ROOMERS
Tianjin Quanjian boss Fabio Cannavaro admitted that his club made an approach for Rooney but dropped out of the race to sign him. Rooney not suiting his team’s ‘style of play’ is the alleged reason. Cannavaro also revealed a bid to sign Borussia Dortmund hitman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but were turned down as Dortmund look to go the distance in Europe.
SQUAD REVEALED
A 20-man strong Manchester United squad was selected to travel to France for the return leg of the Europa League tie. Ander Herrera misses out with a suspension for accumulating 2 bookings. So do Rooney and Shaw.
The Squad: De Gea, Romero, O’Hara, Smalling, Bailly, Rojo, Blind, Valencia, Fosu-Mensah, Young, Carrick, Schweinsteiger, Pogba, Mata, Mkhitaryan, Fellaini, Lingard, Ibrahimovic, Martial, Rashford.
SHAW OMMISION EXPLAINED
Left-back Luke Shaw was not part the team travelling to France for the return leg against St. Etienne. When quizzed about his omission, Mourinho revealed that he is happy with the way his other full-backs are playing. The manager admitted that though he likes the qualities possessed by Shaw, he must wait for his chance and work hard until then. Jose also used Mkhitaryan’s example in justifying his attitude with Shaw.
BLIND TO GO?
The Sun claims that Daley Blind is on his way out of United after ‘failing to impress’ Jose Mourinho. Blind’s contact will be up at the end of next season and United are in no rush to extend it. These reports come despite Blind featuring 26 times for United this season. United have also been linked with Swedish defender Victor Lindelof.
GRIEZMANN LATEST
Antoine Griezmann became Atletico Madrid’s top goalscorer in Champions League last night. When speaking to the media after the match the Frenchman revealed that he was happy at Madrid and with his record. He also stated his wish to ‘keep making history’ at Athletico.
MARTIAL PRESS CONFERENCE
Anthony Martial declared his love for the team in a pre-match press conference yesterday. Rubbishing rumours linking him with moves away from Manchester, the winger said,” I love Manchester. I love the club. I love the fans. I enjoy them backing me. I try to be as good as possible to make them happy. I want to stay as long as possible in this club.”
He also said that he was happy playing in whichever position his manager tells him to. Martial has featured move on the wing this year after playing through the center last campaign.
LEGEND TALK
Paul Scholes has urged his former team to hand enforcer Michael Carrick a new contract. Scholes claims that Carrick is vital for United as they look to get the best world record transfer Paul Pogba.