The Independent - Football
Manchester United ready to sell Luke Shaw for £20m in January
Despite paying over £30m three-and-a-half years ago it is understood United would be willing to accept as much as £10m less now
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Manchester United great Gary Neville hints at new role for Zlatan Ibrahimovic
men - Sport
Manchester United great Gary Neville hints at new role for Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Man Utd great Gary Neville has given his verdict on Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic's battle to be the main man at Old Trafford.
Fans at Russia 2018 World Cup will be allowed to fly rainbow flags
The Independent - Football
Fans at Russia 2018 World Cup will be allowed to fly rainbow flags
Homosexuality was illegal in Russia until 1993 but there still remains strong anti-gay sentiment
Watch What Happened When Cavani Asked Neymar For Penalty Once Again
BlameFootball
Watch What Happened When Cavani Asked Neymar For Penalty Once Again
REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
Since the advent of Neymar to PSG, the argument over who would take free-kicks and penalties were prevalent, with Edinson Cavani being the counterpart.
The first occurrence was marked in September as the French capital won against Lyon. Nonetheless, it was followed on numerous other occasions. There was even a time when the former Catalan pleaded the Uruguayan to take a penalty.
With the dispute’s exposure getting greater every day, it was settled temporarily as the 25-year-old evidently won the battle and started taking penalties further.
Watch: What Will Happen If Neymar Joins Real Madrid?
However, a peculiar incident materialised last night as the Parisiens squared off against Troyes in a league fixture. Prior to the half-time interval, the Parc des Princes outfit was awarded a penalty, and accordingly, Neymar picked up the ball intending to score a goal, with his side still tied 0-0.
However, the Uruguay international bravely stepped up and asked his teammate to take it, and surprising the supporters around the world, the 25-year-old obliged.
Watch More: What Neymar Told Rashford In The Tunnel Prior To International Friendly
Regardless, the former Napoli forward missed the shot unfortunately. Here’s a glimpse of the incident:
PSG win a penalty. Cavani asks Neymar if he can take it.
You can guess what happened next… 
pic.twitter.com/Eq2PhD8vTI
— Goal (@goal) November 29, 2017
The incident event was expectedly followed by reactions on Twitter. A few claims that Neymar is a better candidate when it comes to penalty kicks rather than Cavani, and should hence let the Brazilian take up the responsibility.
Cavani should just leave penalty duties to Neymar.. he misses again
— Olayinka ~ CFC (@Mr_Yinkuse) November 29, 2017
Neymar go kill Cavani if he near penalty again…
— 'ωαιε
(@walejobbs) November 29, 2017
Cavani missed PK 
I tot Neymar was meant to handle such duties
— Theo Royalty (@Dr_Royalty) November 29, 2017
Nevertheless, the gaffer is positive that the duo will get along eventually and had recently conceded that the pair “need each other” to succeed at the Parc des Princes.
Emery spoke further, saying: “Neymar and Edinson both possess the quality to be the best in the world. Their characters heavily influence their performances on the pitch.”
Although there hasn’t been much dispute between the attacking duo, if they were to get along, PSG’s offence could shape up like never before, as they’d be having the calibre to perform even better exquisite plays. The boss, along with supporters, is confident that that day will arrive sooner or later.
Written by Hritwik NE
Passionate writer, coated in Blue.
The post Watch What Happened When Cavani Asked Neymar For Penalty Once Again appeared first on BlameFootball.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Premier League live: Follow goal updates from Chelsea vs Swansea, Everton vs West Ham and more!
The Independent - Football
Premier League live: Follow goal updates from Chelsea vs Swansea, Everton vs West Ham and more!
Follow updates from around the grounds
Mourinho Reveals Bizarre Reason Behind Romelu Lukaku’s Poor Form
BlameFootball
Mourinho Reveals Bizarre Reason Behind Romelu Lukaku’s Poor Form
Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Manchester United gaffer, Jose Mourinho believes that ace striker, Romelu Lukaku is undergoing a rough patch in front of goal because he ‘does not have a boot deal’, as per reports.
Lukaku played the full 90 minutes in United’s 2-4 win against Watford last night in which the Belgian forward was spotted wearing a blacked out pair of boots. Multiple images revealed that the striker had coloured in the white Nike tick with a marker.
