Inter Milan have reportedly lodged a £42 million bid for Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani.

Continue for updates. 

PSG ‘Reluctant’ to Let Cavani Go

Tuesday, August 2

“Corriere dello Sport reports that the Milanese outfit had a meeting with PSG directors last week after the two teams had faced off in the International Champions Cup,” per Spencer Morgan on MailOnline.

“PSG Sporting director Patrick Kluivert is reluctant to sell their star striker, having already lost Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Manchester United, so the transfer for the moment appears unlikely,” added Morgan.

Cavani, 29, has spent most of his time at the Parc des Princes playing second fiddle to Ibrahimovic.

But with the Swede now at United, he has the opportunity to flourish as the main man under new manager Unai Emery.

Despite having often been farmed out on the wing, Cavani’s return in three seasons at PSG has been impressive, amounting to 53 goals in 97 Ligue 1 appearances, per WhoScored.com.

He could surely be even more prolific playing as the main striker in the upcoming 2016-17 season, and PSG are unlikely to be willing to sell him to Inter for £42 million, £13 million less than they paid Napoli for him three seasons ago.

PSG have been linked with a number of strikers to come in as a replacement for Ibrahimovic, with Alvaro Morata and Alexandre Lacazette both previously named as potential targets, per Fabrizio Romano and Marcus Christenson of the Guardian and L’Equipe (ESPN FC), respectively.

However, per French football writer Jonathan Johnson, any new striker would come in as a back-up for Cavani, not the No. 1 forward option.

Thus it seems unlikely PSG will accept any offer for Cavani that does not, at the very least, see them make all their money back on the Uruguay international.

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Napoli have reportedly moved ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, while Valencia have so far rebuked every club that has shown an interest in signing defender Shkodran Mustafi during the summer transfer window.

According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (h/t the Daily Express‘ Joe Short), the Gunners have already met with Icardi’s agent wife, Wanda Nara, and speculation linking the Argentinian with a move to the Emirates Stadium has been virtually constant in the last few weeks.

Napoli have reportedly identified Icardi as Gonzalo Higuain’s replacement, however, and are willing to meet Inter’s staggering valuation of £50 million. The report also states Inter have already made an offer to Paris Saint-Germain for Edinson Cavani, who would replace Icardi.

Nerazzurri boss Roberto Mancini didn’t sound too hopeful his captain would stay when he was recently asked about the ongoing transfer saga, via Gazetta World:

Higuain’s move to Juventus has set off a minor chain reaction, with several clubs now seemingly scrambling to find the perfect striker. Napoli need a replacement, and Icardi, who is proven in the notoriously defensive Serie A, would be the perfect signing.

As shared by WhoScored.com, the 23-year-old’s scoring record has been just fine the last two seasons:

Tony Stenson of the Daily Star Sunday previously reported Icardi is Arsenal’s back-up target in case the move for Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette falls through. The Frenchman is but the latest striker linked with the Gunners, who haven’t had any luck finding suitable competition for Olivier Giroud in the last couple of seasons.

Arsenal’s struggles with adding the right attacking help has become something of a joke on social media, and TheFootballRepublic couldn’t help but take a potshot at the club:

The reported fee of £50 million for Icardi is absurdly high―he’s scored more than 20 goals just once in Serie A―but forwards always come at a premium, and prices have soared this summer.

A move for Lacazette seems more likely, however, and given the figures involved, it would be a smarter investment as well.

Meanwhile, Super Deporte (h/t the Daily Star‘s Jamie Styles) has weighed in on the ongoing saga surrounding Valencia star Mustafi, reporting that the club has told all interested clubs the Germany international will not be leaving.

Mustafi has been heavily linked with Arsenal since Per Mertesacker suffered an injury, and the Daily Mirror‘s Ed Malyon previously reported Valencia told the British club their asking price:

The 24-year-old moved to Spain from Sampdoria after impressing during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but Los Che have hit a major rough patch in that span, leading to the speculation. Mustafi has become a regular starter for Germany’s national team, and he’s too good not to be playing UEFA Champions League football on a regular basis.

