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Solskjaer seeks immediate rebound

Solskjaer seeks immediate rebound

LONDON • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will look for a response from his Manchester United players after the first domestic loss of his reign when they face Wolves in the FA Cup quarter-finals today.
He tasted defeat for the first time in English football as his side went down 2-0 at Arsenal in the Premier League last weekend, but such has been the reservoir of goodwill built up that it is a matter of when, and not if, he lands the job on a full-time basis.
Some media reports have suggested that Solskjaer could be confirmed as manager during the forthcoming international break, which follows the Wolves tie.
While United officials have offered no guidance on whether the appointment is imminent, it is understood the club and Norwegian outfit Molde have put in place a compensation package should he take on the role for good, with a reported £500,000 (S$897,320) fee agreed.
If the Red Devils can navigate their way past Wolves, not only will the clamour for Solskjaer to put pen to paper reach fever pitch, but they will also have "a real chance" of lifting their 13th FA Cup at Wembley in May.
Sergio Romero, who is the designated Cup goalkeeper, told the club website the team were ready to go on another streak - United were on a club-record nine-game away winning run before the Arsenal game - at Molineux.

WE'RE UP FOR IT
We're really excited about the game ahead of us, it's a really important game against a team that have done really well this season. So it's a big challenge, but we're prepared and confident.
SERGIO ROMERO, United's designated Cup custodian, on the away clash at Wolves, who are riding high in seventh spot after promotion to the top flight.

The Argentina No. 1 said: "We know it's another difficult trip down to Wolves, but we're confident and we know this trophy is very important for us.
"We want to be involved in the very last day that this competition is taking place and give ourselves the chance to lift a trophy, and make everyone at the club and of course our fans very happy.
"We're really excited about the game ahead of us, it's a really important game against a team that have done really well this season. So it's a big challenge, but we're prepared and confident."
Brazil midfielder Fred, who could also feature against Nuno Espirito Santo's men, agreed with his teammate, insisting that United would be "going for the win".
He added: "They're a great team with very good players. But we're well aware that it won't be easy, so we're ready for it."
Solskjaer will be expected to rotate his squad as full-back Ashley Young is suspended, but the injury list is clearing up with Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard all in contention to play a part.


  • FA CUP QUARTER-FINALS




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But, whichever team he puts out, the 46-year-old knows Wolves are a significant obstacle to United's hopes of silverware, having already claimed the scalps of Chelsea and Liverpool, while holding Manchester City to a draw at home this term.
With the newly promoted side sitting in a lofty seventh position in the league, Morocco midfielder Romain Saiss also feels his side can "do something great on Saturday" as they seek a first appearance in the Cup's semi-finals for the first time in 21 years.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS

WOLVES V MAN UNITED


Singtel TV Ch111, tomorrow, 3.50am


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The latter hit the winner in the Bhoy's 2-0 win over Kilmarnock last time out and will be looking to add to his tally and fire his side to SPL glory. Punters looking to back Celtic all the way would see £79.06 returns off a £10 bet on the Hoops to both win the second half in the match against Hearts and go on to lift the SPL trophy.
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Crowds flock to Argentine village to pay tribute to footballer Sala Through the morning, mourners gathered for a public vigil in a gymnasium in Progreso, the small farming town in Santa Fe province which Sala left as a teenager to play in Europe.
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Real Madrid put an end to a turbulent two weeks as Karim Benzema netted twice in a 4-1 win against Real Valladolid on Sunday night. Real boss Santi Solari came into the match under intense
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Emery Gunning for signings

Emery Gunning for signings

LONDON • Unai Emery was pleased with the "progress and passion" of his young attackers after Arsenal's 3-0 FA Cup third-round victory against Blackpool on Saturday, but he also made no secret of his intention to bring in reinforcements during January's transfer window.
The Gunners cruised to victory with teenager Joe Willock scoring twice - becoming the youngest Arsenal player to score in an FA Cup tie since Aaron Ramsey in 2010 - before Alex Iwobi added gloss to the scoreline.
"I think the club is working on the possibility to take some players who can help us during these next four months," said Emery.
"Maybe the transfer market can help us with a centre back, but it is not easy because also (Konstantinos) Mavropanos is coming back after injury. Also a winger, right or left, one player can help us in this position."
Arsenal are reportedly in negotiations with Barcelona over the signing of 24-year-old midfielder Denis Suarez who played for Emery at Sevilla during the 2014-15 season.
Suarez, who spent two years at Manchester City as an academy player between 2011 and 2013, has played 46 league matches for Barcelona in 21/2 seasons but has never been able to hold down a regular starting place.

