Mkhitaryan: Patience Paid Off

Henrikh Mkhitaryan insists he was never concerned about his Manchester United career, despite making an inauspicious start to life at Old Trafford.

The United playmaker made just one substitute appearance in two and a half months as he struggled for fitness and form following his summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund.

But, as the Armenian prepares for United's Premier League home game with West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, the 28-year-old says he was always confident his chance would come.

"Our life is worthless without difficulties," Mkhitaryan said. "Every person must be able to handle difficulties and the same concerns me.

"But it was not difficult for me to overcome these difficulties as I knew that sooner or later I would get my chance and I would use that.

"Yes, there are cases when a person faces much tougher problems, but he or she must be ready to face them. I just waited for my chance. I worked and I worked hard, waiting for my chance, got it and used that."

Since being replaced at half time of his first league start, against Manchester City in September, Mkhitaryan has emerged as an increasingly influential figure in Jose Mourinho's team.

He scored in Armenia's World Cup Qualifying win over Kazakhstan at the weekend, and could return to the starting line-up for the visit of West Brom, having been on the bench at Middlesbrough last time out.

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Pereira: I Feel Like A United Player

Andreas Pereira may be on loan at Granada but the fact the talented midfielder has had the knowledge he is a Manchester United player in his mind throughout has helped him to shine.

Although Granada are embroiled in a relegation fight in La Liga, the 21-year-old has enjoyed an excellent campaign on a personal level, holding down a permanent place in the side by making 26 league appearances, 25 of them as a starter.

Coach Lucas Alcaraz has trusted Pereira after replacing Paco Jemez at the helm and the Brazil Under-20 international has kept in regular contact with the United staff and players. It all bodes well for the youngster, who is determined to fight for a place in Jose Mourinho's first-team squad next season.

"I'm playing well," he told ManUtd.com. "I’m trying to do my job and am getting a lot of minutes. For me, it’s been very good playing here at a high level in Spain, in La Liga, every week. I get to train and focus hard for the games and, for me, it’s been very good. Unfortunately for the team, it’s been a bit difficult this season but we’re trying to get out of this situation as quickly as possible.

"There are a lot of young players here so I think, in the beginning, it was very difficult as we didn’t know each other. After the second round of games, we played better and better as we got to know each other more and more. So I think things will get better for us in the last 10 games now.

"It’s a very good league and a very high level. The football here is different than in England but it’s good to test yourself to see what level you are at and to improve every week."

Pereira has more than held his own in midfield against some of the star names in Spanish football when taking on the likes of Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid, an observation we put to him.

"Thank you," he replied. "I try to do my best and, yes, it's very special to play against the big teams like that. I’m very happy that I could play a good game against the big teams and it is good for my confidence to see players who have competed at the highest level in the world and, when playing against them, you can do damage to them, like you can to other teams.

"I always keep in my mind that I’m a Manchester United player and I should do what I’m doing. That is the main aim. I always have this in my mind. I should do well against everyone and I always keep this in my thoughts."

The change in coach did not hamper Pereira's progress and the words of encouragement from Old Trafford have also helped him push on this season, as planned.

"I was worried in the beginning as I came here because of him [Jemez]," the midfielder said. "When he was sacked, I was wondering a bit what is going to happen now? I just focused and worked hard, like I am doing now, and the new manager came in and liked the way I played and the things I did. I am still playing so I think that’s a good sign.

"It was also nice to hear from Jose Mourinho [ahead of the loan] and it’s nice that the people at United trust me and I always feel that they are watching. For me, that’s very important. I don’t feel like you’re left alone, when you go on loan, if you know what I mean, and it feels good. I still feel part of it. I’m doing my thing here but I’m still a United player and that’s the end of the story.

"[Assistant manager] Rui Faria sometimes sends me messages and asks how it is going. He contacted me to say I scored a good goal and I am happy when I get recognised for doing good things and to know that they’re watching. I’m very happy that the fans watch me too and I am focused here in Granada on taking them out of this situation. Hopefully, I will come back next season and show the fans and everyone at United that I am ready.

"I speak with Adnan [Januzaj] sometimes and [Paul] Pogba, Timothy [Fosu-Mensah], [Eric] Bailly, [Antonio] Valencia. I keep in touch with lots of players, [Juan] Mata too, as I was there a long time and they’re my friends. I miss them as well, to be honest, so it’s good to keep in touch. Sometimes, when we have days off, we try to see each other but it’s difficult with the flights here as there are none direct from Manchester."

The gifted schemer's goal remains to succeed at United, even if his short-term aims are obviously concentrated on Granada and their battle to beat the drop.

"It’s my dream to play for United on a regular basis," he stressed. "It always has been a dream but now I’m here at Granada and I have to focus here to get us out of this situation. My dream will always be there and, next season, I will fight for it.

"We have 10 games left here so I can’t say it’s impossible. It will be hard, of course, but I will try my best until the very last game and try to ensure we’re not relegated."

Robben Backs Bastian Move

Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben says he can understand Bastian Schweinsteiger’s decision to leave Manchester United for Chicago Fire.

The 32-year-old midfielder signed for United on a three-year deal in July 2015, making 18 appearances in his debut Premier League campaign.

However, Schweinsteiger became a peripheral figure at Old Trafford when Jose Mourinho took over and after not making a single Premier League appearance this season, his move to the MLS was confirmed on Wednesday.

Speaking exclusively to Sky Germany, former team-mate Robben said: "That is his decision. He had a very difficult time in Manchester, it didn't work out like he wanted to.

"Now it's a new step, a new challenge, a new experience. So I can understand him. I hope he has a wonderful time."

Despite Schweinsteiger's departure from Bayern and his short stay in Manchester, Robben is in no doubt that the former Germany captain will rank among Bayern Munich's greatest players.

He added: "If you talk about Uli Hoeness, Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger - they are legends of FC Bayern."

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Mourinho: Neymar Move To Man. United 'Impossible'

Jose Mourinho says Manchester United have as much chance of cracking a safe as signing Neymar from Barcelona.

The Brazil international last week revealed a love of Premier League football and said "any player would like to work" with Mourinho or Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

But Barcelona tied the forward to a five-year contract in October, and a release clause starting at £181m increases incrementally over the course of his deal.

Asked about a possible Manchester United move for Neymar, Mourinho told ESPN: "It's speculation. I always try to be objective and pragmatic with clubs and to ask them what they can give me. To ask for Neymar is absurd.

"A club like Barcelona cannot and will not lose Neymar. Although Lionel Messi is still a young player with years ahead of him, he's almost 30, and Neymar will be the great player of Barcelona post-Messi.

"So much that I think it is like trying to break into a safe - impossible."

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Jose Totally Against Friendlies

Jose Mourinho is "totally against" international friendlies after Chris Smalling and Phil Jones picked up injuries on England duty.

Jones was forced to leave Gareth Southgate's squad with a toe injury suffered in training after a challenge by Smalling, who pulled out himself with a leg problem after starting England's friendly defeat in Germany.

Both defenders missed England's 2-0 World Cup qualification win over Lithuania, leading Mourinho to question the need for mid-season friendlies.

"I am totally against the friendly matches," he told Soccer Saturday. "I think friendly matches for the national team only make sense before the final phases.

"A couple of weeks before the Euros or a couple of weeks before the World Cup makes sense. But mid-season friendly matches mixed with qualification matches, I don't think that makes sense.

"On top of that the matches are not really big matches so I am not a big fan. But I think one day I will be there so I cannot be very critical."

United had 13 players on international duty over the past week, with Antonio Valencia, Marcos Rojo and Sergio Romero making the long trip to South America.

Mourinho's side face West Brom when the Premier League resumes on Saturday and the United boss believes the hectic schedule leaves his side at a disadvantage.

"I don't know how but both central defenders got injured in the English camp even before the match," Mourinho added.

"The match was on the Sunday against Lithuania and they were injured in the training session. We lost four, I think [Paul] Pogba is also out, that's five, so we are a bit in trouble.

"I watched Valencia's match yesterday in Ecuador, Marcos Rojo in Bolivia, but they don't arrive until Thursday afternoon.

"If you compare our situation with our opponents, West Bromwich Albion, only one player on international duty. They had time to work, time to rest and prepare. It's going to be hard."

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No Goodbyes For Bastian

Bastian Schweinsteiger has revealed he did not get the chance to properly say goodbye to his Manchester United team-mates before signing for Chicago Fire.

The German's move to the Major League Soccer club was officially confirmed by United on Wednesday afternoon after the formality of his visa had been resolved.

Schweinsteiger's stay at Old Trafford ended last week after he agreed to join Chicago Fire on a one-year contract.

But so rushed was the deal, he revealed he did not have the opportunity to bid farewell to the United players - who were busy preparing for their Premier League game away at Middlesbrough.

"It was not so easy because the decision was a bit late so I couldn't say a proper goodbye to the team," Schweinsteiger said.

"Also they had a match away against - I can't remember - but they had a match on Sunday so I couldn't really tell them because I didn't want the focus on me, I wanted to have the focus on the team and the game. So I was very happy that they won.

"I had a great time there, especially with the team-mates and the staff there, it was a good time and I enjoyed it there."