Inevitably, social media didn’t take long to point out the glaring instance as twitter was flooded with hysterical messages by the fans.
The Special One also found the situation comical as he stated that his main forward’s lack of goals is a consequence of the Belgian not having the ‘right boots’.
Mourinho said, “At this moment he doesn’t have a contract with any brand. That’s why he’s playing with black boots.
“He finished his deal and now he is waiting for the right offer and he is playing in black boots. I think he needs a brand to give him the right boots and to pay him the right money so he goes back to goals.
“But jokes apart, he works amazingly well. Amazing player, amazing professional, great condition, great colleague. I couldn’t be happier with him.”
Lukaku does not has a contract from any brand for his studs and hence is currently in the market looking for a sponsor. Adidas had approached the 24-year-old to sign a 10-year contract but the deal couldn’t materialize, and thus the former Everton star wore a blacked out Nike pair at Vicarage Road.
Written by Sidharth Jindal
Sports fanatic with a passion for writing (predominantly football) and “Wants to live life to its fullest.” Writes about the Premier League on his personal blog.
The post Mourinho Reveals Bizarre Reason Behind Romelu Lukaku’s Poor Form appeared first on BlameFootball.
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
2018 FIFA World Cup draw: Qualifying teams, date, time and how to watch
ESPN FC News
2018 FIFA World Cup draw: Qualifying teams, date, time and how to watch
Watch the best and worst scenarios from the draw.
Watch the best and worst scenarios from the draw.
The draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place on Dec. 1 at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow. It will start at 10 a.m. ET/3 p.m. GMT -- 6 p.m. local time in Moscow.
How can I watch?
In the U.S., Fox have the rights in English, while Telemundo will have them in Spanish. The BBC and ITV will show it in the U.K. and FIFA's official website will have a live stream.
ESPN FC will bring you all the latest with a live blog as the teams are drawn, and in the U.S. you can...Chilembe keen on CAPS return
Sport – The Standard
Chilembe keen on CAPS return
FORMER CAPS United captain Laughter Chilembe has expressed his desire to have another dance with his former club and reunite with his former teammate and current head coach Lloyd Chitembwe.
The post Chilembe keen on CAPS return appeared first on The Standard.
Manchester United line up vs Watford includes Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial and Marcos Rojo
men - Sport
Manchester United line up vs Watford includes Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial and Marcos Rojo
Man Utd vs Watford Premier League team news includes Eric Bailly and Phil Jones missing out.
Carlos Tevez could be offered a new £34m-a-year contract despite flopping at Shanghai Shenhua
The Independent - Football
Carlos Tevez could be offered a new £34m-a-year contract despite flopping at Shanghai Shenhua
The 33-year-old has struggled since moving to China from Boca Juniors and was recently left out of the Shenhua squad for both legs of the Chinese FA Cup final
Potential Lineups: Watford vs Manchester United
BlameFootball
Potential Lineups: Watford vs Manchester United
Reuters / Eddie Keogh
Disregarding the fact that the victory was facilitated by their opponent’s mistake, Manchester United celebrated the triumph against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 1-0 victory had a positive impact on the players, and it would indubitably influence their performances on their next fixture, as they are now ready to take on Watford on a Tuesday night away-fixture.
With eight points separating them from the team on top, the Old Trafford outfit will not be rooting for a victory but indeed a triumph with a great margin to separate them from the opposition, in the hopes of bettering the gap between them and Manchester City.
Manchester United:
Jose Mourinho has reportedly reassembled Matteo Darmian, Daley Blind and Jesse Lingard to the squad for the Premier League fixture. However, Luke Shaw, Marouane Fellaini and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were not among the travelling squad, according to MEN. Club captain Michael Carrick is still building his fitness after having a cardiac ablation to deal with an irregular heart rhythm.
Dropping Darmian, Blind and Lingard for the Brighton fixture, the Portuguese tactician has them well rested and available for the important fixture. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who returned from a long-term injury a week ago, is pushing to start, but the availability of Lukaku could rule out any possibility of that occurring. The Swede marked his appearance in three previous games of the Red Devils, albeit as a substitute.
Mourinho recently spoke of Watford: “They have an unusual squad for a mid-table team. They have a squad full of very good players who are not normal to be in these mid-table teams. They have a good coach. They have improved a lot from last season too.”