Liam Canning of the Daily Mirror believes he would be excellent value for the reported asking price:

Valencia could do with a financial injection to turn their squad around, particularly if they find a club willing to pay a fee close to Mustafi’s buy-out clause. One has to assume a deal could be done, but the reported fee of €25 million (roughly £21 million) is too low for their liking, which is why they’re turning away clubs.

With a full month left in the summer transfer window, this is one situation that’s likely to be resolved before long.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2aXPoww
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Napoli have reportedly moved ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, while Valencia have so far rebuked every club that has shown an interest in signing defender Shkodran Mustafi during the summer transfer window.

According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (h/t the Daily Express‘ Joe Short), the Gunners have already met with Icardi’s agent wife, Wanda Nara, and speculation linking the Argentinian with a move to the Emirates Stadium has been virtually constant in the last few weeks.

Napoli have reportedly identified Icardi as Gonzalo Higuain’s replacement, however, and are willing to meet Inter’s staggering valuation of £50 million. The report also states Inter have already made an offer to Paris Saint-Germain for Edinson Cavani, who would replace Icardi.

Nerazzurri boss Roberto Mancini didn’t sound too hopeful his captain would stay when he was recently asked about the ongoing transfer saga, via Gazetta World:

Higuain’s move to Juventus has set off a minor chain reaction, with several clubs now seemingly scrambling to find the perfect striker. Napoli need a replacement, and Icardi, who is proven in the notoriously defensive Serie A, would be the perfect signing.

As shared by WhoScored.com, the 23-year-old’s scoring record has been just fine the last two seasons:

Tony Stenson of the Daily Star Sunday previously reported Icardi is Arsenal’s back-up target in case the move for Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette falls through. The Frenchman is but the latest striker linked with the Gunners, who haven’t had any luck finding suitable competition for Olivier Giroud in the last couple of seasons.

Arsenal’s struggles with adding the right attacking help has become something of a joke on social media, and TheFootballRepublic couldn’t help but take a potshot at the club:

The reported fee of £50 million for Icardi is absurdly high―he’s scored more than 20 goals just once in Serie A―but forwards always come at a premium, and prices have soared this summer.

A move for Lacazette seems more likely, however, and given the figures involved, it would be a smarter investment as well.

Meanwhile, Super Deporte (h/t the Daily Star‘s Jamie Styles) has weighed in on the ongoing saga surrounding Valencia star Mustafi, reporting that the club has told all interested clubs the Germany international will not be leaving.

Mustafi has been heavily linked with Arsenal since Per Mertesacker suffered an injury, and the Daily Mirror‘s Ed Malyon previously reported Valencia told the British club their asking price:

The 24-year-old moved to Spain from Sampdoria after impressing during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but Los Che have hit a major rough patch in that span, leading to the speculation. Mustafi has become a regular starter for Germany’s national team, and he’s too good not to be playing UEFA Champions League football on a regular basis.

Liam Canning of the Daily Mirror believes he would be excellent value for the reported asking price:

Valencia could do with a financial injection to turn their squad around, particularly if they find a club willing to pay a fee close to Mustafi’s buy-out clause. One has to assume a deal could be done, but the reported fee of €25 million (roughly £21 million) is too low for their liking, which is why they’re turning away clubs.

With a full month left in the summer transfer window, this is one situation that’s likely to be resolved before long.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2aXPoww
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Napoli have reportedly moved ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, while Valencia have so far rebuked every club that has shown an interest in signing defender Shkodran Mustafi during the summer transfer window.

According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (h/t the Daily Express‘ Joe Short), the Gunners have already met with Icardi’s agent wife, Wanda Nara, and speculation linking the Argentinian with a move to the Emirates Stadium has been virtually constant in the last few weeks.

Napoli have reportedly identified Icardi as Gonzalo Higuain’s replacement, however, and are willing to meet Inter’s staggering valuation of £50 million. The report also states Inter have already made an offer to Paris Saint-Germain for Edinson Cavani, who would replace Icardi.

Nerazzurri boss Roberto Mancini didn’t sound too hopeful his captain would stay when he was recently asked about the ongoing transfer saga, via Gazetta World:

Higuain’s move to Juventus has set off a minor chain reaction, with several clubs now seemingly scrambling to find the perfect striker. Napoli need a replacement, and Icardi, who is proven in the notoriously defensive Serie A, would be the perfect signing.

