Five key talking points from Manchester City v FC Barcelona

Five key talking points from Manchester City v FC Barcelona

ROGER BOGUNYÀ 

The managers' approaches, Suárez's finishing and Messi's excellence all played their part in the result at the Etihad



FC Barcelona got a great result in Manchester, a 2-1 win that leaves them within touching distance of a place in the Champions League quarter finals. Here are five key factors that we’ve picked out from Tuesday’s game.

• The managers’ approaches. Both Luis Enrique and Pellegrini went for attacking methods. That was not much of a surprise as far as Barça are concerned but perhaps it was somewhat from Man City. The Chilean opted to start with two strikers, Agüero and Dzeko, a brave and unexpected choice. But Barça won the tactical battle by swarming the midfield with Sergio, Rakitic and Iniesta and with Messi dropping back to great effect.

• Suárez’s finishing. The Uruguayan had only ever scored once against Man City, but he got two more tonight. He produced a fine finish for the opener and was in the right place for the second. And he had chances to get even more goals in the first 45 minutes.

• Stunning from Messi. He may have missed a penalty, but the Argentinian provided a terrific assist for the first goal and broke through the City rearguard in the build-up to the second. He finished with an extraordinary 90% in completed passes and created danger every time the ball came near him.

• Second half resistance. Man City came out much stronger after the break. But lack of accuracy in their shooting, the security generated by Ter Stegen and some fine interventions from the centre backs, especially Piqué, presented Man City from getting any further back into the match than Agüero’s 69th minute goal.

• Keeping control. Agüero’s goal didn’t stop FC Barcelona from controlling the game towards the end. Mathieu and Adriano injected some fresh blood into the team and when Clichy was sent off it was as good as game over. And they even managed to force a penalty in injury time.

Alvo de muitas faltas, Neymar nega ser um jogador provocador

Alvo de muitas faltas, Neymar nega ser um jogador provocador

Após goleada sobre Athletic Bilbao, atacante brasileiro diz que Barcelona está em melhor forma do que os rivais na luta pelo título: 

"Temos que olhar para nós mesmos"

Neymar é um dos um dos jogadores que mais sofre faltas no Campeonato Espanhol, o que se viu novamente na goleada do Barcelona sobre o Athletic Bilbao por 5 a 2, quando ele marcou um gol, neste domingo. Um dos motivos seria o fato de o brasileiro provocar os adversários em campo, como apontam críticos. O camisa 11 não concorda:

- Não sou um jogador provocador. Sabem que sempre jogo assim. Se os outros pensam isso, não posso fazer nada - disse ao Canal + na zona mista do San Mamés.

Para Neymar, o Barcelona está em melhor forma do que os rivais na briga pelo título e para ultrapassar o Real Madrid, um ponto à frente, precisa fazer a sua parte.


- Temos que olhar para nós mesmos. Não me importa os outros. Estamos tentando fazer o nosso - disse.



Para Xavi, o Barcelona tinha que aproveitar a goleada sofrida pelo Real Madrid na véspera, diante do Atlético. O time já havia perdido uma chance de encostar no rival no início do ano, quando perdeu para o Real Sociedad por 1 a 0 em Anoeta.


- Não podíamos falhar. Era a segunda oportunidade de ficarmos a um ponto do Real. Em Anoeta não aconteceu, mas desta vez conseguimos. Agora estamos em um bom momento e devemos aproveitar. 

Fernando Torres insists Luis Suarez is already a huge player for Barcelona, but needs to score more goals

Fernando Torres insists Luis Suarez is already a huge player for Barcelona, but needs to score more goals

Luis Suarez is already a "fundamental" player for Barcelona, according to his Liverpool predecessor Fernando Torres.


Suárez, who left Liverpool for Barça in a £75m deal last summer, has struggled for goals this season, managing just five strikes in 18 appearances.

The Uruguayan has been outshone by the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar, although he has chipped in with 11 assists.