Potential lineup:
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
Defenders: Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo, Ashley Young
Midfielders: Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial, Juan Mata, Rashford
Striker: Romelu Lukaku
Reuters / Eddie Keogh
Watford:
Having won the last two games, the Vicarage Road outfit will be possessing a positive outlook on the match and would be ridden with confidence as they go up against the Red Giants. Nonetheless, a victory could hardly be easy, even though they could offer much resistance, making it hard for the opposition to snatch away three significant points.
Defender Miguel Britos’s presence is sceptical as he suffered a knock in the 3-0 victory over Newcastle and will be given a late fitness test, according to SkySports. Craig Cathcart (knee) and Younes Kaboul (hamstring), midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah (knee) and forward Isaac Success (knee) are reportedly likely to miss out once more.
Watford have lost 12 of their last 13 games against Manchester United in all competitions, winning the other in the Premier League in this exact fixture last season (3-1).
Potential lineup:
Goalkeeper: Heurelho Gomes
Defenders: Sebastian Prodl, C. Kabasele, Adrian Mariappa
Midfielders: Femenia, Marvin Zeegelaar, A. Doucoure, Tom Cleverley, Will Hughes
Forwards: Richarlison, Andre Gray
Written by Hritwik NE
Passionate writer, coated in Blue.
The post Potential Lineups: Watford vs Manchester United appeared first on BlameFootball.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Manchester United Preparing Shock £179m Move For Premier League Midfielder
BlameFootball
Manchester United Preparing Shock £179m Move For Premier League Midfielder
Reuters / Peter Cziborra
Premier League giants Manchester United have reportedly set their eyes in Tottenham Hotspur and England international Dele Alli.
The 21-year-old sensation has grown up to be one of the best versatile midfielders of the game in a span of just two and a half years since his £5m move from MK Dons to Spurs in 2015.
Regarded as a future great, Alli has been a vital cog for both Spurs and the national team as he continues to flourish under Mauricio Pochettino. The England star has helped Spurs fight for the league title and this season has been a revelation in the Champions League too.
Alli has certainly attracted the interest of Jose Mourinho, who is keen to add the player in the United ranks. The Portuguese believes that Alli can give him the power to dictate terms on the attacking third and alongside Paul Pogba he could be a serious threat surging ahead and making runs from midfield.
According to a report in Spanish outlet Don Balon, the Old Trafford club are said to bid a mammoth £179m for the youngster.
United broke their transfer record last season when they bought Paul Pogba from Juventus and this summer too they paid a hefty sum to get Romelu Lukaku from Everton.
If they manage to sign Alli, then it will not only break their banks once again but also make the player the 2nd most costliest player in the world after Neymar, who moved to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona this season for a remarkable £198m move.
Spurs on the other hand will definitely be reluctant to sell their star player to a direct domestic rival, but United could tempt them with the relative amount stated.
The London club needs to win trophies to keep their best players at the club and this season is vital for them. After Kyle Walker’s departure to Manchester City, the likes of Alli and Harry Kane are the latest players to garner interest from the biggest clubs.
Written by Rajdeep Saha
Sports journalist with stints across print, digital and television. Contribution to each medium has been thrilling. Experienced in writing for this passionate game called football. Journalist by choice and passion.
The post Manchester United Preparing Shock £179m Move For Premier League Midfielder appeared first on BlameFootball.
Fans Are Not Happy With The Decision FA Took On Lukaku Ban Over Alleged Kick At Brighton Player
BlameFootball
Fans Are Not Happy With The Decision FA Took On Lukaku Ban Over Alleged Kick At Brighton Player
Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Discipline is a vital cog that keeps the great game going, which is why it is no surprise that strict action is taken against offenders.
The more serious cases, of course, are the ones of racial abuse or physical harm, both of which big names likes Terry and Suarez have been found guilty of in the past.
A similar case seemed to be in the making during Saturday’s 1-0 victory of Manchester United over Brighton, as striker Romelu Lukaku came under the undue limelight for allegedly kicking defender Gaetan Bong.
However, the Football Association won’t be taking any action on the Belgian for the alleged incident. The same reportedly happened in a manner that match referee Neil Swarbrick was unable to view, which led to much uproar.
Since then, the Association referred the case to three ex-Premier League referees for an independent review on Monday. In order for the 24-year-old to come under disciplinary action, each of the three should have given a decision believing the action was worthy of a sending off.