Schweinsteiger could make his debut for Chicago Fire - who finished last in the Eastern Conference last season, winning just seven of their 34 matches - this weekend when they face Montreal Impact at Toyota Park.

"I am ready," he added. "I was preparing before I came here and, of course, I need some days more training but I feel I am ready whenever the coach needs me.

"I need more training sessions to have the right rhythm, where I want to see myself, but my head is more than 100 per cent and I feel quite comfortable. The training session was pretty intense today and I could do it, so that was good."

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Jose: I Will Support Zlatan

Jose Mourinho insisted he will support whatever decision Zlatan Ibrahimovic makes regarding his future at Manchester United.

The 35-year-old is currently deliberating on whether to take up the option of a further 12-month contract for next season.

Ibrahimovic has been linked with a move to the MLS to become the LA Galaxy's latest expensive foreign import, but Mourinho has been vocal in his desire to keep United's top scorer at Old Trafford next season.

"I am just calm and waiting for the decision," Mourinho said in an exclusive interview to be aired this weekend on Soccer Saturday.

"If the decision is for him to stay and he is happy with that, we are delighted with that. If his decision is to leave and try to find a different challenge, I will be also happy for him.

"He is [a big part of our success this season] but the human being is more important than the player and the team. If his decision is to leave and try to be happy with his family and have a different reality, so be it."

On Tuesday, Ibrahimovic confirmed he has not yet made up his mind on his future but did offer United fans hope by saying he "never leaves a job unfinished".

"Let's see what happens, we are talking," Ibrahimovic said to The Manchester Evening News.

"I have an option for another year, I want to do great as long as I'm here, so let us see, there is a lot of time.

"I'm enjoying being at a a fantastic club, without doubts, one of the biggest clubs in the world with a great coach. I know him before, he's a winner, he's the perfect coach for this club.

"Being a Manchester United player, I don't know how many people have that possibility but I am a Man United player, people wanted me here, I chose the club, I chose the best English club, that's the way it works."

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Scholes: United Will Achieve Both Goals

Paul Scholes believes Manchester United will achieve both season-ending goals of winning the Europa League and finishing in the top four of the Premier League.

The Reds are currently fifth in the English top-flight table, four points behind Liverpool with two games in hand, and face Anderlecht in the quarter-finals of the Europa League in April.

Jose Mourinho has admitted that, if he had to choose, he would prefer to win the Europa League this term as a means of securing Champions League qualification for his side in 2017/18.

But speaking to MUTV ahead of Saturday’s Legends match against a PFA Australian XI in Perth, Scholes declared United could do both.

"It has to be one of those ways but I think, both ways, they will do it," the midfield great said. "The league is going to be tough and they have got three crucial away games at Arsenal, Tottenham and Man City.

"If they can come out of them with five, possibly six points, then I think it will be very good and that will set them up for the top four.

"With the Europa League, I think they are rightly favourites. They are by far the biggest club left in it and have probably got the best squad. Lyon could potentially be the team they have to worry about and it is not going to be straightforward, but they have got a great chance of winning the Europa League."

Scholes has enjoyed watching United this season and feels Mourinho’s team are playing the kind of football most Reds fans appreciate.

"The last couple of years were a little bit tough to watch and I think he has steadied the ship now," the 42-year-old said. "They are a team that is exciting again.

"The league position should probably be a little bit better than it is really; they have dropped some really silly points, especially at home, but they are creating chances and they look like a United team everybody expects and wants to watch again."

Ibrahimovic Confirms Manchester United Contract Talks

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has confirmed he is in talks with Manchester United over a new contract, saying he "never leaves a job unfinished".

The 35-year-old has an option of a further 12-month contract after he moved to Old Trafford on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

Ibrahimovic has been linked with a move to the MLS, but United boss Jose Mourinho would love to keep the striker and the Swede confirmed he is discussing his future with the club.

"Let's see what happens, we are talking," Ibrahimovic said to The Manchester Evening News.

"I have an option for another year, I want to do great as long as I'm here, so let us see, there is a lot of time.

"I'm enjoying being at a a fantastic club, without doubts, one of the biggest clubs in the world with a great coach. I know him before, he's a winner, he's the perfect coach for this club.

"Being a Manchester United player, I don't know how many people have that possibility but I am a Man United player, people wanted me here, I chose the club, I chose the best English club, that's the way it works."

Ibrahimovic has won league titles in Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and France and has scored 26 goals in an impressive first season with United.

"I enjoy. I'm a person when I go into something I put my head 200 per cent into it. I go in, I go for the kill and I go out.

"When I go out there is no complaints, that's what I do. I never leave a job unfinished.

"I always go in, do my job, and in the way that is a fair play, a fair deal, that is what I do."

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Scholes: United Should Let Rooney Decide

Wayne Rooney has earned the right to decide whether he will still be at Manchester United next season, according to Paul Scholes.

The United and England captain has endured a frustrating campaign at Old Trafford and has become a regular on the substitutes' bench under Jose Mourinho.

Rooney, United's all-time record scorer with 250 goals, has started just nine matches in the Premier League this season and has been linked with a summer move away from the club.

"Wayne [Rooney]'s been an unbelievable player for Manchester United. It's up to him, I suppose really," former United midfielder Scholes told Omnisport.

"If he wants to stay, great. If he doesn't, wants to go and play football... you have to respect his decision.

"He's been a sensational footballer for Manchester United, won great things, scored a ridiculous amount of goals. I think he's earned the right to decide what he wants to do."

Scholes has also been encouraged by Paul Pogba's first season back at United and believes the France international will continue to improve.

United paid a world record fee of £93.25m to bring Pogba back to the club last summer after the 24-year-old midfielder helped Juventus claim four successive Serie A titles.

His performances have divided opinion however, with certain sections of the media suggesting he is yet find his best position in Mourinho's system.

"I think he's done well. I know he's had a little bit of criticism, but from what I've seen...he's a brave young player," Scholes said.

"He's always willing to take the ball. He'll always try stuff, he'll try passes, he'll try shots on goal.

"I think he's had a good first season, settling back into England. It's not always easy, but I think he's done alright, and he can only improve."

United are currently unbeaten in their last 18 Premier League matches and sit in fifth place, just four points behind fourth-placed Liverpool having played two games fewer.

Scholes is confident Mourinho will guide United to a top-four finish in his first season in charge, but does not believe the Portuguese will be satisfied.

"I expect them to finish fourth. They've been on a fantastic run, without making much progress in the league," he said.

"You have to say, the quality in the Premier League is back to where it should be. There are a four or five teams... probably five teams fighting for that top four.

"He (Mourinho) will be given loads of time, I think. He's had to consolidate after a difficult couple of years. He's managed to do that, and he'll want to kick on now.

"He won't be happy with finishing fourth or fifth in the league. He'll want to be up there trying to win the league.

"I believe in the next couple of years he'll be desperate to do that."

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Wilson Thankful For United's Support

James Wilson is continuing his rehabilitation at Manchester United after suffering a knee injury during his loan spell with Derby County.

In an exclusive interview with MUTV, the striker - pictured above in pre-season training last summer - thanked first-team rehab physiotherapist John Davin and his colleagues for helping him stay positive and on track for a return to action.

It’s good to have you back at United but obviously you didn't return in the best circumstances. How did the injury come about?
Well, I was at Derby obviously and I was quite gutted as I was doing pretty well and playing quite often. But, yeah, it was just in training and it’s just one of those things, I suppose. I’m staying positive, trying to remain positive, as I’m still young and it’s just a minor setback. I’ve still got so much time on my hands.

Did you realise it was a bad injury straight away?
No, I was quite positive from the start really. It took a day to have a scan. I came back to the club to have the scan and, like I say, it put a downer on things because I was doing quite well. But, as soon as I had the scan, I tried to get my head around it straight away and just crack on from there.

You’d just scored a goal for Derby’s Reserves and were close to featuring in the first-team match against Brentford on the Saturday…
Yeah, we were building up to the game at the weekend. It was one of those little eight-a-side games. It’s something that happens, one of those things.

You were previously on loan at Brighton and nearly helped get them promoted to the Premier League. They’re up there again…
Yeah, they’re doing well. It’s tight at the top with Newcastle and I’m really egging them on. I hope they manage to get there this time as they deserve it.

What lessons have you learned from these loans, even if the second one has been truncated?
When I first went out, it was a new experience then. Now I’ve been to two different clubs and I'm gaining experience not only as a player but as a person as well.

Is it very different to being at United?
Slightly, with the facilities and everything. Like I say, it’s an experience going into a group of lads and trying to integrate well with them and essentially play games for the club.

You’re still young at 21. Have you learned a lot over the past couple of seasons?
Everything has been an experience. In the early days of your career, you’re trying to get as many of these experiences as possible. I’m focusing on what I want to focus on – the big goal, which is obviously getting into the first team.

I can only imagine what it must be like being on the sidelines but do you watch the games and the other lads training?
Yeah, I try to. It’s frustrating not to be with the lads on the pitch, to have a bit of a laugh and obviously play football. It’s difficult but I try to see the team as much as I can and go to games and watch training as well.

We often see you around the Aon Training Complex so are you working hard?
Yes, I’m working really hard at the moment. I’m not trying to put a time frame on it or rush anything. It’s just one of those situations where I’m trying to get back and do my thing.

