Ryan Giggs has played down suggestions that he could end his career with a spell in Major League Soccer.
The Manchester United veteran was reported to be considering following former Old Trafford team-mate David Beckham in moving to the United States when he finally decides to bring the curtain down on his record-breaking career with the Red Devils.
But unlike Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Beckham, Giggs has suggested that when he decides to leave United it will probably be to hang up his boots.
"Becks is probably the biggest footballer worldwide and he's still playing for England's national team so it's hard not to respect the quality of MLS," he said from United's pre-season tour to North America in Chicago.
"Being in America you have a great lifestyle – good for raising a family – and the play is getting better.
"I still have a year left with Manchester United. After that maybe I'll be too old."
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Giggs has scored 155 goals in a club record 838 appearances for the Red Devils.
The 36-year-old midfielder will line up for his 18th season in the United first team next month.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
According to reports in Germany, Liverpool have been scouting Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender which could signal the inevitable end to Alberto Aquilani ’s failed career at Anfield.
After watching the 22 year-old German perform for Leverkusen on a number of occasions Damien Comolli , Liverpool’s Director of Football, reported back to Reds boss, Kenny Dalglish , impressed with what he saw. The youngster is currently in his third season with the Bundesliga side following his move from 1860 Munich and has become their prized asset after securing first-team status. Bender, who’s contract with Leverkusen runs till 2014, has also broke into the German national team collecting 3 senior appearances.
It is thought Dalglish could make an offer for the £12m rated midfielder in January but may wait until the summer when Alberto Aquilani is expected to leave Anfield. The Italian midfielder is currently on a season-long loan at AC Milan having been told he wouldn’t figure in Dalglish’s plans. After impressing for the Rossoneri, Aquilani looks set to make his loan move permanent with Milan having the option of buying the 27 year-old next summer when the loan expires.
“We can without doubt consider Milan activating the buy-out clause to be a pure formality, especially as he’ll soon reach the written parameters set by Milan and Liverpool,” Aquilani’s agent, Franco Zavaglia told ItaSport. “Alberto is doing well and I think this is clear for all to see.”
Former Liverpool boss, Rafa Benitez signed Aquilani for a reported £17m from Roma in 2009 in an attempt to replace Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso who moved to Real Madrid. Aquilani never reached the heights that were expected of him at Anfield and his exit looks inevitable, but how much will King Kenny recoup?
Article courtesy of Graham Duckworth from the Transfer Tavern
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With jaw dropping audacity, and a completely straight face, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) announced this week that whilst they remained undecided on the future of goal line technology, tested systems remaining sub-standard, an outright decision to ban the ‘snood’ had been finalised.
The offending article has been outlawed on the premise that it poses a threat to player health – clearly ignoring the fact that players like Gianluigi Buffon have worn the offending article for several seasons now without any drastic health problems. The years of safe snooding were not enough to prove their harmlessness to players.
Some may argue that prohibiting such a fad is good for the game – several Premier League managers and players have condemned the fashion accessory. The judgement has become a line in the sand for what should be allowed on a football pitch, however, surely IFAB have better ways of spending their days?
Many will be frustrated that instead of clearing up the ongoing debate over goal line technology, the board have wasted time by giving more airtime to an admittedly ridiculous fashion trend.
The main headline arising from the meeting was always going to be the failure to agree a concrete plan on the controversial technology, so why draw attention to this problem by trumpeting a ban on a meaningless piece of clothing?
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If decisions are fast-tracked on health grounds, maybe IFAB should have looked at the heart rates of English fans and players when Frank Lampard’s strike at last summer’s World Cup was incorrectly ruled out – I’m sure there was more risk of a cardiac episode there than there would be any problems relating to snood usage.
With a slightly more serious hat, or scarf, on, the latest show of reluctance by IFAB to embrace goal line technology is a nail in the coffin for those looking to see the system implemented for the 2014 World Cup. At least a further year of testing will be carried out before any system can be ratified and there looks to be some major concerns over the products most recently offered as a solution to the problem.
