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Van Gaal hoping to nab world’s top players during summer transfer window

Jul. 21st 2014

Tunde Folawiyo Manchester United are currently working towards acquiring some new team members during the summer transfer window; rumour has it that getting Mats Hummels on board is a top priority for Louis Van Gaal, although it remains to be seen whether Borussia Dortmund will accept their most recent offer of £20 million.

As a football fan, Tunde Folawiyo may be aware that the 25 year old defender has played a key role in helping Dortmund win several trophies over the past six years. It is unclear, as of yet, whether they would be willing to let go of one of their most talented players. Moreover, reports indicate that United are not the only club that have set their sights on Hummels; both Real Madrid and Barcelona are thought to be preparing bids as well.

Van Gaal is said to be trying to inject some running power and creativity into the team’s central areas, and so is looking to purchase several midfielders, including Arturo Vidal and William Carvalho. The latter currently plays for Sporting Lisbon, and his contract with the Portuguese club states that he cannot be transferred for under £37 million. Augusto Ignacio, the director, has said that he would be open to idea of selling the player for the right price; he explained that losing Carvalho would not be a problem, as they have several other players who are equally skilled.

Vidal, who is at present player for Juventus, will cost United even more, with reports indicating that the club have submitted a bid of £48 million for the Chilean. Both Arsenal and Real Madrid have also expressed an interest in this player and as such, even this generous offer from United may not be enough to secure his transfer to Old Trafford. Vidal himself has implied that he would like to join the Red Devils however, noting that he would be quite happy to have a season off from the Champions League.

Football fanatics like Tunde Folawiyo are doubtless aware that Vidal is considered to be one of the world’s greatest midfielders; ranked amongst Italy’s top ten players, he has contributed to more than 16 of the 80 goals scored by Juventus during the past year. As such, it would be a major step forward for United if they succeed in purchasing him.

United transfer news – a guide to recent setbacks and successes

Jul. 17th 2014

Tunde FolawiyoMan United’s transfer negotiations appear to be going far better than they did last year. The club is nearing the end of a successful bout of negotiations with Athletic Bilbao, which are expected to result in the signing of Ander Herrera. Herrera is a midfielder whose services United have been attempting to secure since 2013. David Moyes’ came close to signing him last year, but failed after a paperwork mix-up on the transfer deadline day.

Meanwhile, United supporters such as Tunde Folawiyo have bid farewell to left back Alexander Buttner. The 25 year old has joined Dynamo Moscow, and is currently training with them at their camp in Austria. Speaking to the press about the transfer, Buttner explained that he was happy to leave the Red Devils, as he was eager to participate in the Champion’s League.

He noted that Dynamo Moscow had a strong team who would be capable of winning the title during the coming season. Buttner also criticised Van Gaal, arguing that, despite him being named as Man of the Match on 14 occasions during his time with United, the Dutch manager never gave him a regular spot on the first team for Holland.

The club have made Southampton a second, higher offer of £34 million, in a bid to obtain Luke Shaw, a left back who would serve as a replacement for Buttner. If the transfer goes ahead, it would be the most expensive signing of a teenage player since Wayne Rooney joined United. Southampton are clearly aware of how valuable Shaw is, and are reluctant to let him go; they refused United’s offer of £27 million in May of this year, and have said that they will not allow this player unless a high enough bid is made.

United have also experienced a setback in their attempt to sign Joao Miranda, as their bid of £25 million has been rejected by Atletico Madrid. Football fans like Tunde Folawiyo are no doubt aware that Miranda would make an excellent addition to the team, but it looks like Van Gaal will have to make a better offer if he wants to sign this particular player. Van Gaal is also said to be interested in getting Edinson Cavani on board. The striker, who currently plays for Paris Saint Germain, has said that he would be willing to consider a move to United, although there has been no talk of a signing, as of yet.

Tunde Folawiyo | United Fails to Secure Fabregas and Cavani

Jul. 4th 2014

world-cup-364618_640As the Manchester United rumour mill continues to swirl with news of forthcoming signs, the team has reportedly stepped back from pursuing multi-million dollar deals to acquire both Cesc Fabregas and Edinson Cavani. It is said that United bosses spent six months contemplating bringing the pair to Old Trafford. With the end of a disappointing season comes new hope for Red Devil fans like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others. There is sure to be a series of exciting switch-ups as Van Gaal takes the reins of United upon completion of coaching the Netherlands team during their Brazil World Cup venture.

