The Four Players Zidane Would Sign For Man Utd

It has been reported that former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has four transfer targets in mind should he replace Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.

Zidane has been tipped to succeed the Portuguese tactician in England, following the Red Devils' poor start to the season.

It has been claimed the Frenchman would be interested in taking over at United, although it has also been said that the English club has no plans to sack Mourinho any time soon.

According to the Daily Mirror, however, Zidane already has an idea of which players he would look to bring to United if he was placed in the Old Trafford hot seat.

The 46-year-old would reportedly look at the possibility of signing Los Blancos star Toni Kroos, whom he worked so well with at the Spanish giants.

It has been claimed Zidane would also look to lure Bayern Munich duo James Rodriguez and Thiago Alcantara to United. It remains to be seen as to whether or not Rodriguez would be open to working under the manager again, though, as he was not a regular under the French boss at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Lastly, it is believed that Zidane would be interested in targeting Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani, who many feel is often undermined in France, despite being his club's all-time leading goalscorer.

What will play a major role in any of these deals materializing is Mourinho's job security in England. With United having lost two of their first four Premier League games already this season, another defeat might see the board intervene.

Ramos Snubs Ronaldo As Favourite For The Best FIFA Men's Player Prize

While Lionel Messi was snubbed for The Best FIFA Men's Player 2018 shortlist last week, Cristiano Ronaldo was named among the final three candidates, but who does Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos feel deserves the award?

Ronaldo made the three-man shortlist alongside Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah and Los Blancos midfielder Luka Modric.

However, despite many tipping the Portuguese to be the favourite for the award, Real captain Ramos has insisted it is the Croatian veteran who should win the accolade.

"Maybe other players have more marketing or bigger names, (but) Modric deserves to win the award," he said, according to Sport.

"We will see who wins. He's a great friend and there are few players I feel prouder of to have in my team.

"He's a huge star. He's one of the few people who (if he wins) I'd be as happy for as if they gave it to me."

Modric won as many trophies as Ronaldo did last season, but his performances for Croatia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup may set him apart from his former colleague.

Pogba Answers Big Barca Question

Manchester United superstar Paul Pogba, whose relationship with manager Jose Mourinho is said to be poor, has now responded directly to being linked with FC Barcelona.

Before the season got underway, it was speculated that the 25-year-old's agent, Mino Raiola, was trying to take his client to the Catalan club.

Reports suggested that Pogba was unhappy with a few of Mourinho's comments during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which the midfielder won with France.

Despite what has been said, the former Juventus player has now played down the rumours linking him with Ernesto Valverde's Barca.

"I'm under contract," he told Telefoot.

"There have been little things with the coach – the relationship is always the same, coach and player. We have common goals, which are to win.

"As long as you do not see me in a Barcelona jersey, it's because I'm in Manchester. There will always be rumours."

Pogba has played four matches this season for United so far, scoring twice from the penalty spot.

'Ronaldo Goes Missing In Big Games'

Cristiano Ronaldo's goals may have helped Real Madrid lift four UEFA Champions League titles over the past five years, but a Juventus legend believes the superstar goes missing in big games.

The Portugal captain joined the Serie A giants in a club record deal, but is yet to score an official goal for his new side. He left Los Blancos as their record goalscorer, and is also the all-time leading goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League as well as for his national team.

However, former Juventus and Germany defender Jurgen Kohler has now questioned Ronaldo's ability to turn up on the big occasions.

"There are no two opinions about Ronaldo's qualities. He holds many records in Spain. He has managed to win the major trophies. You have to pay tribute to him," he told Sport1.

"However, I must say that you rarely see Ronaldo in the decisive matches. Then he goes on to score the goal to make it 4-1, with a penalty, and wants to be celebrated for it. But that's the way he is, too."

Kohler did, though, praise Ronaldo for his work ethic, which he believes sets the 33-year-old apart from his peers.

"I talked about him to a lot of people," he added.

