Posts tagged Manchester United

Pogba: I missed football so much.

Football Premier League

With Bruno Fernandez well settled in and the Reds have once again are on the winning streak, Paul Pogba looks likely to extend his contract.

Pogba started the 19/20 season in good form but had to be away due to ankle injury since the end of September.

“Just being back training, touching the ball and doing what I love is amazing; I missed it so much,” he declared. 

“You realise when you’re out for a long time how much you really enjoy playing football and how much you love it. So obviously I’m really, really happy and so blessed to be back and be fully fit now, and I’m enjoying being back with the team.”

Paul Pogba is likely to extend his contract with United.

“I feel great, I feel much, much better now. I’ve been training well and they [the club] have been looking after me very well. I’ve been doing some extra work and treatment on my ankle and the rest of my body. And my team-mates as well, they’ve helped me to come back and feel confident. It’s like I never left, the guys still trust in me and always believe in me and that’s helped me a lot as well.

The arrival of the Portuguese magician Bruno Fernandez has uplifted the team spirit and has lead to the unbeaten run of 16 games.

Both of the players (Pogba and Bruno) were not present the last time we played Aston villa- our next opponents.

“I was in the stadium watching the game and I remember Victor [Lindelof] scoring for us,” said Paul.

“We know what we have to do there [at Villa Park]. We need points so honestly, we have to think about ourselves. We need to get the win and carry on with what we’ve been doing in the last few weeks.”

Pogba and Burno against Spurs.

“You can tell that the team is improving a lot, We play more as a team than we did before, we enjoy it, even more, we defend together, we attack together, and this team is stronger as well. The players who are on the bench or who don’t play every time, when they come on they help the team so the mentality is good and is right. All this together has put us where we are today.”

Match Facts:

Ole and team will look to strengthen their top-four chances, if they are able to take all 3 points against their next opponents (Aston Villa) then they will be just 1 point behind Leicester.

Villa hasn’t won any of the last 15 games against United in all competitions, including the 2-2 draw between the sides in December.

The Reds are also unbeaten in the last 20 away league clashes with Thursday’s opponents, a run that stretches back to 1995!

It’s actually the longest unbeaten away run one team has had against another in top-flight history.

Anthony Martial in action against Villa.

The top scorer in this fixture in the Premier League is Wayne Rooney with 12 goals – four more than Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Four current Reds have netted for United against Villa – Phil Jones, Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Victor Lindelof, all with one goal apiece.

United are looking to become the first team in Premier League history to win four consecutive matches by a margin of three or more goals.

Aston Villa vs United, 10th July 12:45 AM IST.

Ole speaks about DDG’s form and our summer target Jack Grealish.

Football Premier League

United play their 4th game in 12 days. With games coming in thick and fast, Ole has to be in front of the media every two days.

Speaking to the reporters via video call, Ole began answering questions about our next opponents Aston Villa, David De Gea’s form and gave us an update on the injury front.

He spoke about Scott McTominay’s learning experience from the rejuvenated and in-form Nemanja Matic and the Red Devil’s fight for a top-four finish.

Read more from the press conference down below: (via Manutd.com)

Morning Ole. You’re fighting for top four, Villa fighting for relegation, so where do the big threats come from in this Villa side?

“I think they’ve shown since the lockdown that they can hold their own. They have been tight games, the games they’ve had. You can see that they have clearly worked on their shape and their counter attacks are one of the most powerful ones in the league. They spring quickly, so you’ve got to be ready for that and set plays, good deliveries and good first contact players. And of course there are some individual players there.

David De Gea is about to overtake Peter Schmeichel in terms of his appearances for Manchester United. Having watched him from afar Ole, and now obviously working with him – firstly, did you think he would develop into the keeper we see today and secondly, is that loyalty becoming more rare in football, with the nine years he’s had at the club?

“Yeah. David as you say, he’s had some fantastic seasons here now and next year is his 10th and I think he’s proven Eric Steele right, that we believed in him. He had a little bit of a tough ride early on, with the physicality of football in England, but for me he has been the best goalkeeper in the world over the last nine or 10 years. And just to work with him closely, you see he’s still keen to learn, he’s still working hard. Richard [Hartis] coming in with Craig [Mawson] as the coaches, I think they’ve reignited a little bit of a spark in David and he’s working really hard in training.”

Ole reacts at the final whistle during the UEFA Europa League round of 32, second leg game between Manchester United and Club Brugge at Old Trafford.

Jack Grealish was the standout player when you guys played at Old Trafford. Is he going to be the main threat again and just how impressed have you been by him, because he seems to have really kicked on since his last spell in the Premier League?