Manchester United has had its sights set on Cavani since last season. David Moyes, the club’s booted ex-manager, travelled to Paris to watch the Uruguay striker take the field three times. The player joined Paris Saint-Germain for £55m last summer, departing from Napoli. According to UK’s Daily Star, the player is now determined to make a Premier League move, though these hopes may not be fulfilled by United. It’s been reported that the newly appointed coach Van Gaal has put the axe on the trade.

Cavani’s quest to Premier League is said to stem from a frustration with playing behind Swedish player Zlatan Ibrahimovic. It’s been reported that Cavani would require a match of Wayne Rooney’s £300,000-a-week salary in order to join United – a stipulation Ed Woodward is reportedly unwilling to accept. The Red Devils have admitted a defeat in furthering their bid for Cesc Fabgregas. Although the ex-Arsenal player has been on United’s radar for over a year, it’s said that Van Gaal has since moved onto other options. According to a local newspaper, the signing won’t be happening for a culmination of reasons. The player began his career training with Barcelona before signing with Arsenal of the Premier League during September 2003, aged 16. He established himself as the team’s starting midfielder and captain, breaking a variety of club records during the process. Demonstrating outstanding skill, he quickly became known as one of the greatest young players in his position. The player later returned to Barcelona where he became a valued goal scorer during his three seasons with the team. During this time, he won a league title, his first.

Whilst United fans may be disappointed at the failure to secure these super talents, hopes remain high that Van Gaal’s got big plans in mind. Tunde Folawiyo and other fans of the team may continue to anticipate the coming months of trades.

Manchester United Renews Evra Contract | Tunde Folawiyo

Jun. 27th 2014

 Tunde FolawiyoManchester United has announced that player Patrice Evra’s contract has been extended. The renewal takes the Frenchman’s Manchester United career into a tenth season. As fans of one of the most famous clubs in the sport, Manchester United supporters are anticipating a thrilling season with newly-appointed coach Van Gaal leading the squad. Loyal fans such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others may find Evra’s extension to be a wise move for the future success of Manchester United.

With over 379 appearances and 10 goals for the team, Evra served as captain during former skipper Nemanja Vidic’s absence due to injury. Signed by the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson in January 2006, the French full-back has won five Premier League titles, three League Cups, a Champions League and a FIFA World Cup over his career with Manchester United, demonstrating his incredible talent on the field. He has proved consistent since his arrival at Old Trafford, regularly serving as captain.

Aside from his tremendous skill, it’s Evra’s passion that has given him the cult hero status he holds today. He was capped for France five times and served as club captain for Monaco before he joined United at the age of 24. It was playing for Monaco that his reputation as a smart, attack-minded player was established. He showed great success at the club, which won the French League Cup in 2003 before qualifying for the UEFA Champions League final in 2004.

Upon his arrival at Manchester United, Evra made his career debut in an inauspicious 3-1 defeat. But the French player went on to help his team towards victory in the Premiere League before claiming a spot in PFA’s Team of the Year.

While famous player Wayne Rooney proved a team star throughout the 2009/10 season, Evra’s accomplishment of starting in 37 out of 38 league fixtures was not unnoticed. He was again included in Team of the Year on captaining Manchester United to a Carling Cup victory in February 2010. Further demonstrating his talents, Evra played 35 games during the Reds’ 2010/11 league campaign, and later that season his contract was extended yet again, keeping him with the team until the end of the 2013/2014 campaign.

As Evra’s future with Manchester United looks promising, the hopes of millions of Reds fans throughout the world remain in balance. Tunde Folawiyo and countless others with a love for Manchester United may regard the achievements of Evra as a testament to his worth to the team.

Tunde Folawiyo | Ryan Giggs Scores Big as Interim United Manager

Jun. 25th 2014

Tunde FolawiyoInterim Manchester United manager and player Ryan Giggs has garnered the excitement of Red Devils’ fans across the globe as he led them to victory with a 4-0 defeat against Norwich. The newly managed Manchester United has undergone drastic changes in management with the recent sacking of David Moyes a mere ten months after he signed a 6-year contract following the retirement of Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson. Manchester United fans such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others may hold high hopes for the team’s future as talk’s swirl of Ryan Giggs’ potential to permanently replace Moyes as manager of one of the most famed teams in the history of sports.