SHOPPING LIST
Maybe the transfer market can help us with a centre back, but it is not easy because also (Konstantinos) Mavropanos is coming back after injury. Also a winger, right or left, one player can help us in this position.
UNAI EMERY, Arsenal manager, is clear which positions he wants to reinforce.

The Spaniard, who has one international cap, won in 2016, is under contract with Barcelona until 2020 and would cost around £20 million (S$34.6 million).
Asked whether he saw Suarez as a winger, Emery added: "He was playing in his career, and with me also, as a right or left winger."
Emery retained only four players in the starting line-up from the 4-1 Premier League victory over Fulham on New Year's Day, and it was the young attackers who shone, with Willock ably supported by fellow 19-year-olds Eddie Nketiah and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Emery said: "We need players with commitment. We need players who are prepared when the team needs them and can step up. We mixed experienced players in the squad with some young players like Joe, Eddie and Ainsley.
"It was a good combination. They showed us they are progressing with the team and, mostly importantly, they showed their passion."
Willock's day could have been even better but a linesman's flag ruled out a hat-trick goal.
"The linesman crushed my dreams with the hat-trick, but that's football and, hopefully, I can get another opportunity soon. Hopefully, the boss keeps believing in me," said the midfielder.
Arsenal's team bus was briefly delayed on their way to the match after a Blackpool fan climbed onto its roof in protest at the Lancashire seaside club's owners.
The fan was photographed sitting on top of the coach at Arsenal's team hotel shortly before the London side were to depart for the match at Bloomfield Road.
Supporters of third-tier Blackpool have regularly protested against club owner Owen Oyston and many are boycotting home games with gates averaging only 4,129 at their 17,000-seater ground which hosted Premier League football in 2010-11.
The man was eventually arrested and the Arsenal team arrived in good time for kick-off.
Asked if the incident had affected their preparations, Emery said: "There was no change for us. We prepared as usual and I am proud of our work today.
"We had big commitment, good concentration, we were competitive and we imposed our quality little by little."
THE GUARDIAN, REUTERS


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NEW DELHI: Delhi Dynamos will look to start their campaign on a winning note when they lock horns with FC Pune City in their Indian Super League season opener Wednesday. The Dynamos would look to


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Paris: Edinson Cavani is a major doubt for Paris St Germain's Champions League clash with Manchester United after picking up a thigh injury in his team's 1-0 Ligue 1 win over Girondins de
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Kane's VAR penalty gives Tottenham edge over Chelsea Tottenham Hotspur gained a slender advantage in their League Cup semi-final against London rivals Chelsea as Harry Kane's penalty earned them a gritty 1-0 first-leg win at Wembley on Tuesday.
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Unfinished Business | Deadliest Catch

Banks
That meant the end of Banks' illustrious career in England at the age of just 34, although he did enjoy a swansong in the North American Soccer League, representing Fort Lauderdale Strikers in 1977 and 1978 and renewing acquaintances with the likes of George Best, Pele and Carlos Alberto.
Gordon Banks was a true inspirational hero with the REAL

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May 19, 2019 · Vincent Kompany left a victorious Manchester City dressing room at Wembley for the fifth and final time knowing that his secret would be out soon enough. "Family commitments," was the line
Vincent Kompany - Wikipedia

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Man City title hopes hit by shock defeat at Newcastle
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Albirex coach refuses to panic

