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Post by CaajScot on Jul 22, 2015 8:28:38 GMT
TOUR 2015 NEWS21/07/2015 23:40, Report by Mark Froggatt in San Jose VAN GAAL: DE GEA COULD FACE BARCELONA
Louis van Gaal has revealed he is optimistic David De Gea will play in Manchester United’s next International Champions Cup match against Barcelona on Saturday.
The Spain international is yet to feature on Tour 2015 presented by Aon after an injury sustained in training ruled him out of the 1-0 win over Club America and Tuesday’s 3-1 victory over San Jose Earthquakes. Although De Gea was not in the matchday squad at the quirky Avaya Stadium in California, he did take part in the warm-up as the players simply needed a goalkeeper to shoot at while Sam Johnstone warmed up on his own with Frans Hoek, with Anders Lindegaard also injured. “I have a good hope that he can play against Barcelona but he was still injured,” van Gaal stated in his post-match press conference. “But Lindegaard was also injured so it was difficult. I told David to go stand in the goal so we have a point of direction for my attackers, but don’t do anything to risk more injury because we have to build you up. I hope that he can play and I think he can play.” Angel Di Maria, Marcos Rojo and Javier Hernandez will all join the tour squad on Saturday after enjoying an extended holiday following their international commitments. Van Gaal does not expect any of the trio to face Barcelona, though, due to a lack of match fitness. “They all come on 25 July but they cannot play because it is in the same with Bastian [Schweinsteiger],” the boss explained. “You have to first train more and then we have to play 45 minutes. “They can play maybe 30 minutes but I don’t think so because they had three weeks of holidays and I don’t know how they will come back. But it is possible because in three weeks you do not lose so much. Some players had five weeks’ holiday and then that is not possible [to play].” The boss also confirmed his starting team against the Spanish champions will play for an hour now that the majority of his players have all registered 45 minutes in both of the last two games. “Now, I have had the opportunity to see all of my players except for Marouane Fellaini, because he is suspended for three matches,” van Gaal told reporters. “Also except for Sean Goss because he is the surprise selection in the squad and a player from the second team. I gave him the opportunity but I have nobody injured yet. It is going very well. "Against Barcelona, I will play for longer with a line-up. I have to select which players are going to play 60 minutes so it is the first selection.” www.manutd.com/en/Tour-2015/News-and-Features/2015/Jul/Van-Gaal-hopes-David-De-Gea-will-return-from-injury-against-Barcelona.aspx
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Post by Stew on Jul 22, 2015 13:37:54 GMT
I still find it a bit grating that Van Gaal openly criticises the 2nd half team like that. Most of them are still kids in football terms. And the whole midfield's lack of shape in the 2nd half thing immediately has me concerned that he'll start pricking about with Herrera again.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2015 13:40:48 GMT
I still find it a bit grating that Van Gaal openly criticises the 2nd half team like that. Most of them are still kids in football terms. And the whole midfield's lack of shape in the 2nd half thing immediately has me concerned that he'll start pricking about with Herrera again. If he doesn't start the next 2 games, then I'll be seriously worried. I'm gonna hold fire until then.....
