D Moyes Not Good Enough

 It is believed that the said Manager of the #RedDevils #ManchesterUnited is not good enough for this great team. A lot of people believes that if it were Sir Alex Fergie that is still the manager #Manchesterunited would have been topping the #BPL table by now. But lets still pray for hope in the team.

Moyes Reaction

“The fans have been great. They understand there is a big transition going on here and, like me, I don't think they expected us to have lost five games at this stage of the season. We'll work hard to improve.” More: http://bit.ly/1hEA7QC

Match Report

United 0 Newcastle 1. A disappointing afternoon for United as David Moyes’ side slipped to a second home defeat in four days.

Match report: http://bit.ly/1d2dNe6

EPL table

It finished SUNDERLAND 1-2 SPURS in the late ‪#‎BPL‬ kick off; here is what Saturday's seven matches have done to the table.

Good weekend so far for your team?

The Two Most Respected and Forever Existing Legends.. RIP

Michael Jackson on a visit to Mandela's Town in one of his South African Tour.

 RIP NELSON MADIBA MANDELA....The rare gem of our time!! We will all miss You!!!!!!!

World Cup Group E: ‘France couldn't have picked it better'

Goal’s experts offer their reactions to the World Cup draw in Group E where Switzerland, Ecuador, Honduras, and France were pooled together

'HITZFELD WAS RIGHT TO FEEL LUCKY'

By Joe Wright Ottmar Hitzfeld spoke of the huge advantage of his side being among the top seeds prior to the draw, and Switzerland can indeed count themselves lucky with the result. While France will be touted as favourites to win the group, Switzerland will no doubt fancy their chances of securing at least a draw against their inconsistent European neighbours. Ecuador's attacking prowess could cause some problems and Honduras will be an unknown entity for them, but the Nati will consider themselves more than capable of wins from both games.

'SUAREZ'S ECUADOR KNOWLEDGE COULD BE COSTLY'

By Jhonkarlos Guinan Ecuador weren't too lucky in the draw as they will face two European teams in the group stage, even though Switzerland are a surprising seed and not the worst side to face from Pot 1. France scraped their way to the finals but, with the likes of Franck Ribery in their ranks, nobody can underestimate their potential. It's the second consecutive World Cup for Honduras and although on paper they look like the easiest rival in Group E, they have Luis Fernando Suarez as coach - someone who will no doubt put his knowledge of coaching Ecuador to good use.

'HONDURAS ARE IN LINE TO MAKE HISTORY'

By Roberto Navarro Luck appears to have taken kindly to Honduras. Despite facing two European nations in the group stage, it is fair to think they are two of the least frightening nations to have qualified to Brazil 2014. Traditionally, France are a team that compete for the top spots - but the 1998 champions are a shadow of their former selves. Switzerland, meanwhile, are arguably the easiest of the eight seeded teams in the draw. It isn't by any means a stretch to think that Honduras can reach their first round of 16, but coach Luis Fernando Suarez must prepare this team for anything in order to achieve that historic goal.

'FRANCE COULDN'T HAVE PICKED IT BETTER'

By Robin Bairner

After muddling their way through the qualifier, France could barely have hand picked a better draw for Brazil. Switzerland as top seeds in their group is extremely generous and the other opponents are not nearly as dangerous as Didier Deschamps might have feared.

France must fancy their chances of winning this group and therefore getting an easier draw in the last 16. Already Deschamps must be secretly believing that a place in the quarter-finals is possible.

Nevertheless, France don't typically thrive under a weight of expectation, and that is exactly what there will be after this draw.

World Cup Group A: ‘Brazil given a gift and a curse’

 

Goal’s experts offer their reactions to the World Cup draw in Group A where Brazil, Cameroon, Mexico and Croatia were pooled together

BRAZIL

By Matheus Harb "We might say Brazil was given a gift and a curse with this draw, as they were drawn in a fairly easy group, but with the prospect of facing one of the two finalists from the 2010 World Cup. "The biggest challenge for Felipao and his players will be maintaining focus on a group they are supposed to win before the likely clash against Netherlands or Spain. "Individually speaking, it might be an interesting match against Mexico, a team historically known to cause trouble to the Selecao, despite coming off a dramatic qualification in the Concacaf zone."

CAMEROON

By Lawrence Nkede “Cameroon's opening fixture against Mexico is the second of the tournament and comes against opponents largely unknown to fans in the African country. It will be an interesting test. "Cameroon seem not to have a chance against Brazil who will be playing at home. It will be difficult to match up the technical skills and pace of players like Neymar  and Oscar. "Croatia seem like less of a threat and Cameroon can take advantage of their athletic qualities and seal a possible victory or draw. Much rides on the opening game, though."

MEXICO

By Eric Gomez “For the second consecutive World Cup, Mexico will square off with the host nation in the group stage. And though Brazil are a top side, El Tri have held their own against them in recent years. "Cameroon, by way of style and geography, do not favor Mexico, initially. African teams are usually difficult for Mexico, as history can attest. This will be Mexico's biggest test from here on in. "With Brazil all but qualified for the Round of 16, hopes are high amongst Mexican pundits and fans, though the team's fate will likely be decided in the opener against Cameroon."

CROATIA

By Luke Matthews

“Croatia are very unlucky to come up against the host nation and favourites Brazil in the opening game of the World Cup. A win looks highly unlikely meaning victories will be required in the other games.

