Manchester United

Fans bid farewell to Manchester United and England legend - Sir Bobby Charlton

2023-11-14T00:50:00.000-08:00

A private funeral for Manchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton was held at Manchester Cathedral; thousands of fans lined the apron of Old Trafford to pay their respects as Charlton's funeral cortege drove past; hundreds gathered outside the cathedral with over 1,000 guests.

Bruno's advice that inspired Fred to his best Manchester United game

2020-05-19T01:01:00.001-07:00

Fred has revealed that his teammate Bruno Fernandes inspired his brilliant performance in the Europa League against Club Brugge by telling him to emulate Manchester United legend Paul Scholes.

After a difficult first season in which he struggled to adapt to the Premier League following his £50million move from Shakhtar Donetsk, Fred has quietly become one of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's most important players this season.

The Brazilian has been a crucial cog in the midfield as he offers defensive solidity with a calmness in possession to kick-start attacks.

One thing that has been lacking from Fred's game, however, is goals. His first strike for the club came not long after his arrival in a draw with Wolves but it would be 523 days until he found the back of the net again.

The 27-year-old scored a brace and even bagged an assist in the last-32 second leg tie against Brugge and he has revealed that it was Fernandes' advice that led to his stellar performance.

"Before the game against Brugge, in which I scored two goals, I hadn’t scored a goal this season. We were at the hotel there for lunch, just before the game," Fred told Esporte Interativo.

Manchester United players have new "roles" for Premier League restart

2020-05-19T00:54:00.001-07:00

Even if the Premier League is successful in its plans to push through 'Project Restart' at some stage in June, it won't quite be football as we know it.

The differences will be stark and they'll extend way beyond the lack of supporters in the stands, the facemasks for all non-players and substitutes practising social distancing measures.

Some actual laws of the game have been changed since the spread of coronavirus around the world, with FIFA approving a proposal from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) that said teams should be allowed use five subs as a temporary measure. And while it remains to be seen if the Premier League copies the Bundesliga in implementing the rule when restarting their fixtures, it seems a necessary move given the strain that is going to be placed on players.

But the truth is United have a number of unsung players whose skills may be suited to the new-look football we see over the summer - presuming it goes ahead, as is the Premier League's intention.

The pace of a player like Daniel James, for example, may be key.

Defenders are likely to be a little rusty and could take time to readjust to the high tempo of the Premier League. Although James has been criticised by the United fanbase at times this season, with the perception that he can be a little wasteful in the final third, he has the same number of assists as Jack Grealish, Raul Jimenez, Mo Salah and Nicolas Pepe (six).

Only 10 players have more this season. James has been an unsung but vital cog in the United attack.

Crucial too, to United's renaissance in the second half of the campaign, was Nemanja Matic. And although the return of Pogba, plus the presence of the reliable Fred and Scott McTominay, could mean a less prominent role for the Serbian international, he has already proved a few people wrong this season. United arguably don't have a defensive midfielder as solid as Matic. They will need cover in the middle of the park, in any case.

Sancho Open to Manchester United Move

2020-04-10T12:20:00.003-07:00

Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho reportedly prefers a move to Manchester United over Chelsea and Liverpool because of his budding friendship with Marcus Rashford at international level.

The two attackers became close while on international duty with England and Rashford could play his part in helping Sancho adjust to life at Old Trafford.

Rashford has recently admitted he would like Sancho to help him return the Red Devils to their former glory.The feeling is reciprocated and the Dortmund star is keen to link up with his international team-mate.

Liverpool and Chelsea may be higher in the Premier League table but they struggle to justify shelling out £100million.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted he is using the suspension of the Premier League season to help him work on his transfer targets.The worldwide coronavirus pandemic has the UK on lockdown and fixtures have been postponed indefinitely.

There are talks ongoing which could see matches played behind closed doors from June.Some clubs have been hit hard by the lack of income during the lockdown but Solskjaer insists United will be fine and will still have funds available for transfers.

Manchester United vs Derby County LEAGUE CUP PREVIEW!

2018-09-25T01:17:00.001-07:00

Manchester United vs Derby County- League Cup 25/09/2018

2018-09-25T01:15:00.001-07:00

Frank Lampard is looking forward to facing "hugely influential" former boss Jose Mourinho for the first time as a manager when his Derby side travel to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday.