As shared by WhoScored.com, the 23-year-old’s scoring record has been just fine the last two seasons:

Tony Stenson of the Daily Star Sunday previously reported Icardi is Arsenal’s back-up target in case the move for Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette falls through. The Frenchman is but the latest striker linked with the Gunners, who haven’t had any luck finding suitable competition for Olivier Giroud in the last couple of seasons.

Arsenal’s struggles with adding the right attacking help has become something of a joke on social media, and TheFootballRepublic couldn’t help but take a potshot at the club:

The reported fee of £50 million for Icardi is absurdly high―he’s scored more than 20 goals just once in Serie A―but forwards always come at a premium, and prices have soared this summer.

A move for Lacazette seems more likely, however, and given the figures involved, it would be a smarter investment as well.

Meanwhile, Super Deporte (h/t the Daily Star‘s Jamie Styles) has weighed in on the ongoing saga surrounding Valencia star Mustafi, reporting that the club has told all interested clubs the Germany international will not be leaving.

Mustafi has been heavily linked with Arsenal since Per Mertesacker suffered an injury, and the Daily Mirror‘s Ed Malyon previously reported Valencia told the British club their asking price:

The 24-year-old moved to Spain from Sampdoria after impressing during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but Los Che have hit a major rough patch in that span, leading to the speculation. Mustafi has become a regular starter for Germany’s national team, and he’s too good not to be playing UEFA Champions League football on a regular basis.

Liam Canning of the Daily Mirror believes he would be excellent value for the reported asking price:

Valencia could do with a financial injection to turn their squad around, particularly if they find a club willing to pay a fee close to Mustafi’s buy-out clause. One has to assume a deal could be done, but the reported fee of €25 million (roughly £21 million) is too low for their liking, which is why they’re turning away clubs.

With a full month left in the summer transfer window, this is one situation that’s likely to be resolved before long.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2aXPoww
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Napoli have reportedly moved ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, while Valencia have so far rebuked every club that has shown an interest in signing defender Shkodran Mustafi during the summer transfer window.

According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (h/t the Daily Express‘ Joe Short), the Gunners have already met with Icardi’s agent wife, Wanda Nara, and speculation linking the Argentinian with a move to the Emirates Stadium has been virtually constant in the last few weeks.

Napoli have reportedly identified Icardi as Gonzalo Higuain’s replacement, however, and are willing to meet Inter’s staggering valuation of £50 million. The report also states Inter have already made an offer to Paris Saint-Germain for Edinson Cavani, who would replace Icardi.

Nerazzurri boss Roberto Mancini didn’t sound too hopeful his captain would stay when he was recently asked about the ongoing transfer saga, via Gazetta World:

Higuain’s move to Juventus has set off a minor chain reaction, with several clubs now seemingly scrambling to find the perfect striker. Napoli need a replacement, and Icardi, who is proven in the notoriously defensive Serie A, would be the perfect signing.

As shared by WhoScored.com, the 23-year-old’s scoring record has been just fine the last two seasons:

Tony Stenson of the Daily Star Sunday previously reported Icardi is Arsenal’s back-up target in case the move for Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette falls through. The Frenchman is but the latest striker linked with the Gunners, who haven’t had any luck finding suitable competition for Olivier Giroud in the last couple of seasons.

Arsenal’s struggles with adding the right attacking help has become something of a joke on social media, and TheFootballRepublic couldn’t help but take a potshot at the club:

The reported fee of £50 million for Icardi is absurdly high―he’s scored more than 20 goals just once in Serie A―but forwards always come at a premium, and prices have soared this summer.

A move for Lacazette seems more likely, however, and given the figures involved, it would be a smarter investment as well.

Meanwhile, Super Deporte (h/t the Daily Star‘s Jamie Styles) has weighed in on the ongoing saga surrounding Valencia star Mustafi, reporting that the club has told all interested clubs the Germany international will not be leaving.

