It is funny how quickly things can change in football.
Luke Shaw looked certain to be leaving Manchester United in January earlier this season, but the left-back appears to have turned the corner in recent weeks.
Indeed, Antonio Valencia’s injury and Ashley Young’s recent suspension has seen Shaw enjoy his best run in the first team for some time.
The Englishman has now started each of United’s last three Premier League matches, and he has begun to show signs of his best form for the Red Devils.
Shaw, who is rated at £16.2m by transfermarkt.co.uk, was again impressive in United’s 2-0 win at Everton on New Year’s Day.
Rampaging down the left, the defender caused Everton a host of problems when he linked with Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial in the final third of the field.
Shaw has always had the support of the United fans, and many were on hand to hail his performance in the win at Everton on Monday afternoon.
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A selection of the best Twitter reaction can be found below:
The sight of Manuel Pellegrini prowling the technical box, as opposed to Roberto Mancini in his blue and white scarf, will take a few games for City fans to get used to.
As usual at the Etihad though, the transfer window has seen a great deal of investment in the playing squad.
How Pellegrini gets the four new attackers integrated with the team he has inherited will be interesting to see.
If he gets it right, they could well be in title contention, and might even progress pass the group stages of the Champions League.
Players out: Wayne Bridge (Reading) Free, Jeremy Helan (Sheffield Wednesday) Undisclosed, Maicon (Roma) Undisclosed, Filippo Mancini (Released), Ryan McGivern (Hibernian) Free, Karim Rekik (PSV Eindhoven) Loan, Roque Santa Cruz (Malaga) Free, Carlos Tevez (Juventus) £12m, Kolo Toure (Liverpool) Free, Reece Wabara (Doncaster) Loan.
Player to watch: Edin Dzeko – Pellegrini has already stated he likes the forward Mancini preferred to use off the bench. And the Bosnian’s four goals in pre-season suggest he is raring to go in the Premier League, where there is no doubt he has the ability to score regularly.
Young player to watch: Stevan Jovetic – the 23-year-old was signed for £22million and was courted by a host of other European clubs before he decided to move to Manchester. He scored 13 goals in 34 games for Fiorentina last season, which is roughly a goal every three games. Should the Montenegrin find his feet in the Premier League he could certainly be starting games for City and he could certainly be causing problems for opponents.
Player needing to improve: Micah Richards – the powerful defender has undoubted ability. It is more his ability to stay injury-free that needs improving. If he can, he will provide great competition for Pablo Zabaleta and may even have the opportunity to move into the heart of City’s defence.
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With football’s silly season already in full swing and rumour abound that players and managers alike will be seeking pastures new, experienced fans are starting to see a familiar pattern emerging.
Overinflated transfers fees, shock bids for unknown quantities and Harry Redknapp denying links to every player under the sun are just some of the qualities fans await with anticipation, all while the Sky Sports News team has a heart attack providing 24 hour coverage to all and sundry.
The Premier League’s biannual centrepiece is as theatrical as it is uncompromising but amidst all the gossip and intrigue, there’s a sense of inevitability when awaiting the transfer window’s trademark features.
While it may provide a wonderful attraction to football lovers worldwide, every year supporters soon remember how predictable the whole process has become. Below is a gallery of scenes that fans can expect to witness before the window slams shut at the end of August.
Click on Jim White to unveil the 15 things we can expect from the transfer window
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The Champions League final is the most important fixture in the season for those involved, therefore injury problems are a club’s worst nightmare.
Liverpool have had a fair few fitness problems of late, and it seems that Emre Can will be unavailable for the showpiece against Real Madrid in Kiev on May 26.
Merseyside football reporter for The Telegraph, Chris Bascombe, has revealed that the midfielder is still nursing a back injury.
Can has not played for Liverpool since the club’s 5-0 rout over Watford on March 17.
Throughout his injury absence, there have ben rumblings about the midfielder’s future.
The 24-year-old, who has earned 20 caps for Germany, has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield due to the fact that he has not signed a new contract.
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Can’s current terms expire this summer, and it seems that a large number of fans have accepted that he is heading out the exit door.
Following the latest news about the midfielder’s injury problems, Liverpool fans have tweeted their thoughts.
Mesut Ozil is a mutant. Half man, half fly, he buzzes around and floats wistfully over the game. Now and then he comes into life and does something that no mere human could do.
Over the last two seasons, though, Ozil hasn’t sparked into life as much as people thought he might. For such a hefty £42.5m price tag, explosive and great things were expected of the German former Real Madrid man, but he hasn’t reached those heights yet. Alexis Sanchez’s first season at the Emirates showed exactly how you settle in a new country, and Ozil didn’t match that standard in his debut season.
