Footytracker - Unbeatable Football Stories and Breaking News

    Jamie Vardy says it was easy for him to reject a move to Arsenal, insisting both his head and his heart told him to stay at Leicester City. After playing a crucial role in last season's surprising Premier League title win, the England international was the subject of a bid from the Gunners which triggered his £22 million release clause. Instead, the striker opted to remain at the King Power Stadium and signed a new deal with the Foxes. And Vardy, 29, says it was an easy decision to make. “I was in a hotel room [in Chantilly] for so many hours of every day with nothing to do. You had a lot of time on your hands," he told The Guardian . “I am not going to beat around the bush – every time I thought about it, and every aspect of it I thought about, both my head and my heart were saying to stay at Leicester, which is why I made my decision to stay. “There were loads of reasons. You get that much time to think about, every single thing down to the tea lady. You think about w

  John Stones, Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana will replace Chris Smalling, Dele Alli and Daniel Sturridge. Joe Hart, who made a deadline-day loan move to Torino from Manchester City, will keep his place in goal despite not making a league appearance this season. The game in Trnava is Allardyce's first since taking over from Roy Hodgson. Captain Wayne Rooney will also become England's most capped outfield player when he leads the team out on Sunday, overtaking David Beckham's record of 115 appearances. His Manchester United team-mate Luke Shaw, who had earned his first call since breaking his leg last year, was rested from training on Saturday and subsequently removed from the squad. Allardyce said Shaw's withdrawal was "for precautionary measures", adding "he's not injured". The game is the Three Lions' first since the shock 2-1 defeat by Iceland that sent them out of Euro 2016 at the last-16 stage in June. England begin their 20

  Mesut Ozil insists he only listens to Arsene Wenger and Joachim Low and ignores criticism from fans. The midfielder drew the ire of Germany fans for perceived lacklustre performances during Euro 2016, notably the country's opening 0-0 draw with Poland and missed his penalty in the quarter-final shoot-out victory over Italy after opening the scoring. Ozil feels the expectations of fans can be too high as he says "everybody expects something special", while the opinions of his Arsenal and national team head coaches, Wenger and Low respectively, are far more valuable. "The expectations of the fans and the general public is very large," he told Express.de . "Some like my style of play, others do not. It has always been like this. "As a player, I also strive after that, because I know that I can bring my team-mates into good situations. But when I haven't scored a goal or even had a shot, many people are disappointed. "Sometimes I think they do

  Ronaldinho is back at Barcelona! Its a surprise right, fans, as it is in a non-playing role... The Brazilian, 36, is teaming up with the club he helped return to its former glory between 2003 and 2008 in an ambassadorial role. Barcelona are opening a new office in New York, USA, to enhance their growth internationally on 6 September, which has brought about them re-signing Ronaldinho. The Catalan giants will certainly prove to be a hit in the States if Ronaldinho is good an ambassador as he was with his feet back in his heydey at Camp Nou...

  Gernot Rohr claimed his first win as Nigeria coach as his men saw off Tanzania by a single goal in Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Kelechi Iheanacho's lone strike was all the hosts needed to see off the strong-willed Taifa Stars who came to Uyo with the ambition of shocking the Super Eagles. The visitors posted some threats inside the hosts' half in the opening five minutes, but Rohr’s team reclaimed possession and dictated the pace of the game. Despite the dominance, Nigeria failed to convert clear cut chances with Victor Moses the major culprit as he spurned glorious chances while Odion Ighalo looking very tired against Charles Mkwasa’s side. Aside from the comedy of misses, Aishi Manula was at his best to keep the game scoreless with breathtaking saves. However, the pressure paid off  in the 77th minute as Iheanacho gave his side the lead with an audacious strike. He finds space outside the Taifa Stars’ defence b