“Well I think in the last game obviously they caused us some problems, both Grealish off the left and El Ghazi off the right. He [Grealish] caused us problems, he scored a fantastic goal, so there’s been lots said and talked about him and we need to be aware of him. Whoever is close to him, if he’s off the left, or he’s in the middle, on the right, what he does is attract players to him and creates space for others. There’s not just one player in that Villa team, there are many of them.”

Manchester United’s summer target Jack Grealish

You gave Nemanja Matic a new contract this week – Scott McTominay was one of the standout players before lockdown, so can he learn from Matic?

“I think Scott obviously is still a young boy, seven or eight years younger than Nemanja and Nemanja has been on record saying that he sees himself in Scott, so the two can bounce off each other. It’s never easy. I’ve told Nemanja before that Scott is going to play and he’s all right because he rates him and vice versa. I’m sure Scotty can learn a lot from Nemanja. The way he’s gone about his job in the last few seasons here has been good.”

There was an awful lot made of your remarks to Nathan Ake after the game on Saturday. Did you really mean you wanted a left-footed centre-back? That’s what you seemed to say to him…

“I have got seven centre-backs so I don’t know where that came from! We’re fine.”

The Red’s celebrating in front of the fans at Old Trafford.

Team News:

United’s next game will be played on Thursday night at 12:45 IST.

After Victor Lindelof sustained a minor back injury in the game against Bournemouth, Eric Bailly will most likely take his place.

With a handful of games to go, we might see a squad rotation or Ole would stick to the same line up which has served him well in the previous 3 PL games.

“There are not many that haven’t played in the last two weeks,” 
“They all know they’re fit and available, that they’re valued. It’s not an issue. There are so many things to play for. Trophies – the FA Cup, the Europa League – but also the top four in the league. The group is very tight-knit and they all know they’ve got a part to play.”
Ole explained at his pre-match press conference. 

Do you think we will continue our unbeaten run?
Whats your predicted lineup?

United trash Cherries with 5 goals as they move into top 4.

Premier League

The visitors stunned United when Junior Stanislas nutmegged Harry Maguire and scored a humiliating goal at 19 minutes.

The equalizer came when Greenwood scored a stunner and it was a relief for the Red Devils as they led by 2 goals during half time with goals coming from Rashford and Martial.

The second half was more challenging as Howe’s men scored to cut the lead to a single goal after a really silly decision by Bailly to stick his arm out after an overhit back pass by Matic

Bournemouth thought they levelled the game score when they scored from a counter-attack only for the offside flag to be raised

Ole’s men drove away all the hopes the visitors had after Greenwood produced his second stunner and Bruno Fernandez finished off with a power-packed free-kick making it 5 goals to 2.

Champions League Qualification is now looking likely since Leicester and Chelsea are inconsistent.

I don’t remember the last time I had my eyes glued to the screen till the last second. I was greedy for another goal but 5 goals are something.

Really happy for our boy Greenwood, 15 goals at the age of 18 is amazing.
I hope this gives a boost to his confidence and he continues this form next season.

Match Facts:

Mason Greenwood is the first teenager to score 15 goals in a single season for Man Utd since Wayne Rooney who has scored 17.

Rashford, Martial and Greenwood have more goals this season than Salah, Mane and Firmino.

Anthony Martial is only the second player ever to score a Premier League goal in every month of the calendar year.

Two players (Rashford and Martial) score 20 goals in a season for first time since 2011.

Manchester United have not scored 5+ goals in a Premier League game since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. Their closest rivals have done it 57 times between them since then.

Martial scored the third goal of the game.

Next up
United will play Aston Villa on 10th July, 12:45 AM IST.

Match preview: United vs Bournemouth.

Premier League

United will play Bournemouth on Saturday, their fifth game after Premier League restarted, from which they have taken 7 points and continued their unbeaten run.

Bournemouth on the other hand are in the relegation zone and haven’t managed to win a single game since their last five fixtures.

Ole reported no new injuries while giving the team news which will help him rotate the squad in the upcoming games.

“We’ve got many games coming up and we’ll keep chopping and changing and players are getting better and better – the ones who haven’t played,”

 Ole told reporters.

It will be an easy affair for the Red Devils considering the form and winning streak. Bournemouth will be without their Callum Wilson who picked up his 10th booking which saw him miss the game against Newcastle and also forced to sit out on Saturday.

The Champions League spot has intensified after Chelsea and Leicester City failed to win yesterday after which United are just 2 and 3 points behind the respective teams.