Mourinho managed Lampard during two spells at Chelsea, winning two Premier Leagues and an FA Cup together.

"It will be nice to see him and go up against one of his teams," said ex-midfielder Lampard.

"We have to give everything."

Lampard signed for Chelsea in 2001 and spent 13 years at the club, while Portuguese Mourinho was in charge at Stamford Bridge between 2004 and 2007, and then again between 2013 and 2015.

The 40-year-old former England international took his first managerial role at Derby in the summer. His side are sixth in the Championship going into Tuesday's 20:00 BST kick-off at United, who are seventh in the Premier League.

"[Mourinho] is a manager who was hugely influential on my career twice - but particularly the first time around," added Lampard.

"I respect him completely for that. You will find Jose Mourinho's players being managers all over the place because he has been so successful in his career.

"They're expected to win, quite rightly so with the squad they've amassed there. It's a challenge for us and we want to go there and do as well as we can." added.

Manchester United v Wolves: Jose Mourinho says he ‘didn’t like’ his team after Old Trafford draw

2018-09-23T00:42:00.004-07:00

“Not a good performance, not a good result but a fair result,” said Mourinho. “Wolves, by the way they faced the game, I think they deserve it. They play like I like to play which is like the World Cup final.

“That is the attitude I like my teams to have in every match. We didn’t have that. They did. That attitude made a difference.” United looked to have weathered a strong opening by Nuno Espirito Santo’s team, most notably when keeper David De Gea made a spectacular save to keep out Willy Boly’s goal-bound header from a Joao Moutinho corner.

That save was all the more important as, within seconds, United were in front after Fred scored his first goal for the club.

French international Paul Pogba touched the ball on skilfully after collecting Conor Coady’s headed clearance, and Fred deposited an unstoppable 18-yard shot into the Wolves goal.

But, by the time they equalised seven minutes into the second half, Nuno’s team was good value for a goal even if it owed much to poor United defending.

Match Preview: Mancheser United vs Wolves

2018-09-19T22:55:00.002-07:00

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been tipped to do well at Old Trafford this weekend - by the opposition!

Fans of Manchester United were impressed by what they saw as Wolves dominated against Burnley at Molineux on Sunday.

The match finished 1-0 with Raul Jimenez's goal securing Wolves' first win in the Premier League on home soil in 2011, but the scoreline should have been more comfortable for the hosts who racked up no fewer than 30 attempts on goal.

Although their finishing left a lot to be desired on occasion, the sheer number of chances Wolves created, and the style of their play in general, made an impression on Red Devils supporters who are predicting their side will have a tough time of it against Nuno Espirito Santo's men on Saturday.

But Sunday's (12am AEST) match at Wolves feels a bit different, with the Red Devils still nowhere near the best and their opponent likely to be fearless.

Wolves under Nuno Espirito Santo have started their Premier League campaign in style, playing an attractive brand of football, gathering eight points from five matches and currently residing in ninth position in the standings - one spot behind Manchester United.

'Everybody could see the potential' - Jose Mourinho on Diogo Dalot debut

2018-09-19T22:48:00.002-07:00

Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United may have found their right-back for the next decade after Diogo Dalot starred on his debut.

The 19-year-old summer signing from Porto impressed as Swiss champions Young Boys were beaten 3-0 at Stade de Suisse to get United's Champions League campaign off to a flying start.

Mourinho said the Portuguese youngster's performance was a glimpse into the future. Dalot had previously played twice for the under-23s since recovering from knee surgery in May.

"For Diogo it was his first match after knee surgery, a very good, solid performance," Mourinho told a news conference. "Everybody could see the potential and he is a 19-year-old player who has more than 10 years to play for Manchester United."

The result in Switzerland meant United have recorded three straight wins for the first time since April and ensured they bounced back after back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Tottenham.

Mourinho's team have a chance to continue their momentum against Wolves at Old Trafford on Saturday before hosting Derby County in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

Classy Pogba Inspires Man Utd To Perfect Start In Europe

2018-09-19T22:45:00.001-07:00

The mental edge José Mourinho praised in the build-up was evident in a Manchester United victory which must surely be the template for the season. Fast, cold-eyed and a concerted unit: these were the key components in their defeat of Young Boys on an artificial pitch flagged up as awkward but which proved a slick surface for United to show their class.