  Mesut Ozil is ready switch focus back to contract talks with Arsenal once the international break is over, with the Germany star revealing negotiations had already begun. The 27-year-old still has two years to run on his current deal, but is expected to be handed a significant pay increase to extend his stay at Emirates Stadium. Ozil, who also spoke of his wish to assume the No.10 role with the Gunners, told German newspaper Express : "I have a contract until 2018. We have had discussions, but they were suspended for the European Championship. "I wanted to focus at this time only on the national team. Now we look to continue the negotiations." The World Cup winner has admitted that a return to Germany or a future move to MLs does hold appeal, however. "In football, you can never say never. You don't know what will happen. I had a good time in Germany. That was a lot of fun. "Eventually [moving to America] could be an option. I have fun everywhere. My fan

  France coach Didier Deschamps believes Anthony Martial is a revitalised player after looking "exhausted" at Euro 2016. Following a fine first season in the Premier League with Manchester United, in which he scored 11 goals in 31 appearances, Martial failed to have much of an impact on France's run to the final on home soil. The 20-year-old played just 69 minutes across three matches, but opened the scoring in France's 3-1 friendly victory over Italy in Bari on Thursday for his first senior international goal. And Deschamps, attempting to lead France's recovery after their final defeat to Portugal in July, reckons a refreshed Martial will learn lessons from his Euros disappointment. "He was expecting more from the Euros and I was too," Deschamps said. "But, things were difficult. He has to learn from this to progress.  "He was the first to say he was not satisfied. Deschamps continued: "He arrived there exhausted because he had a very l

  Cristiano Ronaldo has tackled his injury with typical brute force and determination, and Real Madrid for one predict he will be returning to the pitch before too long.  The Portugal forward suffered a knee problem which forced him off early in July's Euro 2016 final, which his side won 1-0 against hosts France. He missed his side's opening two La Liga games, but on Thursday Madrid released a video showing that he is busting a gut to get back onto the field for the club. #RMCity Another day closer to full fitness for @Cristiano ! #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/p3FYxo3Wf1 Ronaldo himself has also been keeping track of his recovery, and gave Instagram users a glimpse of his fitness as he put in the hard yards on the exercise bike.  Click CR7 to view picture Madrid have made a typically strong start to the season even without their star man, but his return will undoubtedly be a big boost - especially if he remains in peak condition.

  Manchester United have confirmed that Bastian Schweinsteiger will be part of their 25-man squad for the upcoming season, despite having not been part of a single matchday squad so far. The German, who played his final game for his country on Wednesday, signed for United last season but he didn't have the impact many were hoping for under Louis van Gaal. Since Mourinho was appointed as the Dutchman's replacement, Schweinsteiger has constantly been linked with a move away and he has been training with the U21s rather than the first team. Despite this United have included him in their squad for the season, meaning that he will be able to play Premier League games should Mourinho have a change of heart or suffer an injury crisis. Schweinsteiger discussed his future whilst on international duty, saying that he would consider a move to MLS in the future but he has no problem with Mourinho and still dreams of playing for United. "I have no personal problems with Jose Mourinho

Lionel Messi says he "did not deceive anybody" after making his first appearance for Argentina since reversing his decision to retire from international football.  Messi shocked the footballing world with his decision to retire from the Argentina national team following their loss to Chile in the Copa America Centenario final in June.  The defeat was the third in three years Messi and Co. had suffered in the final of a major international tournament.  However, after a meeting with new Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza - who flew to Europe to meet with Messi - the Barcelona star elected to return to the national team. And on Thursday he proved to be Argentina's hero, scoring the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Uruguay to move top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification standings.  Messi insists he did not attempt to fool anyone with his decision to retire, believing it was the right call to make at the time.  "I am very grateful [to return to the national team],&

  New Nigeria boss, Gernot Rohr has reiterated his desire to give some newly discovered young players to blossom in the senior national team. The German tactician started fringe players like Chidozie Awaziem, Wifred Ndidi, Shehu Abdullahi  in the team’s 3-0 victory against Akwa United in a friendly game played on Wednesday. He explained to Goal that he decided to bench the established players against the Promise Keepers as he hopes to  groom a new breed of Super Eagles. “ The game against Akwa United was to see the young players in action. I am sure that we can do it together if we play as a team and live well together,” Rohr told Reporters . “We will concentrate on raising young energetic players to make the Eagles strong." He also insisted that he would also special attention to the local based players. "I was in Spain to see the NPFL All Stars because I wanted to see young players coming from Nigeria and I picked some of them for this match,” he continued. “We should have