And Atletico Madrid's Torres, who left Anfield on the same day that Suárez arrived on Merseyside back in January 2011, was full of praise for the Uruguayan.


He told AS: "He is fundamental. [He does] the dirty work and the work that isn’t dirty. He is a very good player.

"You have to realise that Luis comes from making 50 goals in a team in which he was the one who made the goals. At Barça you have to start to substract that amount because Messi makes 50 a year. That is normal. 

"There is a need to make more goals, he will do it. Against us in the match in the Calderón, that damage that was done to us was done by him."

Catalães exaltam média de Neymar e citam "conexão mágica" com Messi

Catalães exaltam média de Neymar e citam "conexão mágica" com Messi

Chamado de "Neygol", brasileiro forma com o argentino uma dupla de 50 gols



Por GloboEsporte.com
Barcelona, Espanha

O show da dupla Neymessi na goleada do Barça por 6 a 0 sobre o Elche, no sábado, ainda ecoa na imprensa catalã. Os principais diários esportivos de Barcelona trazem em suas capas nesta segunda-feira os motivos para a torcida do clube comemorar a parceria formada há uma temporada e meia e que vem conseguindo bons números. 


O "Sport" exalta o atacante brasileiro, a quem chama de "Neygol" e diz ter a melhor média da carreira, com 0,9 gols por partida em 2014/15. O número, porém, é arredondado para cima, já que o camisa 11 tem 14 gols em 17 partidas do Campeonato Espanhol - o que dá uma média de 0,82 gols por jogo. Já em todas as competições oficiais são 19 gols em 24 partidas - média de 0,79.


A publicação também afirma que a parceria entre Neymar e Messi tem "resultado mais que eficaz", uma vez que os dois somam 35 gols (21 de Messi e 14 de Neymar) no Campeonato Espanhol, o que faria da dupla, sozinha, o quinto melhor ataque do torneio, atrás apenas de Real Madrid, o próprio Barcelona, Atlético e Valencia.


Por sua vez, o "Mundo Deportivo" cita uma "conexão mágica" entre Neymar e Messi e exalta a dupla, apelidada de "cósmica" por já ter 50 gols na temporada. "Messi e Neymar se conectam como nunca", afirma a publicação.

Neymar, Messi e cia participam de gincana e recebem carrões de marca

Neymar, Messi e cia participam de gincana e recebem carrões de marca

Patrocinador oficial do Barcelona renova frota dos atletas. Atacante brasileiro opta por modelo no valor de R$ 300 mil e duela com argentino em brincadeira



Por Cassio Barco
Barcelona, Espanha

Os jogadores do Barcelona estão motorizados e renovados. Não só em campo, com Messi e Neymar em ritmo acelerado, mas também fora dele. Nesta quinta-feira, os atletas do elenco principal receberam seus novos carros oficiais da temporada. O clube tem um acordo com a Audi, que providencia veículos novos para dos atletas todos os anos. Os craques do clube espanhol utilizam as máquinas em deslocamentos profissionais, principalmente para treinos.

Neymar optou pelo modelo Q7 branco, mesmo do técnico Luis Enrique, que tem valor sugerido no Brasil em torno de R$ 300 mil. Douglas e Daniel Alves também desejaram o mesmo na cor preta. Já Luis Suárez escolheu o automóvel semelhante na cor cinza. Messi decidiu ser diferente. Ele quis o A7, que tem valor similar aos dos companheiros de equipe (entre R$ 300 mil e R$ 350 mil).

Alguns atletas tiveram a oportunidade de dirigir o novo modelo híbrido da marca alemã, em circuito montado na área do Camp Nou, especialmente para o evento. Além dos jogadores do time principal, o presidente do clube, Josep Maria Bartomeu, também participou da cerimônia de entrega.