The European Champions in 2012 will see the first deployment of extra officials at a major tournament. The assistants, most recently seen during this year’s Champions and Europa League competitions have been deemed a useful addition to the match day team, although the approval of these extra eyes is another method of disguising the bitter taste of failure to create a more modern solution to goal line disputes.
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From a long-term viewpoint, if snoods are to be banned, should tights, coloured boots and gloves go the same way? Presumably not, although, there will be some players, particularly at Eastlands and the Emirates that will be hoping there is no further delay in the development of a viable goal line system or more optional clothing might need to be banned to bury the bad news.
The IFAB decision leave you in bad snood? Find me on Twtter and let me know – I’m trying to shift as many scarves as I can before July – there are only so many I can hide in Arsene Wenger’s coat!
Manchester City have emerged as the latest club interest in signing Internazionale defender Nicolas Burdisso.
The Argentina international spent the second half of last season on loan at Serie A rivals AS Roma and they are keen to re-sign the 29-year-old South American.
City are also in the hunt, according to the player's agent Fernando Hidalgo, and he expects a decision over the defender's future to be made soon.
Burdisso is currently away on World Cup duty in South Africa.
"Roma and Inter will meet on Monday," explained Hidalgo."The price fixed by Inter is very high and if there isn't agreement the player will return to Milan.
"But I don't know if there is place for him in Inter Milan. He wants to stay in Roma.
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"Manchester City? The Nerazzurri have told me of the interest of the British club, I didn't know it."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
England manager Fabio Capello has stated that Rio Ferdinand must start playing and performing well if he is to be included in the national squad for Euro 2012.
The veteran Manchester United defender was left out of the squad that ensured qualification with a 2-2 draw against Montenegro on Friday night, with Gary Cahill starting alongside John Terry in Podgorica.
The centre half has been plagued with nagging injuries and struggled to get a solid run in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, as youngsters Phil Jones and Chris Smalling continue to impress in their appearances alongside Nemanja Vidic.
With the European Championships now in all potential players’ minds, Capello has stated that he will not select Ferdinand solely on his past or reputation.
“All these players who were injured, including Ferdinand and [Steven] Gerrard, I hope will be fit in a really short time,” he told Mirror Football.
“Rio needs to play games. He has not played enough and last week he was on the bench.
“It’s my job, sorry, but I check all the players before I select them. If a player is on top form I select them. I select the player, not the name,” he concluded.
With Ferdinand’s place in the United first-team no longer assured, a move to the MLS has been touted, but this would surely mark the end of his chances of playing in Poland and Ukraine next year.
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A brace from Javier Hernandez and late tap-ins from Wayne Rooney and Fabio ensured United’s perfect record against Wigan continued.The Premier League leaders racked up a 13th win against their north-west neighbours, who toiled but were made to rue a couple of gilt-edged chances they created and squandered in the first half.And the late strikes from Rooney and Fabio could prove so important at the end of the season if the relegation dogfight involving Wigan comes down to goal difference.Wigan should have taken the lead as early as the 13th minute, when Paul Scholes gave the ball away allowing Victor Moses to bear down on goal.But goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was off his line quickly and made a good block.United then broke, but Hernandez was stopped dead in his tracks by a textbook block challenge from Maynor Figueroa.The respite was only temporary, however, with United taking the lead from their next attack.Nani played a one-two with Wayne Rooney, and his cross was slotted home by Hernandez from close range.Wigan, though, could have been level within a minute, with Moses again supplying the danger down the left.The England Under-21 winger’s cross was flicked by Charles N’Zogbia towards James McCarthy, but his shot was smothered by Van der Sar.It was nearly game over on the half-hour mark when Nani took the ball off Rooney and unleashed a cracking strike that beat Ali Al Habsi but came back off the crossbar.Figueroa almost found an equaliser at the start of the second period, his thunderbolt from 35 yards being tipped away by Van der Sar.At the other end, Nani twice forced good saves from Al Habsi as United pushed for a second goal.Wigan sent on Franco di Santo for the final quarter, and the Argentinian had the ball in the net within two minutes only for the offside flag to halt the celebrations.The points were sealed on 74 minutes when Hernandez slid the ball under Al Habsi, but further strikes from Rooney and substitute Fabio were extremely harsh on Wigan.
