Category: football

Erik Ten Hag is not getting carried away with Manchester United’s 4-0 friendly victory against rivals Liverpool in his first match in charge.

More than 50,000 were in the cavernous Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok to see the Premier League giants open their respective pre-season campaigns on Tuesday night.

New boss Ten Hag saw promising signs in Thailand, where Jadon Sancho, Fred and Anthony Martial scored in the first half and Facundo Pellistri wrapped up the eye-catching win.

It was a dream start in terms of result but the Dutchman wants much more from his team.

“Of course we are satisfied today because I think that was a team with a great spirit and we know we are just starting and things went wrong, clear,” Ten Hag said.
“We did the press, we made some mistakes in pressing, we conceded some chances, but also we created a lot.

“I think our team played brave, played proactive. We have to work really hard to cut out the mistakes but of course we are happy with the first game. I know we have good players.

“Now we have to construct a team and we started the first game now, so I am happy with the first game.”

Liverpool had numerous chances to score across a match in which they made sweeping changes on three occasions.

United changed their outfield line-up at half-time and were under the cosh in the second half of the Bangkok Century Cup clash.

“Believe me, I have seen a lot of mistakes,” Ten Hag told MUTV. “You would not say (that when you look) at the result but, be honest, Liverpool plays in three teams.

“They were not in their strongest so we have to not overestimate this result. We have to (be careful).

“But, still, I have seen some really good things and I think what you see is we have a lot of creativity and speed up front, so we have potential.”
Ten Hag skipped the press conference as United hotfooted it to the airport to fly to Australia, but Jurgen Klopp faced the media after a night in which his side somehow failed to score.

New boy Fabio Carvalho and Luis Diaz hit the post in the opening period, with Mohamed Salah rattling the woodwork in the second half among a glut of chances.

“The result obviously stands there so we have to accept that always,” Klopp said, admitting it was “pretty freaky” they did not score.

“But of course I think it’s clear that we could have scored our goals as well.

“But then I think it would have been an even more spectacular game because I think the goals we gave away to United…we should get assists for it, to be honest.

“But they used their chances, so that’s how it is. They had really good moments, caused us problems in a few, but I saw a lot of good stuff from a team as well.

“The game obviously came a bit too early for us, for a few of our players. You can see that as well. Mistakes happen in football.

“We could have scored I think three or four in the last five minutes but didn’t and that was our fault.

“The atmosphere great, welcome fantastic, organisation really, really good. The result (not) so that’s what the situation pretty much.”

Among the new faces on display on Tuesday was big-money summer signing Darwin Nunez.

“It was his third session and I think after his third sprint his lung was nearly ready to explode, like we killed him nearly,” Klopp said.

“But he offered the runs and the boys wanted to pass the ball there, so that’s for sure one of his strengths.

“He was dangerous, all these kind of things. Now we will see but I think his profile is a proper number nine so that’s helpful with speed, all these kinds of things, with aggression, use his body.”

England secured their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2022 in stunning fashion as they hammered Norway 8-0 at the Amex Stadium to record the biggest win in the competition’s history.

The tournament hosts scored six times in a rampant first-half display, with Georgia Stanway’s 12th-minute penalty and a finish from Lauren Hemp three minutes later being followed by a brace apiece from Ellen White and Beth Mead.

That equalled the most amount of goals scored by one team in a Euros match, and England went on to set a new record for the most emphatic victory at a finals, surpassing their 6-0 win over Scotland in 2017, following an effort from substitute Alessia Russo and Mead completing her hat-trick.

With the remarkable win seeing them seal top spot in Group A, the Lionesses will be returning to Brighton a week on Wednesday to play the runners-up in Group B – which features Germany and Spain – in the last eight.

The demolition job was watched by a crowd of 28,847, from which cries of “football’s coming home” rang out at various stages as England’s unbeaten run under boss Sarina Wiegman extended to a 16th match with a 14th victory.

Their group fixtures conclude with Friday’s meeting at St Mary’s with now-eliminated Northern Ireland, who had lost 2-0 to Austria earlier on Monday.

Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has returned to the club to take up a coaching role.

The 30-year-old, who announced his retirement as a player last week after battling a series of injuries, has been appointed head coach of the Gunners’ under-18s.

Wilshere, who spent some time at London Colney last season working with the club’s young players, told Arsenal’s official website: “It’s a huge honour to have this role.

“It’s no secret that I love this club. I love what we stand for and a big part of my life was spent in this academy, some of the best days of my life. This is a big opportunity for me and I’m ready.

“I’m hungry and can’t wait to help these young players thrive and be the best they can be on and off the pitch.

“It’s a special feeling to be part of the Arsenal family. It never left me and, even though I moved on for a few years, my heart was always still at Arsenal. I can’t wait to get started and help these young players thrive with a great team around me.”