Albirex coach refuses to panic

SINGAPORE PREMIER LEAGUE


Albirex Niigata 0
Brunei DPMM 0

Albirex Niigata, of all Singapore Premier League teams, should know the importance of momentum.
After all, they won their first 17 games last season and scored in all 24 matches to complete their hat-trick of league titles.
This season, however, they have yet to score after three competitive games after being held 0-0 by 10-man Brunei DPMM at the Jurong East Stadium last night.
The consolation was that it was their first league point of the season.
Albirex also failed to score in the Community Shield against Home United, who won on penalties, and in their 1-0 loss to Geylang International in the league opener.
After seeing his side extend their barren run and occupy sixth spot with one point in two games, Albirex coach Keiji Shigetomi acknowledged that the psychological importance of getting off the mark, but trusted his players to make the breakthrough.
The 39-year-old Japanese said: "Maybe our players are too young and inexperienced, they are too anxious to score.
"We will continue working with them and train them until it becomes second nature for them to be more composed and not rush things. We will also work harder to improve our accuracy."
As DPMM coach Adrian Pennock will attest to, Albirex are not a bad team.
Kyoga Nakamura is an intelligent playmaker and pulls the strings in the final third and Daizo Horikoshi is a dynamic attacker who creates problems with his direct runs.
DPMM's Najib Tarif was in knots last night and had to resort to fouling Horikoshi to stop the tricky midfielder and was sent off after two yellow cards.
However, Albirex lacked the cutting edge in front of goal, flashing shots wide instead of troubling goalkeeper Wardun Yussof, who was tested only by Kaishu Yamazaki's free kick in the second half.
Their Plan B also failed; the 2.05m striker Makito Hatanaka was brought on, but teammates failed to find him with their crosses.
Pennock was all smiles despite seeing Andrei Varankou squander a counter-attack by shooting straight at Kengo Fukudome in the 79th minute. DPMM's perfect start may have been halted, but his team are top with seven points and three clean sheets from three games.
He said: "We want to entertain, score goals and win games but, sometimes, we have to play ugly and get a very good result, and that was today.
"We went for the physical approach because Albirex are a very good side, especially when they play here on artificial turf where they haven't lost since 2015.
"We deserved the red card, but the character of our squad has been first-class, and I'm very proud of my players.
"It is still early in the season and we have not played every team yet, but we would love to be up there for the title race, why not?"


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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 08, 2019, with the headline 'Malcom shines in absence of other Barca stars'.
Malcom shines in absence of other Barca stars


Barcalona beat Real Madrid to reach Copa del Rey final Madrid: FC Barcelona were outplayed by Real Madrid for much of their Copa del Rey semifinal second l
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Pogba spot kicks help United 'get away with it'

Pogba spot kicks help United 'get away with it'

LONDON • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted Manchester United "got away with it" after West Ham, 2-1 losers to a pair of Paul Pogba penalties, were on the end of a series of questionable officiating decisions.
United remained outside the Premier League top four ahead of tomorrow's Champions League clash with Barcelona, who left Lionel Messi at home amid 10 changes in a 0-0 draw at bottom side Huesca with the Spanish title nearly in the bag.
Since Solskjaer was appointed permanently last month, they have struggled to find the form that fuelled an 11-match unbeaten run when he took over on an interim basis in December.
They saw off Watford, their only other success in six games since the remarkable comeback win over Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16. But they lost successive matches to Wolverhampton and Barcelona, 1-0, in the quarter-final first leg at home without a shot on target.
Worryingly, at Old Trafford on Saturday, they also had less possession (45 per cent) and fewer shots (two versus four) than the Hammers in a laboured display.
"We got away with it. Sometimes you get more than you deserve and today is one of them," said Solskjaer. "Watford was one of them. We were lucky it wasn't Barcelona, but West Ham played well."
They could have been one down early. Replays suggested Felipe Anderson had a goal wrongly chalked off for offside, with Diogo Dalot playing him on before Pogba gave United the lead.
That 19th-minute goal came from a penalty whose award was also questionable, as Juan Mata may have gone down outside the box and Robert Snodgrass' challenge on him may have been fair.
After Felipe Anderson equalised on 49 minutes, United's winner came via Pogba's second penalty 10 minutes from time, following the Frenchman's pass to Anthony Martial, who was then tripped.
West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini suggested Marcus Rashford got a touch on the pass and was offside doing so but replays showed this was not the case.
"A few mistakes but the decisions went for United. Unfortunately for us there were some decisions, very difficult, so I am not complaining about the referee. With VAR, I am sure we would win the game 1-0."
"Felipe Anderson was onside. It was not a penalty from Robert."
Solskjaer said that United would have no chance if they were as flat at Barcelona, who have won 27 of their last 30 Champions League home matches and drawn three. They have never lost to the English side at their Nou Camp ground in Europe's top club competition but the Norwegian is not giving up.
"We know it is going to be a very difficult game but we beat PSG," he said. "It will be a greater achievement if we can manage it against Barcelona. We will go there, why not have a go but we have to be better defensively."
Barca have 74 points with six games left, even as their lead was cut to nine points after Atletico Madrid beat Celta Vigo 2-0.
At Huesca, goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was the only starter at United who remained, as a trio made their LaLiga debuts.
Messi, whose nose was bloodied after being struck in the face by Chris Smalling, did not travel. Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets were also rested while Gerard Pique and Luis Suarez were suspended.
Coach Ernesto Valverde was "happy in general with the game, though we could have been more ambitious in attack".
Arturo Vidal was happy to admit that their minds were more focused on going beyond the last eight in Europe for the first time since 2015.
"The Champions League is what everyone is dreaming about," said the midfielder.
REUTERS