Tottenham defender Michael Dawson has admitted he was devastated when Fabio Capello confirmed on Tuesday that he would not be part of England's 23-man squad at the World Cup finals in South Africa.
The 26-year-old former Nottingham Forest star was one of seven players to be axed from the initial 30-man squad by Capello after failing to feature in the recent warm-up matches against Mexico and Japan.
Dawson, who has still to play for the senior England team, said:"It was a great honour for me to be involved in the 30-man squad. To end the season and get the call to be involved was fantastic and a chance to go to the World Cup was a dream.
"Unfortunately the dream was cut on Tuesday when I got a call. It was devastating to get that call, but seven people had to get it and unfortunately I was one of them.
"I was told in a phone call from Mr Capello. He just phoned and said 'I'm sorry, but you haven't made the plane,' but I'm in his thoughts for the Euros. It was a quick call. I was devastated.
"But, without a shadow of a doubt, it has made me more determined to win my first cap. I've always been determined. I was in quite a few squads under Steve McClaren but didn't get a cap then.
"In the two-and-a-half or three years I haven't been in the squad I've always dreamed of playing for England. The dreams have never stopped and they're still there now.
"I was gutted not to get a chance to play in the two games or get a run-out in either of them, that was a big disappointment for me.
"When Sunday night came, I thought it wasn't looking too promising for the World Cup. You never give up hope, but I hadn't played a minute in either of the games.
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"I had thought Mr Capello would want to have a look at me, but the manager makes his decision and you have to respect it. I was devastated not to get any time on the field.
"Everyone was working their socks off in training to try and make sure they made it, but he could only take 23 and some people had to miss out."
Dawson, who has enjoyed his most consistent season in a Spurs shirt since moving to White Hart Lane from Forest in 2005, has made more than 200 appearances for the north London outfit.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
According to reports in the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United are still in the hunt to sign £4m-rated Carpi striker Jerry Mbakogu this summer, although perhaps they should be taking a look at an out-of-favour Spaniard in the Premier League instead.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Yorkshire Evening Post says that the Yorkshire outfit are considering making a move for Mbakogu at the end of the season after the 25-year-old finally secured Italian citizenship, giving the Nigerian centre-forward the right to move to England even though he has never been capped by the African country.
The Yorkshire Evening Post says that the Whites have been trailing the attacker since the summer and have first refusal on this summer, and it will be up to them to decide whether they do move for the £4m-rated man, or not.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United signed striker Joselu from Stoke City last summer, and while he was a regular starter in the first-half of the campaign, he has found first-team minutes harder to come by in 2018.
How has Joselu done overall this season?
Rafa Benitez brought the tall Spaniard to St James’ Park in order to get some goals and boost his side’s bid to preserve their Premier League status following their promotion from the Championship.
However, the 28-year-old regularly struggled in front of goal and has just four in 28 top flight appearances for the Magpies this term, with Dwight Gayle and loanee Islam Slimani above him in the pecking order in recent weeks.
Given his struggles, it would be no surprise if he was loaned out or sold at the end of the season.
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Should Leeds move for him?
They certainly should.
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Director of football Victor Orta should know his Spanish compatriot well, and while things perhaps haven’t worked out for him at St James’ Park, he could prove to be a huge hit in the Championship for the Whites.
The 28-year-old is 6ft 4in tall and decent in the air, while he has shown that he isn’t afraid to put a shift in for his team – something that hasn’t always been the case with loanee Pierre-Michel Lasogga, whom fans on Twitter are split on the long-term future of, this season.
The fact that they could potentially get him on loan or for a cut-price fee should be another added incentive for the Yorkshire side.
After a 4th placed finish, Manchester United will find themselves back in the Champions League next season – though they’ll have to win a playoff to reach the group stage proper.