Are you doing a lot of work in the gym or lots of different things?
I’m mostly doing work in the gym. I’m working with John Davin, who is a great character and he’s very uplifting. The first stages of my rehab have been pool and gym-based but hopefully, in time, I’ll be out on the grass.

How helpful is it having a character like John there with you?
It’s brilliant. He’s so uplifting, he’ll join in some of the exercises with me in the gym. It’s great to have him by my side egging me on.

Does he set you any regular challenges?
We have goals. It’s like everything – everyone has goals to work for and I think I need that. Pretty much every young person needs goals to work for and John has been great to have around.

Everyone was impressed by your message on social media, in the hospital bed but smiling and saying you’ll be back fitter and stronger…
Yeah, I was hoping that everything went well with the surgery. It was a very simple surgery, Steve Bollen did a great job in doing that. I just know I’m going to be back to what I was before anyway so I’m just staying positive at the moment.

You came back here to United – was that to take advantage of the great facilities?
With an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), you know it’s going to be like eight months and that pretty much ruled the season out. So, like I say, there is no rush for me. There are days when you’re just trying to get through it and keep going, I’d say, but I think I’m at the best club to come back to for the rehabilitation.

Have the other United players given you advice, help and support?
They’ve been great. Obviously, they’ve seen me around the place and seen me work hard in the gym. They have been really helpful. Some of them have come up to me and said they’ve done it before or known people who have done it. They give me advice and are asking me generally how I am. It’s really uplifting for me that they show an interest and it definitely makes me feel part of the squad.

Your United debut came early, when you were 18. Was it a bit of a blur when Ryan Giggs picked you?
I can’t thank him enough. Obviously, he believed in me and I believed in myself. I think I showed that on the night. It was a great night for me. I’m obviously having to deal with a few things now but it was a wonderful occasion.

You had a big chance against Middlesbrough in the League Cup in 2015/16 but picked up a niggle in the first half – how frustrating was that?
Yeah, I think I was working a lot towards that game. I knew it was in the cup and I thought Louis [van Gaal] might pick me for that game. I was just working towards that so it was a bitter disappointment but a minor setback, I suppose. I just rolled my ankle before half-time and ended up going off in the first half, which was disheartening really.

You’ve always been a striker but Louis brought you on virtually at full-back at Arsenal when we were defending a lead there…
Yeah, I mean any different position [is okay]. The more versatile you are these days, the more chance you’ve got. If you can impact on a game from a variety of different positions, it’s only going to benefit you.

But do you still see yourself as a striker?
Yeah, I’d say so. I’m still an out-and-out striker. I’d say I am versatile though as I can play different positions. It’s not a problem for me to play in different positions.
Wide forwards are quite popular these days and, with your pace, it’s another role you could fulfil…
Lots of teams play with a central striker and two wide forwards, so I think there are going to be a lot more opportunities for players like me as well. I’ll keep working at it.

You had played lots of football at a young age so could having a break and coming back absolutely 100 per cent fit become a positive for you?
I suppose so. The positives are it’s a break and I can kind of work towards things I probably couldn’t do during the season, maybe. I’m working hard in the gym and that’s something I’ve probably not got the chance to do with games coming thick and fast everywhere. I think it has benefited me in that way. But it’s very frustrating not to be out on the grass every day, knocking the ball about.

Your finishing ability was always unerring at every level – I guess you know you’ve still got that?
Well, I came back in the summer and it was still there so hopefully, when I get back on the pitch, it will still be there. I know it will be.

Do you keep an eye on the Reserves and the younger lads at the club?
I watched the Under-16s play Liverpool the other week, they won, and it’s looking like some good players are coming through. I keep an eye on the Under-18s and Reserves sometimes as well.

It seems you have got the right character to bounce back from this injury…
I think, for anyone, it’s tough to come back from this sort of setback. It depends how you look at it. Like I’ve said a few times, I’ve taken the positives out of it and just not tried to rush anything. I think I’m doing quite well really. I can see progress between what I am like now and what I was like after surgery so I think I’m in the right place at the moment.

Can you take inspiration from elsewhere? Roy Keane and Alan Shearer bounced back from similar injuries…
Yeah, I mean the game has changed with modern science and surgery and recovery. It’s all different. It’s all changed and it’s new. Twenty years ago, it could have been a career-ending injury but I know, in this day and age, it’s just something that happens. I’m staying positive and I am really looking forward to getting back.

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Early United Team News For West Brom Clash

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho expects to be without five first-team stars for Saturday's return to Premier League action against West Bromwich Albion.

Of course, the Reds are missing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera for the Old Trafford encounter as both sit out the final match of their suspensions.

The United boss has also confirmed central defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones sustained injuries while away on duty with England. Paul Pogba played no part in the international break with France after straining his hamstring in the Reds' win over FC Rostov on 16 March.

"So we lose four [players] and I think Paul Pogba is also out," said Mourinho. "So we lose five."

The manager is awaiting the return from South America of Sergio Romero, Antonio Valencia and Marcos Rojo before being in a position to finalise his plans for the weekend.

Mourinho could provide a further update on his squad when speaking to MUTV on Friday.

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Sir Alex: Why Carrick Became A Success

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he always expected Michael Carrick to make it as a professional footballer, from the moment the midfielder uprooted to London as a 16-year-old.

The legendary former Reds manager will be reunited with the player he signed from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006 when he takes charge of the Manchester United 2008 XI in Carrick's testimonial match at Old Trafford on Sunday 4 June.

Carrick spent his formative years at the famous Wallsend Boys’ Club in his home city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, before making the decision to join West Ham United in 1997, and it was that life-changing switch that later convinced Sir Alex he had the attitude to succeed at United. More than 400 appearances and 16 major trophies later, that has certainly proved to be the case.

"From the minute we bought him, his character has always been absolutely outstanding," Sir Alex told MUTV. "He’s a football man and that character, plus his ability, made him a certainty to be a big success here. 

"When we were discussing him and were ready to make a bid, we were looking at his background and one of the things that stuck out to me was as a young boy, he went down to play for West Ham. 

"A 16-year-old kid going way down from Newcastle to east London – that’s a trek, and it epitomised to me the confidence the boy had in himself. That impressed me. 

"Geordies do travel," he continued. "You think of Shearer at Southampton as a kid, Bryan Robson as a kid at West Brom; Sir Bobby Charlton came here when he was 15 years of age. 

"They have got a big thing about them, Geordies, in terms of travelling as they want to be players. It’s a great football area. The Wallsend Boys’ Club he came from has produced so many fantastic footballers."

In 2004, Carrick moved from West Ham to Spurs, where he spent two years before Sir Alex came knocking as he looked to strengthen his United midfield in pursuit of a first title in four seasons. 

"I must say negotiations were very difficult and went on for ages," Sir Alex recalled. "I always remember I thought it was done and [former chief executive] David Gill phoned me on the golf course to say they want more. Typical [Spurs chairman] Daniel Levy!

“It was very hard to negotiate but, at the end of the day, we got it through and, ever since he joined us, he’s had a fantastic career."

Johnstone Repays Bruce's Faith

Sam Johnstone feels he has adapted to regular first-team football with Aston Villa and is thoroughly enjoying his spell on loan from Manchester United.

Villa manager Steve Bruce has been rewarded for his faith in the 24-year-old goalkeeper with a run of five clean sheets in the last six games ahead of the weekend encounter with another of the ex-United skipper's former clubs, Norwich City.

Johnstone, an FA Youth Cup winner with the Reds in 2011, has the stage he has been craving to show off his talents between the posts and is getting better and better with each passing match.

"I’ve had loan spells at other places," he told ManUtd.com. "But the size of this club (Villa) tops it off by a mile. That’s what you want as a player – to push yourself and play for the bigger clubs, in front of larger crowds, with bigger expectations. It can only serve you well.

"The club is massive. It is a Premier League club. They need to be back up there and, hopefully, I can help them do that. So it’s good and I’m enjoying it. It’s a massive club and walking out at Villa Park on a Saturday in front of 35,000 people, it’s crazy, and something I’ve been wanting to do for the first half of the season. I then got the chance in January to go and do it and I hope we can keep winning until the end of the season.

"Obviously, January was difficult as there were a lot of changes at Villa and I was one of them. But I’m happy to be out playing football, playing every Saturday-Tuesday and things have turned around for us in recent weeks so I’m really enjoying it.

"It was a tough start but I hadn’t played a first-team game for a year and it took a while to get going. Hopefully everyone can see what I can do now and I hope it carries on until the end of the season with my team-mates. I’m happy with the clean sheets, it’s a bonus, but we’re winning and that’s good."

Johnstone made a high-profile debut for Villa in the Emirates FA Cup against Tottenham at White Hart Lane and explained how it takes time for a new goalkeeper to get used to new surroundings.

"I only went to Villa on the Wednesday or Thursday and I was asked if I wanted to play or if it was too early," he said. "But, no, I wanted to play and I told the staff at Villa I wanted to play. I was buzzing. I was excited and wanted it to happen straight away. The game against Tottenham was a good experience. I felt I did well but I was gutted about losing.

"I think it's easy to underestimate how different it is. I was training at Manchester United but, you know, there is nothing like competitive game time. It’s all about getting your timing back, the surroundings, the pressure of having to win the game, your distances, working with new defenders and lots of stuff that people don’t see. We worked through it and, like you said, the clean sheets and the saves are coming, as is the team performance. The new lads have all settled in and everyone can now see how good the team is."