Mustafi has been heavily linked with Arsenal since Per Mertesacker suffered an injury, and the Daily Mirror‘s Ed Malyon previously reported Valencia told the British club their asking price:

The 24-year-old moved to Spain from Sampdoria after impressing during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but Los Che have hit a major rough patch in that span, leading to the speculation. Mustafi has become a regular starter for Germany’s national team, and he’s too good not to be playing UEFA Champions League football on a regular basis.

Liam Canning of the Daily Mirror believes he would be excellent value for the reported asking price:

Valencia could do with a financial injection to turn their squad around, particularly if they find a club willing to pay a fee close to Mustafi’s buy-out clause. One has to assume a deal could be done, but the reported fee of €25 million (roughly £21 million) is too low for their liking, which is why they’re turning away clubs.

With a full month left in the summer transfer window, this is one situation that’s likely to be resolved before long.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2aXPoww
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Napoli have reportedly moved ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, while Valencia have so far rebuked every club that has shown an interest in signing defender Shkodran Mustafi during the summer transfer window.

According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (h/t the Daily Express‘ Joe Short), the Gunners have already met with Icardi’s agent wife, Wanda Nara, and speculation linking the Argentinian with a move to the Emirates Stadium has been virtually constant in the last few weeks.

Napoli have reportedly identified Icardi as Gonzalo Higuain’s replacement, however, and are willing to meet Inter’s staggering valuation of £50 million. The report also states Inter have already made an offer to Paris Saint-Germain for Edinson Cavani, who would replace Icardi.

Nerazzurri boss Roberto Mancini didn’t sound too hopeful his captain would stay when he was recently asked about the ongoing transfer saga, via Gazetta World:

Higuain’s move to Juventus has set off a minor chain reaction, with several clubs now seemingly scrambling to find the perfect striker. Napoli need a replacement, and Icardi, who is proven in the notoriously defensive Serie A, would be the perfect signing.

As shared by WhoScored.com, the 23-year-old’s scoring record has been just fine the last two seasons:

Tony Stenson of the Daily Star Sunday previously reported Icardi is Arsenal’s back-up target in case the move for Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette falls through. The Frenchman is but the latest striker linked with the Gunners, who haven’t had any luck finding suitable competition for Olivier Giroud in the last couple of seasons.

Arsenal’s struggles with adding the right attacking help has become something of a joke on social media, and TheFootballRepublic couldn’t help but take a potshot at the club:

The reported fee of £50 million for Icardi is absurdly high―he’s scored more than 20 goals just once in Serie A―but forwards always come at a premium, and prices have soared this summer.

A move for Lacazette seems more likely, however, and given the figures involved, it would be a smarter investment as well.

Meanwhile, Super Deporte (h/t the Daily Star‘s Jamie Styles) has weighed in on the ongoing saga surrounding Valencia star Mustafi, reporting that the club has told all interested clubs the Germany international will not be leaving.

Mustafi has been heavily linked with Arsenal since Per Mertesacker suffered an injury, and the Daily Mirror‘s Ed Malyon previously reported Valencia told the British club their asking price:

The 24-year-old moved to Spain from Sampdoria after impressing during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but Los Che have hit a major rough patch in that span, leading to the speculation. Mustafi has become a regular starter for Germany’s national team, and he’s too good not to be playing UEFA Champions League football on a regular basis.

Liam Canning of the Daily Mirror believes he would be excellent value for the reported asking price:

Valencia could do with a financial injection to turn their squad around, particularly if they find a club willing to pay a fee close to Mustafi’s buy-out clause. One has to assume a deal could be done, but the reported fee of €25 million (roughly £21 million) is too low for their liking, which is why they’re turning away clubs.

With a full month left in the summer transfer window, this is one situation that’s likely to be resolved before long.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2aXPoww
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Wayne Rooney is expecting Manchester United to challenge for the Premier League title again under new manager Jose Mourinho in 2016-17.

He has revealed that the Red Devils players feel “more like the old Manchester United” under the Portuguese boss, with Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan all having been added to the squad in big-money deals.

Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, England’s most successful club have been in decline, barely able to compete for a top-four spot under managers David Moyes and Louis van Gaal—indeed, they will not be in the UEFA Champions League next season after a fifth-placed finish in 2015-16.

