[bbfan1991]

Calf injury rules Anderson out of Tour 2014

Anderson sustained a calf injury during pre-season training and has subsequently not joined Louis van Gaal’s travelling squad for this summer’s Tour 2014, presented by Aon.



The Manchester United midfielder will remain at the Aon Training Complex where he will continue his rehabilitation ahead of the 2014/15 season, which kicks off on Saturday 16 August when the Reds face Swansea City at Old Trafford.

Brazilian international Anderson joined United in 2007 and has since made 179 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals. He most recently spent the second half of the 13/14 campaign on loan at Serie A side Fiorentina.

[Ryan57]

FFS. You fat c unt. We're going to be stuck with him until he's 35.

Probably pile another stone on now.

[Tarryn]

I just have this horrible feeling that we are going to keep the players who let us down so badly last season.
Every time I check SSN another one of our rivals have signed another player.
We are making the same mistake again. Leaving it too late to get any of the top names.
It's just so frustrating

[bbfan1991]

Woodward excited by van Gaal arrival

Manchester United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward says new manager Louis van Gaal is leaving an "imprint" on everyone he meets at the club and believes the Dutchman's qualities made him the perfect choice for the Reds.



In an exclusive interview with MUTV, Woodward explained how he admires van Gaal's direct approach while noting his warmth as a person.

"He's got incredible energy and very importantly he likes attacking football. If you remember the Barcelona team [he managed] in the late '90s, who played incredible, attacking football, and those games we had against them in '98/99, that’s the kind of football Manchester United fans love. It’s part of our DNA," explained Woodward.

"The second part of what he likes is giving youth a chance. He’s got a track record littered with giving young players a break in the first team, who have gone on to be stars. Clearly that’s Manchester United’s philosophy and we want him to continue with that.

"I’ve personally found him very warm. He’s a very clear communicator and very direct. I like that in people; I’m a very direct person myself. He’s a stickler for planning and that’s something we as a club do very well. We plan everything in a lot of detail and that’s going to be a good fit.

"We’ve got someone who has confidence in himself about making difficult decisions and, when you boil down what makes a great manager, one of the key characteristics is making difficult decisions and we’ve clearly got a manager who can do that.

"I’m hearing a lot of good feedback from a lot of people about him and there is a huge amount of goodwill towards him and the coaching staff," added Woodward. "Every interaction he’s having with people is leaving an imprint, which is superb."

The executive vice-chairman also spoke of the importance of having Ryan Giggs involved in van Gaal's regime.

"It was a very easy conversation to have [with Louis] about Ryan. He said he wanted Ryan to be in his group," Woodward added. "It’s very important to us as a club that we have continuity and Ryan is the perfect person to continue that continuity. He did a great job in the set-up last year and has obviously been at the club for a long time, so we’re very pleased about that.

"There is real unity in the squad and Louis clearly has something to give in terms of the special way he has with his players when it comes to binding the team together. We’ve seen that already with the steps he’s taken with the preparation and the training and the things going on around that. He’s going to deliver exactly what we expect him to deliver and in conjunction with Ryan, who has that great understanding of all these players."

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: United train in Los Angeles

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour-2014/T...s-angeles.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Ed Woodward's MUTV interview:

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...er-united.aspx

He comes across as a likeable guy, he is clearly very ambitious, smart and intelligent. His enthusiasm for the club and being realistic about what we can do impresses too and it seems he and the club have learnt from last seasons mistakes.

[bbfan1991]

Evra leaves United to join Juventus

Patrice Evra is leaving Manchester United and has agreed to join Juventus after eight-and-a-half years at Old Trafford, the club has confirmed.



In a message to United fans on ManUtd.com, Patrice said: "After a great deal of thought I have decided the time is right for me to leave Manchester United. It is the biggest decision of my career as this club is, and will always remain, in my heart."

Evra made 379 appearances for United and scored 10 goals during nine successful seasons at Old Trafford, proving himself to be a hugely popular figure with team-mates and fans alike for his passion and commitment to the club.

The Frenchman joined United in January 2006 from Monaco, where, aged only 24, he became captain and appeared in the 2004 Champions League final. He arrived in Manchester with a reputation as an intelligent, attacked-minded full-back.

Initially he struggled to acclimatise to life in the Premier League and on his debut, a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City, he was substituted at half-time. But after six months he began to make the left-back position his own ahead of Gabriel Heinze and helped the Reds clinch the league title in 2006/07. After that, he never looked and was always among United’s top five appearance-makers in any given season.

