SPORTS UPDATE

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Man Utd: Nemanja Matic to miss start of season - Jose Mourinho

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Nemanja Matic made 49 appearances for United in 2017-18
Manchester United's Nemanja Matic will miss the start of the new season after having surgery on an abdominal injury.
The midfielder has not featured in any pre-season games, including Saturday's 4-1 friendly defeat by Liverpool.
"Matic came from the World Cup with an injury and the time he had to rest on holiday was not enough to resolve the problem," manager Jose Mourinho said.
"He went to Philadelphia for a top specialist and he didn't leave the clinic. He immediately had surgery."
The Serb has returned to Manchester to continue his rehabilitation.
United begin their Premier League campaign at Old Trafford against Leicester City on Friday, 10 August (20:00 BST).

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Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp says 'outstanding' Daniel Sturridge has role to play if fit



Substitute Daniel Sturridge scored with his first touch against Manchester United after 66 minutes
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said he is prepared to put striker Daniel Sturridge on an individual training programme to ensure he stays fit.
Sturridge has impressed on the Reds' three-match tour of the United States.
The 28-year-old scored from Xherdan Shaqiri's lay-off as Liverpool beat Manchester United 4-1 in front of 101,254 fans at the Michigan Stadium.
Klopp said: "Daniel is an outstanding player. If he is fit, he will play a role in the team."
Sturridge has started just 23 Premier League games in the last three seasons.
He went to West Brom on loan for the second half of last term but made only six appearances as the Baggies were relegated to the Championship.
"I am completely open to individualising training," Klopp said.
"When I came here I was very excited about the fact I would be working together with him. Since then he has had a few injury issues.
"Does he have to play 50-something games? No. But hopefully he will play a few really good ones. That is the plan."

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The future of Robert Lewandowski is once again on the front of the stage. According to several media, the Polish international striker has reiterated his wish to leave Bayern to join Real Madrid.

The galactic desired by Florentino Perez is perhaps named Robert Lewandowski. The striker of Bayern Munich has never hidden his attraction for Real Madrid and it is not today that it will change.

The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus Turin leaves a huge void to fill and he would enjoy it. According to Sky and Marca (who is making a Sunday on the subject), Lewandowski warned Bayern management of his desires elsewhere. Or more exactly of his desires of Real …

A reaffirmed will that will not surprise the Bavarian leaders. The fact remains that Madrilenians must now take action if they really want to move forward on this issue. Bayern having repeated several times that it was not a seller, it will not be easy. The two entities nevertheless have good relations and the two parts will therefore be quickly fixed.

“Lewandowski’s dream is to play Real, but from there to make it happen …”, argues a relative of the player, quoted by Marca. Under contract until 2021, the Polish changed agent this year (Zahavi) so that his situation evolves in the direction he wants. But Bayern is still at the heart of its problem

http://nghubs.info/lewandowski-determine...al-madrid/

[Edoman]

Man United holds on to beat Real Madrid
[url=http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/man-united-holds-on-to-beat-real-madrid.html][/url]

                            
Jose Mourinho was finally given something to smile about as a tempestuous trip to the United States ended with Man United’s 2-1 win over former club Real Madrid thanks to first-half strikes from Alexis Sanchez and Ander Herrera.

Mourinho has cut a miserable figure during their two week trip to the United States, lashing out at a lack of transfer activity while reserving stinging criticism for a number of first team players.

But seeing his side establish a two goal lead in the first half was encouraging, as was holding Real at bay after Karim Benezema’s goal just before the interval gave the Spanish side hope of mounting a comeback.


“I didn’t learn anything (from this tour),” said Mourinho. “I know what Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and Alexis Sanchez are.

“I know the kids are very young and need time to grow up, I know my players gave everything and in the last 15 mins we are dead and they bring on Toni Kroos and Asensio and Isco and I thought we wouldn’t resist but we did.

“That’s the spirit we need because our first two or three weeks in the Premier League are going to be really hard for us because we didn’t prepare for that.”

The Portuguese has been without 12 key players for most of the tour with many enjoying an extended break following the World Cup.

In front of 64,141 at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, United were finishing off their pre-season preparations against a Real Madrid side just starting theirs.

La Liga starts a week later than the Premier League so new Real manager Julen Lopetegui was able to name the likes of Gareth Bale to start while Germany star Toni Kroos was on the bench.

Spanish international David de Gea was making his first start since returning from the extra time given to him following the World Cup and he was almost beaten in the eighth minute – Bale starting a move which saw Benzema fire just wide from close range.

Brazilian Fred, who was signed earlier this summer for £52 million, was making his first United start and looked comfortable in his new surroundings.

And on 18 minutes, United were ahead. Herrera fed Matteo Darmian and teed up Sanchez who clinically swept the ball home.