The A team <3

Ole and team will make no such mistake and grab all the points from their remaining games (fingers crossed).

What’s the key to this terrific run of form you’re in?
“There are many, many things. The focus is on one game at a time and the boys are working hard now and they did so over lockdown. They’re fit and they’re confident. When you’re confident it’s so much easier to go into the next one feeling that little bit sharper. We’re getting fitter and fitter the more games we have now. I’ve just been impressed by the attitude and the mentality of everyone. We know it’s there and you just need to keep focusing on your job for Bournemouth then it’s the next one after that.”

We’re hoping we’ve not picked up any little knocks or niggles – how’s the fitness of the squad right now?
“Of course there are a couple of knocks. You do start feeling things now after a little bit so there might be a couple of changes, but let’s see. The boys who didn’t play on Tuesday want to play and are ready to step in if they have to.“

Predicted lineup
GK: David De Gea
Defence: Wan Bissaka. Victor Lindelof. Harry Maguire. Luke Shaw.
Midfield:  Fred. Paul Pogba. Mason Greenwood. Bruno Fernandes. Marcus Rashford.
Striker: Martial.

Where to watch the game?
All the Premier League games are available on Hotstar but if you don’t have Hotstar subscription then try these channels Star Sports 1, Star Sports Select 1 and Star Sports Select 1 HD.

People watching in UK can watch on BT Sport 1.

Up next: United vs Bournemouth, Old Trafford, 10:30 IST.

Exceptional Performance- Ole Gunnar is impressed with his team.

Premier League

Manchester United showed a wonderful display against Brighton last night as they continue their great form and unbeaten run.

18 year old Greenwood showed some amazing footwork scoring past the seagulls defender Lewis Dunk to give United a lead.

Bruno Fernandez who has scored 5 goals since his signing netted a deflected volley to give United an advantage over the hosts.

David De Gea who was highly criticised by Roy Keane made some wonderful saves when Brighton posed a threat in the second half.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu-0yUJFXIs
Full match highlights.

United share the 5th position on the table with Wolves will look for an entry in the Champions League since Man City has been banned from the European competitions.

Ole’s Post-match words:
“I knew there was a leader there, a winner and we knew we needed that type of player. Fair play and well done to the club for making the deal happen. It was hard because of course you [Sporting Lisbon] don’t want to sell your best player and he’s come in and been fantastic. His second goal was good defending on a set-play and we know we’ve got pace and we wanted to counter quickly. It was a great pass by Nemanja, a great cross from Mason and fantastically finished by Bruno so I’m very, very happy with all the goals.”

All smiles after the game.

“I rate this performance highly. Fantastic from the word go. The boys were full of confidence and quality.”

Ole

Here are the unmissable stats from the game that Manutd.com noted down.

The unbeaten run
The Red Devils have continued their unbeaten run of 15 games: winning 11 games and drawing 4. Bayern Munich is the only team in Europe’s top 5 leagues who has a better record: 25 games without defeat.

Greenwood
Mason Greenwood is the first player to score 4 goals at the age of 18 or young in a single Premier League season since Wayne Rooney scored 9 for Everton in 2003/2004.

Mason Greenwood scored an opening goal in 3-0 win against Brighton.

Best start since Robin Van Persie
Bruno has been directly involved in eight goals from his first eight league games for United and only Robin van Persie had more goal involvements (nine) after as many games with the club.

That assist
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s assist for Greenwood’s opener was his fourth from 29 Premier League appearances with United: one more than he provided in 42 league games for Crystal Palace.

Bruno Effect
Since making a debut in February Fernandes has been directly involved in more goals across all competitions (10) than any other Premier League player – six goals and four assists.

Bruno Fernandez celebrates after scoring against Brighton.

Most celebrated United Duo
Paul Pogba and Fernandes have spent 219 minutes on the field together. In that time, United have scored eight goals and conceded none.

League double after 38 years
We completed a league double over Brighton for the first time since the 1981/82 season, with Tuesday night’s 3-0 success being our first Premier League away win over the Seagulls at the third attempt. They were promoted to the top flight in 2017 after a 34-year absence.

Greenwood dedicated his goal to Angel Gomes who is set to leave United at the end of the season.

Our goalkeeping genius
David De Gea made his 397th United appearance on Tuesday and the goalkeeper is now only one match behind Peter Schmeichel, who played 398 times during his iconic career as a Red. 

The clean sheets
United have kept eight clean sheets from the last 13 Premier League games, which is more than the Reds managed in Solskjaer’s first 40 games as the boss (seven). Furthermore, only Liverpool (seven) have conceded fewer Premier League goals in 2020 than United (eight).

