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Edwin Van Der Sar responds to Manchester United return

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Van Der Sar responds to Manchester United return
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There has been quite a buzz about Manchester United going for a Director of Football. Many names have come up, but Edwin Van Der Sar is seen as a favourite.  Rumours are at peak and Edwin Van Der Sar has finally responded.

The former Manchester United Goalkeeper said that he is happy with Ajax and he is enjoying his new role. “I am enjoying my time at Ajax. I’ve got a different role – chief executive.”

Manchester United are thought to want to bring a change in their structure. They are rumoured to be in search of a Director of Football, who can oversee their transfer policy.

Van Der Sar , 48, played for Manchester United from 2005 to 2011. Thus he knows the culture of the club, hence he was considered a favourite for this job. But now the rumours appear to be untrue. 

Van Der Sar has been involved as a key figure in Ajax’s resurgence. Their impressive Champions League run last season has brought them back into the elite European scene.

And Van Der Sar, the Chief executive of the Dutch club wants to focus on that. “I am really looking forward to bringing Ajax back to the European top level – that we probably touched last year – and to make sure we get the best opportunity to stay there,” he said. 

Is this the end?  

Italian clubs to return for out-of-favour Manchester United man

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Midfielder Nemanja Matic was subject of a bid from both Milan clubs this summer.

Manchester United were holding out for more money, but may accept bids in January, according to reports.

The 31-year-old Serbian international has been relegated behind a midfield duo of Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and would be keen on a move away from Old Trafford. The powerful Serbian was one of Jose Mourinho’s most trusted performers, but the former Chelsea man has played just 22 minutes in United’s first four Premier League games

It seems Matic‘s opportunities at Manchester United could be limited this season, but ESPN claimed the player had expressed his desire to discuss his future with manager Solskjaer before the end of the transfer windows and that he could even consider leaving United.

It seems to have alerted both AC Milan and rivals Inter Milan regarding his potential availability. In addition, English journalist Duncan Castles told The Sun that both Milan clubs made bids for Matic, but that he was essentially forced to stay put by the Red Devils.

Speaking about Matic’s situation and Inter and Milan’s rejected bids, Castles stated “United didn’t take up those offers because they felt that financially they weren’t high enough for them to sell Matic. So he was forced to remain at the club.”

”’If these two important clubs in Italy, AC Milan and Inter Milan are interested in signing me and giving me a long-term contract at age 31, then the rational decision for me would be to pursue that option and go and play football in Italy, because I would rather be playing football in Italy on a long-term contract than be on the bench for a manager who would prefer to have someone else in the first team in England.

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“United didn’t take up those offers because they felt that financially they weren’t high enough for them to sell Matic. So he was forced to remain at the club. He didn’t push for a transfer in the sense of going public and going down the various steps you can go down when you want to move elsewhere.

AC Milan could go back in for Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic in January and could use a player like him to deepen their midfield strength. MilanNews claims that the more successful Milan club could go back in for the 31-year-old in January, as could Inter Milan.

The Nerazzuri, meanwhile, would like to see Matic reunite with former boss Antonio Conte, after the pair won the Premier League in 2016/17 at Stamford Bridge.

Sponsor stopped Paul Pogba from leaving Manchester United

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Manchester United has Adidas to thank for keeping hold of Paul Pogba this summer amid interest from Real Madrid.

Paul Pogba remained a Manchester United player for another year thanks to sportswear giants Adidas, it has been claimed.

The France World Cup winner was the subject of constant speculation during the summer transfer window after hinting that he was ready to leave Old Trafford. However, the club were reluctant to lose the midfielder, slapping a €170m price tag on him.

As the summer transfer window drew to a close it became evident that Pogba would stay put – and it has been revealed that Adidas had a part to play.

The Daily Star reports that German sportswear giants Adidas, who have a 10-year boot deal with Pogba worth €33 million and a kit-making contract with Manchester United until 2024 worth around €750 million, played a crucial role in keeping Pogba in Manchester.

A source close to the Red Devils hierarchy told the newspaper: “They acted as peacemakers between the player, his agent and the club. Adidas were crucial in persuading all the parties to resolve their differences for another season.”

Adidas are also the kit sponsors of Real, but if Pogba moved there he would become just one of a series of top names in the squad endorsed by the German brand, who also sponsor Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.

But at Old Trafford he is the clear star name, and it is believed it was better business promotion-wise for Adidas if he stayed at the club.