Antes da entrega das máquinas, o grupo culé participou de uma gincana em um auditório do Camp Nou. Os jogadores foram divididos em duas equipes: a Blau, comandada por Iniesta, e a Grana, capitaneada por Xavi. Messi ficou com Xavi. Neymar, o restante dos brasileiros e Suárez foram para o time de Iniesta. Nas provas, eles precisavam bater embaixadinhas - o ponto alto foi uma disputa Brasil x Argentina - e ainda pedalar em uma bicicleta para produzir energia. Um marcador avaliava quem era o mais forte no índice. 


A equipe vermelha (Grana) ganhou a gincana. A azul (Blau) dominou até a última rodada, mas no final Bartra arrasou com Douglas na bicicleta e levou a primeira colocação. Daniel Alves foi o mais irreverente e chegou a ser expulso do palco pelo apresentador por entrar na disputa antes de ser chamado.



Messi e Neymar mostraram afinidade e ficaram o tempo todo juntos, sentaram lado a lado. Além disso, fizeram brincadeiras enquanto o presidente Josep Maria Bartomeu fazia seu discurso. Na hora de ir embora, o craque brasileiro se atrapalhou. Ele não conseguiu ligar o carro e precisou da ajudar de um funcionário da empresa. No teste drive, Piqué foi o barbeiro da turma. O zagueiro derrubou vários cones.

 

Brendan Rodgers wary of threat posed by Real Madrid despite loss of Gareth Bale

Brendan Rodgers wary of threat posed by Real Madrid despite loss of Gareth Bale

Brendan Rodgers admits the absence of Gareth Bale will mean little to Liverpool as they still must find a way to stop Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.



The Merseysiders are preparing for Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with the Spanish giants at Anfield.

Bale will be missing from the Madrid side with a muscle injury, but Isco, his likely replacement, is another potent attacking threat for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.

Ronaldo remains their main driving force, scoring 15 times in his last seven La Liga outings, and Rodgers believes the Portugal international has emerged as the complete player in recent years.

"Gareth Bale is a world-class player with fantastic speed and fantastic talent, but with the squad Real Madrid have they can bring in players like Isco so I don't think really it's an advantage if he doesn't play,” said the Reds boss.


"It's still going to be a very difficult game for us, they have a squad full of top-class players.

"Of course there is a special talent in Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the best player in the world at the moment, and his evolution from being a soloist who scores goals to a goalscorer is there to see and his record is incredible.

"But we have to make a plan for our team first to ensure we cause Real Madrid problems and then prepare yourself for the quality players they have, but that will be as a team."

Fluency

Liverpool have lacked attacking fluency this season, with main striker Mario Balotelli appearing short on confidence and composure in Sunday’s 3-2 win at QPR.

But Rodgers has kept faith with the Italian and hopes he can play a decisive role against Madrid.

"He's been fine, of course he was disappointed after the weekend - he's a goalscorer so he wants to score goals," added Rodgers.


"But I highlighted to him he was in the positions to miss, he was arriving in the areas, so I think it's only a matter of time before he gets his goals.

"He's a good kid, he's working hard and he has scored goals in big games and I'm sure he will go into the game tomorrow night - if selected - focused on getting off the mark again, and as long as he is in there getting into the positions I'm sure he can score."

Raheem Sterling responded to criticism about his fitness with a fine individual display against his former club at the weekend.

Rodgers fully expects the 19-year-old to be ready for another crucial fixture, just three days later.

"I think he's shown over the last couple of years he has that quality and ability to do that," he said. "Probably a lot more was made about what happened when he was away with England.

"It was no surprise to me [against QPR], he was a real catalyst for us - wonderful speed, technique and hard work so I've no doubt he can arrive into the game and produce the same quality."

Barcelona vs Ajax: A classic Champions League affair before El Clasico

Barcelona vs Ajax: A classic Champions League affair before El Clasico

Barcelona will face Ajax Amsterdam at the Camp Nou on Tuesday in what will be the third-ever clash between two of the most successful clubs in the prestigious Champions League.