Bruce's backing has been crucial in building the United Academy graduate's confidence and another former Red, ex-goalkeeper Gary Walsh, is also providing assistance on a daily basis.

"Obviously, having him [Bruce] as a manager, he was at United and has managed for a long time, so he understands everything," added Johnstone. "I am glad he was patient with me and, hopefully, I’m repaying him back with the performances, clean sheets and wins.

"Gary's the goalkeeper coach and it’s the first time I’ve worked with him or come across him. I’m really enjoying my time working with him and the other keepers. Like the manager, he has played for Manchester United and knows what it is all about. That experience is something he can help me with and it’s obviously a positive for all of us. He is calm and knows what he is doing."

While Bruce and Walsh are well known to fans of United in the early 1990s, Johnstone has linked up with a couple of men with more recent Reds connections.

"Chessie [former United Reserves defender James Chester] is captain," said Sam. "He’s a little bit older than me but I knew him from when I was younger at United so it’s good to see him again. Ritchie De Laet is there too but he’s injured at the moment. So there are a couple of familiar faces.

"It does help when you know someone there before you go. There were a few players I knew anyway and it helped but, to be honest, there's a good group of players and staff around the training ground. It does help massively to settle you in straight away so you feel at home."

Villa are up to 12th in the Championship table after flirting with the relegation zone earlier in the year. Although it would take some charge up the standings to reach the play-offs, Johnstone is not ruling anything out.

"It would take some doing," he said. "But you never know in this league. Anyone can beat anyone. In January, we were on top for most of the games but just couldn’t get the results. Things are swinging our way now and we’re getting the results as well as the performances. Hopefully, we can carry it on in the last eight games and keep pushing to maybe just sneak into the play-offs at the last minute and take it from there. Fingers crossed, because that would be great for us and the fans."

Schweinsteiger Seals Chicago Fire Move

Bastian Schweinsteiger has completed his move from Manchester United to Chicago Fire.

The World Cup winner has joined the Major League Soccer side on a permanent basis after passing a medical and receiving his visa.

After being given a hero's welcome by supporters at his new club, Schweinsteiger has finalised the required paperwork and could be in line for a debut against Montreal Impact at the weekend.

The 32-year-old made 35 appearances for the Reds and scored twice, against Leicester City in the Premier League last season and Wigan Athletic in the Emirates FA Cup earlier this year.

Everybody at United would like to wish Basti the very best of luck in the next chapter of his career.

Credit: Manutd.com

United Hopeful Over Jones Injury

Manchester United defender Phil Jones could return to action before the end of the season, with tests on Tuesday suggesting the injury to his toe is not as bad as first feared.

Sky Sports News HQ understands that further tests are planned at United's Carrington training ground later this week to diagnose the full extent of his injury.

However, United are hopeful that the central defender will return to first team action before the season's conclusion.

Jones' toe was damaged in a training-ground tackle with United team-mate Chris Smalling while the pair were away with England last week. The injury kept him out of England's games against Germany and Lithuania.

Manchester United face nine games in April, starting with West Brom at Old Trafford on Saturday.

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Bruce Wants To Keep Johnstone

Steve Bruce wants to keep on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone at Aston Villa next season.

The 24-year-old has impressed in recent weeks with four clean sheets in Villa's past five matches.

With David de Gea and Sergio Romero firmly entrenched as United's number one and two options in goal, Bruce is hoping to convince Jose Mourinho that Johnstone's development will be best served by playing regular football in the Championship.

Bruce told Villa's official website: "I am going to see Mr Mourinho.

"Everyone agrees that Sam needed to go and play football. The difference between him now and three months ago is there for all to see.

"He's grown into the role. He's now more comfortable in the role - and he's got that from playing.

"We have given him that platform to play.

"If there's an opportunity that we can get him to play more next season I would love to do it.

"I will be having that conversation with Mr Mourinho when the time is right. But I hope we can extend it."

Credit: Skysports.com

Smalling Wearing Leg Brace

Chris Smalling has been pictured wearing a right leg brace after suffering an injury while on international duty with England.

The Manchester United centre-back sustained the problem in training last week and was forced to withdraw from the England squad.

He missed England's World Cup Qualifier against Lithuania having played 84 minutes for Gareth Southgate's side in the 1-0 friendly loss to Germany.

The Football Association did not specify the nature or extent of the injury, but the presence of a leg brace is sure to be a major concern for United.

United are also sweating on the fitness of centre-back Phil Jones, who suffered an injury while on international duty with England.

Jones damaged his toe in a training-ground tackle with Smalling and will undergo tests at United's Carrington training base on Tuesday to determine whether his season is over.

The injuries to Smalling and Jones leave United manager Jose Mourinho with only three fit centre-backs for the visit of West Bromwich Albion to Old Trafford on Saturday.

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Injured Jones Set For Tests

Manchester United defender Phil Jones will find out today whether his season is over.

Jones' toe was damaged in a training-ground tackle with United team-mate Chris Smalling while the pair were away with England last week.

The injury kept him out of England's games against Germany and Lithuania and will be examined further at United's Carrington training base.

Confirmation that Jones has suffered a broken toe would be a major blow for United, who face nine games in April, starting with West Brom at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Credit: Skysports.com

Pires: Mourinho The Right Manager For Pogba

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is the right manager to get the best out of Paul Pogba, says Robert Pires, who believes the former Juventus midfielder needs time to adapt at Old Trafford.

Mourinho spent £93.25m to bring Pogba to Old Trafford from Juve last summer, making the France international the most expensive acquisition in world football.

However, despite the size of that transfer fee for Pogba in his debut season in the Premier League, Pires has urged patience with the 24-year-old's form.

"He had a lot of pressure because some people were talking about his price tag, but you must not forget that Paul Pogba is a young player and in France we say he needs time to adapt," Pires said in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports.

"I think that is very important as the Premier League is very hard, difficult and tough, it is not only for the game, it is every morning in the training sessions."

Pires believes that working under the Portuguese, though, will see Pogba - who has contributed seven goals and five assists in his 41 games in all competitions this season - develop as a player.

"I know Paul, I am very confident for him, but I think Man Utd is a good choice for him and if you work with Jose Mourinho you can learn a lot," said the former Arsenal and France midfielder.

"The first season is very difficult, it is like a transition for him as he used to play for Juventus in Italy and so everything is different. You cannot compare France, Italy, Spain, Germany, UK, they are not the same.

"And that is why the time adaption is very important for Paul Pogba and the other players."

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Wilson On The Road To Recovery

Manchester United striker James Wilson has delivered a positive update on his road to recovery after suffering a knee injury during his loan spell at Derby County.

Although he is not setting any timeframe on when he will return to action, the 21-year-old is happy to report his operation went well and recent hard work in the gym is starting to pay off.

It has been a frustrating season for the England Under-21 international, who joined the Rams for the campaign but was hurt in training in mid-October. His response to the setback was to post a message on social media saying he would be back fitter and stronger, and his outlook has not changed.

"I was hoping that everything went well with the surgery," James explains in an exclusive interview with MUTV. "It was a very simple surgery, Steve Bollen did a great job in doing that. I just know I’m going to be back to what I was before anyway, so I’m just staying positive at the moment.

"With an ACL [anterior-cruciate ligament], you know it’s going to be like eight months and that pretty much ruled the season out. So, like I say, there is no rush for me. There are days when you’re just trying to get through it and keep going, I’d say, but I think I’m at the best club to come back to for the rehabilitation.

"The positives are it’s a break and I can kind of work towards things I probably couldn’t do during the season. I’m working hard in the gym and that’s something I’ve probably not had the chance to do with games coming thick and fast everywhere. I think it has benefited me in that way. But, yeah, it’s very frustrating not to be out on the grass every day, knocking the ball about."

Wilson's finishing ability was always unerring while working his way through the ranks at United and, of course, he scored twice on his senior debut against Hull City. He also netted against QPR and Cambridge United, but much of his time in the past couple of seasons has been spent out on loan.

"Well, I came back in the summer and my finishing was still there so hopefully, when I get back on the pitch, it will still be there," he says. "I know it will be."

Mata: Frantic April Is A Challenge

Each and every Monday during the season, Manchester United star Juan Mata pens a personal blog detailing his latest experiences on and off the pitch. In his latest post, on Monday 27 March, he reveals what he's been up to during the latest international break and looks ahead to the Reds' April schedule...

Hi everyone,

West Bromwich Albion, Everton, Sunderland, Anderlecht, Chelsea, Burnley, Manchester City and Swansea. It’s not a random list of teams, it’s the list of the eight teams we’re going to face in a frantic month of April. Since we have to play twice against Anderlecht (first and second leg), it makes a total of nine games for us the next month!

It’s not a complaint, it’s just a reality and we have to adapt ourselves to it, in order to give the best we have in the decisive spell of the season. I see these games as a challenge to show all the good things we’ve been working on throughout the season, and I hope that we can get good results too.