  Henrikh Mkhitaryan has handed Manchester United an injury scare ahead of next weekend's derby with Manchester City at Old Trafford after being substituted on international duty. Mkhitaryan hurt his knee in a collision with Marek Suchy during the first half of Armenia's friendly against Czech Republic on Wednesday and was duly taken off. Armenia were 2-0 down at the time and Mkhitaryan's team-mates went down to a 3-0 defeat ahead of their opening World Cup qualifier against Denmark this Sunday. The attacking midfielder is yet to start a competitive game since moving to United from Borussia Dortmund during the close-season, but his potential absence from the top-of-the-table clash is unlikely to improve Jose Mourinho's mood over his reunion with opposite number Pep Guardiola taking place immediately after the international break. "Some [players] are coming back on the Monday before the Manchester City match, but some are coming back on Friday," he told MUTV .

With Jose Mourinho through the door and placed in charge almost as soon as Louis van Gaal had lifted the FA Cup aloft at Wembley in May, there has been a clarity within United’s transfer strategy not seen since the Ferguson era. Mourinho’s own success is often mirrored by how decisive he is during the summer window, and much like the pre-season of 2014-15 in which he got his business done early before going onto walk away with the Premier League title, there is a feeling he has got United back on the right path through the signings he has made. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan all represent the showpiece signings the club have always been associated with while the signs show that Eric Bailly has what it takes to replicate the likes of Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra in arriving as a relative unknown and eventually leaving as a legend. United have, of course, been burnt before in recent years when it comes to headline-grabbing arrivals. Angel Di Maria, Radamel Fal

From being one of the most wanted men in European football barely three years ago, Cesc Fabregas is now out of favour at Chelsea and the latest to hit him is his exclusion from the Spain squad. Things looked bright for the mildfielder when he switched London for Catalania back in 2011, but a return to his local club barcelona didnt go well with him since things were very tough during Pep Guardiola’s final season, as well as the tough tenures of tito Vilanova and Tata Martino. Fabregas can be forgiven if he says he play mostly through injury and was utilised in different positions during his last year at Barca, He truelly really lived up to expectations. Even with however, his stock remained high in England and a move to Chelsea was initially a success as he starred in the Blues' Premier League-winning campaign in 2014-15 - particularly in the first six months. After Christmas, for some reason, he always seems to fade, but this time the decline appears more long term and followin

Manchester united’s Paul Pogba is the biggest deal of the summer as well as football’s biggest money deal ever. Everyone in the football community will be looking forward to today Wednesday, 31 August which is considered the most busy day of the 2016-2017 football season. Transfers closes 23:00 BST in England And Midnight in Scotland. We give you all the latest on completed deals as the happen Joe Hart sign for Torino on a season long loan Reports: Leicester city agree record fee for Slimani Roma join Palace and Bournemouth in Wilshere chase Wilfried Bony Talking to Stoke City Sissoko released to complete move by France Newcastle reject spurs move for Sissoko Balotelli set for Nice move Swans in talks over Ener Valencia Major Confirmed deals Marcos Alonso [Fiorentina - Chelsea] Reported £23m Jeff Hendrick [Derby - Burnley] £10.5m Didier Ndong [Lorient - Sunderland] £13.6m Samir Nasri [Manchester City - Sevilla] Loan Wilfried Bony [Manchester City - Stoke]

  The Brazilian international has completed a surprise return to his former home after Chelsea saw a £45million bid accepted by French giants PSG. The move has been confirmed after the South American successfully passed his medical to make a return two years after a departure from the Premier league outfit. The move was confirmed after the now former PSG man came to a contractual agreement with Chelsea FC with details over the deal yet to be released by the club. This news follows earlier confirmations by Chelsea of the capture of defender Alonso and Aymen Abdennour from Valencia with an option of making the deal permanent. In other news Juan Cuadrado’s Chelsea future seems over after the club agreed to let him out to Juventus on a three year loan deal with the option of signing permanent the player from the blues.