Evra won five Premier League titles, three League Cups, the Champions League and Club World Cup. He was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year three times (2006/07, 2008/09, 2009/10) and in 2009 he made the UEFA Team of the Year and FIFA FIFPro World XI. He also deputised as United captain in the absence of Nemanja Vidic.

Everyone at Manchester United would like to thank Patrice for his service and we wish him well in the future at his new club.

So gutted that Patrice Evra has left United. He is one of my favourite ever players. His big character, personality and experience will be missed. Classy guy on and off the pitch!

[bbfan1991]

Evra thanks Manchester United fans

Having agreed a deal to join Juventus from Manchester United and calling time on an illustrious nine-season career at Old Trafford, Patrice Evra released this statement to Reds supporters around the world...



"After a great deal of thought I have decided the time is right for me to leave Manchester United. It is the biggest decision of my career as this club is, and will always remain, in my heart.


Joining and playing for Manchester United has been a privilege, a dream come true and my time here has been so memorable. Through the good times and the bad times we have all stuck together and remained loyal. I have always said you don’t just join Manchester United, you join the family and long may that tradition continue.

"This club is steeped in history and I feel privileged to have become a part of that. Over the past nine years I have met and worked with some incredible people, many of whom will remain friends for life. I would like to thank everyone at the club - teammates, coaches and in particular all the staff who made every single day in Carrington or at Old Trafford a special day.

"An immense thank you to Sir Alex Ferguson for making it all possible, for giving me the privilege to be a captain, to be inspired by the legend of Manchester United and to understand that nobody is bigger than the club.

"My biggest thanks go to the fans. We have had some fantastic times together, we lifted all of those trophies together and that night in Moscow will live with us all forever. Every single time I stepped out in that shirt I knew I was playing for the badge and for a very special club. My passion for this club will live on and I know you guys will go on to enjoy more success in the coming seasons."

Class words. I wish him well at Juventus.

[bbfan1991]

Woodward working hard on transfers

Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has told fans to “watch this space” as he works with manager Louis van Gaal on making more summer signings.



Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw have already joined the Reds and Woodward revealed funds are available for the club to bring in more new faces.

But he also admits some players could be on their way out of Old Trafford as van Gaal moulds his new squad over the coming weeks.

"We’ve been working with Louis over several weeks with regards to targets and we’re continuing to move forward on some of those targets," Woodward told MUTV's Stewart Gardner in Los Angeles.

"We are still a huge attraction to top football stars around the world – there is no doubt about that. I hope [fans] will see the direction we’re heading in with the new manager, coaching staff and players, and a commitment to do what it takes to get back to the top.

"We are willing to invest. There is no fixed budget. Financially we are extremely strong and funds are available. Louis is assessing what’s going on and there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes, so watch this space."

Asked if other players could be leaving United, Woodward added: "Yes, I think so. The manager makes that decision. A few players have already gone and there may well be a few others.

"It’s also worth commenting that we’re not in Europe this year, so there are fewer games and Louis may take the view that he wants a tighter squad to bed in.

"If you do the analysis over the last year, Liverpool performed extremely well with a smaller number of players, but that’s a decision for the manager."

While reluctant to set a target for the 2014/15 campaign, Woodward is determined United will return to Europe and challenge for trophies again sooner rather than later.

"We’re a club that absolutely should be in the Champions League," he said. "That’s what our fans want, that’s what our players want and that’s what every member of staff wants.

"We have to strive to win. We’re not here to be an also-ran; we’re here to win trophies to add to that huge, incredible list that we’ve won over many years."

[Tarryn]

I wish Patrice well. He always gave his best for us.
But where does this leave a possible deal for Vidal ?.
I think we should have waited.

[bbfan1991]

Youtube video

And some said they would not get along. WR looked chuffed at the end!

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Reds at the Rose Bowl

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour-2014/T...rose-bowl.aspx

[bbfan1991]

New United away kit for 2014/15 unveiled

Throughout the 2014/15 season, Manchester United will play in a classic white away kit that is instantly recognisable and evocative for Reds supporters around the world.



The new away shirt is a sharp and crisp white that boasts a sophisticated black polo neck collar, complete with a unique black button engraved with the club’s name.

When the collar is open, it reveals a small black devil from the centre of the club’s crest. A red, white and black stripe can also be found on the underside of the collar, as well as a small label that carries the message “Youth, Courage, Greatness”.

Across the back of the shirt is an engineered mesh in a series of chevrons to replicate the pattern used on United shirts as far back as the early twentieth century - and again in recent times.