Having delivered a “spine-tingling” pep talk before the team’s Norwich match, Ryan Giggs is a clear fan favorite as his current status as the longest-playing athlete in the club’s history says much of his loyalty to United. Players and league insiders alike have noted similarities between Giggs and famed player and coach Pep Guardiola, who has garnered worldwide fame for his seamless transition into coaching. As one of the most respected coaches in the world of football, Guardiola’s record of victories is no doubt impressive, leading his team to a third Spanish title and two Champions League victories against United before announcing he would be stepping down in 2012. Guardiola’s stories of success may serve a tremendous source of inspiration for Giggs, who by this time, is undoubtedly eying the permanent position with hope.

As one of the most decorated athletes in football history, Ryan Giggs has long showcased immense talent on the field. With the respect of fans and teammates alike, Giggs the interim management position with pride, eager to impact change for a team that’s endured one of its worst seasons in recent memory. Beginning his career with United during the 1990-1991 season, Giggs currently holds a club record for appearances (2). With over 13 Premier League winner’s medals, three League Cup medals and a number of other esteemed accomplishments, Giggs’s contributions to the sport simply cannot be denied. He was named PFA Young Player of the year in 1992 and 1993, becoming the very first player in the league’s history to be awarded the two consecutive honors. In 2009, he won PFA Player of the Year, demonstrating the outstanding talent he has put forth in leading the Manchester United team to their many victories. Fans of Manchester United, including Tunde Folawiyo, may be overjoyed at the prospect of one of their very own following in the footsteps of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Tunde Folawiyo | Rumors of Van Gaal Transfers Swirl at Old Trafford

Jun. 23rd 2014

Tunde Folawiyo After finishing in seventh place in this year’s Premiere League, Manchester United players and fans alike are eager for change. Millions of Manchester United supporters are undoubtedly heavy with disappointment over the season’s events, prompting a major reevaluation of the roster for newly appointed coach Van Gaal.

In an attempt to return the squad to the glory days of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign, the new manager is likely to mould the Reds with a group of preferred players by his side. Manchester United fans like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the UK and beyond may anticipate news of these game-changing transfers.

It’s rumoured that not even Manchester United’s best players are safe from the chop. Those who don’t mesh well with the new coach’s plans may be ejected from Old Trafford well before the 2014/2015 season begins. Defensive duo Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic have already confirmed their departure from the team, while the future of players Juan Mata and Javier Hernandez remains uncertain. While Mata’s January debut with the team saw good performances during the last half of the 2013-2014 season, Van Gaal’s transfer options have left the Spaniard’s time with the Reds in doubt.

Cesc Fabregas, a long-awaited target from Barcelona, is up for grabs after the team recently announced he may depart from the club for a £30 million pay-out. Additionally, it’s been reported that Van Gaal has shown interest in the former Arsenal member, Andres Iniesta. The arrival of these players would significantly reduce Mata’s time on the field. Goalkeeper David de Gea has voiced his concerns over a possible Mata transfer, noting the player’s importance to the team. Last season alone, he scored six goals and had four assists during his Premiere League play time.

Aside from Mata, others players are also swirling around the rumour mill, with Mexican favorite ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez among them. As one of Manchester United’s fans’ favourites, the immensely talented 26-year-old is sure to attract the attention of a number of other clubs if he is indeed let loose by Van Gaal. With four goals and four assists last season, his contributions to the team are simply undisputable.

As the future of some of Manchester United’s most talented players hangs in the balance, the hopes of millions of fans rest steadily on Van Gaal’s shoulders. Tunde Folawiyo and others with a passion for Manchester United may contemplate the fate of these top players with trepidation.

Tunde Folawiyo | Van Gaal and the History of Manchester United

Jun. 19th 2014

Tunde FolawiyoAs one of the world’s foremost sports teams, Manchester United and their new head coach remain under a global microscope. The newly-appointed coach Van Gaal has taken the reigns of the club after the recent sacking of former coach David Moyes. Based in northwest England, Manchester United, with its long history as one of Europe’s premiere professional football teams, continues to garner the admiration of sports fans worldwide, including Tunde Folawiyo and millions more.