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Post by CaajScot on Jul 23, 2015 12:01:24 GMT
TOUR 2015 NEWS23/07/2015 12:32, Report by Adam Marshall ALL EYES ON TEAM SELECTION FOR BARÇA CLASH Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal will reveal his assessment of his players' performances in training and during the opening two International Champions Cup fixtures when he names his starting line-up for the match with Barcelona on Saturday. The Dutchman has been carefully analysing his options during Tour 2015, presented by Aon and has utilised two separate outfield selections in each half against Club America and San Jose Earthquakes. Sam Johnstone played the full 90 minutes in midweek but van Gaal hopes David De Gea will be fit to keep goal against the Catalan giants in Santa Clara. It means the XI on duty will offer substantial clues to the manager's plans for the new Barclays Premier League season, which kicks off on 8 August against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. Marouane Fellaini has yet to taste action in the United States, due to the fact he is suspended for the first three games of the new campaign, but the rest of the outfield members of the squad, bar youngster Sean Goss and injured right-back Antonio Valencia, have been auditioning for a starting spot for the visit of Spurs. "We have to improve our shape and, of course, our level and we have different organisations, so we have to play with different organisations," van Gaal informed MUTV. "Also, we have to improve every level that we have, in all the positions. And, of course, I have to select now already for the third match against Barcelona. "Now 11 players can play 60 minutes and that’s a big difference, so the next match I will show already what I find from the first two matches because the players have to prove their level on the pitch." It is possible the manager's side for the opening hour of the prestigious game will be a blend of the two different teams. The four-man defence has been Matteo Darmian, Phil Jones, Daley Blind and Luke Shaw followed by Paddy McNair, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Tyler Blackett. Blind has been performing at centre-back but is capable of filling other roles. The midfield consisted of Michael Carrick, Morgan Schneiderlin, Juan Mata and Ashley Young for the opening 45 minutes before Bastian Schweinsteiger, Ander Herrera, Jesse Lingard and Adnan Januzaj took over. Andreas Pereira played wide in Seattle but took Januzaj's spot behind James Wilson in attack against San Jose, when Memphis Depay and Wayne Rooney made way at the break. Have your say on the manager's selection for the glamour friendly against Barcelona at Levi's Stadium via our Twitter and Facebook channels and we'll publish a selection below. www.manutd.com/en/Tour-2015/News-and-Features/2015/Jul/louis-van-gaal-will-reveal-how-his-team-plans-are-shaping-up.aspx
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Post by grandpaTJ on Jul 23, 2015 16:12:39 GMT
^ Difficult to pick a starting 11, lot of quality to chose from. Definitely want someone who has a psychotic hatred of Rats in defense Think it will likely be 4-2-3-1 or some variation thereof
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Post by CaajScot on Jul 26, 2015 5:45:21 GMT
TOUR 2015 NEWS25/07/2015 23:46, Report by Mark Froggatt in Santa Clara
VAN GAAL'S VERDICT ON UNITED'S 3-1 VICTORY OVER BARCELONA ON TOUR 2015 Manchester United recorded an excellent 3-1 win over European champions Barcelona on Saturday and, afterwards, Louis van Gaal held a fascinating post-match press conference in front of the world’s media. Here are the main points that the manager was keen to make… On the win and United’s strength in depth: “The balance of the team is the most important thing. Last year we won against the Champions League winner, it was Real [Madrid] at that time. Now we win against Barcelona so it is possible, but we also had a bit of luck. Three balls hit the post but I was pleased with our performance. Also in the second half, when the youngsters came in, you saw a spirit. We had the same amount of chances as Barcelona and that I like the most today.” On David De Gea’s form and future: “You have seen him in the first 60 minutes, in spite of his injury, he didn’t train for a week, that he can show his quality already in this game. He has showed his quality I think because the first chance was for Barcelona and when you stop the first chance then you can score the first goal. That is always the difference in the game. Yes, of course, I do hope that De Gea shall stay but in this world of football you never know.” On Memphis Depay and Wayne Rooney linking up: “Yes I think they try to do their utmost best to look for each other and sometimes I think too much. It should be better