Manchester united’s Paul Pogba is the biggest deal of the summer as well as football’s biggest money deal ever. Everyone in the football community will be looking forward to today Wednesday, 31 August which is considered the most busy day of the 2016-2017 football season. Transfers closes 23:00 BST in England And Midnight in Scotland. We give you all the latest on completed deals as the happen Joe Hart sign for Torino on a season long loan Reports: Leicester city agree record fee for Slimani Roma join Palace and Bournemouth in Wilshere chase Wilfried Bony Talking to Stoke City Sissoko released to complete move by France Newcastle reject spurs move for Sissoko Balotelli set for Nice move Swans in talks over Ener Valencia Confirmed deals Joe Hart - (Manchester City to Torino) Loan Nicky Clark – (Bury to Dunfermine) Free

Aubameyang who is one of the worlds best goal scorers at the moment has always been linked with a move to the los blancos and latest reports suggests a deal has been agreed in principles over a potential transfer for the current African Footballer Of the Year. The reports however have not specified when the move is due to be completed bringing in the posibilty of a move to the Madrid club next some.

  Iceland star Kolbeinn Sigthorsson has joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent move from Nantes. The deal contains an agreement for Gala to purchase the Iceland striker for €3.8 million on April 30, 2017. Sigthorsson joined Nantes from Ajax in July last year but netted just four goals in 29 appearances in all competitions and has not scored in two games for the Ligue 1 side this season. "I'm very happy. Galatasaray is a massive and historic club. I'm glad to be here," Sigthorsson said. "When the offer came from Galatasaray I couldn't possibly have said no. "I'm very excited. I want to meet my team-mates, technical team and club employees as soon as possible. "Most of all, I can't wait to meet the fans. After the international break I'll return and meet them." Sigthorsson scored two goals for the Iceland team that stunningly reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 before being beaten 5-2 by hosts France.

  Axel Witsel is on the verge of completing a transfer from Zenit St Petersburg to Juventus, according to reports.. The Belgium international had promised to stay at Zenit for another season and coach Mircea Lucescu confirmed that he had rejected a move to Everton. However, the 27-year-old will leave Belgium's training camp to undergo a medical at the Serie A champions on Wednesday. Massimiliano Allegri's side will pay around €18 million for the midfielder with more to come through bonuses. Witsel joined Zenit in 2012 and has won a Russian Premier League title as well as a Russian Cup and Super Cup. He is contracted to the club until June 2017.

  Fc Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Spain striker Paco Alcacer from Valencia on a five-year deal, with Munir El-Haddadi moving in the opposite direction on a season-long loan. Alcacer, 23, was omitted from the Valencia side that lost 1-0 to Eibar on Saturday and underwent a medical at Barca on Monday before completing a move worth an initial €30million. Barca could pay €2m more in add-on fees and have inserted a €100m buy-out clause into Alcacer's deal at Camp Nou. The La Liga champions' sixth signing of the season, Alcacer concludes Barca's long search for attacking reinforcements to support Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. "When I found out about the offer from FC Barcelona I asked the club to listen to it, as it was my decision to take a step forward in my career," Alcacer told Valencia's official website. "I want to thank Valencia CF and the fans. Despite the fact that I am leaving Valencia CF, I will always be a Valencianista at heart.

  David Luiz could be set for a suprise return to the Bridge as Chelsea enter negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain over a £32 million transfer, Goal understands.  Chelsea have been in talks with Kia Joorabchian and Giuliano Bertolucci since failing to secure the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli. The 29-year-old is said to be open to a move and was a popular figure in his first spell at Chelsea after he originally joined the club from Benfica in January 2011 for £21m.  However, the move will hinge on whether PSG can secure a replacement defender first. Th e Brazilian defender won the Champions League at Chelsea but was eventually sold to Paris Saint-Germain for £50m, making it the highest price ever paid for a defender  in 2014. In another development at the blues camp, Marcos Alonso is also on the verge of joining the west London club from Fiorentina and is expected to be formally announced today subject to a medical.