READ MORE: What’s Happening Between Lukaku And Ibrahimovic
Fortunately for Lukaku, that didn’t appear to be the case, and he was let off with a clean chit. Premier League fans are not happy with the decision, as a guilty verdict would have led to a three-game domestic ban, with the highly anticipated derby against Manchester City most prominent on the list.
Seriously, how the hell has #Lukaku got away with this? He tried to kick a player TWICE and succeeded once. There is no debate to be had.
The more you watch it, the more baffling the decision! pic.twitter.com/NcubVguBSZ
— Tom (@twochoicestom) November 27, 2017
BREAKING NEWS: Romelu Lukaku will face NO ACTION for kicking another player, because he plays for Man Utd and Jose Mourinho would prefer if he didn't.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) November 27, 2017
But if he was playing for @ChelseaFC then he would of faced a 10 match ban. Just shows you!!! Imagine if that was @diegocosta !!! Twice I remember Diego got suspended. Once against Liverpool & the other against Arsenal. 1 rule for Chelsea & 1 rule for the others.
— Chelsea FC Fan Club (@ConteBlueArmy) November 27, 2017
Remember when Aguero got suspended for 3 games 3 games before the derby for nothing? I wonder if the @FA will punish lukaku this time for attempting to kick a guy 3 times in a row https://t.co/eJFKv4yWEg
— CityFan98 (@MoAl49796916) November 26, 2017
Having scored 12 goals in all competitions since making his move from Everton, the big man has been one of the most successful signings of the summer.
His impeccable form did meet a long drought of goals till their match against Newcastle, and saw another goalless ninety minutes in front of Brighton. He may have escaped punishment now, but if goals don’t start flowing in plenty again, a bigger problem might be at hand.
Written by Naveen Kelvin
A writer trying to craft the poetry within football. Purpose in life is to Make Good Art.
The post Fans Are Not Happy With The Decision FA Took On Lukaku Ban Over Alleged Kick At Brighton Player appeared first on BlameFootball.
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Celtic reinstate domestic supremacy with Scottish League Cup final victory over Motherwell
The Independent - Football
Celtic reinstate domestic supremacy with Scottish League Cup final victory over Motherwell
Motherwell 0 Celtic 2: Brendan Rodgers added another trophy to the cabinet but was thankful to a controversial red card for Motherwell's Cedric Kipre which led to a penalty
Manchester United fans surprised Jose Mourinho vs Brighton
men - Sport
Manchester United fans surprised Jose Mourinho vs Brighton
Man Utd were unconvincing in their Premier League victory vs Brighton and Jose Mourinho was surprised by the reaction among fans.
Alan Pardew confirms West Brom talks: 'I've had talks with them, obviously it is an attractive job'
The Independent - Football
Alan Pardew confirms West Brom talks: 'I've had talks with them, obviously it is an attractive job'
The former Crystal Palace manager has said that the West Brom manager's job is 'attractive' and that he has held talks with the club over replacing Tony Pulis
Criticised Man Utd Superstar Linked With Surprise Return To Former Club
BlameFootball
Criticised Man Utd Superstar Linked With Surprise Return To Former Club
Reuters/Carl Recine
Man Utd superstar Henrikh Mkhitaryan could be on his away back to Bundesliga with former club Borussia Dortmund ready to re-sign him.
The Armenian international who made his way into the Old Trafford back in 2016 soon became one of the club’s most integral players and centres of creativity on the pitch. Mkhitaryan was one of United’s standout performers from last season and quickly became a fan-favourite.
Unfortunately, despite a seemingly perfectly start to the campaign this time around, the talented forward has failed to maintain his run of form and has thus been dropped out of the match day squad multiple times by boss Jose Mourinho.
The Armenia international was also subjected to harsh criticism by the gaffer who has went on to openly say the player’s output has been “decreasing step by step”.
The former Dortmund star has registered a mediocre 2 goals in 16 appearances across all competitions and has fallen down Mourinho’s pecking order.
However, the Red Devil’s former club are not blind to his quality, and are ready to re-sign their former fan-favourite should he depart from Manchester. According to BBC Sport, Dortmund is a likely destination for the skilled wideman in that event.