when we have a wider orientation, but I think they were always a threat and that is very important. I think Barcelona could not cope with the threat of Depay and Rooney, but I have to say that Adnan Januzaj was also a big threat for them in the 30 minutes that he played as a striker. That is good to see.” On United’s young team that finished the match: “Yes I was very happy with the reaction of the youngsters because they were more aggressive and that I always want. They were defending more, going forwards and, okay, sometimes you make the wrong choices and you are always the loser, but that is also useful. But it was a team with the spirit. We created chances and we scored two goals with the youngsters so I am very happy.” On Adnan Januzaj’s performance and winning goal: "I think that Adnan Januzaj was very good because he always gives an option for his midfielders and defenders. He scored a wonderful goal and I think that is always important. He had to fight with two defenders and he did well. But it was more easy for him against the defence without [Gerard] Pique.” On fans in America getting up early to watch matches: "Yes I have seen it already last year. We played five matches here and we had 300,000 spectators in two weeks. When you see the amount of people in front of our hotel, waiting for one day to only see the players… I try to give signatures and pictures and so on but it is for a human being not always possible to do that because we have a very strict schedule from training, eating, sleeping, training, meeting and so on. So it is not so easy for professional players to respond to these fanatic supporters. Barcelona are the UEFA Champions League winners but you see more red shirts than Barcelona shirts and that is fantastic to see.” On the benefits of staying in the Bay area: “We have already changed a lot of things in this tour. The last tour we were on the east coast. It was more hot, more humid and that was a negative. Now we are west coast and it is also hot but it is not a normal heat, the people have told me. We have only two base camps. Last year we had to fly on different time schedules. Now we have two weeks on the same time schedule. We have better facilities. The Seahawks' facility was a fantastic place to train. Now we have also found fantastic facilities at Avaya Stadium but also at Stanford University. We shall train there on Monday two times. Overall we have had a better training camp. We had one last year also and it doesn’t say anything because we lost the first match against Swansea City. That is why I have said the whole tour that the most important game is not Paris Saint-Germain or Barcelona, but against Tottenham Hotspur." On the possibility of Bastian Schweinsteiger playing against Tottenham: “That I do not know because he has to prove himself. Every player has to prove himself and also Bastian Schweinsteiger. He shall play against Paris Saint-Germain I expect. Let us hope that he convinces me!” On Angel Di Maria, Marcos Rojo and Javier Hernandez joining the tour: "I have heard that he [Di Maria] is not on the plane so I cannot say anything. He was not on the plane, and Marcos Rojo was also not on the plane. He has passport issues, that I do know. But Di Maria, I do not know why. Chicharito is here.” www.manutd.com/en/Tour-2015/News-and-Features/2015/Jul/Louis-van-Gaal-press-conference-transcript-after-Manchester-United-3-1-Barcelona.aspx
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Post by CaajScot on Jul 26, 2015 7:24:19 GMT
TOUR 2015 NEWS26/07/2015 00:32, Report by Mark Froggatt in Santa Clara
LINGARD AND JANUZAJ REACT TO SCORING AGAINST BARCELONA ON TOUR 2015 Jesse Lingard and Adnan Januzaj are determined to add more goals to their games and both were delighted to score influential strikes during Saturday’s 3-1 win over Barcelona.
Lingard, who has become known for impressing on pre-season tours, stepped off the bench on 62 minutes and bagged a goal just three minutes later when he latched onto Tyler Blackett’s cross to put United 2-0 up with a neat finish into the bottom corner. Januzaj, meanwhile, wrapped up the win in added time with an excellent turn and finish after the La Liga champions had got back into the match via Rafinha’s superb volley on 90 minutes. “I obviously feel very happy,” Lingard told MUTV’s Stewart Gardner after the final whistle. “We had a game plan and we stuck to that game plan and it's good that we won today.” Asked to recount his second-half goal, Jesse continued: “Andreas did well to get it in midfield. He's played it out to Wilson and then Willo's committed the defender. Tyler Blackett’s pulled it back and it was lucky that I was there, on the edge of the box, and I've stuck it home. “I've wanted to add goals to my game since last season. I scored a couple of goals while I was