"Croatia faced Mexico back in the 2002 World Cup, losing 1-0 courtesy of a Cuauhtemoc Blanco goal but the Balkan nation have never previously met Cameroon.

"The condition of star players such as Luka Modric and Mario Mandzukic will be key for the Croats. If these players are fit and ready, they will have hopes of sneaking through."

Source: Goal.com

Top Morning News

Potable Drinking Water: Okonjo-Iweala Wants Rivers People To Die – Amaechi.
Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has called on the House of Representatives to probe the Minister of Finance,...

Read More Here >>> http://www.informationng.com/?p=153483



VIDEO: Gov Oshiomhole apologizes to the widow, gives her N2m

Governor Oshiomhole today donated N2million to the widow he treated harshly, Mrs Joy Ifije, who was invited to the Edo State Government House. She was also offered automatic employment.

WATCH VIDEO > www.naijaurban.com/video-gov-oshiomhole-apologizes-widow-gives-her-n2m/



Why Are People This Wicked. VIDEO: See How Bad Boys Strip and Molest This Yoruba Girls

WATCH THE VIDEO > http://shar.es/Dwd0M



Picture Of Babatunde Fashola As A Kid.

...Get to see Mr. Fash as a kid. See photo below:

SEE IT > www.naijaurban.com/picture-babatunde-fashola-kid/

BOMBSHELL: Asari Says Jonathan Is Becoming A Big Failure

He is one of President Goodluck Jonathan's most vocal supporter but it seems Asari Dokubo is now agreeing with Governor Rotimi Amaechi that President Goodlcuk Jonathan has failed South-South and Nigerians.

Asari, at a press conference in Abuja, declared that President Jonathan has lost the support of his political base due to the failure of his government to deliver on its promises. The ex-militant leader said:

...This is going to shock you. Read what he said below:

READ HERE > http://www.naijaurban.com/bombshell-asari-says-jonathan-becoming-big-failure/

Keshi hails Onazi's maturity

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Stephen Keshi expressed his pride at the performance of his charges in the 2-2 draw with Italy at Fulham Football Club's compact Craven Cottage.
"We played on saturday, travelled rather quickly, arriving London yesterday(sunday) and playing tonight(monday), I am really proud of the players and the character they displayed"
Nigeria made wholesale changes from the team that brushed aside Ethiopia in Calabar to book a place in next year's football summit in Brazil. Mikel, Moses, Oboabona and Onazi the starters from Saturday.
The Italians started like a house on fire as Keshi thought they would "we told them that Italy will want to overwhelm us with intricate play and I must admit that initially the players were nervous" After Italy took the lead instead of the makeshift Nigerian side to cave in they grew in stature "I have always maintained that I have players with great belief in their qualities and they started to show it as that first half wore on".
Bright Dike and Shola Ameobi got the goals that Nigeria's play had merited but Stephen Keshi paid tribute to Ogenyi Onazi's form and general play .
"A lot of people asked me questions why I believed so much in him when I called him into the squad. He has come on greatly in the last one year I have to say, always improving, always demanding for the ball, showing for team mates in trouble and showing high tactical awareness in the heat of the battle. Like many of his team mates he is only going to get better" Keshi said
What was obvious at the start of the match was the difference in physique between both sides with the Italians clearly bigger. The team that Stephen Keshi played for in the world cup back in '94 were huge physical specimens. So was the coach worried that the team might suffer during the world cup coming up against bigger opponents.
"Not one bit" the AFCON winning coach smiled. "What is paramount is how intelligent a footballer is and I have many intelligent footballers playing for Nigeria currently. They will be fine"
It was a friendly but the match was played at such intensity and pace one will would have thought there was a trophy or points at stake. What has the coach learnt from this game going into the world cup?
"For me it is more about my players getting more confident and being able to express their obvious abilities against the so called big football nations. It is something I keep trying to pass across to them that when they are on the field, they are as good as the opponents sometimes even better. We will not be hiding in Brazil I promise Nigerians that"

