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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...

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...

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, Andre...

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 ...

  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 ...

    Manchester United won the FA Cup for the first time since 2004 thanks to Jesse Lingard's extra-time winner against Crystal Palace at Wembley. United hit the woodwork through a Marouane Fellaini shot and an Anthony Martial header but went behind when Jason Puncheon drove in an angled shot. Juan Mata volleyed in an equaliser 175 seconds later before Chris Smalling was sent off for United. However, substitute Lingard thumped in a winner after 110 minutes.

The Hero Is Lingard   Jason Puncheon left the Eagles with one hand on the cup with a late goal, but Juan Mata struck back instantly before the young winger wrote his name into the history books A brilliant strike from Jesse Lingard took Manchester United to their first silverware in almost three years, as the Red Devils triumphed 2-1 over Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final. United fell behind to substitute Jason Puncheon's 78th-minute strike, but Juan Mata levelled within 180 seconds to take the game to extra time. Chris Smalling – earlier embroiled in controversy after hauling back a goal-bound Connor Wickham – saw red just before the end of the first additional 15 minutes following a foul on Yannick Bolasie, but substitute Lingard proved the Reds hero   as they etched their name on the famous trophy for a record-equalling 12th time and first since 2004,   casting aside pre-match speculation...

  The Spanish champions have strengthened their relationship with the illustrious sports brand, signing a new contract to further their partnership which started in 1998 Barcelona have extended their sponsorship deal with Nike, which was due to expire in June 2018. The Spanish champions first teamed up with the American sportswear giant in 1998 and both parties have now agreed on a new long-term agreement. A Barca statement read: "Barcelona and Nike have extended their current sponsorship deal, which was due to end on 30 June 2018. The long-term agreement is a landmark in global football and builds upon a highly successful partnership. "The details of the agreement will be reported and will have to be ratified at the next General Assembly. "Barcelona and Nike signed their first partnership agreement back in 1998 and have experienced two decades of extraordinary football together, with the club winning four Champions Leagues, 10 Ligas, four editi...

FULL PROFILE Full name: Oluwaseyi Babajide Ojo Height: 1.85cm (5 ft 10 inches) Date of birth: 19 June 1997 (Age 18) Place of birth:  Hemel Hempstead, England Position:  Winger Oluwaseyi Babajide Ojo is a Nigerian Born Professional football Player who plays for English side Liverpool and currently represents England at youth team levels. Born in Hemel Hempstead, England, his name "Babajide" is a variant form of the Yoruba name: Babatunde, meaning "Father returns" or "Father comes back to life" He joined the MK Dons academy when he was 10 years old.At age 13, Ojo had played for the Dons' U18 side and was training with the first team squad. During his time at the club Ojo became the first MK Dons trainee to receive an international cap at youth level.  On 11 November 2011, Liverpool beat off competition from a host of Europe's top clubs including a multi-million pound offer from Chelsea to sign him, then 14, f...

FULL PROFILE Full name: Oluwafikayomi Oluwadamilola "Fikayo" Tomori Height: 1.85cm (6 ft 1 inch) Date of birth: 19 December 1997 (Age 18) Place of birth: Calgary, Canada Position: Defender Oluwafikayomi Oluwadamilola "Fikayo" Tomori (born 19 December 1997) is a professional footballer who plays for Chelsea as a defender, is a Nigerian Born footballer with Multiple Nationalities having being born in Calgary, Canada and England through his upbringing having lived in the country since he was 8 years and of course Nigeria through his Parents. Tomori joined Chelsea at U8 level and progressed through the clubs academy system. He was part of the Chelsea youth side which recorded back to back triumphs in both the UEFA Youth League and the FA Youth Cup in 2015 and 2016. On 11 May 2016, Tomori was named upon the first-team substitute bench along with fellow academy players Kasey Palmer and Tammy Abraham, in Chelsea's 1–1 draw at anfield wi...