Inevitably, the name of Dutch master Johan Cruyff springs to mind whenever a supporter of the Catalan giants thinks of Ajax. If Barca practices the beautiful style of football that attracts admiration from every corner of the planet today, it is thanks to the influence the Flying Dutchman brought from the capital of the Netherlands first in the mid-1970s, as a player under Rinus Michels, then as an inspirational manager himself in the late 1980s.

Always put the team first. Do not hide from responsibility. Respect not only others but also yourself. Be welcoming. Explore creative ways to improve. Help your teammates. Stay true to who you really are. Make a positive difference on and off the pitch. Improve your technique. Understand your role within your team's formation. Cultivate your body and soul. Learn something new every single day. Be a team player. Use your skills to innovate. The 14 rules that are displayed in the many Cruyff Courts within Catalunya and beyond illustrate both the Barca and Ajax philosophy in a simple yet hugely effective way.

But there is much more: The relationship between the Blaugranas and the Eredivisie champions does not begin and end with the Dream Team manager. Up to 19 players have represented both clubs, including the illustrious Ronald Koeman, Michael Laudrup, Patrick Kluivert, Edgar Davids, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and, within the current squad, Luis Suarez and Thomas Vermaelen. Having such a similar way of understanding the game of football enabled a coach like Louis van Gaal to work at both the Amsterdam Arena and Camp Nou.

Barcelona are on a roll at the moment, especially in La Liga. Luis Enrique's men are sitting comfortably at the top of the domestic league table with 22 points, still unbeaten, having scored 22 goals in just eight matches and with Claudio Bravo currently on a record streak of consecutive clean sheets.

It is expected that Enrique will continue to trust German youngster Marc Andre ter Stegen on goal in the Champions League despite his looking far too shaky during the 3-2 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the last round of the biggest tournament in European football. Prospects are only capable of fulfilling their true potential if given enough time learn from their own mistakes, so hopefully the 22-year-old will silence critics if placed between the posts on Tuesday.

Neymar is becoming increasingly decisive as the season develops. His lethal connection with Lionel Messi is certainly one of the main reasons for the team's visible improvement under Enrique. The Brazilian has boosted his strength, stamina and speed thanks to a well-structured fitness program including a much more strict diet and weight-lifting regime. The No. 11 is now better prepared to withstand the many tackles he suffers, making it easier for him to not only stand on his feet despite being challenged, but also instantly burst forward with his trademark diagonal runs.

Messi, as is tradition, is expected to lead Barca's attack once again. While the media is becoming increasingly anxious awaiting the moment he finally breaks Telmo Zarra's historical goal-scoring record of 251 goals in La Liga, the quadruple Ballon d'Or winner does not seem fazed by the prospect and continues to keep his focus on the very next match rather than off-the-field speculation. Sure, one of the most anticipated Clasicos in recent history is less than a week away, but beating Ajax on Tuesday must come first.

In what can only be described as an extremely unusual move by Enrique, Javier Mascherano was fielded as a holding midfielder in the 3-0 win over Eibar on Saturday. Obviously, the courageous Argentine has been excelling in that position when on international duty for a number of years but, due to the form Sergio Busquets has shown in previous seasons, Masche has regularly been placed at the heart of the back line instead. With Busquets apparently recovering from muscular discomfort, it is more than likely that the No. 14 will be given the chance to build on his stellar performance against Eibar in his preferred position, behind the two more creative interior midfielders.

Considering all the points above, here's a predicted lineup for the game against Levante: Ter Stegen; Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Jeremy Mathieu, Jordi Alba; Mascherano, Ivan Rakitic, Andres Iniesta; Neymar, Munir El Haddadi, Messi.

Here's hoping for a Blaugrana win against the Dutch champions. Despite the many similarities between both clubs, Barca has an incredibly powerful squad which, if working collectively in the way that has taken them to the top of their domestic league, has every chance of coming up victorious on Tuesday.