Roy Hodgson with Joe Hart © Gallo Images

BPL Fantasy League David Beckham - his career in pictures Gerrard

No England start for Hart v Chile

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Under-fire goalkeeper Joe Hart will not start England's international friendly against Chile at Wembley Stadium, manager Roy Hodgson said on Thursday.
Hart has found himself on the sidelines lately at Manchester City after some high-profile errors, but has continued to receive backing from Hodgson.
However, with the England manager determined to find out more about his squad ahead of next year's World Cup, Hodgson has decided to leave Hart out – although he did leave open the possibility he might feature at some point during the game.
Hodgson, speaking at the squad's hotel in Watford, north of London, refused to say whether Celtic's highly-rated Fraser Forster or Norwich City's John Ruddy would be in goal come kick-off against Chile on Friday.
"Joe Hart won't be starting the game tomorrow night, but I'll let you work out yourself who will," Hodgson told a news conference.
However, he did confirm that Frank Lampard would captain the side in the absence of the injured Steven Gerrard.
Hodgson also confirmed that Lampard would receive a commemorative golden cap from Geoff Hurst, the hat-trick hero of England's 1966 World Cup final win, and his father, Frank Lampard senior, for having made a hundred international appearances – a feat he achieved against Ukraine in September.
Both Hurst and Lampard senior, who won two England caps as a defender, played for West Ham United, the east London club where Lampard junior started his career.
"I don't intend to reveal the team, but it's a pleasure to say that Frank will be leading the team out. He'll be receiving his 100th cap from his father and Sir Geoff Hurst," Hodgson said.
Lampard said: "It will be a very special moment for me. To win 100 caps was a long time coming and I've seen gold caps given to Stevie (Gerrard) and Ashley (Cole) and the idea of Sir Geoff being involved came from the FA, but it's one I'm very happy with.
"I requested my dad was involved as well and he will be very proud."
Hodgson added: "We've lost Rickie Lambert to a muscle problem. It will keep him out of the game on Friday and possibly out of the Germany game (at Wembley on Tuesday)."
However, Hodgson said striker Lambert's uncapped Southampton teammates Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana would "play some part" against Chile.
Gerrard is expected to return against Germany along with Tottenham Hotspur right-back Kyle Walker, while Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is also likely to sit out the Chile match.
"Gerrard and Kyle Walker won't be taking any part (against Chile) and that has always been on my agenda," Hodgson said.
"They will recover from minor injury problems that have plagued them and will concentrate on the second game and not the first one.
"Daniel has been doing some work and the chances are he will be spared for the second game."
England last met Chile at Wembley 15 years ago, when a brace of goals from striker Marcelo Salas gave the South Americans a 2-0 win.
With a nine-game unbeaten run to protect, Chile are likely to provide strong opposition, but Hodgson says he is more interested in assessing the depth of his squad than avoiding defeat.
"I've got to put the performances in front of protecting an unbeaten run," said the former Liverpool manager, whose team have not lost in 2013.
"There's only these two matches plus the one in March (against Denmark) to do that. I can't dismiss the need to give some playing time to people we need to know more about."

Source: #supersport.com

Job offers flood in for Keshi

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In February of this year Stephen Keshi led the super eagles to reclaim the African cup of Nations after a 19 year gap. He achieved this by taking to the tournament one of the most inexperienced sides Nigeria has taken to an Afcon tournament since he was the skipper of the 1984 side.
In many countries this achievement will translate into financial rewards and great planning and structure for the team. Not Nigeria. Stephen Keshi and his technical crew have not been paid salaries for the last 7 months.
"It is the love that I have for my country that has kept me in this place ever since," Keshi said to supersport.com when asked why he is putting up with this.
"I go outside into the shops and markets and ordinary Nigerians in the streets are thanking me and asking God to continue to bless me. It humbles me. It makes me realise the responsibilities I have to these people and I keep at the job. I also have a fantastic group of young footballers, who I sincerely do not want to abandon at this moment," Keshi said.
As a successful coach he is not shy of suitors. "Oh I have four offers on the table for me that will triple my wages but because of the reasons I have given I have told those offers to please go elsewhere."
Stephen Keshi is patently unhappy with the furore that the bonus created. "Where else in this world do you hear or read of a successful team having their bonuses slashed? When one thinks about it like that it shows how incongruous the whole thing looks really. Ghana players were on $15 000 per man to beat Egypt while the Egyptians were on $25 000 per man, yet the African Champions are being offered $5 000. That is Nigerian football administration sense.
"My players are just determined to play in the World Cup. That is why they really don't care so much even though they know what happens in other countries"
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are 90 minutes away from World Cup qualification following a 2-1 first-leg lead over Ethiopia. The second leg takes place in Calabar on 16 November.

Source: >supersport.com<

Pakurumo Entertainment: Can You Allow Your Wife To Undergo All this in the...

Pakurumo Entertainment: Can You Allow Your Wife To Undergo All this in the...

Neymar © Action Images

Neymar stunner helps Brazil beat S.Korea

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Brazil star Neymar weathered some harsh attention before scoring a stunning free-kick as he led the World Cup hosts to a 2-0 friendly win over South Korea on Saturday.
The Barcelona forward curled his shot past Korean goalie Jung Sung-Ryong just before halftime, with Chelsea's Oscar getting the visitors' second shortly after the break.
Neymar, 21, had been in doubt for the game after a heavy fall in training, and he was hit with some tough challenges and constant close marking in front of a near-capacity crowd.
But the young idol had the last laugh at Seoul World Cup Stadium when he thumped his strike over the wall and to the right of Jung, who got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out.

Neymar was targeted from start to finish as Hong Myung-Bo's team, already qualified for next year's World Cup, opted for tactics of harassment and frustration. The Brazilian threw up his hands in exasperation and had a few testy moments with other players, even getting into a shoving match near the team benches late in the first half.
"I think we simply played football, whereas South Korea tried too hard," said Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.
"In the first half, they had twice as many fouls as we had. I think they were fouling too much early on."
Hong Myung-Bo defended his players' physical play, saying they "played it fair and didn't lose their cool."
"Some of our players are still young and I think they will learn from this experience," said Hong, who has just one victory in seven matches since taking over in June.
"I am sure they gained confidence from this, and it's an important part of our team. That alone is a major plus for us."
After a tepid start to the game, Neymar took the ball in midfield and danced through defenders before threading a pass to Oscar, whose shot travelled over the bar.
But after being brought down for the umpteenth time, Neymar took matters into his own hands as he opened the scoring with his free kick.
Brazil doubled their lead just three minutes into the second half. Paulinho put Oscar through and the midfielder went past the helpless Jung before putting it into the gaping net.
South Korea brought on Son Heung-Min in the 65th minute, hoping the Bayer Leverkusen winger could add some spark to the lethargic attack.
And the home side were more lively in the last half-hour, with Lee Chung-Yong heading a corner wide in the 68th minute.
It was as close as South Korea came to scoring, as the five-time World Cup champions outclassed the hosts.
South Korea will next host Mali on Tuesday, while Brazil will take on Zambia on the same day in Beijing.
Source: supersport.com