  Chelsea youngster Kenedy has completed a season-long loan move to Watford. The Brazilian joined the Blues last summer and he secured a work permit after impressing in pre-season, particularly against Barcelona.  In total he made 20 appearances for the club last season, which including scoring the fastest goal of the Premier League after 39 seconds against Norwich.  However he has not featured regularly under new manager Antonio Conte and as such he has been allowed to leave on loan for the season.  He follows the path set by Nathan Ake, who last season joined the Hornets on loan and did so well that he was named as the club's Young Player of the Season.  Kenedy's departure from the club takes the total of loans for Chelsea up to 27, quickly following Loic Remy's move to Crystal Palace earlier today.

  Arsenal defender Calum Chambers has agreed a season-long loan move to fellow Premier League outfit Middlesbrough. The 21-year-old was moved on to the newly-promoted outfit to gain more first-team experience, given he was likely to struggle for time at the Gunners following Shkodran Mustafi's recruit. Chambers had travelled to Rockliffe Park training ground on Tuesday to undergo his medical before sealing his move, much to coach Aitor Karanka's delight. I’m really pleased,” the Spaniard told the club's official website. “It’s a position where we’ve been working towards bringing the right player in. “We haven’t been in a hurry because Calum was the player we were waiting for, and he’s going to help us a lot. “I’d like to say thank you to him because we know he had another offer, but he wanted to come here. That’s important and we’re looking forward to working with him.” Chambers joined Arsenal in 2014 from Southampton but had failed to make an impact during his time in Lon

  Bastian Schweinsteiger says he feels a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences he has had with Germany as his international career draws to a close. Schweinsteiger will play his final game for the world champions on Wednesday when they take on Finland in Monchengladbach. The Manchester United midfielder will wear the captain's armband - left to him following Philipp Lahm's retirement in the wake of Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph - for the last time in what will mark his 121st cap for his country. Injuries prevented Schweinsteiger from becoming Germany's most-capped player but he still revealed his pride to reporters, stating: "I'm still very, very happy with the number of games I played for Germany.

  Arsenal football club have officially confirmed the signing of Valencia centre-back Shkodran with more details regarding the deal to follow.

Jose Mourinho has been appointed as the new manager of Manchester United, the club has confirmed. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss has been handed a three-year deal at Old Trafford, ending months of speculation linking him to the United job. The 53-year-old replaces Louis van Gaal, who was sacked on Monday despite leading the club to their first FA Cup win in 12 years at the weekend. Announcing the appointment, Ed Woodward said:  “José is quite simply the best manager in the game today. He has won trophies and inspired players in countries across Europe and, of course, he knows the Premier League very well, having won three titles here. “I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome him to Manchester United. His track record of success is ideal to take the Club forward.” Mourinho has been an open admirer of Manchester United for many years and has been expected to replace Van Gaal since his sacking by Chelsea in December 2015. “To become Manchester United man

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Real Madrid training on Wednesday, calming fears over his fitness ahead of the Champions League final. Ronaldo hobbled out of Tuesday's session after a collision with goalkeeper Kiko Casilla, prompting alarm among Los Blancos fans just a few short days ahead of Saturday's European showdown with Atletico Madrid at San Siro. The Portugal captain said after the incident: "I had a little knock in today's training, but in a few days I'll be ok." However, Madrid's talisman swiftly returned to training, taking full part in Wednesday's final session before departing for Milan. Raphael Varane and Alvaro Arbeloa are the only players likely to be unavailable to Zinedine Zidane as Madrid seek a second Champions league final win over their neighbours in three seasons.

Chelsea are weighing up a summer swoop for highly-rated Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport . The 24-year-old helped Napoli launch a push for the Serie A title this season, playing a pivotal role in a  Partenopei rearguard that only conceded 32 league goals. And his displays have caught the eye of incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, with the Blues preparing a bid reportedly in the region of €25m (£19.3m). The London club are also willing to triple the Senegal international's current wages of €800,000 a season as they seek a long-term replacement for John Terry.