The quote: "I would love to score against Ajax and Real Madrid in El Clasico. I'm living the dream with Barca, I'm happy and enjoying every moment. Messi? It is an honour to hear him say that I will be the world's best in the future. I am a huge fan of his; he surprises me in training every day, the best player I've ever seen" -- Neymar.

Romelu Lukaku convinced Everton were right choice for him

Romelu Lukaku convinced Everton were right choice for him

Romelu Lukaku admits to having considered other options over the summer, but believes Everton are 'perfect' for him.


nce it became clear that the Belgium international was looking to make a permanent move, and that Chelsea were willing to listen to offers, clubs from across Europe made their interest known.

Serie A title holders Juventus, a club that could offer UEFA Champions League football, were among those to make a formal approach.


Lukaku, though, snubbed their advances in favour of returning to Goodison Park – having enjoyed a productive season-long loan spell on Merseyside in 2013/14.

A man signed by Roberto Martinez for a club record £28million told the Daily Mirror of his decision: “I thought about Serie A and Juventus because they are a big club. But, for me, Everton was perfect.

“I’m here and I’m happy. I don’t regret any choices I’ve made. Everton was the best choice I could make as a young player who wants to progress and develop.

“This club is a good fit for me. They made so many efforts to get me. I feel at home here.”

Lukaku also says that will not allow the burden of a hefty price tag to weigh heavy on his shoulders, with the 21-year-old fully focused on events he can control.

He added: “Pressure? For me it’s just about not losing my drive. My mind is always focused on football.

“When I go into the training ground I want to be the best and when the weekend comes it’s always going to be the same. I want to be the best and I want to help my team-mates out.”

Everton's Bryan Oviedo out of Costa Rica squad

Everton's Bryan Oviedo out of Costa Rica squad

Everton midfielder Bryan Oviedo has pulled out of Costa Rica's friendlies against Oman and South Korea.


The Toffees have confirmed the 24-year-old is to remain on Merseyside to undergo a routine procedure to remove a small screw in his left leg which was inserted after an horrific break in January.

Oviedo made his competitive comeback with an hour-long appearance in the Capital One Cup defeat at Swansea last month and came on for the last 26 minutes of Sunday's loss against Manchester United - his first league appearance since January 20.

While Oviedo has returned to fitness other injuries are starting to pile up for manager Roberto Martinez.

John Stones was carried off on a stretcher at the weekend with suspected ankle ligament damage and is expected to be sidelined for at least a month while fellow defender Seamus Coleman has not played since mid-October because of a hamstring problem and, although he was named in the Republic of Ireland's squad to face Gibraltar in a Euro 2016 qualifier, he is unlikely to feature.

Forward Kevin Mirallas also has a hamstring strain which will keep him out until next month while midfielder James McCarthy will use the international break, having been left out of the Republic's squad, to recover from a thigh problem.

England midfielder Ross Barkley is progressing well after a knee operation but will not return until next month.

Tony Hibbert confident Everton will find form

Tony Hibbert confident Everton will find form

Tony Hibbert remains confident that Everton will 'click' after the international break and kick-start their season.



Roberto Martinez is expected to have his side among the top-four contenders again in 2014/15, but they are a long way off the UEFA Champions League places at present.

Just one win has been secured in their opening seven fixtures, with a six-point haul leaving them one spot above the drop zone.


There is still plenty of time in which to turn things around, but positive results are a must once Premier League action returns in a fortnight’s time.

Hibbert believes Martinez’s men will get things right, following a testing start that has seen them face Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United, with there being no cause for panic at Goodison Park just yet.

The long-serving full-back said after Sunday’s 2-1 reversal at Old Trafford: “Football is funny. It’s hard to figure out why it hasn’t worked for us.

“We haven’t started the way we wanted to, but it will come. We’ll click again.