Academy graduate Wilshere, who also had spells with Bolton, Bournemouth, West Ham and Aarhus, made 197 appearances for the Gunners and was part of the FA Cup-winning sides of 2014 and 2015.

Academy manager Per Mertesacker said: “Everyone knows how passionate Jack is about Arsenal. He understands what we want to achieve here and he really impressed us last year.

“He knows exactly what it takes to progress through the academy into first-team football.”

Powerhouses Germany and Spain have a chance to further enhance their Euro 2022 credentials when they go head-to-head on Tuesday evening.

The Group B rivals meet at the Brentford Community Stadium with the Germans having launched their campaign with 4-0 victory over Denmark while the Spaniards beat Finland 4-1.

Here, the PA news agency looks ahead to Tuesday’s fixtures in the wake of a big night at the finals on Monday.

Spain coach Jorge Vilda is refusing to be cowed by Germany’s formidable reputation ahead of their showdown.

Despite the loss of star player Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas to an anterior cruciate ligament injury before the opening game, Vilda is confident his side are capable of ending their barren run against the eight-time European champions.

He said at his pre-match press conference: “We’ve played Germany in recent years and not managed to win but have drawn with them on a couple of occasions.

“The last time, we were five minutes away, we were very close. That means we’re there.”

Finland coach Anna Signeul has warned her players not to be taken in by Denmark’s opening result as they prepare to lock horns at Stadium MK on Tuesday.

The Danes went down 4-0 to the eight-time winners on Friday, but Signeul said at her pre-match press conference: “Perhaps Germany made Denmark not look so good, but we know they are a good team.

“They have world-class players like Pernilla Harder that everyone knows. We respect Denmark but we are also ready for tomorrow.”

Liverpool have included summer signing Darwin Nunez in their 37-man squad ahead of Tuesday’s pre-season friendly against Manchester United in Bangkok.

Just 24 hours after United arrived in Thailand on Saturday morning, Liverpool arrived in the country on Sunday, greeted to a similar reception to the one Erik ten Hag and his players received the day before. Hundreds of fans and photographers were eager to catch a glimpse of the squad and manager Jurgen Klopp.

After facing United in the The Match Bangkok Century Cup at the Rajamangala National Stadium, Liverpool will continue their tour by travelling to Singapore. United, meanwhile, will travel to Australia for matches against Melbourne Victory, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

Just like Ten Hag this pre-season, Klopp had to wait until last Monday before his international contingent returned to the AXA Training Centre, meaning they have not had as long as other members of the squad on the training ground. However, the tour will represent Klopp’s chance to assess the whole of his squad, starting with the clash against United.

The German has been able to name many of his star players in his 37-man squad, including Alisson, Andy Robertson, Thiago and Mohamed Salah. New recruits Fabio Carvalho and Nunez have also made the cut.
However, fellow new recruit Calvin Ramsay — signed from Aberdeen — has been left out because of a minor injury problem. Earlier this week, Klopp said: “Unfortunately, Calvin is now not training with us at the moment, he has a little injury.

“Nobody knew, we found it when he did his medical check. Until today he has had no problems but the medical department tells us if we don’t take care of that now, he will have a problem in the future.

“So, when you are that young then of course he has a long career ahead of him, so we are very responsible in these moments, so he didn’t train yet with the team but is doing a lot of fitness work. So, it will not take too long I think.”

Full Liverpool squad available ahead of pre-season friendly vs United:

Goalkeepers: Alisson, Adrian, Harvey Davies & Fabian Mrozek.

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, Nat Phillips, Rhys Williams, Sepp van den Berg, Stefan Bajcetic, Andy Robertson, Kostas Tsimikas, Luke Chambers & James Norris.

Midfielders: Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Curtis Jones, Fabinho, Thiago, Harvey Elliott, Tyler Morton, Leighton Clarkson, Melkamu Frauendorf, Isaac Mabaya & Thomas Hill.

Attackers: Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, Roberto Firmino, Fabio Carvalho & Bobby Clark.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains absent from pre-season training but Manchester United maintain the frustrated star is not for sale.

Over the weekend it emerged the 37-year-old had asked to leave Old Trafford if an acceptable offer arrived following a disappointing first season back with a club he won medals aplenty at between 2003 and 2009.

Ronaldo was conspicuous by his absence on Monday when new boss Erik ten Hag welcomed United’s international players to Carrington for the start of pre-season training.

The club accepted his explanation that family reasons meant he was unable to report for training, which they still do as the veteran forward’s absence rolled onto Thursday.

It is unclear whether Ronaldo will be on the plane when Ten Hag’s side head to Thailand on Friday for the start of their pre-season tour, but United insist he will be part of the squad this season.