"Everyone is fascinated because he also works a lot on the pitch. Only the true champions are willing to work more. That applies to Ronaldo. That's the difference between world-class players and the regulars."

Ronaldo is the only player to have scored in three different UEFA Champions League finals, but failed to score in Real's UCL final triumph over Liverpool last season. In addition, he is also yet to score in a knockout stage at a World Cup.

France & Germany Share The Spoils In Nations League Opener

UEFA Nations League

Result: Germany 0-0 France

Date: 6 September 2018

Venue: Allianz Arena

World Champions France settled for  a share of the spoils after playing to a 0-0 draw with Germany in their opening UEFA Nations League clash on Thursday.

Didier Descamps handed a debut to Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, while Olivier Giroud kept his spot in the attack, despite not starting for Chelsea this season.

 

The Germans shaded the possession statistics in the opening 20 minutes of the first half, although they only had one effort on target to show for their dominance.

 

Midway through the second half, Giroud, who failed to score at the World Cup, nearly handed the visitors the lead but his towering header was palmed away by Manuel Neuer.

 

That proved to be the final clear-cut opening at goal for the remainder of the half as the sides went into the break level at 0-0.

 

After a slow start to the second half, both coaches opted for changes as Giroud made way for Ousmane Dembele, while Ilkay Gundogan replaced Leon Goretzka for Germany.

 

Germany nearly took the lead through an unlikely source in the 71st minute as Mats Hummels found himself in the opposition box. However, Areola produced a superb save to deny the defender.

 

Both sides pushed for a winning goal in the closing stages of the second half, but they were unable to carve out clear cut openings as the encounter ended goalless.

Bale Nets Stunner As Wales Win Big

League B

Wales 4-1 Republic of Ireland

 

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs was victorious in his first competitive game in charge of Wales, with Gareth Bale netting a stunning goal in a big win in their UEFA Nations League opener.

 

Tom Lawrence put Wales ahead after six minutes with a thumping finish after collecting a pass from Joe Allen.

 

Bale then got his name on the score-sheet with a stunning effort from distance, with Aaron Ramsey making it 3-0 before the break.

 

Connor Roberts rounded off the scoring for the Welsh, while Shaun Williams netted a consolation for Ireland in the 66th minute.

 

Giggs' charges take on Denmark in their next Nations League tie on Sunday.

 

League B

 

Czech Republic 1-2 Ukraine

 

League C

 

Slovenia 1-2 Bulgaria

Norway 2-0 Cyprus

 

League D

 

Kazahkstan 0-2 Georgia

Armenia 2-1 Liechtenstein

Latvia 0-0 Andorra

Gibraltar 0-2 Macedonia

Modric: What CR7 Told Me After I Was Named UEFA Player of The Year

Real Madrid star Luka Modric has revealed what Cristiano Ronaldo said to him after he beat the Portuguese to the UEFA Player of the Year award.

The Croatia international was nominated alongside Liverpool frontman Mohamed Salah and his former Los Blancos teammate, who did not attend the prestigious ceremony.

After Croatia's 1-1 draw with Portugal on Thursday, Modric revealed that he has spoken to Ronaldo since the awards evening, and that the Juventus star did congratulate him, despite reports suggesting the Bianconeri forward was unhappy he did not win it himself. 

"I am happy to be in another big award final (The Best FIFA Men's Player award), we'll see what will happen," the midfielder told RTP3.

"I have a good relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo and we'll have a good relationship in the future too. Individual awards are important but I'm not obsessed with them.

"Cristiano sent me a message, congratulated me and told me he is happy for me and I deserved it. He also said he can't wait to meet me again."

Last season, Modric and Ronaldo helped Real Madrid lift their third consecutive UEFA Champions League title.

'Mbappe Is The Best Kid I've Seen Play Since'- Thierry Henry

With many having already hailed France star Kylian Mbappe as one of the most talented wonderkids in recent history, an international striker has now said the Paris Saint-Germain forward is the best teenager he has seen since Thierry Henry.