Mourinho pointed to his side’s ruthlessness. “At half-time I told the players this the third time in a row we arrive at half-time winning 2-0. Against Burnley we didn’t finish off but we didn’t concede, against Watford we conceded and were in trouble [winning 2-1]. Today we could have had more of that but our best period was when we scored in the second-half and killed the game.

He had made five changes from the Watford game. There was a rare rest for Alexis Sánchez – he was a substitute – and a debut for Diogo Dalot, the young summer signing from Porto having recovered from a knee injury. Luke Shaw, Fred, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford were the other additions as United set out against an opposition recently crowned Swiss champions for a first time in 32 years. Gerardo Seoane sent his team out in the 4-4-2 that had won their opening six league games in a unbeaten start of 10 games.

This left Mourinho motionless but he was a picture of delight when Pogba coolly doubled the lead from the spot. The referee awarded the penalty after he adjudged Shaw’s cross to have been handled by Kevin Mbabu.

It looked harsh but United hardly cared. This had been their most clinical display this campaign and Mourinho’s half-time order to the players was, as he confirmed, to make sure they kept on keeping on.

Martial soon suggested they would by spinning his man with ease and racing at a flat-footed defence that only just managed to recover. The attacker was again the player to trouble Young Boys when, this time moving along the right, he found Rashford but the No 10’s intended pass to Lukaku lost the ball.

Diogo Dalot profile: Who is Man United teenager in line for debut against Young Boys?

2018-09-19T06:54:00.000-07:00

Jose Mourinho labelled Diogo Dalot, or to give him his full name Jose Diogo Dalot Teixeria, as the "best full-back in Europe" for his age group when he paid Porto £19m for the 19-year-old this summer.

The Portuguese is expected to make his Manchester United debut this evening in their Champions League opener against Young Boys in Switzerland and provide competition for captain Antonio Valencia for the right-back role. But what do we know about the teenager so far?

Career to date

The Braga-born full-back joined Porto's academy as a nine-year-old in 2008 and represented the club at every youth level before making his senior debut with the B team last January.

His "exceptional" performances were noticed by Porto manager Sergio Conceicao and earned him a first-team start back in Feburary, with an appearance from the bench in a 5-0 league win over Rio Ave.

His full debut followed seven days later as Porto knocked another five goals past their opposition, this time Portimonense and Dalot (pronounced Da-low) was soon getting a taste for big victories and silverware as Porto went on to wrap up the league title.

Porto enjoyed a higher league win-rate of 83.3 per cent when Dalot featured, as opposed to the 82.1 per cent when he was absent. A lucky mascot, perhaps?

A Champions League debut at Anfield became the latest milestone in a rapidly growing career in early March. The teenager played at left-back that night, against Sadio Mane and then second-half sub Mo Salah. A daunting test but one he came through with more credit in the bank.

A member of the Portugal squad that won the 2016 European U17 Championship, Dalot also represented the U20s at the World Cup a year later. A full call-up from Fernando Santos cannot be far away.

What type of player is he?

Porto youth coach Pedro Miguel has overseen Dalot's incredible rise and development and is one of the best placed indivudals to offer their viewpoint on Dalot's assets.

"He is very strong physically, it is natural that they can compare him to Cristiano Ronaldo, because he can also play on the wing because he is very fast and aggressive. He can produce goals and assists, there's nothing lacking in him as a winger," he said this summer.

"It's not a strange position for him, he's played there a lot of times, of course he feels better as a right-back, but he still has time to adapt, and I'm sure he could.

"He has physical, tactical and even technical qualities to play in attack, no doubt."

Versatility and pace are two of Dalot's strongest qualities and, at six foot tall, he is equally adept at usually his stature to combat any aerial threat.

Dalot was also used as a striker in his younger days which might explain his eagerness to attack and his promising goal return (he scored five during the 2016 European U17s Championships).

How has he adjusted to life at Old Trafford?

Dalot arrived in Manchester recovering from a knee injury, which cut short his explosive run in the Porto side last March.

The teenager under went surgery to fix the problem in the summer and the club have been keen not to rush him back to full fitness.

Despite his tender age, Dalot already ticks the exemplary professional footballer box that Jose Mourinho cherishes. A player who is the first on the training pitch and last to leave and one who hasn't been lured by off-field distractions.

One former Portuguese player, Luis Boa Morte, who had spells with Arsenal, Fulham and West Ham, feels Dalot and Mourinho make the perfect match.