Taken superbly
It was Man United’s first real opportunity – and it was taken superbly.

“Alexis Sanchez is fresh, the way the man is running, I think he is in a fantastic condition,” said Mourinho.

The second goal which arrived on 27 minutes was equally impressive.

Darmian lifted the ball to Mata and once the Spaniard had regained his composure he crossed for Sanchez who was able to divert the ball into the path of Herrera who made no mistake.

Bale curled wide soon after but just before the interval, Benzema tapped in an excellent Theo Hernandez cross to give the vast amounts of Madrid fans in Miami something to cheer.

Bale, a one time target for Mourinho, was withdrawn for the second half as Lopetegui shuffled his pack and one of the substitutes, Martin Odegaard should have levelled on 56 minutes when he blazed over the bar from eight yards.

The Norwegian saw a free-kick saved by De Gea late on but United held firm to lift Mourinho’s mood.

It was their first victory in regulation play this pre-season – AC Milan were defeated on penalties in Los Angeles last week.

[Edoman]

Chelsea has been dealt huge blow, as reports have emerged that Gonzalo Higuain could be on his way to Italian club AC Milan. The man that Chelsea’s new boss Muarizio Sarri wants to lead his attacking line seems to have preferred a move to the Rossenieri. The Blues most act quickly to land the Argentine whose loan deal to Milan seems almost certain according reports.

Higuain have been subject to a departure from the Turin club in the summer with a possible reunion with former boss Sarri at Chelsea according to reports.

According to respected Italian source Gianluca di Marzio, Juventus is believed to have agreed a deal with rivals AC Milan over the possible move of the 30yr old. Milan is believed to have offer a €20 Million loan fee with an option to permanent sign the center forward in the next summer transfer for €35 Million.

Chelsea remains interested in Higuain’s teammates Rugani and Caldara, who both have been linked with a move to the bridge. Chelsea’s bid for Daniel Rugani was recently rejected by the Old lady, though it’s believed the London is preparing another offer for the player.

The Blues are reportedly in talks with Borussia Dortmund for the possible acquisition of Pulisic whose transfer fee is the region of £65 Million.

Source:http://www.trendingfootballnews.com/gonz...-now-twist



Gonzalo Higuain's £49M Move to Chelsea Takes a New Twist

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Reports in Italy claim that Chelsea have made a player plus cash offer for Juventus duo Gonzalo Higuain and Daniele Rugani with the player in question being mentioned as Alvaro Morata. Higuain is also the subject of a possible swap deal with AC Milan that includes Leonardo Bonucci, who is desirous of a return to Turin after spending one season with Milan.

According to Sportitalia, the Blues have made an offer of Morata plus cash believed to be around €55 million for the Juve duo. It was previously stated that Chelsea are unwilling to meet Juventus’ demand of €60 million for Higuain and €55 million for Rugani, although they are interested in reinforcing the center forward and center back positions at Stamford Bridge. It is believed that Chelsea feel that the recent offer of Morata plus the aforementioned amount will be enough to prise the duo away from Juventus.


 Chelsea Offers Alvaro Morata Plus €55m For Gonzalo Higuain and Daniele Rugani

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Cristiano Ronaldo has moved into his stunning new villa, which he chose as it reminded him of his former home in Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo, girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez and their four children have moved in their new home in the north of Italy. Yesterday, the Portuguese star touched down in Turin on his private jet and headed to the mansion where he will live for next season. His new luxurious home is located behind the Gran Madre in Turin. According to La Gazetta dello Sport, the Juventus footballer has opted for a modern and vanguard construction which reminded him of his former home in Madrid.

Apparently, Ronaldo has acquired not one, but two connected villas with separate entrances, large gardens, a swimming pool and a gym. The villa is situated on a hill with lush vegetation hiding it from the view of surrounding houses, as well as paparazzi and others who may be determined to take snaps of the ex-Real Madrid star.

The villa boasts spectaculars views of the city with hills to one side and a river to the other, and is located close to one of the most impressive pieces of architecture in Turin and popular tourist site, the church of The Great Mother. “It’s as if Turin were at the feet of CR7, a tribute of the city to the long-awaited and newly-arrived champion,” says La Gazetta dello Sport.

Ronaldo and his family will be neighbours of the Italian-American businessman, John Elkann president of the automotive company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/07/see-c...g-new.html[/url][/b]






Cristiano Ronaldo’s New Mansion In Turin, Juventus (Photos)

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Real Madrid finally find Ronaldo’s replacement
[url=http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/real-madrid-finally-find-ronaldos.html][/url]

                           
Real Madrid have finally found Cristiano Ronaldo’s replacement within the club.


New manager, Julen Lopetegui has decided to promote Spanish forward, Marco Asensio as Ronaldo’s replacement in the team.