The German side have a history of importing their former players back to Borussia with Mario Götze and Shinji Kagawa being the prime examples of the trend.
Nevertheless, it is very unlikely that the Portuguese boss would to willing to let go of such a talented player due to a mere drop of form. The 28-year-old is the best creative option the former Real Madrid boss has at Old Trafford and would likely want to hold on to it.
Written by Ashish Sreejith
Have had two addictions in life- playing football and watching football. Usually described as introverted but not when it comes to speaking and writing about the beautiful game of football.
The post Criticised Man Utd Superstar Linked With Surprise Return To Former Club appeared first on BlameFootball.
Jurgen Klopp believes delayed Adam Lallana substitution would have prevented Chelsea's late equaliser
The Independent - Football
Jurgen Klopp believes delayed Adam Lallana substitution would have prevented Chelsea's late equaliser
The Reds were told to wait to make their changes before Willian scored
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Barcelona To Offer Ozil £350,000 A Week To Fend Off Competition
BlameFootball
Barcelona To Offer Ozil £350,000 A Week To Fend Off Competition
REUTERS/Albert Gea
Barcelona have stepped up their efforts to lure Arsenal superstar Mesut Özil to the Nou Camp with a new bumper deal.
The German’s contract negotiations with the Gunners have prolonged beyond normal circumstances, and him staying seems like an unlikely possibility now. Özil is reportedly demanding a £300,000-a-week deal to extend his stay at the Emirates, which the club is reluctant to offer.
However, the London-based giants may have to brace themselves for an incoming bid from Barca, who, according to Mirror, have a £350,000-a-week deal waiting for the midfield maestro at Catalonia, should he decide to make the switch.
This development seems to be the result of interest from Manchester United, who are one of the clubs the German is interested to sign for in the event of a departure from North London.
Further, Inter Milan are also one of the interested parties in the 2014 World Cup champion’s services, and are open to table a bid around the region of £45 million.
Reuters / Andrew Couldridge
The former Real Madrid man received a lot of harsh criticism, and even abuse from the Arsenal faithful following some of his questionable performances last season, making a switch of clubs understandable.
However, with the 29-year-old making a stunning comeback this season, Arséne Wenger might want to consider keeping arguably his best player.
Özil is heading into the last months of his current contract with the Londoners, and will be open to sign pre-contracts in January.
Written by Ashish Sreejith
Have had two addictions in life- playing football and watching football. Usually described as introverted but not when it comes to speaking and writing about the beautiful game of football.
The post Barcelona To Offer Ozil £350,000 A Week To Fend Off Competition appeared first on BlameFootball.
Premier League: Man United in the hunt for City
ESPN FC News
Premier League: Man United in the hunt for City
Craig Burley recaps Saturday's action in the Premier League, as Man United picked up a big win in their chase to catch City.
Tottenham vs West Brom - live: What time is it on, where can I watch it, team news, preview, odds, prediction
The Independent - Football
Tottenham vs West Brom - live: What time is it on, where can I watch it, team news, preview, odds, prediction
A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at Wembley
Friday, November 24, 2017
Kouyate pulls West Ham level just before halftime
ESPN FC News
Kouyate pulls West Ham level just before halftime
English Premier League: Cheikhou Kouyate (45') West Ham 1-1 Leicester City
Pep Guardiola reveals how he first discovered Man City's latest star
men - Sport
Pep Guardiola reveals how he first discovered Man City's latest star
Phil Foden became the 31st player to be handed a debut by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
David Unsworth turns on Everton players after humbling 5-1 Europa League defeat to Atalanta
The Independent - Football
David Unsworth turns on Everton players after humbling 5-1 Europa League defeat to Atalanta
Unsworth has now lost four and won just one of his six games in temporary charge
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Harry Kane admits he will have to listen to his body as Tottenham Hotspur's workload piles up
The Independent - Football
Harry Kane admits he will have to listen to his body as Tottenham Hotspur's workload piles up
The striker insists he is '100 per cent' fit despite rushing back from injury for the north London derby
Arsenal qualify for Europa League last-32 despite defeat in Cologne
The Independent - Football
Arsenal qualify for Europa League last-32 despite defeat in Cologne
FC Koln 1 Arsenal 0: The visitors were reliant on a 0-0 draw between BATE Borisov and Red Star Belgrade to secure progress on Thursday night