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Jadon Sancho’s agent spoke to Manchester United before summer, says Dortmund’s Sporting Director

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Jadon Sancho’s agent spoke to Manchester United before summer, says Dortmund's Sporting Director
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19-year-old English forward, Sancho was reportedly a hot target for Manchester United as well as a host of top clubs following two successful seasons at Dortmund.

Borussia Dortmund’s CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke in August revealed Sancho turned down an approach for the England international from a “super club” earlier this year.

“A hot topic right now is Sancho and Manchester United,” Zorc said on ‘Inside Borussia Dortmund’, an Amazon Prime documentary covering their 2018/19 season.

“Both his discussions with the club and mine with the agent, a meeting did take place. Manchester United invited the agent.

“According to what I know, the agent told the club that no matter how much money they offer, we won’t let him go this summer.

“The player also has no intention of taking that step this summer [2019].”

While Ruhr club had made it crystal clear that Sancho wasn’t for sale, it’s understood that United had the bid in the works before it was shut down. Sancho arrived at the German club in 2017 from Manchester City and has established himself as one of football’s brightest young stars.

The youngster scored two goals in two first-half minutes for England during their 5-3 victory over Kosovo.

Solskjaer to be given funds to buy midfielder in January

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According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are considering offering transfer funds to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for signing a midfielder in January.

Manchester United signed Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James for a combined £145m fee this summer. However, the Red Devils failed to rope in a midfielder following the departures of Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini.

United were reportedly linked with moves for Sean Longstaff and Bruno Fernandes but either of the moves failed to materialise. They were also linked to Christian Eriksen in the dying embers of the transfer window, However, the Dane was said to prefer a switch to Spain instead of a rival club.

United have also guaranteed space in the squad after the departures of Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez, Chris Smalling and Matteo Darmian.

With James having proved himself in front of the goal, United want to refurbish the underperforming midfield personnel. Solskjaer’s men currently sit in eighth place with 5 points from four games.

SEE ALSO: Daniel James can equal Solskjaer’s scoring record at United

Manchester United EA Sports FIFA 20 player ratings

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Manchester United EA Sports FIFA 20 player ratings
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FIFA 20’s ratings are out. The game will be launched on September 27, 2019. But, the ratings are already creating some buzz. Which players got deserved ratings? Which players were hard done by? Which players are overrated? And what not! Whatever it may be, it’s always fun to talk about these.

Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea remains the best-rated player in the squad followed by World Cup winner Paul Pogba.  New signing, the most expensive defender in the World Harry Maguire is their best defender. Manchester United fans won’t be too happy with these ratings.

Here is the complete list:

David de Gea – 89 OVR
Position: GK
Fifa 19 Rating: 90

Paul Pogba – 88 OVR
Position: CM
Fifa 19 Rating: 88

Anthony Martial – 83 OVR
Position: LW
Fifa 19 Rating: 84

Marcus Rashford – 83 OVR
Position: ST
Fifa 19 Rating: 83

Jesse Lingard – 82 OVR
Position: CAM
Fifa 19 Rating: 82

Harry Maguire – 82 OVR
Position:
Fifa 19 Rating: 82

Juan Mata – 82 OVR
Position: CAM
Fifa 19 Rating: 82

Victor Lindelof – 81 OVR
Position: CB
Fifa 19 Rating: 81

Nemanja Matic – 81 OVR
Position: CDM
Fifa 19 Rating: 83

Luke Shaw – 81 OVR
Position: LB
Fifa 19 Rating: 81

Eric Bailly – 80 OVR
Position: CB
Fifa 19 Rating: 80

Sergio Romero – 80 OVR
Position: GK
Fifa 19 Rating: 80

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 79 OVR
Position: RB
Fifa 19 Rating: 70

Fred – 79 OVR
Position: CM
Fifa 19 Rating: 80

Phil Jones – 79 OVR
Position: CB
Fifa 19 Rating: 79

Marcos Rojo – 78 OVR
Position: CB
Fifa 19 Rating: 79

Andreas Pereira – 77 OVR
Position: CM
Fifa 19 Rating: 77

Ashley Young – 77 OVR
Position: RB
Fifa 19 Rating: 79

Scott McTominay – 77 OVR
Position: CDM
Fifa 19 Rating: 75

Diogo Dalot – 75 OVR
Position: RB
Fifa 19 Rating: 74

Alex Tuanzebe – 73 OVR
Position: CB
Fifa 19 Rating: 73

Timothy Fosu-Mensah – 73 OVR
Position: RB
Fifa 19 Rating: 74

Lee Grant – 72 OVR
Position: GK
Fifa 19 Rating: 74

Daniel James – 72 OVR
Position: LM
Fifa 19 Rating: 59

Mason Greenwood – 67 OVR
Position: CF
Fifa 19 Rating: 66

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Sergio Ramos says ‘the door is open’ for Man United star

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Sergio Ramos says ‘the door is open’ for Man United star
Photo by Bildbyrån

The French superstar, Paul Pogba was Real Madrid’s top target over the summer, but he ended up staying at Old Trafford despite him and his agent hinting he was ready to move for new challenges.