John Cena's struggle: Why WWE's biggest star can't take time off

WWE.COM: Are you at all surprised that you’re coming back so quickly?
CENA: No, I’m happy with the way everything has gone. I didn’t feel too bad when the injury happened. It started to really be a pain in my neck about two weeks before SummerSlam. I had to tell the greatest surgeon in the world that I have a physical therapy team that I’m extremely familiar with. In doing therapy, it’s good to know that the therapist will push you. A lot of times, people are reserved or maybe scared of testing what your body is capable of. I’m not. I have complete faith in my surgeon. When it was time to test range of motion a little bit or test strength a little bit, a lot of people — if it’s their first surgery — they want to wait a few weeks before they do that. I kind of want to say, “Hey I got a new arm. Let’s see how it works.”
WWE.COM: Are you in the gym lifting weights already or you’re not quite up to that yet?
CENA: I started weight training 16 days after surgery, because I had to wait for the stitches. The biggest concern with this whole thing was the risk of infection. After I got the stitches out at about 14 days, it took two days for the wound to heal up, and that’s when I could actually start breaking a sweat. So, those first two weeks were tough.
WWE.COM: What are you doing in those two weeks? Give me a picture of John Cena at home on the mend.
CENA: A lot of ice, a lot of electronic stimulation, a lot of strengthening everything around the elbow, shoulder rehab, grip strength. Physical therapy twice a day, six days a week.
WWE.COM: When you have some free time, what kind of stuff do you do to keep your mind off of things?
CENA: I’m either studying Chinese or spending much-needed personal time with a beautiful woman.
WWE.COM: How’s your Chinese?
CENA: It’s getting better every day.
WWE.COM: Are we talking Mandarin or Cantonese?
CENA: Mandarin.
WWE.COM: When we last saw you, you lost the WWE Title to Daniel Bryan. How do you feel about coming back and going for the World Heavyweight Title instead? What do you feel the distinction is between those two titles?
CENA: I see them all as opportunities. For me, I’m hugely thankful for being able to get this opportunity. Daniel certainly did deserve to be called the WWE Champion and because of the circumstances and sorry state of affairs that’s happened to him, you can’t help but feel sympathy for the guy. But I just want to be back and I want to be back in any capacity that I can. For me to get any match is fine. For me to be thrown right into the mix and be named No. 1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Championship is a blessing.
 

WWE.COM: Do you anticipate having that rematch with Bryan down the road?
CENA: Eventually, yeah. I don’t think Daniel Bryan is gonna hang up those boots anytime soon, certainly not. So I don’t see why it wouldn’t.
WWE.COM: Do you think you’re missing out on a big moment by returning sooner than expected and not in your hometown of Boston at Survivor Series?
CENA: The big moments for me are moments when I can actually contribute. For me to want to hold off, especially if I’m ready to compete and be part of the active WWE roster, I think that’s just selfish. I don’t want to do that. I want to be back in the ring and in front of the WWE Universe, because I miss them and I hope they miss me.
WWE.COM: When you’re not on the road and not on television every week, are you sitting down and watching Raw every week?
CENA: Every week.
WWE.COM: When you do that, are you picturing how it would be if you were there or how the show might be different?
CENA: Not at all. Having done this a few times, it’s actually a nice little refresher to be able to watch. You gotta remember, I was a member of the WWE Universe before I was a WWE Superstar. It’s really nice to know, “Hey, I’m not going to be back until that date. There’s nothing I can do.” Right now, if I were to be frustrated or upset, it’s a waste of my own time, because I can’t physically contribute anything. So, I just watch and enjoy with an unbiased eye, be entertained, be not entertained, but just enjoy the show.
WWE.COM: What’s that like for a 10-year-plus veteran and enormous star to distance yourself and watch Raw as a fan?
CENA: It’s something I do anyway. It’s just in a greater capacity when you can no longer physically contribute. At all Live Events, I’m watching somewhere, whether peeking behind a curtain or peering at a TV backstage. I watch just as much WWE as almost anyone, but I love to. It’s something I enjoy doing. I don’t force myself to watch. I get excited for Mondays. I get excited to see the show.
WWE.COM: You haven’t had many injuries and when you are gone, you’re gone for very short periods. But do you feel, over time, these injuries force you to change how you perform in the ring?
CENA: If you broke down my technique, it wouldn’t really take a rocket scientist to do so. I don’t know how you could take something so basic and do less [laughs].
WWE.COM: What’s your frame of mind coming back to face Alberto Del Rio at Hell in a Cell in Miami?
CENA: I’m just so excited to be coming back. You have no idea. Being injured is tough. I know this is a business where you only have a certain window to perform in, and being here for 11 years now, that window closes every day, so I want to spend every day that I can in the ring. I’m driving back from the Performance Center right now, having gotten in one of the seven practice rings that are over there, just giving myself a last little test. Everything feels good. I know Alberto Del Rio is at the top of his game, but man, he’s gonna be hard-pressed to have a decent night in Miami. I want to make Miami special.
Source: wwe.com