To appreciate the pride of Manchester United is to understand its humble beginnings. Established as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the team later changed its name to Manchester United in 1902. The famed Manchester United crest was derived from Manchester City Council’s coat of arms. Today, it remains one of the most recognisable logos across Europe and beyond.

Throughout years of wins and losses, Manchester United fans have remained loyal. Forever embedded in the club’s history, the team endured a tremendous loss when their plane crashed upon take-off in Munich en route to England after a European Cup game in February 1958. Twenty-three people perished in the crash, including eight players. After much mourning, the team, its staff and its millions of fans rebuilt.

As one of the most successful teams in sports history, Manchester United has held many honours, including three European Cups, a record 20 League titles, four League Cups, 11 FA Cups and 20 FA Community Shields. The team also won a continental treble in 1998-99, a wonderful accomplishment for an English club.

In 2012 Forbes ranked United first on a list of the top ten most valuable sports team brands in the world, carrying an estimated value of $2.3 billion. Further demonstrating their popularity, Manchester United became the first team in history to carry a value of over $3 billion in 2013. While the club no longer ranks first, it remains among the most successful franchises in sports history. The club’s outstanding success has led to the establishment of the Manchester United Foundation, a charity with goals to educate, inspire and motivate young people. The foundation continues to forge an impact on disadvantaged areas throughout the region.

Manchester United will forever remain one of the most beloved of English football teams. They have been led by many coaches of extraordinary talent, including Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson, who won 28 major honours throughout a career spanning a quarter of a century. He remains one of the most respected coaches in the history of football. Millions of loyal fans including Tunde Folawiyo may regard Van Gaal as a fine choice to follow in the footsteps of the revered coach.

Tunde Folawiyo | Van Gaal’s Coaching Methods Revealed Prior to Official Announcement

Jun. 11th 2014

Tunde Folawiyo As the world of football awaits Van Gaal’s official appointment to Manchester United, rumors of the seasoned coach’s methods continue to swirl, leaving fans and players eager to learn more of the man from the Netherlands. The Dutchman is soon expected to take the reins at the Old Trafford upon leading the Holland team to the World Cup. Though fans of United, including Tunde Folawiyo and millions throughout the world, may be find his coaching methods unconventional, former players under Van Gaal’s leadership have divulged the positive impact of his ways.

As a coach, it’s said that Van Gaal demands loyalty and honesty from his players, employing unusual methods to get the scoop on his players lives both on and off the field.

United players have been warned that once the 62-year-old coach accepts command of the team, they will have a bit of explaining to do. One-on-one meetings with players have long been a valuable coaching tool of Van Gaal. He is expected to grill players about personal matters, including the names of their wives and children and how they spend their off-time. This then leads to discussions of the players’ preferences on the field. Upon conclusion of these talks, Van Gaal will deliver his personal opinion of a player before giving each a four-page manifesto that will outline the strict rules he has set forth for the team, including instructions regarding behaviour and discipline, as well as limits on promotional work and media guidelines. One such rule states that players are banned from using headphones on bus trips as he prefers to communicate openly with his players. Whilst many head coaches are known for their tough exteriors, Van Gaal is far from the norm. Having endured many tragedies throughout his life, including a troubled relationship with his father and his wife Fernanda’s death to cancer at the age of 39, Van Gaal has admitted to an open personality, never hesitating to show emotion in public.

Many of Van Gaal’s coaching traits are reminiscent of Sir Alex Ferguson, including their policies for keeping team talks and dressing room speeches private, away from the prying eye of the media. In addition to this, the coach also employs a variety of technologies to improve his technique. He often uses Google Glass and other innovations to take players through a virtual world to better map out plans of attack. As these methods and others begin to come to light, Tunde Folawiyo and millions of other fans throughout the UK and beyond may invest new hope in the coaching capabilities of a highly-esteemed Van Gaal.

Tunde Folawiyo | Van Gaal Eyes Giggs for United Coaching Staff

Jun. 9th 2014

Tunde Folawiyo As Manchester United fans throughout the globe anxiously await newly appointed Coach Louis van Gaal’s first game at Old Trafford, rumors surrounding his impending coaching strategies have slowly come to light. It’s been reported that the 62-year-old coach is steadfast to keep famed United player Ryan Giggs on board as a member of his coaching staff. Millions of loyal Manchester United fans such as Tunde Folawiyo and others throughout the UK may be comforted by the long-held experience of Van Gaal and the tremendously talented Giggs.