But let’s be fair to Ozil. He came into the club with big expectations on his shoulders, not only was he the club’s record signing, but he was arguably Wenger’s only ‘big’ signing at Arsenal, at the time at least. And Ozil has had some fairly large personal issues to deal with in the meantime too, including being sued by his own father.
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And with all this on his shoulders, it’s not like he’s been bad. He’s just not been awesome. But I think that might change this season.
There’s a lot of optimism around the Emirates this summer, and Arsenal feel they have their best chance in years of challenging for the Premier League title. If Wenger can add another big signing, as he has done for the previous two summers, then optimism will rise again.
And Ozil should be optimistic too. He started to approach his best towards the end of last season when Arsenal themselves were in magnificent form on their way to lifting the FA Cup and nominally challenging Chelsea for the title. He’s played well in pre-season, too.
And with confidence high at Arsenal, Ozil will thrive. Everyone knows that forwards thrive on confidence, but confident forwards make confident runs. They run into positions they feel like they can score from, and if there’s one man in the Premier League who can pick out a runner, it’s the not-quite-human Ozil. With his fly-eyes he can see things on a different frequency to everyone else.
It must be wonderful for a forward like Giroud to know that if you make a clever run and outfox defenders, you won’t outfox your own teammate too. But seeing the run is one thing, getting the ball there is entirely another thing, and Ozil is pretty damn good at that too.
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So even if he hasn’t matched his price tag just yet, with personal problems behind him, a few seasons of Premier League football under his belt and a plethora of exciting and confident players playing around him, this could be the season for Ozil to really show everyone why Wenger paid so much money to bring him to London.
This could be the season that Ozil stops wistfully buzzing around the game and starts actually taking control of it. If he does, Arsenal could be a team to fear, even if they don’t manage any more signings this summer.
Had English football not been so overall dormant this year, with Manchester United comfortably winning the Premier League title and none of the top four significantly impacting upon the Champions League, you’d argue that the succession of retirements at Old Trafford from players past and present was an attempt by the Red Devils to steal someone else’s thunder.
Perhaps that is a rather cynical view, considering the members of the now famous class of ’92 have reached, and arguably surpassed their natural age of expiration as footballers, but this season will mark the final chapters in the on-pitch careers of David Beckham and Paul Scholes, with the possibility of Phil Neville joining them, in addition to Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure in the United dugout.
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It will be the end of an illustrious era for one of Europe’s biggest footballing institutions, with Ferguson and his boys claiming 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League trophies. The Scot’s natural successor, his fellow countryman David Moyes, faces a tall order in terms of boots to fill, but will be desperately eager from the start of next season to continue the supply line of silverware to the Old Trafford trophy cabinet.
Although it will be titles upon which Moyes’ tenure is judged most, he will also be expected to continue the effective running of many other aspects of the club, most notably the scouting and development of youth players, in addition to the continuation of Manchester United as an institutional force in the world of football, as well as the world of commerce which accompanies it.
With the benefits of consistency and longevity always being the key at Old Trafford, and easily visible throughout the current season as United have stood firm whilst the other Premier League big boys have failed to maintain form, it begs the question as to whether the incoming United boss should keep the experience, knowledge and connection to the club provided by Paul Scholes and Phil Neville within the realms of Carrington, by making them part of his managerial staff and back room team.
The initial concern with former players moving into coaching, is whether or not they can transfer their abilities on the pitch into abilities in the dugout or on the training ground. Of course, technical attributes will have little bearing -unfortunately for Paul Scholes but rather luckily for Phil Neville- however, Moyes will be more interested in the two former United players bringing their ethos, determination, discipline and professionalism shown throughout their playing days to the practice pitches and backrooms at Carrington.
Both players have their respective backers to continue their football careers as coaches, with Moyes tipping the now former Everton captain to be a successful manager in the near future, whilst Ferguson already employed Scholes as a coach at Old Trafford during his first bout of retirement, and has often been linked with managerial vacancies at his favoured club Oldham throughout the twilight of his career.
Yet overall, the pair are clearly inexperienced when it comes to the world of management. Neville has accompanied his former boss at Goodison in the dugout on occasion towards the tail-end of the current campaign, leading to suggestions that he would become Moyes’ successor next season, but he is yet to undertake any official training ground responsibilities in any form, whilst Scholes has just a six month period of coaching at Carrington under his belt.
It’s a sharp contrast to the current berth of talents that make up Sir Alex Ferguson’s staff, Mike Phelan, Mick Phelan, Tony Strudwick, Rene Muelensteen, Eric Steele and Paul McGuiness for example, all of whom have a wealth of experience and took up roles with other clubs first, learning their trade the hard way rather than having the opportunity to work for one of Europe’s footballing superpowers handed to them following their retirement, in addition to many but not all attaining University degrees in their respective fields.