Mbappe took Europe by storm when he broke through at Monaco as a 16-year-old. While he already has two Ligue 1 titles and a 2018 FIFA World Cup trophy, among other pieces of silverware, to his name, many would argue that the striker still has his best years ahead.

The 19-year-old has been lauded as one of the most promising talents in football, praise his France teammate Olivier Giroud feels he deserves.  

"How can you not be (impressed by Mbappe)?" he told Le Parisien.

"He's mind-blowing at his age and with his maturity.

"You ask yourself where he's going to stop. I have never seen a kid as good at the same age. It's not been seen since Thierry Henry, perhaps."

Mbappe has played 107 senior club games already in his young career, scoring 52 goals and creating a further 33 strikes.

FC Barcelona Worried With Pique's Off-Field Antics

The FC Barcelona board has reportedly become worried about defender Gerard Pique, who has caused a stir on a couple occasions off the field in recent times.

Although the Spaniard is one of the most respected and influential players in the Barca dressing room, recent incidents he has found himself involved in have concerned the Catalan club's hierarchy.

According to Sport, Pique was recently caught driving without a licence in Spain, something he got into trouble for with the authorities.

Barca spokesperson Josep Vives publicly stated that the club would not take further action with the 31-year-old, who was also embroiled in another controversy during the off-season.

Pique strangely produced the documentary Antoine Griezmann released before the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked off, in which he announced his decision to reject Barca's advances and stay at Atletico Madrid.

The Blaugrana had been chasing his signature for some time before he released the short film, so the fact that Pique had something to do with it left a bad taste in the club's mouth.

Pique also has many other hobbies away from football that he enjoys, including poker and tennis, and it has been claimed the club has warned him to not let his extracurricular activities affect his form on the field.

The centre-back has won all there is to win in football in terms of trophies, including the UEFA Champions League, the European Championship and the FIFA World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo Tops Highest-Paid Serie A Stars List

With Cristiano Ronaldo earning more than three times as much as the second highest-paid player in Serie A, here are the 12 top earners in Italy.

The 33-year-old joined Juventus from Real Madrid in a club record deal, and also became the league's top-earning player in the process, pocketing €31 million (R530 million) a year after deductions, according to a salary overview by Gazzetta dello Sport.

In doing so, Ronaldo earns over €20 million (R342 million) more annually than second-placed Gonzalo Higuain, who is understood to receive €9.5 million (R162 million) a season. The Portugal captain's teammate Paulo Dybala completes the top three with an annual net salary of €7 million (R120 million).

Juventus playmaker Miralem Pjanic recently put pen to paper on a new contract with the Serie A champions, which sees him earn €6.5 million (R111 million) yearly. He is followed by Bianconeri winger Douglas Costa and AC Milan shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who both pocket €6 million (R103 million) a season.

Leonardo Bonucci is the seventh highest-paid player in Italy after agreeing on a €5.5 million (R94 million) deal upon his return to Juventus. Emre Can, who joined the Old Lady on a free deal in the latest window, receives €5 million (R85 million) a year, while Napoli's Lorenzo Insigne gets €4.6 million (R79 million) annually.

Inter Milan stars Mauro Icardi and Radja Nainggolan, and AS Roma striker Edin Dzeko, who are all on an annual salary of €4.5 million (R77 million), complete the top earners in Italy, according to the report.

Meanwhile, Juve boss Massimilliano Allegri is the top earner among the coaches, receiving €7.5 million (R128 million) a year, which is €1 million (R17.1 million) more than new Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti. Inter's Luciano Spalletti completes the three highest-earning coaches with an annual salary of €4.5 million (R77 million).

Superstar Confused By FIFA Best Men's Snub

With superstars such as Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe being snubbed for the three-man shortlist for the The Best FIFA Men's Player 2018 award, one of those stars has now spoken out about being left off the podium.

FIFA announced its shortlist for the coveted individual prize earlier this week, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Mohamed Salah making the final three from their initial 10-man shortlist.