“The games will come thick and fast again after the international break and we just need to get our confidence back and get going again.

“We just need a win. We’re not playing badly. We need to believe in ourselves more because we’ve still got the players we had last season. It’s only a matter of time.

“Hopefully after next weekend we’ll have some of the injured men back and then we’ll kick on.”

Angelo Henriquez eager to impress Manchester United staff

Angelo Henriquez eager to impress Manchester United staff

Angelo Henriquez hopes an outing on British shores will help him to catch the eye of parent club Manchester United.

The 20-year-old Chilean will be in Glasgow on Thursday for a Europa League clash with Celtic.

He will be turning out for loan employers Dinamo Zagreb, having agreed a season-long deal over the summer.

Henriquez is aware that he needs to make the most of his time away from Old Trafford, having previously taken in spells at Wigan Athletic and Real Zaragoza.

He needs to show those on the coaching staff at United that he has a future in England, with Sir Alex Ferguson having invested £3.5million in his potential back in 2012.

The highly-rated South American is confident he has what it takes to make a positive impact at a Premier League heavyweight, but is also aware that fierce competition for places may force him to look elsewhere.

Henriquez said: “I don’t think it was a backwards step in my career (joining Dinamo) but a good chance to play and get experience of European football.

“Dinamo is a special challenge for me because I know the club aspires to be the best in Croatia and that will help me achieve my goal.

“I have constant contact with people from Manchester United.

“Not (Louis) van Gaal, but people from Carrington, the coaches. They want to know every detail – from the intensity of training here, diet, life in Zagreb. With that amount of care for a year, I know I’m still being followed by United.”

However, on rumours that Dinamo will look to make his move permanent next summer, Henriquez added: “I heard about this idea but I honestly do not know what to say.

“Should I wait for the end of the season and draw the line and see where we are?

“Basically, I would not mind staying in Dinamo because it’s a great club and if things go well I would love to stay here after the expiry of the loan.”

Sheffiield Wednesday appoint duo to key roles at the club

Sheffiield Wednesday appoint duo to key roles at the club

Sheffield Wednesday have appointed Paul Bell as chief operating officer and John Redgate as finance director at the club.

Bell was director of commercial affairs for almost five years at Leeds United and Redgate has worked as chief financial officer at Portsmouth. 

Club chairman Milan Mandaric said: “I have always stressed the importance of introducing and working alongside genuine football people at Sheffield Wednesday.

“The additions of both Paul and John will significantly strengthen our off-field operation and I would like to personally welcome them to Hillsborough.

“I wish them every success at our club.”

Malmo beat Olympiakos 2-0 in Group A clash

Malmo beat Olympiakos 2-0 in Group A clash

Markus Rosenberg's brace gave Malmo a famous 2-0 victory over Olympiakos in their Champions League Group Group A encounter at Swedbank Stadion on Wednesday.

Rosenberg benefited from an Olympiakos defensive mix-up to slot into an empty net four minutes from half-time and, after the Greek side were denied a stonewall penalty early in the second half, the Sweden international scored his and Malmo's second eight minutes from time to secure all three points for Age Hareide's side.

Malmo then comfortably survived a barrage of late pressure to record a precious victory - their first ever in Europe's premier club competition.

Olympiakos started brightly, enjoying a lengthy spell in Malmo's final third, but Pajtim Kasami and Konstantinos Mitroglou passed up decent opportunities to give the Greek side the lead in the early exchanges.

At the other end, Enoch Adu and Anton Tinnerholm had sighters for Malmo but neither effort troubled Roberto in the Olympiakos goal.

Rosenberg should have put Malmo ahead in the 25th minute, but his point-blank header from Magnus Eriksson's probing right-wing cross was too close to Roberto and the keeper parried to safety.

Kasami thought he had given Olympiakos the lead in the 40th minute with a well-executed scissor-kick volley, but referee Sergei Karasev blew for an infringement in the build-up.