"Diogo Dalot will have the advantage of going to work with a Portuguese coach. I had all the difficulties and a few more. It was different, now they make everything perfect for a player to succeed. In my time, it was rare for English clubs to hire young foreign players, and Portuguese even less.

"The current generation of players is different, they are better prepared and, as such, the adaptation is much easier.

"Who is the young man who would not like to play for Manchester United?"

Where will he fit in?

Dalot, a former ball boy at Porto's Edstadio Do Dragao, will provide competition for captain Antonio Valencia for the right-back role and is seen as a long term successor to the 33-year-old.

United's right-back options had been limited and somewhat fragile. When Valencia suffered a calf injury during the club's draw with San Jose Earthquakes in pre-season it exposed the constraints in Mourinho's squad. Valencia was replaced by Matteo Darmian, a player who had been told by United that he would be free to leave in the summer.

While Darmian ended up staying at Old Trafford, the full-back's long-term future at Manchester remains in the balance. Valencia's current contract, meanwhile, expires next summer and youngster Dalot could prove to be the start of Mourinho's backline regeneration. One of the United manager's biggest bugbears this summer and one which is far from resolved.

Young Boys vs Manchester United CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW! FULL TIME DEVILS

2018-09-18T06:57:00.001-07:00

Manchester United: Paul Pogba wants to stay - Jose Mourinho

2018-09-17T22:32:00.002-07:00

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has said midfielder Paul Pogba "never told me he wanted to leave".

Pogba has cut a glum figure on his return to Manchester after France's triumph at the World Cup, but Mourinho insists the midfielder "wants to stay".

"I can only comment on what is real for me, and not on what I read or what I listen to," said the Portuguese.However, Pogba said he would be fined if he discussed his true feelingsafter the opening day victory over Leicester.

The Frenchman fell out of favour at Old Trafford during an indifferent 2017-18 campaign for the 25-year-old.

But following some inspired performances in Russia, including a goal in the World Cup final against Croatia, Pogba has been linked with a move to Barcelona this summer.

Speaking before France's Nations League match against Germany this month, Pogba said: "My future is currently in Manchester. I am playing there at the moment, but who knows what will happen in the next few months."

However, Mourinho has since dismissed those comments, saying it is the "player's problem and his relation with the media".

Young Boys vs Manchester United UCL Preview

2018-09-16T22:39:00.001-07:00

Jose Mourinho is ready to include Diogo Dalot in his Manchester United squad for Wednesday’s Champions League tie with Young Boys.

The 19-year-old is yet to make his debut for United following his £19million move from Porto in the summer.

Dalot arrived with a minor knee injury, which required surgery, but came through a full 90 minutes for the U23s against Reading on Friday night to prove he is ready to be considered for selection.

Luke Shaw is also expected to be in contention after being left out of Saturday’s 2-1 win against Watford following his concussion on England duty

The games against Swiss champions could be crucial towards qualification from Group H, with United next facing Valencia at home and then a double-header with Juve.

Watford vs Manchester United PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW (FULL TIME DEVILS)

2018-09-15T02:26:00.001-07:00

Romelu Lukaku: Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho 'does not fake emotions'

2018-09-13T23:59:00.000-07:00

Jose Mourinho is "real" and does not fake his emotions like other managers in the Premier League, says Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku.

United boss Mourinho demanded respect from the media after an angry news conference following a 3-0 defeat by Tottenham at Old Trafford in August.

But Lukaku says the Portuguese is a family man, makes the players laugh and fights for them, and deserves respect.

"People know a side from him which is he's a winner," said Lukaku.

"But what I like about him is he's not going to fake his emotions. When he's mad, you know he is mad. When he's happy, you see he is happy.

"I don't understand why people don't like the realness about him. When he's mad at me I know he is mad at me, and I try to do what he wants so he is happy again."

In an interview with Dion Dublin on Football Focus, the Belgium forward also talks about learning from former France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry and ex-Chelsea forward Didier Drogba, his relationship with ex-Everton manager Ronald Koeman and wanting to finish his career with no regrets.

'Mourinho is cool with everybody'

United finished second in the Premier League last season, but have lost two of their opening four games this campaign.

Lukaku, 25, says Mourinho will not shy away from confrontation when he is unhappy with the way his players or the team are performing.