Griezmann, who enjoyed a fantastic 2017/18 campaign, during which he won the UEFA Europa League trophy with Atletico Madrid and the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France, was surprised to be left out of contention for the accolade.

"It's bizarre, and a shame, it's FIFA who award the trophy, right?" he said, according to L'Equipe.

"And the World Cup is organised by FIFA, right? We won the World Cup and there is no Frenchman at the end.

"It's a choice, but it's surprising there's no world champion."

Despite his frustration, Griezmann hopes to be among the favourites for the Ballon d'Or, which will be handed out later this year.

"I would ask myself what I would have to do more," he added.

"I have won three trophies, I've been important in decisive moments. But it's not me who votes.

"Comparing with 2016, I have to be in the final three. When I finished third in 2016, I had lost two finals. Now, I've won three. So, the normal thing would be..."

The 27-year-old scored 29 goals and assisted a further 15 strikes in 49 matches for Atletico last season, and contributed to seven strikes for Les Bleus at the global tournament in Russia.

Marcelo Comments On Potential Juve Move

With Real Madrid star Marcelo having been tipped to reunite with superstar Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus next season, the Brazilian has now addressed the rumours.

The Brazilian is known to be a close friend of the 33-year-old Portuguese, who left Los Blancos to join Italian giants Juventus during the latest transfer window.

As soon as Ronaldo signed for the Bianconeri, there were reports claiming that the Bianconeri would be targeting Marcelo next, but the Selecao star has now played down speculation that he could leave Spain.

"I am very happy at Madrid," he told Real Madrid TV.

"People know what my situation is, I have a lot of years left on my contract, I am very happy here. For me, it is the best club in the world, I always want to play for the best club in the world.

"It's nice to touch on this issue because since I came, there are rumours, and for me it's hard to prove that I want to be, and that I can be, at Real Madrid, that I give the maximum to play at the best club in the world.

"I'll stay here until the end."

Marcelo joined Real in 2007, and has since represented the 13-time UEFA Champions League winners on 456 occasions.

Surprise Boss Tipped To Replace Mourinho At Man Utd

Surprise Boss Tipped To Replace Jose Mourinho At Manchester United

While Zinedine Zidane has been tipped to replace Jose Mourinho at Manchester United, a surprise name has now emerged as a candidate to replace the Portuguese at Old Trafford.

Mourinho's job security at United appears uncertain at the moment, especially with the Red Devils having already lost twice this season.

The manager also seems to have butted heads with the club's board, namely vice-executive Ed Woodward, who handles transfer dealings, among other things.

Former Real Madrid boss Zidane has been tipped as one of the favourites to step into the hot seat at United if Mourinho is sacked, but a new name has now surfaced as a potential candidate.

According to SportBild, Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Nuno Espirito Santo is also among the candidates to replace his countryman.

Santo, a former goalkeeper, played under Mourinho at FC Porto, and is also represented by the same agent, Jorge Mendes.

The Wolves boss has impressed since taking over at the English club, winning promotion to the Premier League in his debut campaign with the team.

Zidane Reveals What The Plan Was To Stop Salah In UCL Final

Zinedine Zidane Reveals What The Plan Was To Stop Mohamed Salah In 2017/18 UEFA Champions League Final

Former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has opened up about that emotional UEFA Champions League final in Kiev last season, during which Liverpool star Mohamed Salah was injured following a Sergio Ramos challenge.

Los Blancos beat Jurgen Klopp's team 3-1 on the night, but after the match, the Spanish defender was subjected to major criticism from Reds fans all over the world.

As such, the former Real boss was asked recently if he had given Ramos strict instructions to deal with the Egypt international.

"Not at all! Our game was always the same, regardless of who we were facing," Zidane said, according to the Daily Mirror.

"We told players about the individual characteristics of opposing players so that they were aware of specific things that those players did.

“I didn't want to do too much of that, as I wanted my players to focus primarily on our own game."

Zidane is currently without a job at the moment, but has been heavily linked with replacing Jose Mourinho at Manchester United should the Portuguese leave Old Trafford.