With that in mind United will need to strengthen this summer, both because the strains of Europe will require reinforcements and because they’re still a work in progress.
Last season United looked good at times, but they didn’t score enough goals. And without David De Gea, they may have conceded too many as well.
If they’re to spend big this summer – and Van Gaal has a huge budget – this could be the team they line up with come September 1st.
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Hugo Lloris/Victor Valdes
It seems like David De Gea is on his way towards the exit door and seeking a move back to the Spanish capital. Most United fans might see their current goalkeeper as part of their dream XI, and perhaps he should be in there, but let’s be realistic. It looks like he’s leaving, and there are two good replacements for him here that won’t weaken the team too much, and may even give United a little extra money to spend in order to lure a big star somewhere else in the lineup.
Lloris is tried and tested in the Premier League, along with De Gea he was one of the best last season. He’s an excellent shot stopper but above all else, his sweeper-keeper abilities make him a great fit for Louis Van Gaal. The French captain won’t come cheap, however, and most of the money taken from any sale of De Gea might well be needed to tempt Tottenham into a sale.
The other option is Victor Valdes who is also tried and tested, however he hasn’t played much football in the last year and a bit. We don’t know how much of a gamble it would be to put him right into the side if De Gea were to leave, but everything that was said about Lloris is true about Valdes – we saw his shot stopping abilities first hand against Hull and his sweeper-keeper credentials are well-known. The plus side of Valdes is that he’d be free, freeing up £25m or so to spend on another player
Antonio Valencia
Full-backs first, and United have been playing Antonio Valencia here for much of the season. The Ecuadorian international has been in good form. We know all about his pace and strength, and he can put in a mean cross too. The beauty for United is that when they have so much of the ball, it’s counter attacks they have to worry about defending – they won’t have to worry about defending against teams who build sustained pressure. This means that the full back positions become less about defending and more about joining the attack, and Valencia can do that nicely.
When United do have to defend, they’ll be able to rely on his strength and speed to get back and help out with the counter attacks, but they won’t need to rely on his defensive capabilities quite so much. So although United might like to sign a right back, it’s not a huge priority.
Marcos Rojo is a capable deputy both for this position and for the centre back positions too.
Luke Shaw
United spent a lot of money on Shaw at the start of last season, and injury stopped him from making a big impact this season. The youngster did well, though, and he looks to have all the qualities necessary to become a top Premier League full back. Still only 19, Shaw has a lot to learn but the best way of teaching him is to give him game time.
But he makes the team on his own merits, he’s strong, he’s quick and is good with the ball at his feet. He can cross too and like Valencia, he can play in a system where he can get forward and chase back on the counter
Mats Hummels
Probably the biggest ‘will he, won’t he’ of the last few seasons, Mats Hummels is unceasingly linked with Manchester United and for good reason too – he’s a world class centre back, he’s big, strong, positionally aware. He is experienced, has a World Cup winners medal and a Champions League runners-up medal.
But the biggest reason United want him is his ability on the ball. He’s a cultured, classy defender who can pick a pass and keep possession. United need this kind of player to stop attacks and set up attacks of their own, but they can also use him as an out-ball when attacking. The perfect Van Gaal defender.
Raphael Varane
Another name touted with a move to United is Raphael Varane. It might be unlikely for United to pull off the transfers for both Varane and Hummels, but this is a dream XI we’re talking about here.
The young frenchman makes the team because of his ability on the ball and his ability to stand up to attackers and not dive into tackles. Varane is of a similar mould to Hummels, which perhaps makes their pairing unlikely, but given that both of these defenders are so highly thought-of around Europe United fans would surely love to see them both at their team.
More likely might be a move for either Varane or Hummels and pair the new signing with Phil Jones. Jones is more of a physical defender than Varane or Hummels, and the partnership of physicality and subtlety would make United fans reminisce about Ferdinand and Vidic. Who knows, maybe Jones would flourish playing alongside such a top class defender.
Michael Carrick
The lynchpin of Van Gaal’s team, United simply must keep Michael Carrick fit and on the pitch.