"Sometimes footballers, we get soft a little bit," added Lukaku. "If I listen to players from back in the day and now, a manager cannot say what he wants to a player because you feel attacked.

"But I don't feel attacked, because that's who I am - I am a tough man, but that doesn't come from football, that comes from my background.

"My relationship with him is cool. He makes me laugh, he makes the players laugh, he's a real family guy. He fights for his players, but he's real. When you're not happy, you don't need to fake your emotions.

"People need to appreciate that, at least there are people who are real in this world like him. Because most of the managers in the league, when they are not happy they try to find a way to seem happy.

"You should respect that he wants to keep his own personality and not shy away from confrontation. Here, he really wants us to improve. He is a normal guy, we get along well. He is cool with everybody."

Marcus Rashford Reportedly Wants Manchester United Stay, Positional Change

2018-09-13T23:54:00.001-07:00

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford reportedly wants to stay and "prove himself" at the club, but he wants to play at centre-forward or behind the striker rather than out wide.

Rashford's future has been the subject of speculation because he's started just one of United's four Premier League fixtures this season.

A source at the club told The Sun's Neil Custis: "Marcus loves the club and does not want to move, but he wants to be a striker or at least play down the middle as a No . 10. He is not going to give up trying to prove himself at United, but he knows he may have a big decision to make soon."

Rashford started United's opening game of the season, against Leicester City, for which manager Jose Mourinho had a depleted squad to call on.

After playing 67 minutes in that match, he came on for the second half as United lost 3-2 to Brighton & Hove Albion. The 20-year-old was an unused substitute in the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, and against Burnley, he was sent off just 10 minutes after being brought on, meaning he will miss United's next three domestic fixtures.

When the youngster does play, he's used on the left as much as he is down the middle in order to accommodate Romelu Lukaku up front.

After seeing him score two goals for England during the international break, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher feels he may need to change clubs:

Match Preview : Manchester United Vs Watford

2018-09-13T23:41:00.000-07:00

Kick-off: 5:30 pm (BST), Saturday 15, Sept

Manchester United resume their Premier League campaign on Saturday with a fixture that is much more challenging, at least on paper, than most thought it would be initially. There are three teams who have taken all three points from their first four matches of the season and United’s opponents, Watford, are one of them.

Liverpool and Chelsea are the other two teams in this select group, but their inclusion in this group is certainly nowhere near as surprising as the Hornets. The clash in Vicarage Road will be a classic matchup of two teams with opposite sentiments about their results thus far.

Watford was not expected to be in third place at this juncture, so they have to be absolutely loving how their season has gone thus far. Last week they knocked off Tottenham Hotspur, a team that finished in the top three the past three seasons.

United, last year’s runners-up to Manchester City, were expected to challenge for the title, but they are only mid table right now. Without further ado, let’s take a look at who United manager Jose Mourinho could select in his first team for this one.

Jerome Boateng confirms Man United move was rejected in phone call to Jose Mourinho

2018-09-12T12:02:00.001-07:00

Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has confirmed Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain were interested in him in the summer and that he personally spoke to Jose Mourinho in order to reject a move to Old Trafford.

Boateng, 30, considered leaving Bayern after seven years at the Allianz Arena. The Germany international thought about seeking a new challenge outside the Bundesliga, and the Bavarians were open to offers.

Having been linked with PSG, United, hoping to reinforce their defence, made a late move for Boateng when the Premier League transfer deadline closed in early August.

"I had enquiries from Paris-Saint Germain and Manchester United, and I considered them," Boateng told Bild. "Not because I wanted to leave Bayern Munich by all means. It was no escape, but rather the thrill of a new challenge. I feel completely contended at Bayern one of the biggest clubs in the world."

German media reported in August that Boateng informed United coach Jose Mourinho of his decision to not return to Manchester, where he had played for local rivals City in the 2010-11 season.

Pogba v Mourinho: Who wins the fans ?

2018-09-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

The midfielder has had lots to say recently but none of it has suggested he will be at Manchester United for long, and fans are concerned

Manchester United have won twice and lost twice this season, but even the victories have been quickly forgotten because of the ongoing Paul Pogba soap opera.

The French midfielder had just been described as a “monster” by his manager Jose Mourinho after a man of the match-winning display in the 2-1 win over Leicester City just four days after returning for pre-season training but Pogba himself followed up by cryptically stating: “There are things that I cannot say; otherwise, I will get fined.”