John Cena's struggle: Why WWE's biggest star can't take time off

When John Cena stood in the ring one night after losing the WWE Championship at SummerSlam, his torn triceps injury was expected to keep him away from the ring for at least four months and, perhaps, as many as six. But when the record 11-time WWE Champion steps back into the squared circle, he will do so far ahead of schedule, returning at the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view on Oct. 27, after only two and a half months on the shelf.
The polarizing veteran hardly ever takes time away from the spotlight, but when he does, Cena seems to return sooner and sooner than expected. In an exclusive conversation, WWE.com asked the Massachusetts native why he pushes himself, what he’s feeling when he watches Raw from the couch and how he takes his mind off performing in front of millions of people in each week.
Watch Cena announce his injury | Hell in a Cell match preview
WWE.COM: This is much sooner than many WWE fans were expecting to see you back. The timetable indicated you’d be away from the ring for four to six months. It’s been two. Is it hard for you to stay away?
JOHN CENA: Of course, I think if any active Superstar tells you differently, they should rethink their profession. For most people, being injured and having surgery is a very difficult experience. They may spend a little bit of time loafing around or feeling sorry for themselves. I get to work right away. I just, literally, follow the rules. I go to physical therapy like I should. It becomes my job. When my job isn’t performing in a WWE ring, my job is to get back performing in that ring. When I’m hurt, all I have to do all day is get strong and get better. I’m a very dedicated physical therapy patient and that helps a lot.
WWE.COM: Is there something special about your body that you’re able to recover from your injuries so quickly? You always seem to return much sooner than expected.
CENA: Please don’t spread the rumor that I’m some kind of real-life X-Man or something like that. The reason that surgeons give those timetables is because they obviously want to err on the side of caution. They don’t want the operation going badly. They basically take all the operations they’ve done and come up with a medium timeframe to recover. That’s why it was four to six months.
Source: wwe.com

Real deny Bale has slipped disc Real deny Bale has slipped disc

Gareth Bale © Action Images

Real deny Bale has slipped disc

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Real Madrid strongly denied a report in Spain on Saturday that world record signing Gareth Bale has a slipped disc.
Madrid sports daily Marca published the story claiming that the problem had been identified when the 24-year-old Welshman underwent his medical with the club and that the player may need to undergo surgery. The club flatly denied those claims and although they admitted that Bale does have a slight disc protrusion, the condition will not affect him from playing.
"The information published, claiming that the player has a slipped disc on the L5-S1 vertebrae and a bulge on two others, is completely false," said a statement on the club's website.
"The player Gareth Bale has a small chronic disc bulge, which is extremely common among football players and by no means prevents him from carrying out his professional activity normally."
Bale has only been involved in three games for Madrid since sealing his move from Tottenham Hotspur at the start of September due to a series of niggling muscular injuries.
Those problems have been put down to his lack of a proper pre-season as he trained very little with Spurs as his protracted move dragged on.
Bale has stayed in the Spanish capital over the past week rather than representing Wales in their final two World Cup qualifiers to undergo a specific training programme to get him up to speed.
And it is hoped he will make his return against Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu next Saturday ahead of crucial matches for Carlo Ancelotti's men against Juventus and Barcelona later this month.
Source: supersport.com

Real secure victory at Granada

Karim Benzema © Action Images

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Real Madrid made it two wins in two La Liga outings this season when Karim Benzema's scuffed 10th-minute strike secured an uninspiring 1-0 win at Granada on Monday.
Real still seem to be finding their feet under new coach Carlo Ancelotti and, although they dominated the first half, they lost control in a poor-quality second period at Granada's Los Carmenes stadium.
France forward Benzema, who also scored in the 2-1 opening day success at home to Real Betis last weekend, skewed the ball into the net to give Real the lead after an unmarked Cristiano Ronaldo lost control of an Angel Di Maria cross.
Roberto palmed an Isco effort on to a post in the 62nd minute and Ronaldo sent a low strike narrowly wide late on but Granada finished strongly and had several chances in the final minutes.
Italian Ancelotti, who told reporters it was crucial in the early part of the season not to drop points, has much to ponder before Athletic Bilbao visit the Bernabeu on Sunday on matchday three.
The victory puts Real on six points, the same as champions Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Bilbao and Villarreal. Barca, 1-0 winners at Malaga on Sunday, top the standings on goal difference, with Real in fifth.

DSTV content

"This sometimes happens in the early part of the league campaign and we are just happy with the three points," Real's Spain defender Alvaro Arbeloa said in an interview with television broadcaster Canal Plus.
"We played a very good 45 minutes, we had control, we created chances," the former Liverpool player added.
"This is only the second matchday and obviously you have to be patient, we have just begun, with a new coach and new players.
"It takes time to get to your top level but I don't think we suffered all that much tonight."
FAN HERO
The buildup to the match was dominated by speculation about whether Ancelotti would restore Spain goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas to the starting line-up.
Casillas, a hero to Real fans, fell out with former Real coach Jose Mourinho last season and was replaced by Diego Lopez and Ancelotti has surprised many by sticking with the former Sevilla keeper for Real's opening two La Liga matches.
Supporters at the Bernabeu chanted Casillas's name during a friendly last week and even the Granada fans were shouting "Iker, Iker" at one point during Monday's match.
"It's a matter for the coach and we will back whatever he decides," Arbeloa said.
"I have absolute respect for both keepers and whoever plays I will support and I think my teammates feel the same.
"It would be better if the fans did the same and supported the keeper the coach selects"