    Former Real Madrid striker Predrag Mijatovic has backed Gareth Bale to "save” the club's season by leading them to victory in the Champions League final. The 10-time European champions will lock horns with city rivals Atletico Madrid in Saturday's decider in Milan - a rematch of the 2014 final in which the Wales international scored as Real won 4-1 after extra time. It has been another difficult season for Real, having watched Barcelona retain their La Liga crown while failing to make it past the Copa del Rey last 32, with Rafael Benitez replaced by Zinedine Zidane at the helm in January. But Mijatovic, who spent three years at the Santiago Bernabeu and scored the winning goal in the 1997-98 Champions League final, says Real have a born match winner in Bale and believes he can ensure Los Blancos' season doesn't end in sadness. "There are players that are born with a gift for scoring in finals; it can't just be a coincidence,&

The Dutchman will stay on at Stamford Bridge after his time in charge of the first team came to an end, and hopes to bring the club's legends back to take up administrative roles Guus Hiddink has confirmed he is to stay at Chelsea in an advisory role and will try to lure club legends such as Didier Drogba and Petr Cech back to Stamford Bridge once they hang up their boots. The Dutchman replaced Jose Mourinho as the man in charge following the latter's departure in December 2015, but will make way for new manager Antonio Conte next season. But Hiddink says he will not leave the Premier League club altogether and shed light on the position awaiting him behind the scenes. "Technical advisor is a big word, but I will indeed hold an advisory role," he told Fox Sports . "I want to involve former Chelsea players. I spoke with Drogba last week, I have spoken with Cech. These guys are true Chelsea legends and have had such an impact at the cl

Fenerbahce have placed a €20 million (£15.4m) price tag on Simon Kjaer in light of increased interest from Chelsea, according to Fanatik . The centre-back, who arrived from Lille last June for a Turkish record fee of €7.65m, is a long-term target for the Premier League club, who have been keeping tabs on the player during an impressive season. The Turkish newspaper claims Chelsea scouts watched the 26-year-old in action for Denmark in March's 2-1 friendly win over Iceland, but reportedly face competition from Manchester United for his signature.

Jose Mourinho's appointment as Manchester United manager is being held up as Chelsea still own the rights to his name, according to The Independent . The Portuguese has agreed personal terms with United but, as detailed by the European Union's Intellectual Property Office database, 'Jose Mourinho' is a trademark registered of Chelsea. Mourinho's signature was also registered by the club but expired in January 2016, although the ownership of the manager's name will not expire until March 31, 2025. The newspaper also claim other image rights are delaying an official announcement, namely United and Mourinho's opposing watch partners, with United teaming up with Bulova and Mourinho with Hublot.

Ed Woodward’s comments about Louis van Gaal following the Dutchman’s arrival at Manchester United have come back to haunt him. Van Gaal was sacked by United on Monday after victory in the FA Cup final on Saturday was not deemed enough to warrant a third season at Old Trafford. And during his two campaigns in the Premier League, Van Gaal failed to deliver on his reputation of playing fast, attacking football. And that’s exactly the style Woodward claimed Van Gaal would deliver after a turbulent 10 months under David Moyes saw the club finish seventh in the table. "He's got incredible energy and very importantly he likes attacking football," said Woodward back in July 2014. "If you remember the Barcelona team he managed in the late 90s, they played incredible, attacking football, and those games we had against them in 98/99, that's the kind of football Manchester United fans love. It's part of our DNA." Woodward will be hoping it’s thi

Netherlands boss Danny Blind has criticised Manchester United over the sacking of Louis van Gaal. Confirmation of the Dutchman’s departure was announced on Monday evening after 48 hours of intense speculation. Goal understands that Van Gaal was stunned by the news of his sacking, and the 64-year-old was under the impression that he would be allowed to see out the final year of his contract. Shortly before news of Van Gaal’s dismissal was confirmed, Daley Blind had claimed that he and the United squad were in the dark over the manager’s future, but following his sacking, the defender’s father admits the club handled the situation poorly. “I’m closer to the situation than many other people and I can tell you that his departure came as a surprise. I feel for him. He doesn’t deserve this,” said Blind. “I’ve worked with him for so many years. I played under him for years at Ajax, I was his captain, I was his assistant at the last World Cup. He’s a great coach. “W