United then suffered reverses to Brighton and Tottenham but just as the pressure on Mourinho appeared to be intensifying, they won 2-0 at Burnley in their final fixture before the international break on an afternoon filled with showings of unity between the players, the fans and the manager. Harmony, it appeared, was being restored.

Except it took Pogba no time at all to throw another spanner in the works. By the middle of last week, he was telling the French press that there are no certainties about his status as a United player.

“My future is currently in Manchester,” he said. “I still have a contract, I’m playing there at the moment, but who knows what will happen in the next few months?"

This was hardly Pogba nailing his colours to the Manchester United mast. In football parlance, he was inviting speculation, fanning the flames amidst talk that Barcelona and Juventus are both keeping a keen eye on developments.

While the theory has again been promoted that his agent Mino Raiola promised Pogba that he would sort a big-money move to one of Real Madrid and Barcelona after a few years on a lucrative deal at Old Trafford, the current state of affairs is doing the player no favours in terms of creating the favourable environment in which to perform.

David De Gea finally discusses Man Utd transfer saga and intentions for Liverpool clash

2015-09-09T01:40:00.000-07:00

The 24-year-old goalkeeper has not played for Manchester United or his national side since his projected transfer to Real Madrid fell through.

De Gea was all set to leave the Old Trafford club on deadline day but paperwork delays caused the deal to collapse.

And asked what he thought about the issue after Spain's 1-0 win in Macedonia last night, De Gea said: "The support I’ve received is very important to me.

"I have some magnificent team-mates and I am very grateful to all of them.

“My future’s going to be the same as it is now.

"I’m calm. I’ll keep working and improving – in short, I’m enjoying my football and I’m happy."

United host Liverpool on Saturday (5.30pm), with Sergio Romero fighting to retain his place between the Old Trafford sticks.

But De Gea insists that he is happy where he is, even if he doesn't get the nod from manager Louis van Gaal.

“I wanted to play & now we’ll see after the international break if I’m lucky with my club," he said.

TYLER BLACKETT SIGNS NEW BUMPER DEAL AT MANCHESTER UNITED

2015-06-23T02:13:00.006-07:00

Louis van Gaal made sure once again that the club's younger players extended their stay at Manchester United by giving them new deals. This time it was versatile defender Tyler Blackett. The youngster signed a new deal until 2017, with the option of a further year.

The 20-year-old was the third United player from the academy to extend his contract after the likes ofJesse Lingard and Paddy McNair. Blackett was given his United senior debut this season by Van Gaaland has featured in 10 matches this season in the Premier League.

According to reports, the United defender will pocket GBP 20,000 pounds a week in his new deal. There has been a sky high rise in his salary.

Van Gaal who is reputed to hand youngsters a lot of chances to play in the senior team, has shown his faith in Blackett and McNair.

Both the promising talents will look to develop further under the manager's guidance and contribute more towards the success of the team.

Another academy player Jesse Lingard who has been loaned off for game time is touted to be a success in the future. The winger was seriously injured in United's opening tie of the season in thePremier League against Swansea City in 2014.

United midfielder Jesse Lingard saves England Under-21s' Euro hopes

2015-06-23T02:07:00.004-07:00

Gareth Southgate hailed Jesse Lingard after the Manchester United midfielder stepped off the bench to fire England Under-21s past Sweden at the European Championship.
For a long time it looked like the young Lions would fall short in Olomouc, having struggled to respond to defeat in their Group B opener against Portugal.

But just as Southgate's men seemed to be running out ideas, their hopes of progression got a timely shot in the arm as Lingard fired home an 85th-minute volley to secure a somewhat fortuitous 1-0 win.

It was the Under-21s' first finals victory in six years and boosted their chances of securing a top-two finish ahead of Wednesday's group finale against Italy.

Southgate was quick to praise his match-winner Lingard, who came on for Alex Pritchard after 55 minutes.

It has been a difficult season for the 22-year-old, having sustained a serious knee injury in United's season opener against Swansea.

It took him six months to return and had to do so in the Championship, ending the season on loan with Derby.
"He's an intelligent footballer," said Southgate, who was joined in the dressing room after the match by senior team manager Roy Hodgson.

"He's got very clean feet, sharp coming in from the lane, good movement. He's more the kind of wide player who's going to play and follow, but he's also got a goal in him because he's a calm finisher.