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba's form has been affected by playing with Alexis Sanchez and being used in different roles - but there are solutions. He can get away with not playing

Paul Pogba: Man United can turn it round in Barcelona two penalties to help Manchester United past West Ham on Saturday. the season to 16 with a pair of spot-kicks that saw him move away
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Paul Pogba scores his second penalty to help Manchester United to victory over West Ham - AFP "We were lucky to get away with three points and even a draw I would have taken at one point
Pogba spotkicks fire Man United past Hammers - NewZimbabwe.com

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Paul Pogba doubles up from the spot as Manchester United toil

Pogba spot kicks help United 'get away with it' LONDON • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted Manchester United "got away with it" after West Ham, 2-1 losers to a pair of Paul Pogba penalties, were on the end of a series of questionable officiating decisions.
Latest OLE GUNNAR SOLKSJAER | The Straits Times

Pogba spot kicks help United 'get away with it' Paul Pogba celebrating scoring his second penalty in Manchester United's 2-1 Premier League defeat of West Ham at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Pogba spot kicks help United 'get away with it'

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United's past, present and future to collide

United's past, present and future to collide
In 1998, Tottenham had agreed to buy a striker for £5.5 million (S$9.5 million). Both clubs' chairmen had signed the form, until the selling manager intervened.
Alex Ferguson told Ole Gunnar Solskjaer he did not want him to leave Old Trafford. It proved one of the former Manchester United manager's finest decisions: In May 1999, the substitute Solskjaer scored the Champions League final winner.
Twenty-one years later, it still has repercussions. Had the Norwegian joined Spurs, he would not have been the Manchester United great summoned to reconnect an underachieving club with its glorious past. And without that, he would not be in with a chance of replacing Jose Mourinho as United's permanent manager.
His greatest rival for the post is tomorrow's opponent: Tottenham versus United doubles up as a shoot-out between Solskjaer and Mauricio Pochettino.
The Norwegian brings a knowledge of life inside Old Trafford, an understanding of attacking traditions and the popularity that stems from both his playing days and his likeable personality.
He appeals to the nostalgic, but has shown an immediate ability to galvanise United's younger players. He has ditched some of Mourinho's pragmatic choices and played positive football.
Yet his disastrous spell at Cardiff raises questions if he can prosper at a higher level than Norwegian club Molde. His five United wins have come against inferior opponents.
This is a first test against peers whereas Tottenham, fresh from defeating Chelsea in their League Cup game, already have one major scalp this week and a growing record of beating the best at home.
Whereas Solskjaer has had five games at United, Pochettino is in his fifth year at Tottenham. The Premier League's most consistent overachiever promises sustainability.
Solskjaer has had an early effect on United's players, liberating them and allowing them to enjoy themselves, but, deprived of money to spend, Pochettino has continued to improve his Spurs charges. The Argentinian has shown he is tactically clever, swopping formations.
Solskjaer is channelling his mentor Ferguson, looking to outscore opponents. Pochettino's theories owe more to his initial influence, Marcelo Bielsa, the current Leeds manager who was the former coach of Argentina and Chile.
But a philosophy based around pressing and passing at pace makes Pochettino, like Manchester City's Pep Guardiola and Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp, ultra-modern.
Yet if the Argentinian is the outsider, he has a synergy with United: A willingness to trust in youth earned him Ferguson's admiration.
If two enthusiasts offer to be the antithesis of the serial complainer Mourinho, they are his opposite in another respect. Neither has won a trophy in a major league whereas United's last two appointments have been Champions League winners. That does not rule either out, which shows how much an ethos now matters. United have lost their way.
Solskjaer is a reminder of what they stood for, Pochettino of what they could embody. But, as they meet, it is Pochettino who has shown he belongs at this level and Solskjaer who has it all to prove.