Daley Blind insists he was not told that Manchester United had sacked Louis van Gaal before the club's confirmation on Monday evening. Van Gaal guided the club to victory in the FA Cup on Saturday but failure to secure Champions League football, coupled with the team’s uninspiring playing style, has led to the Dutchman’s dismissal. But Blind, who has worked under Van Gaal at United and the Netherlands national side, insists he kept in the dark over the managerial change at Old Trafford and says there were no signs to suggest the 64-year-old would be leaving after Saturday's final at Wembley. “I follow the news just like you,” said Blind, who was speaking shortly before Van Gaal's sacking on Monday evening. “The media have him sacked him 82 times this season I believe. It could be that they are right once. “But Manchester United have no official statement brought out. And the training I have looked on my phone. I was not told anything. “I would be sorry if it i

Louis van Gaal issued the following statement at 20:30 BST this evening (Monday 23 May)... It has been an honour to manage such a magnificent club as Manchester United FC, and in doing so, I have fulfilled a long-held ambition. I am immensely proud to have helped United win the FA Cup for the 12th time in the club's history. I have been privileged during my management career to have won 20 trophies but winning the FA Cup, which is steeped in so much history, will always be one of the most special achievements of my career. I am very disappointed to be unable to complete our intended three-year plan. I believe that the foundations are firmly in place to enable the club to move forward and achieve even greater success. I hope that winning the FA Cup will give the club a platform to build upon next season to restore the success that this passionate set of fans desire. Having managed in Holland, Spain and Germany, I had always hoped for the opportunity to mana

Louis Van Gaal Manchester United reign has officially come to an end after the club released an official statement regarding the dismissal of their Dutch Manager. Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said: "I would like to thank Louis and his staff for their excellent work in the past two years culminating in winning a record-equalling 12th FA Cup for the club (and securing him a title in four different countries). He has behaved with great professionalism and dignity throughout his time here. He leaves us with a legacy of having given several young players the confidence to show their ability on the highest stage. Everyone at the club wishes him all the best in the future." A decision on a successor as manager will be announced soon.

Captain Wayne Rooney said Manchester United's FA Cup triumph on Saturday will lift the whole club, regardless of whether or not Louis van Gaal remains in charge. Van Gaal's first piece of silverware at United may not be enough to keep him in the job for the third and final year of his contract, with reports suggesting he will be replaced by former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho imminently. United won the FA Cup 2-1 after extra time against Crystal Palace, courtesy of Jesse Lingard's superb winner, and Rooney believes it could spur his side on to further silverware. "It is an important moment for the football club," Rooney said. "Since Sir Alex hasn't been here we haven't won a trophy and we have a fairly new squad who haven't won much together. It could be a really important moment for us. "Hopefully the young lads who have their hands on their first trophy – Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial - can

  Danny Rose says England have to defend better if they are to succeed at Euro 2016, despite beating Turkey 2-1 on Sunday in their first friendly in preparation for the tournament. Jamie Vardy's late goal sealed a solid win for Roy Hodgson's side after Hakan Calhanoglu cancelled out Harry Kane's opener, with Kane also missing a penalty. But England looked shaky at the back, with Joe Hart making a fine late save from Olcay Sahan's volley to keep his side in the lead, and Rose said improvements will be needed before the European Championship starts on June 10. "We're definitely optimistic, but the message from the manager was we have to defend better if we're going to go anywhere in the European Championship," the Tottenham left-back said. "We'll give ourselves a good platform to build on in the Euros." Rose was named the sponsors' man of the match after impressing with positive raids down the left flank and