Rosenberg atoned for his earlier miss four minutes before half-time when he capitalised on a mix-up between Roberto and centre-back Alberto Botia and slotted into an empty net to give Malmo the lead.

Olympiakos began the second half with real purpose and were denied a clear-cut penalty when Giannis Maniatis was hauled down in the area 11 minutes after the restart but, instead of pointing to the spot, Karasev booked the midfielder for simulation.

Isaac Kiese Thelin and Rosenberg then wasted decent chances to put Malmo further in front and Olympiakos manager Michel responded by introducing Alejandro Dominguez in place of the ineffectual Delvin Ndinga.

Keeper Robin Olsen then kept Malmo in the match by saving Kasami's point-blank far-post half volley and Mitroglou headed wide on the rebound, while Roberto was alert to keep out a long-range Rosenberg effort moments later.

Malmo were finding it difficult to get hold of the ball but with one well-timed counter-attack they scored a second and guaranteed their first ever Champions League victory in the process.

A long-ball found substitute Pawel Cibicki in the Olympiakos penalty area and despite the attentions of Eric Abidal, he found the necessary space to square to an unmarked Rosenberg, who made no mistake with a simple tap-in from 10 yards out.

The sucker-punch knocked the wind out of the Olympiakos' sails and, although they huffed and puffed in the closing stages, they never looked like scoring once, never mind twice, to take a share of the spoils.

St Johnstone sign former Scotland striker James McFadden

St Johnstone sign former Scotland striker James McFadden

St Johnstone have completed the signing of former Scotland striker James McFadden after a successful trial until the end of the season.

The 31-year-old, who has also played for Everton, was out of contract since leaving Motherwell at the end of last season, but joined the Scottish Cup holders having trained with the squad earlier in the week ahead of featuring in a Development League game against Aberdeen at McDiarmid Park.

Manager Tommy Wright said: “I’m delighted to have signed James. It’s no secret that recent injuries have left us short of options and he brings with him a wealth of experience at the very top level of the game and has the ability to provide us with that little spark.


"He’s signed for the remainder of the season but there’s a little bit of a gamble on the part of both the club and the player. However, we’ve held very open and honest discussions with James.

"Both parties will review things in January and if it is working out for everyone then he will be here until the end of the campaign.”

McFadden, given the No 17 jersey vacated by Stevie May's departure to Sheffield Wednesday in the summer, said: "I've been keeping myself fit since the summer.

"It's been tough but I've just been waiting for the right time for me to get my boots on and start playing on a Saturday again. 

"I've been training with Partick Thistle and I'm very grateful to them for letting me use their facilities, but come a Saturday it was difficult and I'm glad now I have something to look forward to at the weekend."

Barcelona Unwise to Allow Gerard Pique to Make Manchester United Return

Barcelona Unwise to Allow Gerard Pique to Make Manchester United Return

A number of Manchester United supporters might point to the likes of Jaap Stam and Paul Pogba as players Sir Alex Ferguson would regret allowing to leave Old Trafford during his reign at the club.

But others would point to the departure of Gerard Pique in 2008 as a significant error by the wily United boss.

Ferguson had snatched Pique from under the noses of Barcelona in 2004, but after only a handful of appearances for United during his four-year spell, he returned to Camp Nou in a £5 million deal.

One year later, Pique helped Barcelona win the 2009 Champions League final against his former employers in Rome.

It was hardly the gratitude United wanted, but according to AS (per Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express), current Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal is going back to the future with a move for Pique.

It is no surprise United are seeking defensive reinforcements, particularly after the embarrassing loss of a 3-1 lead in the 5-3 defeat at Leicester City, and their former player fits the bill perfectly.

Pique played a significant role in Barcelona's dominance of European football under Pep Guardiola, and he has won numerous La Liga titles, Spanish cups and two Champions Leagues during his time at Camp Nou.