I spent the Saturday in Asturias with my family and I also attended Real Oviedo’s game at the Carlos Tartiere. It was a nice evening in the stadium and not only because the local team won, but also because I met many friends and acquaintances that I hadn’t seen in a while. People were very nice with me at home and that’s something that always helps to recharge your batteries…

Have a nice week. Hugs,

Juan

Credit: Manutd.com

MU Foundation Still Going Strong 10 Years On

From organising player visits and Santa Runs to working closely with local schools, Manchester United Foundation has helped to change the lives of many young people for the better.
 
This month marks the tenth anniversary of the Foundation, which uses football to engage, inspire and unite youngsters through coaching, educational programmes and personal development.

The Foundation was formed after a Uefa Celebration Match in March 2007, honouring 50 years of the Reds’ participation in European competition.
 
A United side featuring legends Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo took on a Europe XI, which included current Reds striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Steven Gerrard and Andrea Pirlo, with proceeds going towards setting up the club’s charitable arm.

A decade on, the Foundation has since established a wide presence across Greater Manchester and is currently working with more than 20,000 young people of all different ages and abilities on a series of regular projects.

Since 2014, an innovative Partner Schools programme has more than doubled in size, with full-time coaches now based in 20 high schools across the city.

The Manchester United Enterprise Academy continues to provide students with an insight into what it takes for the club to be as successful off the pitch as it is on the field from a business perspective through fun and practical workshops.

Funded by the Premier League, the Street Reds project is the Foundation’s flagship community cohesion programme, offering young people the opportunity to pursue their interest in playing, leading and coaching football in 12 different locations.

One of the Foundation’s main aims is getting youngsters prepared for later life and Volunteer Ninety Nine is designed to provide training, recognised qualifications and work experience for 16 to 21-year-olds interested in a career in sport.

While, throughout 2017, the Foundation is putting its participants in the global spotlight to tell their stories of the positive benefits the charity has made to them in a special #UnitedandMe campaign. 

United’s senior stars have engaged in many Foundation activities over the years and, most recently, the current first-team saw the impact the charity has had on the lives of local children at this year’s annual #SchoolsUnited events.

Chris Smalling has been a huge supporter of the Foundation since joining the club in 2010 and feels the players are in a privileged position to make a difference to young people.

“We’re lucky to be able to participate in a lot of the Foundation’s work,” the defender said. “I know when I was in school if I had a footballer come down and have a kick about, I would probably have about 10 questions written down ready to fire away at them!

“So, it’s nice to be able to do something that means so much and can give them inspiration for the rest of their education.”

Richard Arnold, chairman of the Foundation and Manchester United’s managing director, said: “The Foundation allows us to connect with our communities in Manchester, with the youth of Manchester, in the schools that we partner with and our projects in the evenings, connecting with kids and their parents.

“The world is our oyster; there’s a huge possibility for us to reach out and grow and I know the Foundation has huge ambition and huge goals for the future.”

A documentary to celebrate the anniversary can be seen in full on the Foundation’s YouTube channel.
 
During the 45-minute programme, former players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Robin van Persie visit Foundation partner schools, projects and hospitals, whilst legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson puts smiles on faces at an annual Dream Day.

“The Foundation epitomises Manchester United’s care for the rest of Manchester,” Sir Alex said. “It has played a great part in terms of educating young people and charity work so I really have to say well done to them because it still there and it’s still doing very well.”

You can share your memories and stories about the Foundation on social media using #Foundation10 and find out more about the anniversary by visiting www.mufoundation.org.

Credit: Manutd.com

Lingard: Manchester United Contract Talks Ongoing

Manchester United winger Jesse Lingard has revealed that contract talks with the club are still ongoing, adding that his "heart is at Old Trafford".

The 24-year-old has made 15 appearances for the club in all competitions this season, scoring twice, and has confirmed he wants to stay at United despite contract talks dragging on.

"The contract is still ongoing with talks at the moment," the England international said. "I enjoy playing for Man United and my heart is at Man United.

"There's a lot of competition for places but I think that's good for the group. It's always good to have great players around you.

"You have to battle for your place and it makes you more hungry on the training pitch and you know when you get your chance, you have to take it.

"The likes of Mkhitaryan, Zlatan, Pogba, big names in our team, it always good to look up to them and see what they have achieved and obviously we gain that experience off them and learn off them, especially the young players.

"It's always good to have that hunger to try to break into that team."

United next face West Brom at Old Trafford on April 1, while England play Lithuania at Wembley on Sunday.

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Fosu-Mensah's Ultimate Football Dream

Tim Fosu-Mensah has revealed his ultimate football dream during an exclusive interview with ManUtd.com.

The young Dutchman is aiming high with Manchester United after breaking into the senior side last season and being in and around the squad this term - making the bench for the last game, at Middlesbrough in the Premier League.

The 19-year-old also discusses which player he has been compared to and which element of colleague Michael Carrick's play he would love to bring to his own game.

What’s the best goal you’ve ever seen – live and on TV?
I think of two great goals. The long-range one from Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] for Sweden against England. It was an amazing goal. And Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s goal for the Netherlands in the World Cup against Uruguay. Actually, Zlatan has scored some great goals like the one for PSG against Anderlecht in the Champions League and other ones for Ajax.

What’s the best save you’ve ever seen?
It’s difficult but what I can remember, one of the best saves, was David [De Gea]’s against Everton [from Bryan Oviedo]. It was my first season at the club and I was at the stadium. It came right near the end.

What’s the best individual performance you’ve ever seen?
It must be [Lionel] Messi and the game he had against Bayer Leverkusen. He scored five goals in one Champions League game [in 2012]. I like watching football when I’m at home – I always have football on.

If you could play for any team in history, which one would you choose?
The Ajax team that won the Champions League in 1995 or all the teams of Manchester United that won those trophies under Sir Alex Ferguson. 

What is your ultimate football dream?
To play as long as I can for this beautiful club and win as many trophies as I can for United. To win the Champions League and then the World Cup. These are my boyhood dreams.

Is there a city or stadium you’ve never played in that you’d particularly like to visit?
I’ve played at the Etihad Stadium, White Hart Lane and Stamford Bridge but not the Emirates Stadium. I'd like to play there and perhaps at the Bernabeu and Camp Nou as well.

Have you ever seen a player do something on the pitch that you’d like to introduce to your game?
Well, not a trick but the understanding of the game that Michael [Carrick] has. I would love to add this to my game. I think it comes with age and experience, though.

Have you ever been compared to another player?
When I just came to United, some people said they’d seen a bit of similarity between me and Pogba when Paul first came here. Some people said I reminded them of him when I played in midfield.

Is there one thing about football you would like to change?
At the moment? I don’t know. Everything is okay!

Credit: Manutd.com

De Gea Is Real's Priority

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea should be Real Madrid's priority signing this summer, according to David Garrido on the La Liga Weekly podcast.

Real have come close to signing the Spaniard on a number of occasions in the past, but Garrido believes this is the year when they should finally make the deal happen as they need a replacement for Keylor Navas.

"De Gea is [Real Madrid's] priority for me," said Garrido. "Navas is under such pressure right now, you can really sense that. People are talking about it and you can see it by his demeanour on the pitch.

"For me I think that [De Gea] is the next Galactico."

Terry Gibson, however, believes that the most important thing for boss Zinedine Zidane this summer is to have the power to make his own decisions in the transfer market.

"If I was Zidane my priority would be making sure he's the one who buys the players," said Gibson.

"The rumour is that it's another election year for [club president] Florentino Perez, and he always opens an election year with a burst of Galactico signings, and in the past that hasn't always been successful.

"Zidane has shown so far he has the necessary power to play the likes of Casemiro and Dani Carvajal, when at the time he took over he was under pressure to play the expensive Danilo ahead of Carvajal at right-back, although it didn't take long for everyone to see he was the better player.

"Casemiro was a tough one, to get a holding midfield player who wasn't a household name and make him a first-choice player. Whatever Real Madrid do, though, there's no doubt they'll spend an absolute fortune in the summer."

Credit: Skysports.com

Herrera: 'Genius' Zlatan Ibrahimovic 'Annoying' At Times

Ander Herrera has labelled Zlatan Ibrahimovic a "genius" but revealed the Manchester United striker's competitiveness is "annoying" at times.

Ibrahimovic's ability to transfer his prolific goalscoring form from France - where he scored 44 goals in his final season at Paris Saint-Germain - to English football was questioned ahead of last summer's switch to Old Trafford.

However, a sensational debut season for United - which has yielded 26 goals, two of which sealing Community Shield and EFL Cup glory - has silenced his doubters.

"He is a genius," United team-mate Herrera told Marca. "He can say that he will score 30 goals and that he is the best because he can get away with it.

"He is so good that he can do that."

Ibrahimovic's goalscoring exploits have been matched only by his unwavering confidence in his own ability, with the Swede claiming to have foreseen the success he has brought to United.

The unrivalled willingness to fulfil his own prophecy and prove his doubters wrong continues to play a vital role for Jose Mourinho's men, although, as Herrera adds, this drive can become frustrating.

"Ibrahimovic can be very annoying," the Spaniard said. "He can be very annoying because he wants to win it all, even at football-tennis."

Credit: Skysports.com

Martial Reveals What Makes United Special

Anthony Martial feels the supporters make Manchester United a special club to be part of and fans singing his name spurs him on during matches. 