But, according to Rooney, there is renewed optimism following the appointment of the perennially successful Mourinho that United can compete for the title again, per Martin Samuel in the Daily Mail:

I think the players feel this is more like the old Manchester United. It’s not just the new signings, we’ve got Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford from last season who made such an impact.

We’re in a very good spot now, we think we can challenge for the Premier League, and we want to put a marker down, in the Community Shield with Leicester [City].

I know it’s a one-off game, but we want to show we can win a trophy early on—we feel that’s an important event for us.

United’s Community Shield clash with Premier League champions Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on Sunday will be Mourinho’s first competitive match in charge at United.

He has overseen a number of pre-season friendlies since his appointment, but the meeting with the Foxes will be his first clash of any real importance and, as Rooney noted, an opportunity to win some early silverware.

It will also provide an indication as to how Mourinho will set his team out in the upcoming Premier League campaign, as analysed by Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe:

With the transfer window open until the end of August, though, the former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss could yet add further stars to his squad after the Community Shield.

The headline saga of the summer transfer window has been United’s pursuit of Juventus‘ Paul Pogba, 23, and the Manchester outfit look to be edging ever closer to re-signing the midfielder, who left Old Trafford in 2012, per Sky Sports News HQ’s Andy Burton.

For Rooney, it would be a huge statement from United if they were able to snag Pogba—who the 30-year-old remembers as a tough competitor in training—with the Frenchman widely regarded as the best young player on the planet, per Samuel:

He was one of those players who, when you trained against him, somehow he would just hurt you. A knee in your side, bump into you, I don’t think he meant to do it, but it just happened.

You didn’t even need to get into a tackle. Just go next to him and you’d find an elbow or some other sharp bit. So, if he comes, I’m looking forward to that again.

But he had great ability, some of the things he could do, and he’s gone up a level since he left us.

I hope he is going to want to return to United and prove he’s a top-class player. If he is excited to play for us, we’ll be excited to have him back. 

I’m sure he’ll feel there is unfinished business, and it would be a very big statement by the club if they can make it happen.

Pogba would add significant strength to United’s central midfield, where Morgan Schneiderlin and an ageing Michael Carrick are currently the only reliable options.

He would also be the last of the four “priority” signings Mourinho outlined in his first press conference as United boss, and his arrival as the last piece of the puzzle would allow United to “breathe” and “be stable,” per Sky Sports’ James Kilpatrick.

Certainly, with Pogba’s arrival, United would have the makings of a superb starting XI, with the Frenchman joining the likes of Rooney, Ibrahimovic and goalkeeper David De Gea in the side’s spine.

The Manchester outfit still look short in the back line as they lack a top-class right-back and an experienced centre-back.

But, as Rooney said, they once more look capable of making a tilt at the title, with world-class players and a world-class manager.  

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2aCcn1p
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Wayne Rooney is expecting Manchester United to challenge for the Premier League title again under new manager Jose Mourinho in 2016-17.

He has revealed that the Red Devils players feel “more like the old Manchester United” under the Portuguese boss, with Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan all having been added to the squad in big-money deals.

Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, England’s most successful club have been in decline, barely able to compete for a top-four spot under managers David Moyes and Louis van Gaal—indeed, they will not be in the UEFA Champions League next season after a fifth-placed finish in 2015-16.

But, according to Rooney, there is renewed optimism following the appointment of the perennially successful Mourinho that United can compete for the title again, per Martin Samuel in the Daily Mail:

I think the players feel this is more like the old Manchester United. It’s not just the new signings, we’ve got Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford from last season who made such an impact.

We’re in a very good spot now, we think we can challenge for the Premier League, and we want to put a marker down, in the Community Shield with Leicester [City].

I know it’s a one-off game, but we want to show we can win a trophy early on—we feel that’s an important event for us.

United’s Community Shield clash with Premier League champions Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on Sunday will be Mourinho’s first competitive match in charge at United.

He has overseen a number of pre-season friendlies since his appointment, but the meeting with the Foxes will be his first clash of any real importance and, as Rooney noted, an opportunity to win some early silverware.

It will also provide an indication as to how Mourinho will set his team out in the upcoming Premier League campaign, as analysed by Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe:

With the transfer window open until the end of August, though, the former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss could yet add further stars to his squad after the Community Shield.