Whilst United’s attackers set up base camp outside the opposition 18-yard box and the full-backs bomb forward, Michael Carrick slots in between the two centre backs and creates a back three, leaving United less vulnerable to counter attacks. When he gets the ball he can be used as a pivot to vary the angle of attack or simply as an out-ball when United run out of ideas.
On the ball, Carrick is a maestro and can pick a pass as well as anyone in the Premier League. He is the most important player that Van Gaal has, not just because of how good his is, but because of the system that United use. Rooney sometimes plays here, but he just doesn’t have the range of passing, vision or composure that Carrick does. Very few do.
Carrick is United’s Pirlo, and they’ll need to make the most out of him while he’s still there.
Ander Herrera
Another great passer, Herrera is more adept at playing slightly further up the pitch. His range of passing is also wonderful and he popped up with a goal or two last season. Next season he’ll simply continue his role in the Manchester United midfield.
Marouane Fellaini/Angel Di Maria
This is a dream XI, so I don’t like to put in too many double choices, but sometimes it just depends on who the opposition is.
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Marouane Fellaini has been used this season as a midfield powerhouse cum aerial threat. Against the teams Van Gaal feels will sit back and defend deep, pace and guile seem less effective, and working the opportunity to play the ball in high to Fellaini will work better.
Against the teams where pace will yield better results, Angel Di Maria – assuming he stays – is a good player to have in this role. He’s a midfield scurrier these days, rather than an old fashioned winger, and with the arrival of Memphis Depay he doesn’t have the pressure of providing the pace and directness that United fans seem to look for from him. Di Maria’s job is to get around the midfield, get on the ball and make things happen, but that doesn’t mean setting up chances from the wings himself. Against teams where guile and subtlety will work, Di Maria is a great player to have in your side.
Wayne Rooney
There’s not much to say about Rooney, really. He’ll be given a role in Van Gaal’s team where he can get on the ball and pass, but we’ve seen all of last season that Rooney is at his most effective when he’s played up front. It might be the case that rather than going 4-3-3, United will look to put Rooney up as a second striker with Depay at the tip of a diamond who drifts into wider positions.
Memphis Depay
Depay is touted as a Di Maria replacement, but there’s still room for both players in Van Gaal’s team. The Dutch manager is unlikely to want to utilise both players as wingers – though he does have that option if the game calls for it – and Depay could be used as an all-purpose attacking midfielder, drifting wide or into the middle depending on where he can get space, pick up the ball and run at defenders. He also has a fierce shot and an eye for goal, as reflected in his 22 league goals last season – making him top scorer in Holland. He’ll give United a more direct threat.
Gonzalo Higuain
One of the best strikers in the world, Higuain is always linked with the world’s biggest clubs. This might just be the perfect time for United to tempt him to the Premier League.
Napoli have missed out on Champions League football for next season, and United are in the hat, but with the Old Trafford futures of Robin Van Persie and Radamel Falcao uncertain United could be looking for a new striker.
Higuain is strong and knows how to finish, he’d fit in perfectly not just to the Premier League, but also to Van Gaal’s system. Both these things are important, and could see Higuain hit the ground running at top speed.
Arsene Wenger says he needs to bring new players to Arsenal and has hinted a transfer spree could be on the cards.
The Gunners have now gone eight seasons without a trophy but following a strong end to the campaign that saw the club clinch Champions League football, optimism is high in the camp.
Wenger is looking to carry the momentum into next season but he also realises the squad needs new faces with a striker and central defender high on his wanted list.
Rumours have suggested Wenger could have as much as £70million to spend on new players and although the Frenchman is refusing to talk figures, he has hinted a spree could be on the cards.
“The last three months are a springboard for next season,” said Wenger. “We have to transfer that belief into the start of next season. We need stability and to strengthen. Is it spending a lot on one player or buying many players?
“We want additions but we want to keep the structure and spirit and quality of the team. Let’s not forget there are many clubs with big money and not enough talent to strengthen all the teams. But we will go out in a proactive way.”
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