The Frenchman immediately endeared himself to the Old Trafford faithful with a stunning solo goal against fierce rivals Liverpool in front of the Stretford End on his debut in September 2015 and remains a firm favourite among the Reds’ passionate patrons. 

Re-affirming his commitment to the cause, Martial recently spoke about his love for United and one of the main reasons for this, he says, is the fans.

In an interview with Inside United, the 21-year-old said: “For me, what’s really special here is the supporters. They’ve been really outstanding with me. I think that’s what goes a long way to making me feel at home and at ease, and makes me really keen to stay here at the club.”

Martial started his career at Lyon before moving to Monaco, where his undoubted talent shone through during his two-year stay, but he believes United’s loyal and global fan base are much more encouraging than spectators in his home country.

“In France, even if you’re one of the best players around, they might begin to boo and jeer you if you go a couple of games without scoring. But here it’s just the opposite, they’ll try to cheer you on so you might be able to score, and so then you grow in confidence.

“I think it’s just a different mentality. That’s why I like the fans here so much.”

Whether it be on the street, on social media or on a match day, Martial has received unwavering support from United fans, who have even adopted their own chant “Tony Martial came from France” which is sung from the terraces to give their vocal backing to the forward. 

It’s something Martial is appreciative of and uses as motivation to go the extra mile on the pitch for the Reds. 

When asked if he becomes aware of the fans singing the chant, he said: “Yes, it’s always nice to hear that song. It really pushes you to do even better, it really makes you want to give everything you’ve got to not let those fans down in any way.

“I honestly think that every time they sing it, I always feel just as happy as the first time I heard it.

“I do get messages sent to me by lots of fans and I try to reply to them from time to time. I don’t go on social media that often, though I do try to respond now and again. And in the street, there are always those who shout things like ‘Keep going!’ and ‘I hope you score!’, nice messages of encouragement. It always does you good to hear them.”

Kit Talk: Sergio Romero

The next Manchester United player to take part in our 'Kit Talk' feature is Sergio Romero, who explains how he was allocated his squad number...

Tell us about your kit and why you wear no.20...
With regard to colours, the club obviously makes the decisions on these things at the start of the season. Then you have to change, depending on what the other team are wearing; sometimes you wear black, other times green – and it’s even been yellow at times. Decisions on when you need to change can come from the referee or the opposing team. The day I arrived in Manchester, there was a misunderstanding between myself and the manager, Louis van Gaal. He asked me what squad number I wanted, and I said 22. But he must have thought I’d said 21 because he told me if I wanted that number, I would have to go and speak with Ander Herrera. Anyway, it turned out Nick Powell had recently changed to 22, so I just said that no.20 would do fine. I had that same number during my first season with Sampdoria, so it was no problem at all for me.

Do you change your kit at all during games?
No, I try not to touch anything – especially if things are going well.

How do you choose your gloves and how often do you change them?
I’ll wear the same gloves for around four or five games. So that’s four to five weeks with the same gloves. After that, the latex starts to go and they’re not the same, so I swap them for a fresh pair. I’ll then keep the old ones for training.

Do you wear any 'skins' or thermal tops?
Yes, when it’s cold I put the long-sleeve base-layer underneath my keeper top and, during the warm periods of the season, I switch to the short-sleeved version.

Do you customise your kit at all?
Yes, I’ve got a bit of an obsession with my shorts. I like my goalkeeper shorts to be the same length as basketball shorts. They need to be well below the knee. A lot of the time, what I do is take two pairs of shorts and then cut and sew them together. It’s a fixation I’ve got, and it's something I've done at each of my former clubs. I’ve always liked my shorts to be long and to completely cover my legs. Other than that, there’s nothing special.

Who sews the shorts together for you – the kit man?
No, my wife does it!

Do you have anything written on your gloves or boots?
Yes, on my boots I have the names of my wife and both my daughters. I also have the Argentinian flag there too. On my gloves, I have the initials of my wife and daughters.

Is there a kit you particularly liked as a youngster?
I never had the chance to have one, not even as a child. Despite supporting and going on to play for Racing [Club de Avellaneda], when I was about four my mum and dad took me shopping in Brazil, and the man in the shop gave me a Sao Paulo shirt. That shirt is still in my mum’s house today, with the number 10 on the back. But as far as having shirts of other teams, no.

Jones Awaiting Scans On Toe Injury

Manchester United are waiting on news of defender Phil Jones after he suffered an apparent toe injury in a training-ground tackle with Chris Smalling while with the England squad.

The 25-year-old will miss the friendly against Germany on Wednesday and the World Cup Qualifier against Lithuania on Sunday as a result of the injury and was released back to United for treatment on the injury.

England also confirmed that there were no immediate plans to call up a replacement for Jones and manager Gareth Southgate would assess his defensive options with centre-back Gary Cahill suspended for the match against Lithuania at Wembley.

When asked about the severity of the injury, Southgate said: "Well, we don't know. We didn't feel it was an injury that we could treat and have him ready for the game tomorrow.

"So, we have to respectfully send him back to the club and we'll know more once he has had a scan or an X-ray.

"It was an innocuous tackle and he caught the bottom of somebody's foot, so it's a possible injury to his toe. As I say, we'll know more over the next 24 to 48 hours."

Credit: Skysports.com

Sir Alex: I Tried To Sign Maldini

Sir Alex Ferguson was always known to be shrewd in the transfer market, yet even the greatest manager in British football could not prize the ever-loyal Paolo Maldini away from AC Milan.

The Italian defender is among the most famous one-club men in the game after making 904 appearances for the San Siro side across a 24-season career, impressively winning seven Serie A titles, five Champions League trophies and 14 other major cups, while also earning 127 international caps.  

Maldini joined Sir Alex on stage to launch Tour 2017, presented by Aon, in New York City on Tuesday night and our former manager revealed an amusing tale about the time he ambitiously enquired about a deal with the Rossoneri.

“I did try but, when I met his father [ex-coach Cesare], he was quite formidable,” Sir Alex said, when asked if he ever wanted Paolo to play for United. “I got a shake of the head and that was all. He said 'my grandfather is Milan, my father is Milan, I am Milan and my son is Milan... forget it!’”

Maldini, who retired aged 40 in May 2009, was unaware of the request but politely admitted he would not have left his beloved Milan. “The good part about it is that he [his father] has never talked to me about it. There was no chance though!”

Ibrahimovic Reveals Feud With Pep Guardiola Still A Motivator

Manchester United's Zlatan Ibrahimovic admits he still gets fired up by the chance to face off against former boss Pep Guardiola.

The pair worked together at Barcelona during the 2009-10 season, but their relationship deteriorated and the striker moved to AC Milan after only one season at the Camp Nou.

Ibrahimovic and Guardiola now find themselves in the Premier League, the striker at United and the manager at Manchester rivals City, and the 35-year-old says he is relishing the prospect of taking on the man with whom he has had a bitter war of words.

"When I play against his team, it's something that motivates me, it gives me adrenaline," Ibrahimovic told Fox Sports Italia. "It is normal, after what's happened.

"I'm using it as something positive, not negative. But it is something always in the back of my mind."

Ibrahimovic and Guardiola won the La Liga title in their season at Barca, with the Swede scoring 16 league goals, but it rapidly descended into an acrimonious 12 months and to this day he still claims to be unsure why.

"I learned a lot at Barcelona, both on and off the pitch. I learned that in football any situation can change in just 24 hours," Ibrahimovic added.

"The problem wasn't with me, it was with him [Guardiola], and he never came to terms with it. I don't know what his problem was with me.

"First he called me every day to get me and from one day to the next I didn't play anymore."

In his interview with the former England manager Fabio Capello, Ibrahimovic hinted that the situation with Guardiola is perhaps starting to mellow.

"It is the past and I am someone who looks to the future, and the future is in front of me."

Ibrahimovic and Manchester United travel to face Manchester City on Thursday April 27, live on Sky Sports 1 HD, and will also face City, Real Madrid and Barcelona in the International Champions Cup on their US tour this summer.

Credit: Skysports.com

Sir Alex: Go For Europa Glory

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United should focus on winning the Europa League due to the "incentive" of qualifying for the Champions League.

Saturday's 3-1 victory at Middlesbrough saw United move up to fifth in the Premier League table, four points behind Liverpool in fourth, while the Red Devils have two games in hand over their Merseyside rivals.

Winning the Europa League would secure qualification for Europe's premier club competition, and Ferguson believes Jose Mourinho's side should aim to claim the trophy.

"The thing is, we've never won the Europa League," Ferguson told ESPN. "We never won the UEFA Cup, what it used to be.

"And we've got a great draw. I'm not saying it's a certainty, but they've got a great chance.

"It's still a European trophy. And if you win it, you get into the Champions League. The incentive is greater to do that."

Ferguson, who was in charge at Old Trafford for 27 years, won two Champions League trophies and a Cup Winners' Cup while at United, but English clubs have failed to win a European title since Chelsea's Europa League win in 2013.

"In the '70s, Ajax and Bayern Munich; '80s, Liverpool; '90s Italy, AC Milan. And then England had a great spell," the 75-year-old Scot added.

"At the moment, the cycle is with the Spanish teams. And they're best, that's why they're winning it."

United play Belgian side Anderlecht away in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on April 13, before hosting Rene Weiler's side at Old Trafford in the return leg a week later.

