Freiburg’s Ginter is said to be on the verge of joining Monchengladbach. Premier League duo Arsenal and Manchester United have been snubbed in their pursuit of Freiburg’s Matthias Ginter as the German agrees to join Borussia Monchengladbach, reports Spox. The pair were among a host of clubs – also including Borussia Dortmund – who were keeping a close eye on the 20-year-old. The Mirror reported as far back as June 2013 that the Gunners were interested in the defender and that was before Ginter enjoyed the brilliant season with Freiburg that he is currently. Read more Arsenal transfer news. The centre-back has played 32 matches in all competitions this term and also earned his first full cap for the Germany national team in a friendly against Chile on March 5. It’s this form that has led United and Dortmund to show their interest – as the Daily Express reported in early March – yet against the odds Gladbach have won the race. Red Devils manager David Moyes has flown personally to Germany in the past to watch Ginter play, as the Scot looks for a long-term replacement for club captain Nemanja Vidic – with the 32-year-old having agreed to join Inter Milan in the summer. The starlet would also represent a cost effective acquisition, with it thought that an offer of around £7m would be enough to convince Freiburg to sell. The Bundesliga outfit are currently hovering in the relegation zone and Ginter would have been certain to leave if they were to go down to the second tier in any case. Gladbach on the other hand have been performing above expectations this term and are flirting with a Europa League place for the 2014/15 campaign.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Mata is February star
The club-record transfer, who signed from Chelsea in late January, caught the eye during his four appearances to earn 55 per cent of votes on ManUtd.com and its six foreign language sites, placing him ahead of fellow nominees Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic.
After receiving his award and a £500 cheque for a charity of his choice, the Spaniard explained he's humbled to be acknowledged by supporters at this stage of his Reds career.
“It's amazing for me to be awarded with this prize after my first month. I have played just a few games, five games I think, and I am really grateful the fans have voted for me.
“I feel really happy. Life in Manchester is good, I have already found a house, I have a new home and I am trying to know different places around the city. It is a really nice city to live in. It is quiet, relaxing and you can be focused on what is important – playing football.”
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Schmeichel Iceland challenge
Reds legend Peter Schmeichel is set to lead a team of 30 cyclists on a six-day, 150-mile trip across Iceland for the Manchester United Foundation's latest charity challenge - and you could be part of this amazing trip to raise vital funds to improve the lives of young people.
The Fire and Ice Cycle Challenge will take place in view of the stunning vistas on offer in Iceland, home to active volcanoes and glaciers, as the former United goalkeeper and his peloton pedal across rugged terrain in view of iconic sites such as the Mount Hekla volcano and the ice-capped Katla on the Mýrdalsjökull.
It's the Manchester United Foundation's latest ambitious challenge following the Sahara desert trek, the climb up to Machu Picchu and the conquering of Kilimanjaro, and Schmeichel is the latest ex-Red to take up the task.
"Iceland has some of the finest landscapes in Europe and to take on this challenge will be incredibly demanding," he says. "I'm sure it'll be one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. I can't wait to meet the rest of my fellow cyclists."
Manchester United fans who wish to complete a physical challenge and raise money for a great cause can join Peter on the trip, starting on 3 September 2014, with all proceeds funding the Foundation's continued work with young people in Greater Manchester, from football coaching, skills training, personal development and providing opportunities to change their lives for the better.
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International Reds round-up
Marouane Fellaini scored for Belgium in a 2-2 draw against Ivory
Coast in Brussels to lead our round-up of Manchester United's international
players.
David Moyes' first major signing for the Reds nodded home a Dries Mertens
corner with keeper Mande Sayouba in no man's land in the 17th minute before
being replaced at half time.
Antonio Valencia's Ecuador staged a remarkable recovery as
they won 4-3 against Australia at The Den in London. The skipper saw his side
fall 3-0 down but he eventually set up the leveller for Enner Valencia, after
the Socceroos were reduced to 10 men. Edison Mendez then snatched a late winner
deep into stoppage time following a cross by the United right winger.
Darren Fletcher made his Scotland comeback as a second-half
substitute, controlling midfield with Scott Brown and helping Gordon Strachan's
men record an eye-catching 1-0 success in Poland. Brown notched the winner with
13 minutes remaining.