Source; Supersport.com

Gareth Bale © Gallo Images

Moyes coy on Bale interest

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Manchester United manager David Moyes says his club have not made an offer for Tottenham Hotspur forward Gareth Bale, but he refused to deny an interest in the player.
Bale is poised to join Real Madrid for a world-record fee after several months of courtship by the Spanish giants, but reports emerged in the British media on Monday that a rival club had also shown an interest.
When asked if United had submitted a bid for Bale on Monday, Moyes told reporters: "No".
However, he added: "Manchester United are always interested in the best players and the board and myself would always be looking to sign who we think are the best players, wherever they are."
Moyes was speaking after a goalless draw with Chelsea in the Premier League in his first home game as United manager.
The contest was a drab affair, but Moyes was encouraged by a committed display from striker Wayne Rooney, who belied reports that he is unsettled at the club with a performance of effort and determination.
Rooney has been the subject of two failed bids from Chelsea during the close season and their coach Jose Mourinho was pessimistic about the prospects of signing him after the game, saying he would only wait "24 hours, 48 hours" for Rooney to make a decision on his future.
"I was very pleased with his performance and I was very pleased with the reaction from the crowd," said Moyes.
"I've got to say, I didn't think it was unexpected. I expected it. I don't know how many times I have to say it – he's been great in training.
"I think anybody who looked at him might have seen a slightly leaner-looking Wayne. I said to him, 'I might only play you for 60-70 minutes tonight, I'll see how you go.'
"But no, he worked back, he tackled, he chased when we needed it."
Moyes said Rooney had "a positive mind" and rejected the notion that the 27-year-old needs to make a public declaration of allegiance to United.
"I think his performance tonight said enough," he said. "I think his actions tonight showed what he thought."
Despite his failure to make progress in his attempts to sign the player, Mourinho also praised Rooney's display, branding him "fantastic" and describing his attitude as "very English".
Although he selected a team with no recognisable strikers, Mourinho could find no place in his starting XI for Juan Mata, but he said it was purely because the Spanish midfielder was short of fitness.
"He's very important for me, very important for Chelsea," said Mourinho, who added that any reports to the contrary were "nonsense stories" and that Mata was "going nowhere".
Mourinho also left Fernando Torres on the bench, but he dismissed suggestions that the Spain striker is still to repay the club following his £50 million ($78 million, 58 million euros) switch from Liverpool in January 2011.
"He scored a goal that won the Uefa Cup (Europa League), so that means some millions," Mourinho said.
"He scored the goal against Everton that put Chelsea in the Champions League (last season), that means also some millions.
"So he's not already (repaid) 50 – maybe he's 20 now. He's doing his job."
Chelsea this week agreed to sign attacking midfielder Willian for a reported fee of £30 million, but Mourinho refused to confirm reports he is interested in the Brazilian's Anzhi Makhachkala teammate Samuel Eto'o.
"We don't like to speak about players," he said with an ironic smile. "It's dangerous."
Moyes said he had been overwhelmed by the reception he received in his first home game as Alex Ferguson's successor.
"I'm extremely proud to be manager of Manchester United and my family would be as well," he said.
"But I want to earn the reception in the future. I want the claps to be because I've won things and I've got a good team here."

Source: Supersport.com

Wayne Rooney and Eden Hazard © Action Images

United and Chelsea in goalless draw

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Manchester United and Chelsea drew 0-0 in the Premier League on Monday as the action in the season's first big match failed to match the intrigue of the Wayne Rooney transfer saga that swirled throughout.
David Moyes began his first home match in charge of the champions by naming Chelsea target Rooney in his starting line-up, giving a clear message that his club's message of 'he is not for sale' still stood after two failed bids for the striker.
Chances for both sides were few and far between on a warm evening at Old Trafford as Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho's decision to play much of the match without a recognised striker had little attacking impact and his defence held firm.
Rooney, in the unusual position of being cheered by both sets of fans, had a decent chance in the second half when his right-footed drive forced Petr Cech to dive to his right but the two title hopefuls were left to share the points.
"It was a tight game," Moyes, who received a warm reception from the Old Trafford crowd before taking his seat in the dugout opposite the stand that bears the name in big letters of his illustrious predecessor Alex Ferguson, told a news conference.
"We just didn't quite have the final cross, the final pass tonight but I thought we played very well."
The result means United have started their campaign with four points from a possible six, while Chelsea have made it seven from nine as the clubs' new managers enjoy unbeaten starts to the season.
"I think it's a fair point," Mourinho said.
"Nobody deserved to lose...nobody was better than the opponents to deserve a clear victory. For us, after two home victories to come to the champions in their first match at home, to get a point I think it's fine, it's positive."

DSTV content

SUB PLOT
Much of the pre-match buildup had focused on Chelsea's so far unsuccessful attempts to lure United striker Rooney to Stamford Bridge and it was this sub plot that dominated a match which was not the best advertisement for the English top flight.
Mourinho's decision to start without a recognised striker could have been a message to Rooney that the place was his for the taking and as the player listened to "Rooney, Rooney" chants from his own fans and "Wayne Rooney, we'll sign you next week" from Chelsea's, the match trundled along in the background.
The visitors' only real first-half chance fell to Oscar who shot straight at keeper David de Gea early on, while at the other end Robin van Persie slammed a shot into the side netting and Rooney sent a tame effort into the arms of Petr Cech.
The two teams are likely to be embroiled in the title fight later in the season. But they were meeting far too early in the fixtures list for the match to be decisive and it showed as both sides struggled to keep possession or muster meaningful shots.
Which side Rooney will be playing for by the time the two teams meet again remains to be seen after the England forward gave a reasonable account of himself, a neat touch here and there and some good distribution.
Mourinho had plumped for Oscar, Andre Schurrle, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard as his attacking force, and even without reading the frantic scribbling in the notebook he keeps in his top pocket it was clear the set-up was not working.
The Portuguese finally brought on a striker on the hour mark, sending on Fernando Torres for De Bruyne, but it did not make much difference with Rooney ultimately showing glimpses of why he might be a better prospect up front for the London team.
Rooney had a chance to snatch a winner midway through the second half when his right-footed shot from outside the box was put behind by Cech for a corner and he also attempted an acrobatic volley in stoppage time.