But then again, the potential hiring of Scholes and Neville would be no ordinary appointments; both were members of the class of ’92, the generation of academy talent that has gone on to underpin the vast majority of Sir Alex Ferguson’s successes, and have felt and witnessed more than anyone the benefits and integral nature of United’s youth system and the importance of an overall philosophy of determination to succeed.
Similarly, the former has made 718 appearances for the Red Devils, a feat only beaten by Bobby Charlton and Ryan Giggs, whilst the latter also turned out on 386 occasions for his boyhood club. Together, both have amassed a total of 125 international caps for England and have a collective total in terms of silverware of 17 Premier League titles, 6 FA Cups and 3 Champions League trophies. They not only carry with them the Ferguson mentality, but more importantly in terms of longevity, represent the English core that makes the Manchester United identity – an unquantifiable intrinsic value that is often regarded as being the key to long-term successes at Old Trafford.
On the other hand, with the key words regarding the transition between Ferguson’s and Moyes’ tenures being longevitiy, consistency and stability, there is something rather paradoxical about the notion of the former Toffees boss bringing in two new recruits to his coaching team. The potential appointments will come at the expense of some of the old heads, with Rene Muelensteen already considering stepping down, and the possibility that Moyes will ask Mike Phelan, currently the assistant at Old Trafford, to resign to make room for his own choice of right-hand man.
Losing these two influential figures will have a bigger effect in a negative sense in terms of the club’s legacy and continuation of progress behind the scenes in comparison to the effect Scholes and Neville could have in a positive sense. Furthermore, you feel that Moyes, who will surely go with a policy of evolution rather than revolution, would benefit more in terms of advice from the current Manchester staff, who’ve on the most part been at the club for a decade or longer, rather than two former players.
But as i’ve stated before, these are no regular former players. They live and breathe the ethos, philosophy and mentality of Manchester United as a football club, and the extension of their playing careers into their late 30’s is only further evidence of their level-headedness, undying professionalism and commitment to the game itself.
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Both are media-shy and have constantly avoided the whirlwind of the glitz and glamour of late-night call girls and heavy drinking sessions that lands modern players in the front pages of tabloids and red tops more often than the back, and if only a small amount of their talent and mentality were to rub off on the next batch of exciting Red Devils’ academy products, it will not be long before another class of ’92 comes to dominate the Premier League and the England national team.
In essence, they are perfect role models in many ways, on and off the pitch, and for that reason alone, David Moyes should strongly consider making them a part of the club next season. The appointment of former players has worked in the past for Sir Alex Ferguson – Bryan Robson and Steve McLaren to name a few – and there’s no reason it can’t continue to be a prosperous venture under his successor.
Although the outgoing Everton gaffer will be intent on making the transition between himself and Ferguson as subtle as possible, it is undoubtedly a new era at Manchester United, and he should use the opportunity for change to bring some fresh blood into the management staff. They could well go on to succeed Moyes in the distant future, and further continue United’s longevity in cultural, philosophical, and historical terms, in addition to prolonging their successes on the pitch.
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The premier league have re-iterated their desire for Premier League teams to shake hands before a game, according to the Guardian.
This is despite anxieties over certain players refusing to shake hands with one another a succession of games in the Premier League this forthcoming September. The first match of concern is between Chelsea and QPR at Stamford Bridge on September 15th. It is though that Rangers’ defender Antonio Ferdinand will refuse to shake hands with Chelsea captain John Terry after the racist allegations made against Terry which resulted both men being embroiled in a dramatic court case over the summer.
The weekend after the West London derby is a clash between fierce rivals Liverpool and Manchester United. This rivalry was intensified even further at Old Trafford last season when Liverpool striker Luis Suarez refused to shake the hand of United defender Patrice Evra following a race row which resulted in Suarez picking up an eight match ban over the Christmas period.
In addition to this, the match between Chelsea and Manchester United on October 28th may cause even more controversy, when John Terry matches up against United defender and older brother of Anton, Rio Ferdinand. Rio is also thought to be angered by Chelsea defender Ashley Cole’s decision to testify in favour of his teammate Terry in court in July. As a consequence of this, Rio landed himself in hot water so the FA when he labelled Cole as a ‘choc-ice’ on the social networking site Twitter.
The Premier League introduced the handshake for the 2008/09 campaign as a goodwill gesture. However, it first attracted attention during a match between Chelsea and Manchester City in February 2010 when City defender Wayne Bridge refused to shake the hand of John Terry following Terry’s affair with Bridge’s wife.
Before the beginning of the season the Premier League did give its 20 member clubs the option of removing the pre-match ritual of the handshake. However, all clubs were unanimous in agreeing that it should remain.
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For years, Arsenal have been regular competitors in the Champions League, but it was the Europa League that was made hugely important for the club this season.