Before now, a host of names have been linked with Real Madrid, including Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Eden Hazard.


Hazard openly admitted he would like a move to Real but Chelsea have refused to sell, placing a £177.9million price tag on him, to scare buyers away.

Spanish newspaper, Marca reports that for this reason, Lopetegui has assessed his squad over pre-season and decided on how he will replace Ronaldo with Asensio.

The newspaper claimed that Lopetegui would rather use Asensio in his front three than spend a “ludicrous sum” on Hazard.


Real Madrid have also accepted the fact that Neymar will not be joining the club this summer.

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Tottenham set to beat Chelsea over Zaha’s signature
[url=http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/tottenham-set-to-beat-chelsea-over.html][/url]

                             
Tottenham Hotspur are plotting £45million move to make Crystal Palace forward, Wilfried Zaha their first summer signing.


Zaha, who was Palace’s standout star last season with 9 goals and 5 assists in 29 appearances, is wanted by Tottenham and Chelsea.

Tottenham have wanted to sign the Ivorian international for the past two years but have never been able to agree a deal with Palace.


According to The Sun, Zaha is Maurizio Pochettino’s priority target and Spurs are prepared to offer £45million to Palace, as well as a significant sell-on clause.

The report also claimed that Palace have reportedly turned down Chelsea’s offer of £30million cash plus midfielder, Danny Drinkwater.

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Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea: Petr Cech saves crucial penalty as Gunners win shootout






Arsenal signed goalkeeper Bernd Leno this summer but Petr Cech was in fine form against Chelsea
Petr Cech saved penalties in normal time and in a shootout as Arsenal beat his old club Chelsea in the International Champions Cup in Dublin.
The Gunners' keeper denied Alvaro Morata from the spot in the first half as the Blues dominated, with Antonio Rudiger heading them in front.
Arsenal improved after the break and Alexandre Lacazette equalised with 17 seconds left to earn a shootout.
Both sides scored their first five, but Cech saved from Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Maurizio Sarri's Chelsea side face Premier League champions Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday in the Community Shield, while Arsenal boss Unai Emery has injury worries before the new season after losing both Aaron Ramsey and Sead Kolasinac.
Ramsey, who was listed on the teamsheet to start, suffered a muscle injury in the warm-up and was replaced by 18-year-old Emile Smith Rowe in the starting XI.
Kolasinac appeared to hurt his knee in a challenge with Victor Moses and will have a scan.
"We will wait for the medical analysis but we think it's not a big one," said Emery. "For Kolasinac it might be different. We will wait for a scan to know better."

• Pre-season friendlies - how has each Premier League team been getting on?
  

New Chelsea faces impress
Chelsea were far brighter in an open and lively first half at the Aviva Stadium, with teenager Callum Hudson-Odoi at the heart of all of their good work.
His fine run in behind set up Cesc Fabregas for a shot which Cech tipped over, before the Arsenal defence left Rudiger completely free from the following corner to head home from 12 yards.
Hudson-Odoi then tricked Hector Bellerin into conceding a penalty with a clumsy challenge, but Morata's tame effort was easily saved.
Morata looked short of confidence all night, with the centre-forward role maybe causing Sarri the most problems in his squad as he enters his first season in England.
Hudson-Odoi was then denied by another great Cech save before the break, and though the youngster faded he was easily the most impressive player on display.
Others to catch the eye for the Blues were £50m midfield signing Jorginho and substitute goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, who saved well from Alex Iwobi and Lacazette late on.
"We had our first training on 16 July and we are late compared to Arsenal on the physical condition," said Sarri.
"We have done very well in the first half and then we made a mistake in the last minute."
Asked about the future of Hudson-Odoi, the Chelsea boss added: "He will be a very, very strong player. "Will he be in the first team squad? I think so. He will be staying with us for all the season."
Better late than never
[img]data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7[/img]
Alexandre Lacazette made an impact after replacing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Arsenal also had new faces on display, with Emile Smith-Rowe again playing well after he came into the starting XI at the last minute for midfielder Ramsey, who was injured in the warm-up.
Matteo Guendouzi - signed from the French second division - continued his fine pre-season with another confident showing, and Emery will surely be pleased with his side's second-half display.
Lacazette and Iwobi both failed to make the most of their late chances, but the French striker finally found a way through in stoppage time when he steered in Reiss Nelson's low cross from close range.
"We are very happy with the 90 minutes because the performance got better during the match," added Emery.
Arsenal: Cech, Bellerin, Mustafi, Sokratis, Kolasinac, Elneny, Smith-Rowe, Guendouzi, Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang, Ozil
Chelsea: Caballero, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Rudiger, Alonso, Jorginho, Fabregas, Barkley, Hudson-Odio, Morata, Pedro
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