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Bastian Tried Everything At Man. United

Bastian Schweinsteiger tried "everything" to force himself into contention at Manchester United under Jose Mourinho, according to Germany head coach Joachim Low.

The 32-year-old, who only made four United appearances this season, joined Chicago Fire on Tuesday and is set to be one of the 10 highest-paid players in the MLS.

After featuring heavily in his debut season under Louis van Gaal, following his move from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2015, Schweinsteiger was immediately deemed surplus to requirements by Mourinho and forced to train away from the first-team squad.

Schweinsteiger stayed professional in difficult circumstances and Mourinho relented before Christmas, allowing him to resume training with the first team.


"We spoke some weeks ago," Low said of the former Germany captain, who made 121 appearances before retiring last year.

"He said that in training he has given everything he has got, he has shown the coach what he can do and for a while there was some light on the horizon.

"But at the end of the day it seems like it was just not to be in Man Utd, so he has chosen to join a club in a big city, which he quite likes because big cities give him a certain degree of anonymity which he also enjoys.

"Like I said, he trained very well and sometimes the team themselves will have wished for him to help the team.

"I have seen some Man United games where they could have well done with a central midfielder, a kind of chief organiser in midfield, who puts things right.

"But the USA will give him a new experience and he certainly has my blessing."

Credit: Skysports.com

No Rift Between Jose & Bastian

Chicago Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez insists there was no rift between Bastian Schweinsteiger and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.

The 32-year-old, who made just four appearances for United this season, announced on Tuesday that he would be joining Chicago Fire on a one-year deal and is set to become one of the highest-paid players in Major League Soccer.

Schweinsteiger was deemed surplus to requirements by Mourinho last summer and was forced to train away from the first-team squad until December, leading to speculation that the pair had fallen out.

But when about a possible rift between Schweinsteiger and Mourinho, Rodriguez told Sky Sports News HQ: "He's (Schweinsteiger) has had nothing but good things to say about United. Clearly he had a great affection for the fans, but also for the players and management.

"He felt he could have played more as he's 32 and in good shape. In fact, this process to bring him to Chicago could have been done earlier were it not that United wanted him to stay at the club during the early part of the season.

"United were competing on many fronts (earlier in the season) and Bastian was regarded as a valuable asset by United.

"Obviously as the season goes on, rivals have dropped away. Now is a good time, United have fewer competitors and a summer transfer is not good for us. We made it happen."

Sky Sports News HQ understands Schweinsteiger is still in the United Kingdom and will fly out to Chicago to complete a medical once he obtains a work permit and a working visa.

Rodriguez added: "Manchester United were very gracious and (United executive vice-chairman) Ed Woodward was particularly helpful to get the deal done.

"We believe Bastian will make us a better soccer team, he'll be a role model and a leader for us."

Chicago hope Schweinsteiger will be available to make his debut against Montreal Impact on April 1.

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Revealed: Reds' Tour Opponents

Manchester United will play five games in the USA this summer, including matches against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City on the club’s Tour 2017, presented by Aon.

United will kick off their pre-season in North America with two games against Major League Soccer sides, taking on Los Angeles Galaxy at the Stubhub Centre on Saturday 15 July, followed by a match against Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium on Monday 17 July.

Days later, United will take part in the International Champions Cup (ICC), kicking off the tournament against rivals Manchester City on Thursday 20 July with the venue to be revealed in due course for the highly anticipated Manchester derby.

Jose Mourinho will then come up against his former club when United face Real Madrid at the Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, on Sunday 23 July. The clash comes three years after a record-breaking US soccer attendance of 109,318 spectators watched the Reds record a 3-1 win over the Spanish giants.

The tour will then conclude in Washington DC with a game against Barcelona on Wednesday 26 July at FedEx Field, in what will be the first meeting between the two sides since United claimed a 3-1 victory in the sell-out clash in California two summers ago.

Speaking of the club’s summer plans, United’s executive vice chairman, Ed Woodward, said: “Tours are vital for the team’s preparations for the season ahead and we are facing top-class opposition in world-class stadiums, ensuring it is the ideal environment for the manager and team to prepare.

“Everybody is excited for the tour and it gives us the opportunity to play in front of some of the millions of Manchester United supporters which we have across the USA. I am delighted that those fans will be able to see every kick of every match of Tour 2017, presented by Aon, on the new MUTV app.”

This will be the fifth consecutive year that the ICC returns to the US, as part of their worldwide tournaments through Relevent Sports, Catalyst Media Group and LeSports, which has seen some of the biggest football clubs in the world take part.

Manchester United has taken part in the last four ICC tournaments in North America and China. The team has played 10 games, winning on seven occasions with almost 600,000 supporters attending matches.

West Ham Interested In Rooney

West Ham are interested in signing Wayne Rooney if Manchester United allow him to leave Old Trafford this summer, according to Sky sources.

Rooney has started only nine Premier League games since Jose Mourinho became United manager in June last year.

His contract runs out in the summer of 2019, but United are expected to allow him to leave at the end of the season.

A senior source at West Ham has confirmed they would be one of the clubs who would try to sign Rooney - if United give any indication that they will let him go.

When asked to comment on how likely it was that Rooney would become a West Ham player, the source said: "Never say never".

Last month, Mourinho refused to rule out the prospect of Rooney leaving before the Chinese transfer window closed on February 28.

Three Chinese clubs had been interested in signing him - Guangzhou Evergrande, Beijing Guoan and Jiangsu Suning - but on February 23 Rooney released a statement saying he wanted to stay at United.

United signed Rooney from Everton for £27m in 2004. Since then he has won five Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.

He became United's leading scorer when he scored his 250th goal for the club in the 1-1 draw at Stoke City in January.

Rooney has said the only Premier League clubs he would play for are United and Everton.

West Ham are planning on spending big money in the transfer window this summer. Top of their shopping list are a proven international-level striker and a right back.

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United Supported With Sleep By Mlily

With rest and recovery vital for a player’s preparation for matches, Manchester United stars are being supported in this important process by the club’s official mattress partner, Mlily.

Mlily are redefining sleep performance for the first team, both at home and in the sleep pods at the Aon Training Complex, where the squad can take a breather in a comfortable environment between sessions.

It will be particularly significant as Jose Mourinho’s men continue to embark on a busy schedule in the Premier League and the Europa League during the business end of the season.

One of the club’s sports scientists – Dr Robin Thorpe, Head of Recovery and Regeneration at Manchester United – discusses how Mlily are helping to ensure the likes of Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are in peak condition to perform on a match day.

"From a club point of view and for our players, we thought the importance of the regulation during sleep was really high," said Robin, pictured above with Ander Herrera and Juan Mata. "The direct relationship with Mlily has enabled us to come together and bring a product to our players to enhance that sleep performance.

"Players can not only have increased sleep behaviour at home but here at the club if they’re doing double training sessions or they return from games or travel late at night. We’re also going to benefit by understanding more about the sleep patterns and the habits of our players – not just at home with their mattresses but at the Aon Training Complex."

Pomi Khan, CEO of Mlily in the UK and Canada, commented: "It’s a long-term relationship. Obviously we’re working with such an elite team in Manchester United.

"It’s going to go on for years, we’re going to keep on developing products, we’re going to keep on bringing new ideas, we’re going to keep on developing new mattresses and pillows that the general public can use and benefit from, just like an elite player would benefit."

Schweinsteiger's Old Trafford Legacy

As he prepares to leave for MLS side Chicago Fire, Bastian Schweinsteiger has had some sage advice for the youngsters at Manchester United. 

It will be a legacy of his time at Old Trafford as the 32-year-old, who helped the Reds win the FA Cup last season, always had time to pass on his knowledge to his curious colleagues.

Ahead of Germany's international with England, a fixture he played in twice, I wonder if his wisdom could, ultimately, prove beneficial one day to Axel Tuanzebe, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford, if the Three Lions can ever earn the right to compete for international glory.

England's sole World Cup win in 1966, more than half a century ago now, was the only time the nation has reached a major final. Even the last semi-final appearance, at Euro 96, was over 20 years ago. And both came on home turf. Yet, with the country still striving to succeed and Gareth Southgate the latest coach in charge, perhaps the influence of a German could, ironically, stand several Englishmen in good stead for the future. 

One of the things that impresses me about Schweinsteiger is the fact he rose to the occasion in the biggest game of his life - the 2014 World Cup final. His performance in midfield was sensational and he grasped that moment with every fibre of his being. When the stakes are at their highest, you need players to embrace the situation and there is little doubt he did that against Argentina.

He gave everything in the Maracana Stadium and it means he will forever be revered back in his homeland. "When you’re on the pitch and playing in a final, you have to speak to yourself and ask how many times are you going to be there in a World Cup final," he told ManUtd.com. "It’s not so easy – they only take place once every four years for a start! I tried to take the chance and it was a very intense game but, in that match, I could put everything out there. At the end, I was more than happy we managed to win the World Cup.

"I remember, actually, I was too tired to celebrate. I was happy but I was so tired I had to go to my room and lie down and relax everything. What I remember more actually was the morning afterwards. I was the first one down to breakfast in the morning, near the beach in Rio, and that was really my moment, where I could appreciate it and celebrate before we went to Berlin for more celebrations."