The headline saga of the summer transfer window has been United’s pursuit of Juventus‘ Paul Pogba, 23, and the Manchester outfit look to be edging ever closer to re-signing the midfielder, who left Old Trafford in 2012, per Sky Sports News HQ’s Andy Burton.

For Rooney, it would be a huge statement from United if they were able to snag Pogba—who the 30-year-old remembers as a tough competitor in training—with the Frenchman widely regarded as the best young player on the planet, per Samuel:

He was one of those players who, when you trained against him, somehow he would just hurt you. A knee in your side, bump into you, I don’t think he meant to do it, but it just happened.

You didn’t even need to get into a tackle. Just go next to him and you’d find an elbow or some other sharp bit. So, if he comes, I’m looking forward to that again.

But he had great ability, some of the things he could do, and he’s gone up a level since he left us.

I hope he is going to want to return to United and prove he’s a top-class player. If he is excited to play for us, we’ll be excited to have him back. 

I’m sure he’ll feel there is unfinished business, and it would be a very big statement by the club if they can make it happen.

Pogba would add significant strength to United’s central midfield, where Morgan Schneiderlin and an ageing Michael Carrick are currently the only reliable options.

He would also be the last of the four “priority” signings Mourinho outlined in his first press conference as United boss, and his arrival as the last piece of the puzzle would allow United to “breathe” and “be stable,” per Sky Sports’ James Kilpatrick.

Certainly, with Pogba’s arrival, United would have the makings of a superb starting XI, with the Frenchman joining the likes of Rooney, Ibrahimovic and goalkeeper David De Gea in the side’s spine.

The Manchester outfit still look short in the back line as they lack a top-class right-back and an experienced centre-back.

But, as Rooney said, they once more look capable of making a tilt at the title, with world-class players and a world-class manager.  

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2aCcn1p
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Wayne Rooney is expecting Manchester United to challenge for the Premier League title again under new manager Jose Mourinho in 2016-17.

He has revealed that the Red Devils players feel “more like the old Manchester United” under the Portuguese boss, with Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan all having been added to the squad in big-money deals.

Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, England’s most successful club have been in decline, barely able to compete for a top-four spot under managers David Moyes and Louis van Gaal—indeed, they will not be in the UEFA Champions League next season after a fifth-placed finish in 2015-16.

But, according to Rooney, there is renewed optimism following the appointment of the perennially successful Mourinho that United can compete for the title again, per Martin Samuel in the Daily Mail:

I think the players feel this is more like the old Manchester United. It’s not just the new signings, we’ve got Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford from last season who made such an impact.

We’re in a very good spot now, we think we can challenge for the Premier League, and we want to put a marker down, in the Community Shield with Leicester [City].

I know it’s a one-off game, but we want to show we can win a trophy early on—we feel that’s an important event for us.

United’s Community Shield clash with Premier League champions Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on Sunday will be Mourinho’s first competitive match in charge at United.

He has overseen a number of pre-season friendlies since his appointment, but the meeting with the Foxes will be his first clash of any real importance and, as Rooney noted, an opportunity to win some early silverware.

It will also provide an indication as to how Mourinho will set his team out in the upcoming Premier League campaign, as analysed by Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe:

With the transfer window open until the end of August, though, the former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss could yet add further stars to his squad after the Community Shield.

The headline saga of the summer transfer window has been United’s pursuit of Juventus‘ Paul Pogba, 23, and the Manchester outfit look to be edging ever closer to re-signing the midfielder, who left Old Trafford in 2012, per Sky Sports News HQ’s Andy Burton.

For Rooney, it would be a huge statement from United if they were able to snag Pogba—who the 30-year-old remembers as a tough competitor in training—with the Frenchman widely regarded as the best young player on the planet, per Samuel:

He was one of those players who, when you trained against him, somehow he would just hurt you. A knee in your side, bump into you, I don’t think he meant to do it, but it just happened.

You didn’t even need to get into a tackle. Just go next to him and you’d find an elbow or some other sharp bit. So, if he comes, I’m looking forward to that again.

But he had great ability, some of the things he could do, and he’s gone up a level since he left us.

I hope he is going to want to return to United and prove he’s a top-class player. If he is excited to play for us, we’ll be excited to have him back. 