A brilliant performance after a long time, we showed quality and played proper attacking football. Hope we continue this form and qualify for the Champions League next season.

United will play Bournemouth on 4th July, 7:30 IST

Match facts: Brighton vs United

Premier League

Manchester United will be looking to continue their unbeaten run of 14 games till the end of the season when they play against Brighton tonight, while the Red Devils are challanging to finish under top 4.

“Any Manchester United team should go into any game against any opposition believing they can win that game,” said Ole

Ole’s men grabbed 3-1 victory against the hosts in November at Old Trafford.
Where we saw our youngsters score.

“The short answer [if they can go unbeaten] is yes, but the long answer is that there’s more to it than that. Of course, different things can play a part in this run, but we hope to extend it and want it for as long as possible.

“We’re just going to take one game at a time. We know there’s games every two or three days. We need a squad, everyone needs to play a part and we’re delighted with the way things are going at the moment.”

United train ahead of Brighton game.

Hope United score no less than 3 goals.

Finally after seven years, United managed to score a hat-trick.

Premier League

The hat-trick drought is finally lifted by Anthony Martial, who became the first player to score three goals in 7 years. The last player to do so was Robin Van Persie in 2013 against Aston Villa.

United hosted Sheffield United at Old Trafford with the aim of stealing all three points and they did just that. Which mean the Reds continue their unbeaten run (13 games) in all competitions.

Manchester United move closer to top 4 who are just 2 points away from Chelsea who plays Man City in their next fixture.

Martial’s firsts: Anthony Martial has scored his first hat-trick and scored in three successive PL home games for the first time in his United career.

After Sheffield United’s loss yesterday they are three consecutive games without a win since the PL resumed and sitting on the 8th position on the Premier League table.
Over a week ago Sheffield was two points behind United with a game in hand.

With Martial’s three wonderful goals he has equaled the the number of goals (19) scored by his fellow team mate Marcus Rashford in all competitions.
Who do you think will be the top scorer in 2019-2020 season?

Rashford provided two assist yesterday.

Another amazing stat: Rashford, Martial and Greenwood have now scored 50 goals between them this season.
Source: Manchester United.

With Pogba back United are much stronger and looking confident.

Fans were quite impressed by Matic.

Anthony, well done. Your first hat-trick for United, how did it feel?
“I feel very good. It’s my first hat-trick in my career, so I hope I will score more. I’m happy because the team played very good today so I think it’s good.”

Was your favourite goal the hat-trick one? It was a great build-up.
“The last one, I think the last one. It was a very good goal. The first two were two good goals, like a real number nine and I know the manager is happy for these to go in. He was happy.”

You’ve got 19 goals, Marcus has got 19 goals – is there a little competition to see who gets to 20 first?
“He gave me one or two assists today, so the most important  [thing] is to win. I tried to give him a chance to score – no competition, we just want to win.”

Obviously, you’d love to score a hat-trick in front of 75,000 people screaming your name.

“It was really nice. The fans were happy… no, it was a little bit strange! I know they will be happy for me and it’s good to play like this.”

Anthony Martial
Robin Van Persie tweeted after the game.
wtch full match highlights and Martial’s first hat-trick.

United play Norwich on 27th, 10:00 Pm IST.

Match preview: United vs Sheffield United

Premier League

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was encouraged by Manchester United’s performance against Tottenham Hotspur on Friday evening and he is expecting all three points against Sheffield United today.

In the reverse fixture, United was two down in the first half itself but made a come back after 70′ min in the game. But 90′ minute goal by Sheffield’s McBurnie led it to a draw.

Sheffield has had a bad start since the Premier League was resumed, they lost against Newcastle and had their goal disallowed against Aston Villa.

United celebrate goal against Sheffield.


After drawing against Spurs the Reds will look for 3 points today. Ole is determined and happy with the performance of his team. Manchester City’s Europe ban gives United an advantage to compete in the Champions League and United will leave no chance to work towards it.

It will be hard to see six-goal thriller again today but Ole will make sure United do not share or give away the points today. United have conceded only thrice in their last 12 fixture.

The Red in the training earlier this week.


Solskjaer will be looking to start Pogba and we will likely be able to see his much-awaited partnership with Bruno.

After the game against Spurs, most of us would agree on starting players like Greenwood, Pogba and bench Martial and James.

When the teams clashed the last time.

“We looked at the game and evaluated, and I think we should be happy with the performance. We’re never happy when we don’t win a game, but we created chances, we were closest to winning the game. We didn’t really have too many moments when we felt under pressure during the game. Yeah, it took a little bit of time to get going, as you would expect after three months, but some of the play was excellent and some individual quality was excellent. So we’re disappointed with one point still, but looking forward now to Sheffield United”.