The new away shorts are black, while the new away socks are white with a black band at the top and a wide tonal stripe of chevrons on the back.

The new Manchester United away kit is available to pre-order from today (Tuesday 22 July) and to purchase in stores or online from Wednesday 23 July.

I like it.

[bbfan1991]

Becks drops by to see Reds

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour-2014/T...tel-in-la.aspx

Cool picture with LVG and Giggsy too!

[bbfan1991]

Videos: United in LA

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour-2014/T...es-videos.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Early preparations please van Gaal

Louis van Gaal has been delighted with the players’ response to his methods in the training sessions he has presided over as Manchester United manager so far.



The new Reds boss says his squad have been committed and eager to impress in pre-season preparations so far on tour in the USA.

Speaking at a press conference at Los Angeles' Rose Bowl, ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against LA Galaxy, van Gaal said: "I have to say that it has been fantastic.

"Maybe you think every coach who is new should say that but I mean it. They are anxious to follow the instructions of my assistants. The focus I have seen in the training sessions is top-level, but we have to see if the performance is top-level.

"But I am very happy with the labour of my players in the days I have been with them."

Nevertheless, van Gaal admits his team, who are only three days into the tour, are not near their fitness peak and he therefore expects a tough challenge on Wednesday against a Galaxy side in the middle of their league campaign.

"We have analysed Galaxy and I expect a very organised and tactical team that are aggressive in attack and want to press," he said.

"They are already in the rhythm of the season and we started three days ago. We are not well prepared or fit yet, but I hope we can give a good performance."

LVG is the man.

[bbfan1991]

Shaw feeling no pressure

Luke Shaw insists he feels no pressure following in the footsteps of Patrice Evra at Manchester United.



The teenager, who arrived at Old Trafford this summer, faced the media in Los Angeles as the Reds prepare for the first game of Tour 2014, presented by Aon.

Earlier in the day, Evra, on holiday in the city, had popped by the team hotel to see his former colleagues.

“I don't feel any pressure to come in for Evra,” Shaw said. “He has been great for the club for the last 10 years and I hope I can carry that on.

“There is always going to be pressure, no matter where you go, but I try not to focus on that. I try to focus on my own game, what I do on the pitch.

“And with the new gaffer you have to impress on the pitch and that is something I am looking forward to, and hopefully in these pre-season games I am looking to show him what I can do.”

The 18-year-old also admitted pre-season with United was unlike anything he’s previously experienced.

“When I first turned up everyone was telling me how big the club was but you don't realise how big it is until you come away on a pre-season tour. It's crazy. Personally, I think Manchester United is the biggest club and it will push me to do my best. I signed a contract here because I know what the club is capable of. I know I will improve at the club.”

Luke Shaw is very wise.

[bbfan1991]

Chicharito's chance to shine

Louis van Gaal has reiterated his intention to give all his Manchester United players a chance to prove themselves – including tour newcomer Javier Hernandez.



Hernandez arrives in Los Angeles late on Tuesday and van Gaal says the striker, like everyone else in the squad, will be assessed after training and playing under his new boss.

Asked directly at a press conference whether he would keep Chicharito, van Gaal replied: "I have to see if he performs how I want.

"Now I can only see what he has showed under the guidance of another coach. He will arrive this evening and I will meet him, we will train and after that he will perform in a match and then I can say something about that."

For similar reasons, van Gaal was tight-lipped when asked about transfer targets.

"At this moment I cannot say anything about that," the Dutchman said. "I want to learn about my players, to know them and when I give the orders, I want to see how they perform.

"That is why I cannot answer this question now. I want to give all the players a chcance to show themselves under my guidance."

As for van Gaal himself, who has been in the United hot-seat for a week following his successful World Cup with the Netherlands, the job is largely as he expected.

"I don't think there is a big difference between the Dutch Federation, Bayern Munich, Barcelona or even AZ.

"The work of the manager is the same everywhere. The pressure I lay on myself is much bigger than the pressure you can lay on me."

Van Gaal’s task when the new season starts is to improve on United’s seventh-placed finish last term.

When asked if, having worked with the players, he could believe where the Reds placed in 2013/14, he replied: "I cannot judge that because I am new in the Premier League.

"When you see the Premier League, there are a lot of clubs that are capable of playing high-level football.

"To be the champions of the Premier League is much more difficult than in the Netherlands, maybe also much more difficult than in Germany, because there you don’t have as many teams with so much money.

"So I have to wait and see and maybe in about three months or four months, I can give you an answer more clearly."

Definitely! I hope that Chicharito impresses LVG, would be gutted if he left but if he did it would be for more first team Football, which is understandable.