    There were worrying signs for Barcelona. Javier Mascherano was sent off, Luis Suarez forced to depart through injury and Sevilla were putting up a serious fight. But up stepped the man who has saved them so many times before. Two magical moments from Lionel Messi won the Copa del Rey for the Catalan club. Mascherano saw red for pulling down Kevin Gameiro in the 36th minute. The French forward was through on goal and the Argentine was the last defender. It was the right decision, despite protests from Barca fans inside the stadium. And when Suarez limped off with a hamstring strain in the second half, it seemed that the deck was stacked against the Catalans. The Uruguayan, after all, had been the team's most in-form player in recent weeks, scoring 14 in Barca's last five Liga games. With Suarez sidelined and Neymar not exactly firing on all cylinders, Barca were lacking inspiration at that point. But Gerard Pique in defence stopped almost everything, Andres Inie

The Red Devils' 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday sees the resultant European qualification spot go to the seventh placed team in the Premier League Manchester United's FA Cup win has secured a place in the Europa League for West Ham. Jesse Lingard's extra-time strike saw the Red Devils beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Wembley on Saturday, denying Alan Pardew's men a place in Europe next season. Having finished fifth in the league, United have already booked a spot in the continental competition next season, meaning the Europa League qualification spot up for grabs in Saturday's final drops to the next unqualified team in the English top flight. As a result, Slaven Bilic's Hammers, who finished seventh in the table, will now have a chance to play in the competition as they will feature in the qualifying round next term, while Southampton, who were sixth, are now sure of a place in the group stage of the tournament, having initially booked

    Mourinho has been out of work since he was sacked by Chelsea in December. With United failing to qualify for the Champions League under Louis van Gaal, the Old Trafford hierarchy is thought to have decided a change is required.  It is understood a deal with 53-year-old Mourinho was agreed in principle before United's FA Cup final win against Crystal Palace on Saturday.  The club plan to announce his arrival early next week after telling Van Gaal, 64, his reign has come to an end.  The Dutchman still has one season remaining on his three-year deal, but despite spending £250m on new players, his tenure has disappointed many fans, the club finishing fourth and then fifth in the Premier League.  Van Gaal's grip on his job has seemed increasingly fragile this season, with Mourinho known to covet the task of masterminding a revival at United three years after legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down.  Mourinho is one of the game's most

  Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has refused to discuss his future amid growing reports he will leave the club and be replaced by Jose Mourinho. When asked whether the FA Cup final win over Crystal Palace would be his final match in charge, he told a press conference: "I show you the cup. I don't discuss it with my friends in the media who already sack me for six months. "I do not want to talk about leaving." Source: Goal

The Belgium international says he has made a decision about where he will play his football next season Romelu Lukaku has refused to rule out a return to Chelsea after confirming he has made up his mind on whether he will leave Everton before next season. The striker, who hit 25 goals in 46 appearances for Everton despite the club having a disappointing campaign, has been linked with some of Europe's biggest clubs. Lukaku's father Roger recently said he believes Bayern Munich would be a good fit for his son, but the 23-year-old would not be drawn on his decision. "There are a number of clubs that have shown an interest in signing me," Lukaku, who left Chelsea for Goodison Park on a permanent basis in 2014, told HLN . "I have already made a decision for myself, but I will keep it to myself at this stage." Lukaku, who has been named in Belgium's squad for the upcoming Euro 2016 tournament, added that staying in the Premier Lea

FA Cup final | Wembley Stadium | Attendance: 88,610 | Scorers: Puncheon 78', Mata 81', Lingard 111' Manchester United’s 12-year wait to win the FA Cup is over after Louis van Gaal’s men came from behind to secure a dramatic and exhilarating extra-time victory over Crystal Palace. Jason Puncheon opened the scoring late in the second half, but the Reds mustered a display of fighting spirit and drew level just three minutes later through Juan Mata. After Chris Smalling was sent off in extra time, Academy graduate Jesse Lingard hit a stunning winner that will be remembered for countless years to come. Although it has been a disappointing season in the Barclays Premier League, after finishing fifth and missing out on Champions League qualification, success in the FA Cup has provided genuine cause for celebration among everybody associated with United. Particularly for the fans, who have craved this trophy in the dozen years since the club’s last