared strikers in Europe, netting 72 goals for Porto in two campaigns and 70 goals in two seasons for Atletico Madrid before joining AS Monaco in 2013 for almost $80 million. However, following an anterior cruciate ligament injury that ruled him out of the 2014 World Cup, Falcao joined Manchester United on loan last season but scored four goals in 29 games. “Radamel knows the sort of manager Mourinho is: one who is liked by players because he trusts and backs them,” Costa told reporters. “He doesn't sign a player just for the sake of it, it's because...

Poor turnout at Cape Town Cup

Depressed ticket sales and a spell of bad weather put a dampener on the Cape Town Cup at the Cape Town Stadium. ||| Cape Town - Depressed ticket sales and a spell of bad weather put a dampener on the Cape Town Cup at the Cape Town Stadium on Friday night. Garreth Bloor, mayoral committee member for tourism, events and economic development, said 10 600 tickets were sold for Friday’s matches, which saw Supersport United take on English team Crystal Palace, and local team Ajax Cape Town facing Sporting Lisbon from Portugal. But when the the first game started at 5.45pm, large parts of the stadium were empty. Bloor said the city had hoped to attract 35 000 fans to the stadium. “Unfortunately, the weather is not playing ball. We do remain optimistic that numbers will increase once the teams playing in the finals are revealed and the weather plays along,” he said. For Sunday, when the winners of Friday’s matches will compete in the tournament final, 18 200 tickets have been sold....

Pirates must put their scoring boots on

Pirates will be looking to bounce back to winning ways when they clash with CS Sfaxien in the Caf Confederation Cup. ||| Cape Town - After having their unbeaten run in the Caf Confederation Cup broken, Orlando Pirates will be looking to bounce back to winning ways when they clash with CS Sfaxien in their third game of the group stage at Stade Taieb Mhiri in Sfax, Tunisia, on Sunday. The Buccaneers lost their first group game in the continental competition 2-1 to Egyptian giants Zamalek at Mbombela Stadium, with the loss placing Eric Tinkler’s team second in Group B’s mini-league table with three points. The Egyptians top the group with six points, followed by AC Leopards and Sfaxien, with one point each, lying third and fourth respectively. The Buccaneers will have to put on their scoring boots if they wish to claim the three points on offer. This especially after fumbling in their match against Zamalek, which they dominated, more especially in the first half, only to let the...

Palace bury SuperSport United

Crystal Palace romped to a 4-0 victory over SuperSport United in their pre-season Cape Town Cup friendly. ||| Cape Town – Crystal Palace romped to a 4-0 victory over SuperSport United in their pre-season Cape Town Cup friendly in the Mother City on Friday. In a particularly poor first-half where SuperSport conceded the four goals, there was a bewildered look to the South African representatives who were struggling to find their feet. Crystal Palace were by far the more polished outfit, and Mile Jedina opened the scoring as early as the third minute from his team’s first attacking set-piece as SuperSport United failed to clear the initial shot at goal. Goalkeeper Rowan Williams stood amazed as the ball went past the gap that was left between himself and the defender at the near post. For Williams, that was but the start of what turned out to be a very long evening in goal. In the 16th minute he would watch as another series of lacklustre defending allowed Lee Chung-Yong to double...

City outclassed by Real, Ronaldo

Real Madrid proved a different class to Manchester City winning 4-1 before a record crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. ||| Cristiano Ronaldo was at his dazzling best as Real Madrid proved a different class to Manchester City winning 4-1 before a record crowd in the International Champions Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. World footballer of the year Ronaldo showed his sublime skills and was among the goalscorers as Real demolished the 2014 English Premier League champions in a blistering first half performance before more than 99 000 fans at the vast stadium. It was the MCG's biggest ever crowd for a football-only event. The 10-time European champions revelled in the atmosphere, opening up Man City with dazzling touches, flicks and clinical finishing for three goals in the first half. French striker Karim Benzema put the Spaniards ahead with a spectacular finish in the 21st minute. Benzema hooked in Gareth Bale's cross over his left shoulder in a brilliant...

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