12 EPL Stars Whose Contracts Are Expiring

Many top players in the Premier League have now entered the final year of their contracts, including some who play for Manchester United, Manchester City, and the other top six clubs. Here are 12 stars who could become free agents at the end of this season.

1. Mousa Dembélé (Tottenham) 

2. David de gea (Manchester United)

Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea will be expecting a new contract offer in the coming months as his deal in England runs out in 2019, according to the Daily Mail.

It has been claimed that the 27-year-old was unhappy with a recent offer from United as he wants to be one of the club's best earners.

3. Anthony Martial (Manchester United)

4. Luke Shaw (Manchester United)

Anthony Martial's deal in England also expires come the end of this campaign, as does Luke Shaw's, although his improved performances since the beginning of the season could see United offer him a new contract.

5. Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea) 

At Chelsea, Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Brazilian defender David Luiz have deals expiring. While new manager Maurizio Sarri might want the club to renew Luiz's contract, he might not do so with Fabregas. The 31-year-old has not yet featured in a league match for the Blues in 2018/19 so far.

6. David Luiz (Chelsea)

7. James Milner (Liverpool)

As things stand, Liverpool duo James Milner and Daniel Sturridge will see their contracts run out in June 2019, as will City captain Vincent Kompany. It remains to be seen whether or not Pep Guardiola plans on extending the 32-year-old's stay at the Etihad. Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey also has his deal running out. 

8. Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)

9. Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)

Tottenham Hotspur could lose three top players in Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele if their deals are not renewed before next season.

10. Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)

11. Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham)

Former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has scored 16 goals in the MLS so far this season, has been linked with a shock switch to an African club.

Former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has scored 16 goals in the MLS so far this season, has been linked with a shock switch to an African club.

The 36-year-old left United in March 2017 to join Los Angeles Galaxy, and has since scored 16 goals in 21 appearances for the club.

However, his MLS adventure could reportedly soon end, with Record suggesting that the retired Sweden international could join an African club.

Ibrahimovic's contract with Galaxy only expires in December 2020, but it has been claimed he is considering an offer from Egyptian side Pyramids FC.

The club finished ninth in the Egyptian Premier League last season, but are under the new ownership of wealthy Saudi Arabian Turki al-Sheikh. They started the new campaign without a defeat in their first five games, and currently sit in second spot behind Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

Pyramids have already lured former Mexico and Costa Rica coach Ricardo La Volpe, who won the FIFA World Cup as a player with Argentina in 1978, to Egypt, while ex-AC Milan and Brazil shot-stopper Dida has been hired as a goalkeeper coach.

Negotiations between Ibrahimovic and the Egyptian club are reportedly at an advanced stage, and the MLS has apparently already given the green light for a potential switch.

Money will seemingly not to be a problem for the Egyptian club's wealthy owner, and it is now up to the striker as to whether or not he wants to play in Egypt.

'Ronaldo Deserved UEFA Award Ahead Of Modric'

Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo should have been crowned UEFA's 2017/18 Men's Player of the Year ahead of his former teammate Luka Modric, according to Portugal manager Fernando Santos.

Selected coaches and journalists from all around Europe decided voted for the Croatian playmaker to win the coveted award, despite former Real Madrid forward Ronaldo scoring 15 goals in the UEFA Champions League last season.

Santos, Portugal's national team manager, was recently asked if he agreed with the outcome of the voting for the award.

"The vote for the best of FIFA is not mine. If it was mine, Ronaldo was the champion," Santos said, as quoted by FourFourTwo.

"Ronaldo is the champion for me. And in second place, I'd put Modric. But the rest of votes come from the public, journalists, other coaches, there are many people, so the decision will be announced at the right date.

"There's a previous list, as I've already said, Modric is a fantastic player, that's why I've put him in second. But in this previous election, I think Cristiano should've been the winner for all he did at that period of time and especially at the Champions League."

Ronaldo made 44 appearances for Los Blancos last season, scoring 44 goals and assisting a further eight strikes.