If this most rewarding of experiences, the very pinnacle of the game, has been passed on to those younger colleagues at United, he also had one simple but effective piece of advice for reaching the very top.

"If I talk to young players, even here when I speak to youngsters like Jesse, Marcus, [Dutchman] Tim [Fosu-Mensah] and Axel with the first team, I just try to talk to them and help them so they improve as quickly as possible but without losing their own character.

"That's important. I think that everyone has to keep their own individuality and mentality. You should keep it and shouldn’t change, just think about some things. If some players take that on, it’s good. It’s fine if not, though, as it’s their own position."

Individuality and a strong mentality are two traits that could be attributed to one of Schweinsteiger's idols growing up at Bayern Munich. He looked up to Oliver Kahn, the larger-than-life goalkeeper who was a dominant personality in a dressing room no doubt full of big egos.

"It was his attitude towards the game," explains Basti. "He was always motivated and wanted to do more and more. Later on, I became his team-mate and his dressing-room neighbour. I was close to him and could learn a lot from his attitude to the game. He was never giving up and always working after the training sessions. He wanted to improve himself and I liked that quite a lot.

"Early on, I was very close to the first team because we have our youth Academy building next to it and I saw them every day. Outside, I was watching Zinedine Zidane at that time but, at Bayern, there was also Owen Hargreaves because he was one of the youngest players in the first team. As a youth player, your goal was to also come into the first team and there were not so many of them that I could identify with coming out of the youth team, so I was also watching him quite a lot.

"But, during that time in Munich, Oliver Kahn helped me and then there were some other players you could talk to. But I always made my own opinion and tried to learn a little bit from everyone."

Time will tell if Rashford, Lingard and the uncapped Tuanzebe ever get the opportunity to play in a major final for England but, if they do, they would be wise to remember the words provided by Schweinsteiger - not only a winner of the ultimate prize but a Man of the Match in the World Cup final. There are not too many players who can say that.

Credit: Manutd.com

Mourinho Says He Is Bringing 'Love And Peace'

Jose Mourinho believes his new-found maturity has helped him to establish "relationships of love and peace" with the Manchester United players.

The 54-year-old Portuguese, who first arrived in the Premier League with Chelsea in 2004, has spent almost a decade in England, twice leaving Stamford Bridge under a cloud.

After three-quarters of his debut season as Old Trafford chief, he feels his calmer outlook is having a positive effect on the United players.

In an interview with France Football, carried in the Guardian, he said: "Mourinho the man tries to be the opposite of what the manager is. He tries to be discreet and calm. To find a way to disconnect.

"I can go home and not watch a football match, not think about football. I can do that. At the start of my career, I couldn't. I was switched on 24 hours a day. I had to find a kind of maturity.

"Today I feel comfortable with my personality as a man. I've matured, I'm more at peace. A win no longer represents the moon to me, and a defeat no longer means hell. And I think I can transmit that serenity to the people who work with me, my players.

"I have the same ambitions as before, the same involvement and the same professionalism. But I am more in control of my emotions."

Mourinho's second stint with Chelsea ended acrimoniously, as his relationship with the squad appeared to sour after he fell out with the team doctor Eva Carneiro during the 2015-16 campaign.

He believes he has built successful relationships with his United players, though, saying: "You have to adapt to a club's reality, needs and demands. That means being intelligent.

"The priority is to establish relationships of love and peace in a group, to create stability. Manchester United no longer has the super personalities that were (Ryan) Giggs, (Paul) Scholes or Roy Keane.

"(Wayne) Rooney and (Michael) Carrick are still here and they are the last remnants of that generation, and then there is a new group of players that has to adapt. That's why it was important for me to bring in Zlatan (Ibrahimovic).

"In this team, and without being English and knowing the culture of the club, he had the personality and profile to be more than just a player."

Credit: Skysports.com

Schweisteiger To Join Chicago Fire

Bastian Schweinsteiger is to join Chicago Fire as a deal has been agreed with Manchester United and the player.

The 32-year-old German midfielder's move to MLS is subject to a medical and a visa being obtained but Chicago are keen to finalise a swift transfer.

"I am sad to leave so many friends at Manchester United," said Schweinsteiger. "But I am grateful to the club for allowing me the chance to take up the challenge at Chicago Fire.

"I have enjoyed working with the manager, the players and staff here and wish them all the best in the future. But I have to reserve special thanks to the United fans – whose support has been a very special part of my time in Manchester.

"I was delighted to be part of the squad that won the FA Cup for them last season and will always remember their energy and their passion. Now is the right time for me to start a new chapter in Chicago and I am looking forward to it."

Everybody at United would like to wish Bastian the very best of luck in his new career in the United States.

Jones: Mourinho's Spirit Is Rubbing Off

Phil Jones believes Jose Mourinho's siege mentality is spreading to the Manchester United players as the Reds showed real fight in Sunday's 3-1 win at Middlesbrough.

The central defender was happy with the way the team scrapped at the Riverside Stadium, even when the hosts threatened to stage a late comeback. Seconds before Antonio Valencia clinched the three points in stoppage time, there was a flare-up in the United box sparked by Boro scorer Rudy Gestede.

Tensions were still running high after the final whistle but Jones accepts why the Teessiders' frustration was the root of the problem and was just glad to leave the North East with the spoils.

"There is strength in depth in the squad and it showed," he said. "It's good to go into the international break with a win and we are up to fifth [in the table] now.

"It shows the fight in the squad, not literally, but it shows we are prepared to fight for each other. You can't buy that. It is in everyone. It rubs off on us from the manager.

"It is all about a willingness to win and fight for each other. Whatever formation we play or the tactics we play, ultimately it is about the fight in every player and we are showing that at the moment. You can see, this season, we have had times when we've had to dig deep; there is a lot of fight in that dressing room and it is positive."

He added: "I think there was a bit of frustration creeping in on their behalf. It is a difficult situation - I was in it with Blackburn - so I know how they feel. When emotions are high, these things happen but it was something and nothing."

Mourinho: Goals Will Come For Rashford

The goals will soon flow again for Marcus Rashford, according to Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.

The England striker led the line on his own during the 3-1 win over Middlesbrough and unsettled the home defence throughout with his pace and movement. However, he was twice denied by Victor Valdes in the first half as the scoring was ultimately left to Marouane Fellaini, Jesse Lingard and Antonio Valencia.

Despite drawing a blank, the teenager earned considerable praise from his boss in deputising for the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was serving the second of his three-match ban.

"Marcus is a completely different player to Zlatan," said Mourinho. "We have to try to play and adapt to his qualities. Rashford is in trouble to score a goal, it's really difficult to score a goal for him, but his movement is top class.

"His dynamic [play] is second to no-one. He's so intelligent and so sharp. The first touch is to put the ball in the best position to attack the space and to attack the goal. For me, he played phenomenally.

"The goal will arrive, no problem at all, but, of course, we had no Zlatan, no Paul Pogba and we lose Henrikh Mkhitaryan [who was an unused substitute]. These are people who want the ball, who want to control the game by having the ball. So we played differently and gave more of the ball to our opponents, dropped our line back a little bit and attacked the spaces."

Mata: Lots To Look Forward To

Each and every Monday during the season, Manchester United star Juan Mata pens a personal blog in which he reflects on his past week both on and off the pitch. In his latest post, on Monday 20 March, he looks back on a busy seven days for the Reds and progression in the Europa League and Premier League.

Hi everyone,

Two consecutive wins allow us to close March (due to the international break) in a very positive way, and we are convinced that the end of the season will bring us a lot of joy.

The week has been very demanding physically but we gave everything we had and, despite the FA Cup disappointment, we have moved forward in Europe and also we have got closer to the top four in the Premier League.

The first win was against Rostov and it also led to being in the draw of the Europa League quarter-finals. As I’ve been saying since the season started, we’re all very excited about this competition.
Against Anderlecht we will have the opportunity to prove it again and try to make it to the next round. The second win was against Middlesbrough on Sunday. It was another good game from the team, with an opponent that never gave up. The truth is we’ve been unbeaten in the Premier League for the last 18 games now, and it’s not by chance.

A few draws have penalised us, certainly, but the team always had options to win those games. On Sunday, the victory came with an extra prize: the 600th win in the Premier League, which gives you an idea of how big this club is. We must keep that in mind in order to understand what it means to be wearing this shirt.

Besides, I was able to meet Negredo, Barragan and also Victor, a good friend of mine and former team-mate. I wish all of them the best in their fight to remain in the Premier League. In Spain, Real Madrid and Barcelona played against two classic teams of La Liga such as Athletic and Valencia, respectively…

Meanwhile Atletico won a key game against Sevilla to approach the third spot of the table. That is going to be another interesting battle to watch in the next few months. And the same can be said of the fight to avoid relegation. It’s going to be thrilling, as it is the race for promotion in the Second Division.

Today, before signing off, I’d like to honour the memory of Chuck Berry, who passed away this weekend. Those who know about music will tell you that rock and roll wouldn’t be what it is now without him. All I have to add is that many times his songs make me happy when I’m at home, in the car… He’s one of the artists with a bigger legacy in the history of modern music. He’s gone, but of course we have his songs.

Let’s enjoy them.

Hugs,

Juan

Credit: Manutd.com