[bbfan1991]

Video: United Today

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...from-MUTV.aspx

Patrice Evra saying his farewells.

[bbfan1991]

Boss relaxed ahead of opening friendly

Louis van Gaal says he is relaxed ahead of his first game in charge of Manchester United.



The Reds face LA Galaxy at the Rose Bowl on Wednesday night in the United States with fans across the world eagerly anticipating the chance to see the style, formation and tactics employed by the Dutchman. Van Gaal has had a close look at his squad and is beginning to embed his footballing philosophy into the players.

Although the Chevrolet Cup clash will be important in many ways, it is the opening Old Trafford fixture against Valencia that he already has in the back of his mind. After a disappointing season, van Gaal is determined to reward the fans for their unstinting support.

"Your first match is always special when you are coaching in a new club," he told MUTV. "But it's a match in preparation time. I think the game against Valencia at Old Trafford is more the match that I will feel the tension.

"I hope that my team is supported by the fans. That is very important because after last season, the fans are not spoiled, and I hope we can spoil these fans in this season."

Van Gaal accepts he will need to learn to adapt to United after making his first impressions but feels the club will also need to come into line with his way of thinking on certain subjects.

"Maybe it is too big a club," he opined. "Not only in a sporting sense but also commercially. We have to do a lot of things that normally I don't allow. I have to adapt to this big club but I think also this big club has to adapt to Louis van Gaal. I hope we can have some balance to that."

United v LA Galaxy

Live on MUTV from 03:30 Thursday 24 July.

Repeat showings: 06:30, 11:00, 15:30, 19:30, midnight.

Indeed LVG.

[bbfan1991]

Van Gaal lauds assistant manager Giggs

Louis van Gaal has praised the work of assistant manager Ryan Giggs, whose famed attention to detail and unrivalled knowledge of the club has proven indispensable during the Dutchman's early endeavours as Manchester United boss.



Giggs brought an end to his legendary playing career in May and was immediately hired by van Gaal, who was keen to retain at least one member of staff from the previous regime. As the 62-year-old explained during an exclusive interview with MUTV, his decision is paying dividends.

“First of all, we have my assistant manager Ryan Giggs and I’m very pleased with him,” van Gaal said, when discussing his staff. “I talked with him before I signed. Your first impression is always important and that was very good, and now the impression is still improving because I know him better.

“Also, he’s working very hard, as are all my assistants. It’s important that they don’t have a job that’s 9-5. You have to work very hard when you’re my assistant – it’s not always a pleasant job. But he’s doing very well and I’m happy he’s on my staff.

“I’m used to keeping one member from the previous staff of the club because I want to know the culture and he can advise me. I want to know the players and he can advise me. I want to know the talent of the youth players and he can advise me.

“So I always pick up trainer-coaches from the last season; at Barcelona I did that with Jose Mourinho, at Bayern I did it with Hermann Gerland and now it’s Ryan Giggs. Therefore, I’m very pleased because he knows everybody, he knows the culture better than anyone working at Manchester United, I believe, so I’m very pleased he is in my staff.

“The staff are more important than the players. It’s unfortunate for the players that I say that but you have to implement a philosophy and therefore you need staff who can give me the confidence that they’re doing the things I require.”

Van Gaal is notably pleased by the way the players are responding to his methods, which currently involve double training sessions that are designed to build fitness ahead of the much-anticipated new season.

“They are hard-working players,” the manager said. “They are focused and that’s very important to me. I enjoy working with them and that’s much more important than you can imagine.

"When I see them doing the exercises that I and my staff require, they respond very well and they’re disciplined, and I like that because we need discipline on the pitch when we play a match.

“It might not be what they’re used to but double sessions are normal for me. I have the impression that, for some players, it’s very difficult.

"We have different players now because we have played with non-World Cup players for two weeks and now we have the World Cup players, from England for example. They have to adapt to the level of what is required now.”

[Tarryn]

Originally Posted by bbfan1991

Chicharito's chance to shine




Definitely! I hope that Chicharito impresses LVG, would be gutted if he left but if he did it would be for more first team Football, which is understandable.

Totally. I really hope he stays too. He is a class player. Moyes never had faith him in, I really hope LVG does.

[Achilles]

Why Evra gone? Not been following for couple days and see he gone

[Achilles]

Ander Herrera

Our team is SO MUCH better balanced. Every single player playing in a position that suits them.

LVG is tactical genius

[bbfan1991]

Youtube video

Youtube video

Happy that United won LVG's first game in style.