Pogba has started all four of United’s Premier League games this season and Los Blancos’ captain Ramos believes the Frenchman would offer a lot to any club.

Sergio Ramos says ‘the door is open’ for Man United star
Photo by Bildbyrån

“I think Real Madrid always has the door open for good players such as him,” Ramos told the Daily Express.

“For me, Pogba is one of the great players,” Ramos said.

“He is different and he has shown his value at Juventus and now Manchester United.

“I think he brings balance to a team. He has a great offensive influence, and he has this amazing physique.”

Sergio Ramos says ‘the door is open’ for Man United star
Photo by Bildbyran

Real Madrid spent over €300m this summer as they brought in Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy among others.

Daniel James can equal Solskjaer’s own goalscoring record at United

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Daniel James can equal Solskjaer's own goalscoring record at United
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It has been the dream start to life at Manchester United for summer signing Daniel James as he scored his fourth goal of the season against Belarus. He has enjoyed a fine introduction to life in the Premier League since joining the Red Devils this summer.

Manchester United new boy, James continues his brilliant start to the season and has won United’s Player of the Month award for his three goals in four appearances. He also won the Goal of the Month for his goal against Southampton.

He came off the bench and scored a debut goal against Chelsea in the opening fixture. But just after four matchdays it looks like he’s on the verge of equalling Ole’s goalscoring record.

His brilliant scoring run means he has now scored in both of his home appearances for the club and if he nets another against Leicester this weekend he will match the current record. If he’s able to find the net against Leicester this weekend then he would become only the second player to score in their first three PL appearances at Old Trafford – the other was his current manager, Solskjaer.

Daniel James can equal Solskjaer's own goalscoring record at United
Photo by Bildbyrån

In 1996, Solskjaer scored goals at home against Blackburn, Nottingham and Tottenham, but could be set to share his record this weekend. Something that he won’t mind at all.

Victor Lindelof criticizes himself for Sweden performance

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Manchester United defender Viktor Lindelof has criticized his own performance following Sweden’s 1-1 draw against Norway on Sunday evening.

The towering Swede was on the scoresheet as Sweden thrashed Faroe Islands 4-0. However, they were held in their next Euro qualifier game.

Lindelof was also lambasted for a nervy display against Southampton prior to the international break.

Speaking about his own performance, he said,

‘I think I played a lousy game. I have high standards. I think I just had two passes forward.”

“I should have controlled the game more but I didn’t.”

“‘Everything was bad from our side. We had all the preconditions to play a good game. We played at home, with fantastic fans, against Norway, but we lose two points. Why? I have no idea.”

Lindelof is set to retain his duties as a center-ack when United play Leicester City in their fifth league game this weekend.

SEE ALSO: Ramos says the door is open for Man United star

Manchester United interested in Benfica midfielder

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Manchester United interested in Benfica Midfielder
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Benfica’s defensive midfielder Florentino Luis has come under the radar of English giants Manchester United. 

A Bola the Portuguese outlet reports that members Manchester United backroom staff were scouting the young midfielder during Benfica’s 4-0 win at Braga last week.

Florentino Luis, 20, has impressed everyone lately. He started with Benfica B and now has earned his spot in the first team. He has started all five of their competitive matches for Benfica this season. And the defensive-midfielder is going to be a key figure for Benfica this season.

The young Portuguese has already won UEFA European Under-17 Championship: 2016, UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2018 at junior level. And at Senior level he was part of Benfica’s Primeira Liga: 2018–19 campaign. He can be a good buy for the future since Matic has started to slow down.

However, there is a twist. City rivals Manchester City are also interested in him. Pep Guardiola has instructed his scouts to keep an eye on him, reports the Record. City were even reportedly weighing up a  £55m move for him this summer.

The youngster has a high release clause of £91m, which could go even higher if he is presented with a new contract. However, that should not worry the Manchester Clubs! If Florentino Luis excels this season, he can very well be moving to Manchester next summer.