With the North London outfit 13 points adrift of the top four, their only route to the elite competition was by winning the second-tiered version.
Arsenal had to get past Atletico Madrid to reach the final, but they shot themselves in the foot during the first leg when some poor defending resulted in an equaliser from the Spanish side.
Due to the away goal in the 1-1 draw at the Emirates, Arsenal knew that they needed to score on Thursday night in order to have any hope of progressing into the final.
However, despite spells of dominance in Spain, Arsene Wenger’s men were unable to find the breakthrough, and were later punished by former Chelsea striker Diego Costa, who scored the only goal of the game.
The elimination was made even worse by the fact that it is Wenger’s last season in charge of the North London outfit as he prepares to leave after a two-decade spell this summer.
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On Twitter, a number of Arsenal fans took aim at the Frenchman, claiming that he has now wrecked his legacy, despite the fact that during his tenure he guided the Gunners to three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups.
A free transfer that will cost £8m? Eh? Well Liverpool, according to the Daily Mail, may have to pay up to that for Danny Ings, despite the 22-year-old being out of contract soon.
Due to him being under the age of 24, the Reds will have to reimburse Burnley for their contribution to his development, while Spurs’ cheeky £12m offer may serve to increase the fee needed due to the figure they could have received.
Although a good player, 11 goals in his maiden Premier League campaign is impressive, such a figure for a largely unproven player is a bit of a risk. So, what could the Merseysiders do with the sum should they opt to use the funds in a different way?
Well, here are a few options…
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Bridge the gap for Mateo Kovacic…
Reports suggest Liverpool are willing to pay £12.9m for Kovacic, but with Inter Milan holding out for around £18m, there’s some gap to be bridged.
Taking the Ings money and putting it in the ‘Kovacic kitty’ would close the void between the sides, and allow Liverpool to get in a player to help ease the blow of losing Steven Gerrard.
Sign Yevhen Konoplyanka & Andre Ayew
With £8m in the kitty, moves for free duo Konoplyanka and Ayew could be funded.
The pair are set to be out of contract soon, so without fees the figure it could take to land Ings may be enough to pay off signing on bonuses and large chunks of the players’ salaries.
Okay, neither can play up front, but their additions would give strength in attacking midfield and free up funds to push for a genuine top class centre-forward.
Pay off Brendan Rodgers…
Pay off Rodgers and get in Jurgen Klopp? Sounds tempting, doesn’t it.
Although the Northern Irishman is safe at the minute, his end-of-season review with the club’s owners is looming large, and it’s entirely feasible that the outcome of the meetings could be enough to see the ex-Swansea man ushered out.
Sacking him would command a fee, but £8m would surely be enough to cover that and provide Klopp with a new challenge…
Fund a move for Carlos Tevez
Despite being out of Fenway Sports Group’s desired transfer zone, 31-year-old Tevez is a target for Liverpool, according to reports.
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The Argentine has little in the way of sell-on value, will command massive wages and sizable transfer fee, but getting him in would surely give the short-term boost the Reds need. Just a little more cash than is needed for Ings would likely be enough for the former Premier League champion.
Pay some of Mario Balotelli’s salary to get rid
Reports suggest that Balotelli is wanted by Sampdoria, but his massive £100,000-per-week salary is an issue for the Serie A side.
Although they’re believed to be open to the idea of paying a respectable fee, Liverpool may have to help fund the 24-year-old’s wages to get him off the books, which will command a bit of a fee.
So taking half the Ings figure and giving Divock Origi the nod when he comes back could clear up the Mario problem…
Anders Lindegaard appears to be on his way out of United this summer with West Ham still leading the chase for his signature.
The Danish goalkeeper was not in the matchday squad for last night’s 2-2 Premier League draw at Upton Park, sparking fresh rumours that he could be lining up for the Hammers next season.
West Ham were linked to Lindegaard back in March when it was reported in Denmark that they had enquired after him and his absence from the bench, when he was fit enough to sit there on Sunday, could be more than just coincidence.
David de Gea’s growing presence in goal has reduced the 29-year-old’s chances while reports that keeper coach Eric Steele is watching Brentford’s Simon Moore may indicate that his time at Old Trafford is up.
Lindegaard has not made a first-team appearance for United since December, when he was not at his best in a 4-3 win over Reading, and recently admitted that his situation is not ideal.
He said on his Betfair blog: “I’m not idiot – I am aware that my situation is not the ultimate dream scenario. But I do my very best every day to keep me as sharp as possible both for myself and for the team. When one day I do play again, it would be inexcusable not to have prepared myself in the best way as possible.”
Lindegaard has not played for Denmark in over two years and has lost his place in the squad to Leicester City’s Kasper Schmeichel.