Having repeatedly said in recent weeks that Ronaldo is not for sale, the club maintain that stance remains unchanged amid reports they are in fact willing to sell the Portugal international.

There look to be landing spots for the vastly-paid former Real Madrid forward and the PA news agency understands Chelsea are still weighing up their level of interest.

Fan favourite Ronaldo only returned to Old Trafford last summer, joining from Juventus for a fee rising to €23 million.

Ronaldo scored 24 goals in all competitions and was named Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year, but individual quality was unable to prevent his first season back at United ending trophyless and with a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League.

Europa League football awaits as Ten Hag starts his rebuild, which will go up a gear when United travel to Thailand to face rivals Liverpool in Bangkok on Tuesday.

United then head to Australia, where fixtures against Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace in Melbourne are followed by a friendly against Aston Villa in Perth.

Ten Hag so far only has one new face to call upon after United completed the signing of Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia, meaning there are still key areas of the squad that need strengthening.

The club’s well-documented pursuit of Frenkie de Jong continues and is understood to have been complicated by Barcelona owing the Holland international wages.

Christian Eriksen has verbally agreed to join, with a three-year contract being drawn up, and the Old Trafford giants have a firm interest in Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.

Discussions have been held about Ajax winger Antony, while Brazilian compatriot Andreas Pereira is heading for an Old Trafford exit.

Fulham have seen their offer of an initial £8 million and a further £2 million in potential add-ons for the 26-year-old midfielder accepted by United.

Tottenham have agreed on a €32.5million (£27.8m) fee with Ajax for Steven Bergwijn. Signed in January 2020 from PSV, the attacker has been linked with a return to his home country for some time due to a lack of first-team opportunities at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Ajax were keen on signing the Dutch international during the January transfer window but a deal never came to fruition with Antonio Conte keeping him in the capital instead. Having bolstered their attack with Richarlison signing in a big-money transfer from Everton, Bergwijn will now head back to Holland and get the regular first-team football under his belt that he requires ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar that commences in November.

Tottenham will receive €30million (£25.8m) for the 24-year-old and that fee could rise to €32.5million with adds-ons, which in turn would see the club recoup the £27million they paid to PSV for the talented winger. Bergwijn, who will undergo his Ajax medical today, will now exit the club after scoring eight goals in his 83 appearances in all competitions for the Lilywhites.

Very active in the transfer market so far this summer with the arrival of four new players, Spurs are still looking to bring a few more fresh faces in to help take Conte’s squad to the next level. A new right wing-back is required at the club this summer, with Middlesbrough’s Djed Spence a player managing director of football Fabio Paratici wants to bring to N17 after a standout season on loan at Nottingham Forest.

Agreeing on a fee has proved to be a stumbling block so far and football.london understands that Spurs have still yet to agree on a deal with the Championship side for the England U21 international. Another potential incoming in defence is Barcelona’s Clement Lenglet, who Tottenham tried to sign on loan 12 months ago.

The club have held talks over another loan move for the French international but football.london understands that a move is not close to completion just yet. Conte and his players head to the South Korea on Saturday for their summer tour, meaning that time is now ticking if they want to have any further new additions on the flight with their new Tottenham teammates.

Northern Ireland were outclassed on their major tournament debut as Norway romped to a comprehensive 4-1 Euro 2022 victory in Southampton.

First-half finishes from Julie Blakstad and Frida Maanum, plus a Caroline Graham Hansen penalty, put the two-time European champions on course for a routine success to dampen a historic occasion for their opponents.

Defender Julie Nelson – Northern Ireland’s most-capped female player – gave the competition’s lowest-ranked nation brief hope of an unlikely comeback by heading in a landmark goal just after the interval.

But Guro Reiten’s free-kick sealed a routine success for Martin Sjogren’s side to move them level on three points with hosts England at the top of Group A.

A difficult evening for Kenny Shiels’ underdogs was compounded by forward Simone Magill – who has just moved from Everton to Aston Villa – leaving the field in tears late on due to injury.

Ángel Di María has agreed to join Juventus on a one-year deal after his contract ended at Paris Saint-Germain. The 34-year-old forward is expected in Italy this week and is poised to be the club’s second eye-catching free signing of the summer.

The deal with Di María follows one settled last month with Paul Pogba, who is due in Turin on Saturday to complete his return to the club after leaving Manchester United.

Di María departed PSG after seven seasons during which he played 295 games for the club, scoring 92 goals. The Argentina international’s previous clubs include Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Di María’s one season at Old Trafford came when Pogba was in his first spell at Juventus.

Juventus finished a distant fourth in Serie A last season, 16 points behind the champions, Milan, who have an agreement with Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the Swede to extend his contract and continue there next season.

The striker, who will be 41 in October, is recovering from a knee injury and may not play again this year. He has accepted a salary reduction.