NO TRANSFER FOR BALE
Both Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez categorically declared that Gareth Bale will be a Real Madrid player for the coming season. In the aftermath of his side’s 2-1 defeat to the European Champions, Mourinho said: “I think clearly the club wants him, the manager wants him, and he wants the club. So for me, game over, even before it started, but game over clearly because I think now everybody knows he is going to stay.”
DI MARZIO CONFIRMS CONTRACT RUMOURS
Reputed Italian journalist revealed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Manchester United are in talks with regards to a new contract. It was always believed that United would try to resign Zlatan after he completes a successful recovery from the ACL injury he suffered in April. And with Ibrahimovic ahead of schedule and the reports of ongoing talks should make any United fan buoyant ahead of the new season despite the defeat to Real Madrid in Macedonia last night.
UNITED WARNED
Barcelona warned United that midfielder Sergi Roberto was not for sale and issued a hands off to United. United reportedly had a £36m bid for him rejected earlier this week. Barcelona reportedly intend to fend off interest in the utility man but tying him down to a new long term contract soon.
SCHOLES HAILS MATIC
Many players from the United camp struggled against Real Madrid in the Super Cup including new boy Victor Lindelof, Chris Smalling and Paul Pogba. But one player who stood out was Nemanja Matic. The Serbian completed the full 90 minutes despite being short of full fitness and he put in a courageous display in front of the United defense. Scholes was vocal in his praise for Matic and said: “I really like the Matic signing. That was one that surprised me, it makes you wonder ‘why did Chelsea sell him? He brings aggression to United’s midfield, which is something they’ve been lacking. He’s very similar to Carrick as a midfielder, but what he brings that Michael doesn’t is a little bit of aggression.”
MOVING ON QUICKLY
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho praised his squad for their effort against Real Madrid and looked ahead to the battle for the Premier League which starts on Sunday. Jose Mourinho was eager to move on from his side’s loss to the European Champions and even gave away his runners-up medal to a young fan on his way out of the stadium. Mourinho expressed his eagerness to begin the season at Old Trafford and hoped to have the fans waiting for their team come Sunday.