However, new Barca head coach Luis Enrique has thus far favoured a central-defensive axis of Jeremy Mathieu and Javier Mascherano, leaving a possible question mark over Pique's future.

But despite the occasional lapse in concentration, Pique epitomises the modern central defender with his excellent passing and natural ability to read the game.

It is little wonder Van Gaal is eyeing Pique for a possible move—he is certainly a better option than the Old Trafford boss currently has—but Barcelona are not going to be rushing to sell the defender.



Believability Meter: Low

It is entirely understandable that United and Van Gaal should be linked with quality defenders such as Pique after their disappointing start to the Premier League campaign.

However, the Spain international is still only 27 and still offers Barcelona with a strong defensive presence. Don't expect a Camp Nou departure for Old Trafford here.

No Pirlo Party for Galaxy, Interest in Barcelona Star Piqued

No Pirlo Party for Galaxy, Interest in Barcelona Star Piqued

By BR UK News , Featured Columnist



We are still three months away from the opening of the January transfer window, but that has not prevented speculation and rumours continuing this week.

Joe Hart, Ross Barkley and Andy Carroll are among the Premier League players to have been linked with moves to rival clubs in the English top flight.

Andrea Pirlo is also interesting a high-profile Major League Soccer club, while Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has been linked with a return to Manchester United.

But which moves are plausible? Let's take a closer look at the transfer gossip from this week.

Bournemouth ease to 2-0 victory over Wigan at Dean Court

Bournemouth ease to 2-0 victory over Wigan at Dean Court

Goals in each half from Yann Kermorgant and Simon Francis gave Bournemouth a 2-0 victory over Wigan in an assured display from the Cherries at Dean Court.

Kermorgant headed the hosts into the lead from a Matt Ritchie cross eight minutes before half-time and Francis started and finished a tremendous passing move in the 70th minute to seal the three points and extend Wigan's winless run to four games.

Midfielder Ritchie orchestrated the majority of Bournemouth's attacks in the first half. He surged down the right in the 16th minute and his dangerous cross was hooked away by Ivan Ramis as the lively Callum Wilson was about to convert.

Wilson had already gone close in the third minute, weaving inside of Wigan captain Emmerson Boyce from the left before shooting narrowly wide.

Bournemouth's strong start continued on 18 minutes as Richie failed to connect properly with a shot from 25 yards out, allowing Scott Carson to make a straightforward save.

He made no such mistake from an identical position after 25 minutes, but his signature strike flashed the wrong side of Carson's post.

Ritchie then turned provider for Bournemouth's opener, picking out Kermorgant with a teasing delivery, and the striker outmuscled Robert Kiernan to head the cross back beyond Carson and into the far corner.

Kermorgant had earlier been denied by an excellent one-handed save from Carson after twisting into space in the area, and his goal gave Bournemouth a deserved lead.

Wigan had come close when Emyr Huws cut into space from the right before sending his shot high and wide and again when Ramis headed a corner onto the roof of the net.

Wilson had a superb opportunity to double Bournemouth's lead on the counter-attack in the 59th minute but was forced wide after his initial effort was blocked by a last-ditch sliding challenge from Ramis and Wigan cleared at the second attempt.

Marc-Antoine Fortune brought a routine save from Artur Boruc, making his home debut for Bournemouth after completing a loan move from Southampton, with a bouncing header from a neat cross by Andrew Taylor.

Wigan manager Uwe Rosler looked to give his side some impetus with a double substitution in the 66th minute, replacing Robert Kiernan and Martyn Waghorn with Leon Barnett and Oriol Riera, but it was to no avail.

Four minutes after the swap, they were undone by an intricate passing move.

Wilson dummied Francis' pass, letting it run into the feet of Kermorgant, who returned the ball into onrushing Francis and the defender tucked the ball underneath Carson first time to secure Bournemouth's first league win in seven games.