Robben Not Interested In United Move

Manchester United could be set for more disappointment in the transfer market once again after Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben claimed that he is not looking for a move to the Premier league outfit. It has been rumoured in the last few days that Robben will be a major transfer target for the summer after the club failed to get Toni Kroos. The 24-year-old midfielder has been widely linked with United and it was reported that the Premier league outfit had agreed a £ 20 million deal with the German club.

Kroos was out of contract next summer and hence they decide to sell him for this substantial figure rather than lose him for nothing. Robben has also been linked with United as has been Thomas Müller. The appointment of Louis van Gaal – the former Bayern Munich manager – has led to a number of Bayern star being linked with the club. Robben was brought to Bayern Munich by van Gaal a few years ago. He has been an ever present for the club during this last few years, which is a relief to him following a period of trouble at Real Madrid.

He has been linked with a return to the Premier league where he played for three years with Chelsea but it seems that he is happy at Bayern for the time being.

“Manchester United? That’s not an option. I am staying at Bayern Munich. Period. And I cannot imagine that Bayern would want to sell me. I have only just renewed my contract and we are happy with each other. It would have been a different story had I been unhappy. I would have been open to a move then, because I had a great time under Van Gaal at Bayern. He has been very important for my career,” said Robben.

WILL SHERWOOD STAY?

Tim Sherwood was appointed as an interim coach of the first team of Tottenham as he replaced Andre Villas- Boas who got sacked back in December of 2013. Despite all of the pressure that Sherwood has been getting recently, he revealed that everything about his new job is a learning curve which he loves to do.

He added: “Any day in management is a learning curve. This has been a baptism of fire to be honest but it’s certainly something that I relish. (more…)

MOYES BACKS MATA

David Moyes has come in praise of midfielder Juan Mata, who scored his first goal for Manchester United in the 4-1 win over Aston Villa on Saturday. This was a major relief for the Spaniard, who came to Old Trafford in a £ 37.1 million deal. He is the club’s record signing at the moment, but so far, he has contributed only a couple of assists. Many have criticised Moyes playing Mata out of position on the wings. He was at his best for Chelsea in a more central role. However, the absence of Robin van Persie due to injury has made Mata return to a central position against Aston Villa.

Most of the time, he was utilised in a free role against Villa. He created havoc by creating and scoring opportunities. The game also marked the first goal for United. After the match, Moyes said that the 25-year-old deserved this goal for the performances he has put in since coming to United. Mata has been one of the best players in the Premier league over the last couple of years, but he found himself on the fringes of the first-team at Chelsea after the arrival of José Mourinho. He was allowed to leave for United in the January transfer window.

“He’s deserved it. His play has been very good. He’s made a difference to the team, he’s helped the team. Goals were one of the reasons we bought him. He’s always scored goals, he’s got a very good goalscoring record. I think he was probably feeling it a little bit – he missed a chance in midweek, missed two good chances against West Ham – so I think there have been signs, the opportunities have been coming for him to score goals,” said Moyes, whose own pressure has been lifted because of this win.

MOYES THANKS FANS

David Moyes has stated that he is thankful of the support shown by the fans during his troubled times at Manchester United. He has said this in an emotional letter ahead of the club’s trip to West Brom on Saturday. This match precedes a difficult run of fixtures, which will see United take on the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City in the next five matches. Moyes is under a lot of pressure after losing the first leg against Olympiakos. As a result, the club are in danger of being knocked out of the Champions League for the second consecutive season at the last 16 stage itself.

There were beaten by Real Madrid at this stage last season, but this defeat will be much more embarrassing since United were expected to comfortably progress to the quarter-finals. Further, they have been struggling in the league throughout the season and they are currently seventh in the table. The prospect of United finishing in the top four looks very unlikely and it would be the first time they miss out on the competition in a very long time. There have been the fans turning against Moyes, as he has been able to get just three wins since the turn of the year.

Moyes, though, is looking to win back the supporters with this emotional letter ahead of a major month.

“While I knew that this job would be a challenge when I took it on, the difficult season we have experienced was not something that I envisaged, which I am sure is the case as well for you supporters – and my players, staff and I are desperate to compensate for that. You are accustomed to seeing a successful Manchester United and the backing you have given the players and me throughout the season has been incredible,” said Moyes.