 

England - Premier League

 

Swansea City

1 vs 4

Manchester United

Played
August 17, 2013 5:30 PM WAT
Liberty Stadium — Swansea
Referee:‬ P. Dowd‎
Attendance:‬ 20733‎

 

82′ Wilfried Bony

Robin van Persie 34′

 

Danny Welbeck 36′

 

Robin van Persie 72′

 

Danny Welbeck 90+2′

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Swansea City 1-4 Manchester United: Van Persie & Welbeck doubles give champions perfect start

The Red Devils picked up all three points in David Moyes' first Premier League game in charge with a comfortable 4-1 win at the Liberty Stadium against Micheal Laudrup's side

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Manchester United began the defence of their Premier League under new manager David Moyes with a comfortable 4-1 against Swansea.

Two eye-catching goals from Robin van Persie, either side of an effort from Danny Welbeck, gave the Red Devils a commanding three-goal lead at the Liberty Stadium.

Micheal Laudrup's men pulled a goal back through league debutant Wilfried Bony but Welbeck rounded off the win for the visitors with a well-taken second goal scooped over Michel Vorm.

MATCH VIEW

By Ben Cullimore A new-look Manchester United left the Liberty Stadium with all three points after a 4-1 victory that was spearheaded by the ever-brilliant Robin Van Persie. Swansea dominated proceedings for the majority of the first half before a wonderful volley from Van Persie put the visitors 1-0 up after 34 minutes and Welbeck doubled the lead two minutes later. Van Persie then scored his second goal of the game and put United 3-1 up after 72 minutes, and Wayne Rooney announced his comeback with a lovely through-ball to Welbeck which he chipped excellently over a helpless Vorm in injury time.

Following his performance for England against Scotland on Wednesday, Moyes named Wayne Rooney on the bench, as speculation over his future at Old Trafford continued.
The United boss instead preferred to use Van Persie as a lone striker, with Ryan Giggs and Welbeck providing support.
Swansea boss Michael Laudrup gave a debut to Jose Canas, although Bony had to settle for a place on the bench.
The better of the early chances fell to the visitors - Phil Jones seeing an early volley tipped over the crossbar by Vorm while Giggs wasted two good opportunities with a rare lack of composure.
But United’s early dominance was turned into goals just after the half hour with two in as many minutes.
First, Van Persie broke the deadlock with a piece of excellent opportunism. The Dutchman controlled a ball from Giggs on his chest, swivelled and emphatically volleyed the ball past Vorm.
And a few moments later, Welbeck doubled their lead, the striker tapping home from a Valencia cross after the Swansea defence had failed to clear Patrice Evra’s dangerous cross.
With his side chasing the game, Laudrup introduced Ivory Coast striker Bony and Pablo Hernandez at the start of the second half, and slowly Swansea worked their way back into the game.
Their clearest sight of goal came just before the hour when a loose ball fell to Canas on the edge of the penalty area, but his long-range effort sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.
United, having introduced Rooney, extended their lead with 18 minutes to play as Van Persie grabbed his second of the match.
The Swansea defence backed off as he bore down on goal, before the Dutchman jinked away from a Chico Flores tackle and fired the ball beyond Vorm's outstretched dive into the top corner.
Bony capped his Premier League debut with a goal, the Ivorian stroking the ball home first time from inside the penalty area after excellent work from Hernandez, but his strike with eight minutes to play ultimately mattered little.
Welbeck added his second in the final minute of injury time, the striker calmly lifting the ball over Vorm from a tight angle despite close attention from Chico, to seal the win for United.