TOTTENHAM V MAN UNITED


Singtel TV Ch102 & StarHub Ch227, Monday, 12.30am




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It was important that the linesman stopped the run, he didn't follow the ball, so he had a big influence on our defenders, and at the moment I think the English referees aren't able to use the system.
Furious Pochettino confronts referees, reacts to Spurs loss


Football: Ozil leads five-star Arsenal past Bournemouth LONDON (AFP) - Mesut Ozil made the most of being handed a rare start by Arsenal boss Unai Emery as the German masterminded a 5-1 victory over Bournemouth on Wednesday (Feb 27) to keep the Gunners in pole position for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
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Thibaut Courtois rues Real Madrid's missed chances in


Liverpool title bid hit by Matip injury. Agence-France Presse. 12 December 2018. Reblog. Share. Tweet. Share. Liverpool defender Joel Matip has been ruled out for up to six weeks. More.


- Dembele is expected to sit out Saturday's La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou but will be available for selection against Man United in UCL. Ousmane Dembele returned to Barcelona training on Thursday, April 4, after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Barcelona's Dembele back in training ahead of Atletico, Man


Early life. Di María was born on 14 February 1988 in Rosario, Argentina, as one of three children of Miguel and Diana, and grew up in Perdriel.As an infant, he was unusually active, and on recommendation of a doctor was signed up for football at age three.


Jordan Henderson hailed the importance of Liverpool's clean sheet in Tuesday's 2-0 Champions League quarterfinal win over Porto.. Jurgen Klopp's side was far from its best against the Portuguese champion but has given itself a glorious chance of making the last four for the second consecutive season.
Barcelona | A Complete Guide to Barcelona
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The former Blues and Manchester United boss is looking to get back into management, but Frank Leboeuf says he has becoming a fading force Jose Mourinho "has done his time", says Frank Leboeuf, with the Portuguese failing to move with the times as he left his most recent role at Manchester … Read More »
Live Commentary: Liverpool 3-1 Manchester United - as it


Football: Italy upset Australia at Women's World Cup with Bonansea double; As Canarinhas thump Reggae Girlz. 11 hours ago. VALENCIENNES, France (REUTERS, THE GUARDIAN) - Barbara Bonansea scored twice to give Italy a surprise, last-gasp 2-1 victory against Australia in their opening Group C game at the women's football World Cup on Sunday (June
Australia fall to Italy in dramatic Women's World Cup clash


Chelsea's Giroud Seeks France Return To Boost Game Time Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud wants to move back to France when his contract expires at the end of the season after growing frustrated by
Olivier Giroud seeks France return to boost game time


Neymar is unlikely to play when Paris Saint-Germain travel to Manchester United in the 'Super difficult' for Neymar to face Man Utd, says PSG boss Tuchel according to head coach Thomas Tuchel.
Thomas Tuchel: It Will Be 'Super Difficult' for Neymar to

Football: Iran and Iraq qualify for last 16 with easy wins


Manchester (United Kingdom) - Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri said he could not understand what happened after Manchester City crushed his side 6-0 on Sunday — their biggest ever defeat in the Premier League.
Chelsea boss Sarri baffled by 6-0 humbling at Man City
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