"He's been a player at United since very young, physically a late developer and they've had to wait for him.

"He started the first game of the season for United's first team and got a really bad injury. We kept contact with him and made sure he stayed part of the group."

Lingard targets Old Trafford stay

2015-06-23T02:02:00.004-07:00

Jesse Lingard is determined to stay at Manchester United next season but hinted he would be open to another loan spell.

Lingard, 22, scored England Under-21s' winner over Sweden on Sunday night in what was their first European Championship finals win since 2009.

Warrington-born Lingard's luscious and late volley has inevitably brought his United future into perspective, with Newcastle believed to be interested in a season-long loan deal.

Lingard started in United's opening game of last season against Swansea, but lasted just 24 minutes on his United debut, and he is desperate to add to that sole senior outing.
"I'm looking to stay at Man United and get some games under my belt there," Lingard said.

"I'll see what the boss says when I get back. I've always wanted to play for Man United and that's still my ambition.
"I was unlucky to get injured at the start of last season and I'll never know where I would be know if I hadn't got that injury.
"Scoring goals like this [against Sweden] can only help. It gets your profile up and other teams see you as well as Man United. It can only be good for me.

"I kept in contact with Louis Van Gaal last season and spoke to the Under-21 manager a lot. He was guiding me and giving me confidence."

Lingard spent the second half of last season on loan at Derby County under Steve McClaren, recently announced as Newcastle's new manager, where he scored two goals in 15 games.

How could Man Utd line up with Bastian Schweinsteiger ?

2015-06-23T01:52:00.003-07:00

Manchester United have already begun their transfer business by bringing in Memphis Depay, but they are expected to spend further this summer ahead of a planned title challenge.

The club have arguably been in need of a dominant central midfielder for several years now, and Bayern Munich’s Bastian Schweinsteiger has emerged as a target. They are confident of signing him for £7.5 million and the deal is close, as per the Mirror.

ADVERTISEMENT

United boss Louis van Gaal already knows Schweinsteiger very well, and he successfully converted the World Cup winner from a winger into a commanding central midfielder during his time in charge at the Allianz Arena.
We’ve taken a look at how United’s midfield and attack could line-up with Schweinsteiger in the team.

Option 1: 4-3-3

Van Gaal has tended to set his team up in a 4-3-3 system throughout his managerial career, and United played their best football of the campaign when they played in that formation, recording impressive wins against Tottenham, Liverpool, and Manchester City.

It provides good coverage across the pitch and gives the player on the ball a number of passing options. Last season, United’s passing was laboured, but Schweinsteiger would help to make them move the ball around the pitch with more purpose while retaining their accuracy.

Between the German and Michael Carrick, United would expect to control possession in most games, and this set-up could bring the best out of Angel Di Maria. He played on the left of a midfield three in his last season at Real Madrid, and his ability to carry the ball at pace over long distances was vital to their tenth Champions League title.

Memphis Depay’s speed and dribbling ability can stretch defences on the left while Juan Mata’s intelligent movement off the right flank became an increasingly important factor in United’s attacking play last season.

Option 2: 4-4-2 diamond

The former Netherlands boss also experimented with a diamond shape last season, and Schweinsteiger would provide more control in central areas.

He will be used to adjusting to different tactical frameworks, having worked with Van Gaal previously and Pep Guardiola, and his experience would help to organise the players around him, closing any gaps that may be exploited.

The problem with this particular line-up is that a diamond requires the two players on the outside to be incredibly fit, in order to provide the necessary width, as well as get up and down the pitch.
Schweinsteiger will be 31 by the time the new season begins, and it would be asking a lot to expect him to consistently perform at his best in that role.

Option 3: 3-5-2

United rarely looked comfortable when Van Gaal deployed a back three in the early stages of last season, but Schweinsteiger has played in that shape for Guardiola’s Bayern, and he knows exactly what is required from the central midfielders to make it work.

He and Carrick would lay a solid foundation for the players further forward though there is a lack of pace in that partnership.

Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia would provide speed and energy in wide areas, and they both impressed with their commitment when used in unfamiliar defensive roles last term.
Further forward, an attacking trio of Di Maria, Memphis Depay, and Wayne Rooney could be lethal, and there is a real mix of attributes between them that could be very difficult for opposition defences to handle.