Patrice Evra and Robin van Persie came
face-to-face in Paris with France overcoming Holland 2-0. Evra was kicked in the
face by Quincy Promes, although it was not thought to contribute to his
withdrawal at the interval, and headed wide from a Yohan Cabaye cross. Van
Persie, who had been ill beforehand, surprisingly played the full 90 minutes but
was unable to get on the scoresheet.
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Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Cole backs Shinji
Manchester United legend Andy Cole believes Shinji Kagawa should not be too downhearted about his recent shortage of game-time for the Reds.
Kagawa’s half-hour appearance in United’s Champions League defeat to Olympiacos was his first action for more than a month, while his last Barclays Premier League outing was the 2-0 win over Swansea on 11 January.
But Cole says the Japanese star is not the only player competing for his place in David Moyes’ team, and backed the attacker to make his mark again soon.
Treble-winner Cole speaks from experience, having had to accept spells out of the side himself during his Reds career, due to the wealth of forward options at the club.
When asked about Kagawa at a club event in Tokyo, Cole said: "He is a quality player but he is not the only one who is finding it hard to get regular football. There are many top players in the squad and there is plenty of competition.
"But having seen Shinji play at Dortmund, I know for sure how good he is. He was the best player in Germany for two years. I believe he’ll come back with some good displays."
Cole says United should still target a Champions League spot with 11 league games to go.
"We need to win as many games as possible and a top-four finish is still a realistic target," he told ManUtd.jp.
"For whatever reason, it has been a tough season. But all the top teams will try to get better and we need to stay with them next year."
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Monday, March 3, 2014
Albiston: Reds must dig deep
Manchester United legend Arthur Albiston is calling on the current
players to dig deep when they return to action for a set of testing fixtures in
March.
The Reds’ next outing is away to West Bromwich Albion, but Albiston, who
moved to the Hawthorns in 1988 after more than a decade at Old Trafford,
predicts United will have to cope with a stern test from the Baggies despite
their lowly position in the Barclays Premier League.
“It will be difficult enough,” said Albiston. “West Brom are fighting for
their lives, they can’t get a result and they have a new manager so they will be
desperate to get a win. Knowing what it’s like to play down there, they have a
proper football crowd and they are right on top of the pitch and they get right
behind their team.
"So it’s a tough one to start the run of games. We’ve got four games at home
after that in March so it is vital we get off to a good start down at The
Hawthorns.
“Then we have Liverpool and Manchester City, and of course their away fans
will be vociferous, but that will get our crowd going. You don’t need anything
to get up for those games so if we get a positive result in the first game
against West Brom hopefully that can carry us through the next spate of games.
Fingers crossed we get a result next week.”
In between the visits of Liverpool and City comes the return leg against
Olympiacos in the Champions League, but Arthur is adamant the Reds can overturn
the two-goal disadvantage at a packed Old Trafford.
“Although it was a hugely disappointing result and performance the other
night, I saw enough of Olympiacos to tell me they are not fantastic. Their
goalkeeper looked a little bit shaky on a few crosses, and the defence wasn’t
really tested. It's different playing here at Old Trafford.
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Saturday, March 1, 2014
MAN U NEWS
Progress Adnan like NevilleManchester United first team coach Phil Neville is delighted with the progress of Adnan Januzaj this season but warns that the teenager should be handled with care if the fans are going to continue to see the best of him .
The promise of Januzaj became apparent to a wider audience in the pre-season tour of the Reds last summer and was given his debut in David Moyes United Community Shield win over Wigan Athletic .
Since then, the upward trend has continued, with the young born in Belgium that plays a key role in United 's season and signed a five-year contract that will keep him at the club until June 2018.
However, Neville rejects suggestions Januzaj has exceeded expectations , insisting the club's coaching staff were very aware of their star potential.
"Everyone knew we had a special talent on our hands ," said Neville ManUtd.com . " But the real test comes when you play at Old Trafford.
" So that was the question again in the preseason : he has the temperament to play for Manchester United at Old Trafford Well, I think he said that ? ". .
Januzaj performances have received praise from all quarters , but Neville says it is important that the demands on these young shoulders are not set too high too soon.
"You have to have the courage , conviction, confidence, determination to play for Manchester United ... these features are key to the success of a player here and Adnan is no different.
" It's still early doors for him , however , and I think we have tried to correct. I 've played in games and so we rested in others and gave him some respite .