on loan for Derby County [last season] and it's good to get off the mark again now.” Januzaj also caught the eye as part of a young team that included seven players who have played for United’s youth sides and, having scored his first goal since 5 April 2014, during a 4-0 win over Newcastle at St James' Park, the Belgium international was clearly elated. “I am very happy to score my goal as it’s been a long time,” the youngster exclusively told ManUtd.com. “I know it’s a friendly but playing Barcelona is always a big game to play in as they are a very good team. I think everyone did well and we deserved to win the game.” Expanding on his point, Januzaj continued: “A victory like that gives everyone a lot of confidence. Of course the most important game is against Tottenham in the Premier League, but we have to keep doing well on tour and we are very happy with this result.” Januzaj played as a lone striker after stepping off the bench in the second half and performed brilliantly, later earning praise from the manager. “I’m enjoying the role up front," he said. "It’s a new position but I really like because it gets me closer to the goal. I hope I can keep scoring more for the team.” Lingard made his competitive debut for United on the opening day of last season, when he suffered a serious knee injury in the first half of the 2-1 defeat to Swansea City. He didn’t play again for the Reds that campaign, but recovered in time to enjoy a fruitful loan spell at Derby County. Now that he is fully fit again, and impressing the manager on another pre-season tour, he is understandably keen to make the most of the opportunities that might be on the horizon. “I worked hard to get where I am today,” says Jesse. “I've suffered a lot of setbacks but I'm glad I'm here now. Most people get injured, it's part and parcel of football, but it's how you react. I went to Derby, played a few games there and built my confidence up a bit. I'm glad I scored here today.” www.manutd.com/en/Tour-2015/News-and-Features/2015/Jul/Jesse-Lingard-and-Adnan-Januzaj-react-to-scoring-against-Barcelona.aspx
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Post by CaajScot on Jul 26, 2015 20:00:40 GMT
TOUR 2015 NEWS
26/07/2015 20:14, Report by Gemma Thompson in Santa Clara CARRICK HAILS SQUAD BLEND OF YOUTH AND WORLD STARS Louis van Gaal may have just brought in four new summer signings, but Michael Carrick admits it’s great to see the spread of burgeoning youth players within the squad.
Seven of the 11 Reds who finished the International Champions Cup win over Barcelona at Levi’s Stadium have played for United's youth teams, including second-half scorers Jesse Lingard and Adnan Januzaj. Van Gaal has always been keen to focus on giving youth a chance at every club he has managed and United is no exception. Given the club’s rich history of developing young talent, Carrick believes the current squad has the perfect blend of youthful exuberance and experienced world stars. “Developing young players is what this club is about and it’s what it should be about,” the vice-captain told ManUtd.com. “Of course we want the best players from around the world because we want to be the best team, but you want the balance of bringing players through too. We’ve got a great record of doing that over the years and we’re doing that again, which is great to see.” Carrick played for 60 minutes in the 3-1 triumph over Barca, the Reds’ third game of Tour 2015, presented by Aon, and the England international was pleased by another successful workout. “It was a decent performance," he explained. "They’ve obviously got some great players and they’re tough to play against so it’s always nice to win. It’s a good habit to get into. “We’ve got a strong squad with competitions in all positions. I thought the lads who came on in the last half an hour did very well. It’s not easy to come on like that and get into the game but they did ever so well so we’re very satisfied. “There are always things you can improve on during these pre-season games. Our fitness is coming on, it was a third half of football really for me and there is still a couple of weeks until the Tottenham game which is the most important game to be ready for. "I think everyone is looking okay and getting up to speed, and we’re taking something from each of these pre-season games which is important.” www.manutd.com/en/Tour-2015/News-and-Features/2015/Jul/michael-carrick-reflects-on-win-over-Barcelona-in-Santa-Clara.aspx
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Post by grandpaTJ on Jul 27, 2015 2:18:33 GMT
Spot-on
I bet Carrick is happy as a clam with the new signings, the quality means that he can take a seat and get rested up during the season without seeing points being flushed down the crapper. Should also help him avoid physio table as well.