Source; Goal.com

Robin van Persie © Action Images

United win Moyes's league opener

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English champions Manchester United gave new manager David Moyes a win on the first day of the Premier League season with a 4-1 victory away to Swansea on Saturday.
Two goals apiece from strikers Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck secured United's success at the Liberty Stadium.
The forwards scored within two minutes of each other in the first half and van Persie sealed victory 18 minutes from time with a stunning second goal from 20 yards.
Welbeck added his second goal and United's fourth in stoppage time after a Wilfried Bony consolation goal for south Wales side Swansea eight minutes from time.
Moyes left Wayne Rooney out of his starting XI, amidst ongoing speculation linking the England forward with a move to Chelsea, while Swansea counterpart Michael Laudrup did the same with his £12 million pre-season signing Bony.
Ladrup pushed Michu into an attacking role and played five across the midfield with Jose Canas playing behind Jonjo Shelvey.
United opted for a conventional 4-4-2 with Welbeck and van Persie playing in front of a four man midfield that included Michael Carrick, who missed England's 3-2 midweek win over Scotland.
Having survived one or two early scares, United should have taken the lead in the 15th minute.
Van Persie poked the ball into the path of Ryan Giggs but when the Welshman inched into the 18 yard box, he inexplicably chose to pass instead of shoot. Ben Davies stuck out a foot and the ball trickled harmlessly back to Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm.
Minutes later Giggs fired wide of the far post after Vorm has saved smartly from Welbeck and Phil Jones had a far post volley saved by the Dutch keeper.
At the other end Michu, Swansea's leading scorer last season, did have the ball in the net after 20 minutes. However, referee Phil Dowd's whistle had long since gone for offside when the Spaniard beat David de Gea from close range.
The champions eventually went a goal in front 12 minutes before halftime.
Giggs looped a ball into van Persie who somehow managed to scoop his shot past the advancing Vorm.
Two minutes later it was 2-0. Van Persie headed Patrice Evra's cross to Antonio Valencia at the far post and the Ecuadorian crossed for Welbeck to score.
Carrick followed Valencia into the book for a late tackle on Wayne Routledge just before the break as did Evra for hauling down Angel Rangel.
Although Swansea dominated possession for long periods, they created precious little to worry Moyes.
Swansea made a double substitution at halftime with Bony replacing Routledge and Pablo Hernandez coming on for Leon Britton.
It enabled Michu to drop back into his more accustomed position at the head of the Swans' midfield. Bony latched onto a Davies cross in the 48th minute but his shot went high and wide.
The United fans certainly got behind Moyes, singing his name throughout the game.
Michu brought a decent far post save out of de Gea in the 53rd minute but the goalkeeper was injured in the process and required treatment.
Rooney's five-minute warm up near the United fans gave rise to a standing ovation from the visiting supporters and one or two boos from the home faithful who sensed a way back into the game for their side.
Swansea once again dominated possession and forced United into one or two hasty clearances. Laudrup had pushed Michu up alongside Bony with Nathan Dyer and Hernandez providing the width.
Rooney came on after an hour and immediately settled in just behind van Persie and Welbeck. With 20 minutes remaining Evra saw his header cleared off the line by Canas but two minutes later van Persie stepped inside Ashley Williams and gave Vorm no chance from 20 yards.
Bony bagged a consolation goal when he beat de Gea at his far post before Welbeck struck in stoppage time, chipping Vorm in cheeky fashion.

You’ve probably heard of them. You’ve definitely seen them. They are WWE Champion John Cena’s much-discussed “Five Moves of Doom,” the colloquial term for the sequence used by The Champ — name-dropped by Cena himself on Raw this past Monday — to typically administer soul-crushing defeat to his opponents.
The reputation of these five signature moves is somewhat mixed, as Cena has admitted. On the one hand, several of Cena’s detractors like to take The Champ to task for his persistence in using this move set to fell his foes. That said, there’s no disputing the results the sequence produces: 11 WWE Championships, a pair of World Heavyweight Titles, plus a U.S. Title reign and a few stints as WWE and World Tag Team Champion.
The debate will rage on regardless, but before Cena attempts to ply his notorious maneuvers against Daniel Bryan at SummerSlam, WWE.com presents an in-depth look at the Five Moves themselves.

Move 1: Flying shoulder block

As self-explanatory as it is punishing. Cena breaks into a full sprint and ricochets off the ropes, taking flight when he reaches top speed and using his body as a projectile weapon to knock the wind out of his opponent. You’ll believe a man can fly, though you’ll likely wish you didn’t get the up-close view.
Doom Level: Mild. No serious danger yet.

Move 2: Flying shoulder block

Déjà vu! But this trip down memory lane brings only PAIN AND SUFFERING as The Champ hurls his considerable frame into his opponent’s sternum for a second time, further taking the wind out of the poor guy’s sails. What’s that old saying? Those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it.
Doom Level: Slightly increased. He’s heating up.

Move 3: Side slam

Here’s where the Cenation leader has actually gotten some unexpected help from the enemy he’s trying to beat. Upon rising from the second shoulder block, Cena’s opponents fail to find offense (a wild haymaker or similar) before disorientation sets in. Cena taps into his veteran instinct to elude any strikes and scoop the unfortunate soul up like an infant. Using his raw strength, The Champ hoists and then drops the rival Superstar on his posterior in a rather unpleasant fashion.
Doom Level: DANGER, WILL ROBINSON. DANGER. DANGER.

Move 4: Five Knuckle Shuffle

This is where the Five Moves reach their make-or-break phase, because here’s where Cena fits in a little mean-mugging. Pausing to administer his signature “You Can’t See Me” taunt to the prone opponent, Cena then bounces off the ropes, struts his way toward said foe, brushes some dirt off his shoulder and — pow, right in the kisser — drops a closed fist on his enemy’s face.
Doom Level: Like the Armageddon 2008 poster where Chris Jericho has his finger on the button. Calamity is pretty much a foregone conclusion at this point, and the margin for escape is very, very narrow.

Move 5: Attitude Adjustment

Suffice it to say that if a Superstar has already suffered moves one through four, this is the final nail in the proverbial coffin. Winded from shoulder blocks, back stunned from the side slam and face swelled up from the Five Knuckle Shuffle, all that’s left for most opponents to do is stagger up as a beaten shell of a human and stumble helplessly into The Champ’s waiting arms, where he heaves his foe into the lights and sends him crashing down for his signature, match-ending slam. Your time is up. Thanks for playing.

Doom Level: DOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!

And that’s pretty much the end of it. Critics will find ways to pick these maneuvers apart, and the Cenation will find ways to defend their hero, but the fact remains: These moves deliver results. The man wins matches, and he wins a lot of them. Maybe he’ll even do it again on Sunday.