I’m sure he’ll feel there is unfinished business, and it would be a very big statement by the club if they can make it happen.

Pogba would add significant strength to United’s central midfield, where Morgan Schneiderlin and an ageing Michael Carrick are currently the only reliable options.

He would also be the last of the four “priority” signings Mourinho outlined in his first press conference as United boss, and his arrival as the last piece of the puzzle would allow United to “breathe” and “be stable,” per Sky Sports’ James Kilpatrick.

Certainly, with Pogba’s arrival, United would have the makings of a superb starting XI, with the Frenchman joining the likes of Rooney, Ibrahimovic and goalkeeper David De Gea in the side’s spine.

The Manchester outfit still look short in the back line as they lack a top-class right-back and an experienced centre-back.

But, as Rooney said, they once more look capable of making a tilt at the title, with world-class players and a world-class manager.  

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2aCcn1p
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Wayne Rooney is expecting Manchester United to challenge for the Premier League title again under new manager Jose Mourinho in 2016-17.

He has revealed that the Red Devils players feel “more like the old Manchester United” under the Portuguese boss, with Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan all having been added to the squad in big-money deals.

Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, England’s most successful club have been in decline, barely able to compete for a top-four spot under managers David Moyes and Louis van Gaal—indeed, they will not be in the UEFA Champions League next season after a fifth-placed finish in 2015-16.

But, according to Rooney, there is renewed optimism following the appointment of the perennially successful Mourinho that United can compete for the title again, per Martin Samuel in the Daily Mail:

I think the players feel this is more like the old Manchester United. It’s not just the new signings, we’ve got Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford from last season who made such an impact.

We’re in a very good spot now, we think we can challenge for the Premier League, and we want to put a marker down, in the Community Shield with Leicester [City].

I know it’s a one-off game, but we want to show we can win a trophy early on—we feel that’s an important event for us.

United’s Community Shield clash with Premier League champions Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on Sunday will be Mourinho’s first competitive match in charge at United.

He has overseen a number of pre-season friendlies since his appointment, but the meeting with the Foxes will be his first clash of any real importance and, as Rooney noted, an opportunity to win some early silverware.

It will also provide an indication as to how Mourinho will set his team out in the upcoming Premier League campaign, as analysed by Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe:

With the transfer window open until the end of August, though, the former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss could yet add further stars to his squad after the Community Shield.

The headline saga of the summer transfer window has been United’s pursuit of Juventus‘ Paul Pogba, 23, and the Manchester outfit look to be edging ever closer to re-signing the midfielder, who left Old Trafford in 2012, per Sky Sports News HQ’s Andy Burton.

For Rooney, it would be a huge statement from United if they were able to snag Pogba—who the 30-year-old remembers as a tough competitor in training—with the Frenchman widely regarded as the best young player on the planet, per Samuel:

He was one of those players who, when you trained against him, somehow he would just hurt you. A knee in your side, bump into you, I don’t think he meant to do it, but it just happened.

You didn’t even need to get into a tackle. Just go next to him and you’d find an elbow or some other sharp bit. So, if he comes, I’m looking forward to that again.

But he had great ability, some of the things he could do, and he’s gone up a level since he left us.

I hope he is going to want to return to United and prove he’s a top-class player. If he is excited to play for us, we’ll be excited to have him back. 

I’m sure he’ll feel there is unfinished business, and it would be a very big statement by the club if they can make it happen.

Pogba would add significant strength to United’s central midfield, where Morgan Schneiderlin and an ageing Michael Carrick are currently the only reliable options.

He would also be the last of the four “priority” signings Mourinho outlined in his first press conference as United boss, and his arrival as the last piece of the puzzle would allow United to “breathe” and “be stable,” per Sky Sports’ James Kilpatrick.

Certainly, with Pogba’s arrival, United would have the makings of a superb starting XI, with the Frenchman joining the likes of Rooney, Ibrahimovic and goalkeeper David De Gea in the side’s spine.

The Manchester outfit still look short in the back line as they lack a top-class right-back and an experienced centre-back.

But, as Rooney said, they once more look capable of making a tilt at the title, with world-class players and a world-class manager.  

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