I definitely would like to see a CM come in, but right now I am very happy with the group of players that we have. They've gotten more confident and in touch with each others' game fairly quickly this preseason, and improved significantly between San Jose and Barca
Can't get real excited about results, but am very excited by the way they are coming together.
Really happy with Darmian, he is a very good player, and I expect to see him start and really be a plus for the club. Thought he had gotten clattered against Barca and was like OH NO not another glass defender, but he shook it right off stuck his head right back into the match
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Post by CaajScot on Jul 30, 2015 7:18:46 GMT
TOUR 2015 NEWS30/07/2015 05:40, Report by Mark Froggatt in Chicago VAN GAAL REACTS TO UNITED'S DEFEAT TO PSG Although Louis van Gaal was frustrated by the individual errors that led to Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, the manager was pleased by his team's performance and hoped the result would eventually prove beneficial.
The Reds were vying to retain the International Champions Cup and would have done so with any kind of victory over the French champions. Unfortunately, an own goal from Luke Shaw and another strike from Man of the Match Zlatan Ibrahimovic put paid to all hopes of lifting silverware. Van Gaal held a press conference following the game at Soldier Field in Chicago – the last fixture of Tour 2015, presented by Aon – and, as always, the boss answered all questions with a great degree of honesty, intrigue and emotion. He also remained positive about United’s performance. “I am really satisfied about the performance,” the boss told reporters. “Yeah, we lose, but maybe that is also good because last year we won everything [on tour] and then we lost the first match in the Premier League. Now the sequence is a little bit different. But I am not superstitious. “In the first half we created more chances than Paris Saint-Germain. They only created chances with errors, personal errors, and you cannot fight against personal errors when you are playing at the top level. They can score out of these kinds of errors, and they can finish the game. You have seen in the second half when they played the ball wide and back, rather than up front. A top team can do that. “But I have to say I have seen a lot of very good things from my team. So in the pre-season it is more about the performance than the result. I was rather satisfied. It is better when you win, of course. Against Barcelona, we could have been 2-0 down and we scored the first goal. Between top clubs, it is who scores the first goal. Then you have a great possibility to win the game.” United’s next match is the Barclays Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on 8 August and van Gaal must now decide his starting XI for that tricky game. One thing he is certain of is the formation – although he admitted centre-back Phil Jones could miss out. “I have to start with the formation and when the formation is doing well, I let them pay in that formation,” the manager explained. “I think I shall play [Luke] Shaw with [Matteo] Darmian, and with Daley Blind. The right central position I have to consider. I am very pleased with the performance of Matteo Darmian, and you can see he can play on the right and left. “Also, a benefit of this year’s tour is that we don't have any injuries. Last year I was forced to use, for example, Tyler Blackett and Jesse Lingard in the first Premier League match. Now, I have a wider selection and I can use everybody who I think I have to use. There is more competition now and there is more balance in the selection. I have a lot of confidence to start the competition.” Quizzed on Blind’s performance at centre-back, a position he has occupied all summer, van Gaal praised his fellow Dutchman but explained why his versatility could lead to him playing elsewhere. “I was very pleased with his performances, not only this evening but also the former performances,” van Gaal assessed, looking back on the tour. “I think he can build up the game better from that position and he defended very well. I think I shall use him there, but also in midfield and also at left full-back position. I am pleased with his performances over here in USA." www.manutd.com/en/Tour-2015/News-and-Features/2015/Jul/Louis-van-Gaal-reacts-to-Manchester-United-losing-to-PSG-on-Tour-2015.aspx
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Post by Deleted on Jul 30, 2015 9:11:38 GMT
I still find it a bit grating that Van Gaal openly criticises the 2nd half team like that. Most of them are still kids in football terms. And the whole midfield's lack of shape in the 2nd half thing immediately has me concerned that he'll start pricking about with Herrera again. If he doesn't start the next 2 games, then I'll be seriously worried. I'm gonna hold fire until then..... Seriously Worried.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 30, 2015 14:07:57 GMT
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