Ole

Since Bruno Fernandes’ debut, no United player has scored more goals (4), created more assists (4), had more shots (38), shots on target (15), created more chances (26) or played more passes into the penalty area (98).

Scott McTominay signed a long term contract which will keep him till 2025 at the club.

“Yeah. We don’t have any other injury issues. I think they all managed to get through the game. They were tired towards the end, some of them, but we’ve got another 90 minutes under our belt and we’re ready to go again.”

Ole on injuries

Manchester United vs Sheffield United tonight at 10:30 Pm IST.

Ole on the reverse fixture which ended in 3-3.

“Yeah, it was one of those that we showed in moments there what we can do. In those 10-15 minutes in the second half, we were exceptional, and then they also proved how hard they are to play against. They’re hard to break down, good on set plays, they’re strong, they’re fit, well organised, and they had the fans behind them. It’s a difficult place to go to, Bramall Lane, when you meet them on a day like that. Or anywhere that Man United go, it’s a cup final for the home fans. So it was an extraordinary game. Too bad we didn’t hold on to the three points.”

3-3 match highlight of our previous meeting with Sheffield.

“Disappointed with one point, I think we deserve more”

Premier League

The much-awaited game after lockdown has been played and I as a United fan wasn’t satisfied with the result. We lacked quality and stability, at one point we were running across the pitch with good counter and losing possession in the next second.

It was Spurs who scored first at 27′, their January signing Steven Bergwijn scored a stunner collecting the ball 40 yards from goal, soaring past United defence and firing at David De Gea which could have been saved easily.

In limited time Pogba proved how important he is for the club he completed 17 out of his 18 passes against Spurs, including 3/3 long balls, and was successful with both take-on attempts. Only 1/18 passes were backwards.

Both the team displayed “Black Lives Matter” on their shirt.

Daniel James seemed to have a dull game, he managed only 31 touches and losing the ball quickly.

Mason Greenwood and Pogba’s addition to the team made a good difference, Greenwood almost scored a winner but unfortunately, his strike went wide and with just 45 seconds of entering the game Pogba managed to hit a shot at goal but was blocked by the Spurs defender.
Both the sides looked for more goals and United had upped their hopes when they received a penalty again only to be ruled off by VAR and rightly so.

Jose tactics seemed to be working as United have not been able to defeat them on their home ground yet.

In the Post-match interview, Ole said he was disappointed with one point.

“Good performance, disappointed with the one point. I think we deserved more. I think the performance deserved three points,” 

“We started off slow, dominated possession yes but too slow then we conceded a sloppy goal – disappointed with that one. We had a bad five minutes after that one but after that, I think it was only a matter of time before we got the goal. Hugo Lloris made a fantastic save and we should have had more goals.”

However the team did not look dangerous and hungry for goals, the overall performance was sloppy and lacked quality. United had a total of 12 shots in the entire game with 61% possession

Praises for Paul

“Paul Pogba is a fantastic player and is finally fit again. He has had a horrific injury-hit season and he is desperate to make up for lost time, It is great to see him show his qualities and the contribution he made was big in us getting a penalty. I think he showed how good he is as an all-round midfielder.”

On Pogba and Fernandez’s partnership

“It is a definite partnership that we want to build on, they have trained together now they have had half an hour on the pitch together. We want the best players on the pitch of course and want to find a balance in the team.”

The Partnership.

United play Sheffield United in their next game on 24th June 2020, 10:30 pm IST.

Preview: Tottenham Hotspurs vs Manchester United

Premier League

Finally, we will be watching the Reds back in action tomorrow against Jose Mourinho and co in their very new stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. United is 5th on the table at the moment with 09 games to be played.

The season was put on hold since the end of March due to the spread of Corona Virus pandemic but after a lot of thought and arrangements the Premier League officials have decided to restart the league without the spectators.

The Reds were in a good form pre lockdown with 11 games unbeaten run after signing Bruno Fernandez and Ighalo who gave United a much-needed winning streak.

On the other hand, Spurs had a poor run of form, they were winless in their last six games before the halt and were eliminated from the Champions League after losing to 3-0 to RB Leipzig.

When they clashed the last time.

The last time United played Spurs the result was in our favour, Marcus Rashford gave us an early lead only to see it equalized before half time when Dele Ali scored at 39′. But Rashford wasn’t going home empty-handed, he fired in the when a penalty was awarded to the reds.

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