Filling in as United’s player-manager since David Moyes’ April sacking, Giggs has proven himself to be a useful entity in the club’s continued quest toward victory. In a statement to FIFA’s website last December, Van Gaal revealed his preference for keeping one coach from existing staff upon entrance to a new club.

Soon, Old Trafford will welcome a new captain upon Nemanja Vidic’s impending summer move to Inter. According to speculation, player Robin van Persie is a suitable candidate, given his already established rapport with Van Gaal. The coach has spoken openly about the spot, refusing to make captain decisions based on age.

Throughout his extensive career, Van Gaal has managed several teams with Barcelona, Ajax, AZ and Bayern Munich amongst them. Prior to his coaching career, he played midfielder for Telstar, Royal Antwerp, AZ and Sparta Rotterdam. Upon his brief time as coach of AZ, Van Gaal served as Leo Beenhakker’s assistant at Ajax before eventually claiming the head coach title in 1991. With his leadership, the team triumphed over three Eredivisie titles, the Champions League and the UEFA Cup. After a move to Barcelona in 1997, he led the club to dual Spanish league titles and a Copa Del Rey.

Once departed from Barcelona, van Gaal accepted the role of coach for the Netherlands national team, though he later returned to Barcelona after the Netherlands failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2002. After brief stints with Barcelona and AZ, he was acquired by Bayern Munich during 2009.During his first season as coach, he led the team to a Bundesliga title, a DFB-Pokal win and a spot in the Champions League final round before returning to the Netherlands. With these revered accomplishments under his belt, Van Gaal is ready to take command of United. Manchester United fans such as Tunde Folawiyo may find the seasoned coach to be a fine successor to the outstanding legacy left behind by Sir Alex Ferguson upon his retirement.

Tunde Folawiyo | Van Gaal Expected to Replace Moyes at Old Trafford

May. 27th 2014

Following major controversy surrounding Manchester United coaching staff, Louis van Gaal is expected to be confirmed the Manchester United football club’s new manager as early as May. Reports anticipate the Dutchman will replace David Moyes following the Tunde Folawiyoteam’s final home match against Hull. Fans of Manchester United, such as Tunde Folawiyo may be excited by the prospect of the legendary coach taking control over the famed United team.

As interim manager, player Ryan Giggs’ temporary control of the team has been met with joy from fans and players alike. Though his Manchester United coaching debut has garnered success, Val Gaal has much experience, placing him at the forefront of the club’s coaching sights. He is expected to take over once Holland’s World Cup campaign comes to an end. Reports say that the seasoned coach is set on bringing his coaching staff with him, which will include Patrick Klivert, Holland’s current assistant coach. It’s also anticipated that his squad will include Frans Hoek, goalkeeping coach, Jos van Dijk and Max Reckers, video analyst. Val Gaal will be expected to breathe new life into the team after a disappointing failure at qualifying for Champions League. The club is said to be confident in the coach’s ability to transition from the Dutch World Cup focus. The new gig will mark Van Gaal’s first coaching appearance in English football.

Louis van Gaal has managed several teams in the past, with Ajax, AZ, Barcelona and Bayern Munich among them. Before beginning his coaching career, Van Gaal played midfielder for teams such as Royal Antwerp and Sparta Rotterdam. He also served as Leo Beenhakker’s coaching assistant at Ajax before he was promoted to head coach during 1991. The team won the Eredivisie title three times under his control, along with a UEFA Cup as well as a Champions League title, demonstrating his outstanding coaching abilities. Upon his transfer to Barcelona during 1997, Van Gaal led the team to a pair of Spanish league title wins. As the result of disagreements with the team, he was chosen to manage the Netherlands’ team before returning to Barcelona once more. He then went on to manage AZ where he led the team to an Eredivisie win during the 2008-2009 season. After a 3-year stint coaching Bayern Munich, Van Gaal was appointed coach of Netherlands for a second time. These experiences, as well as his time as a respected player, may lead Van Gaal to coaching success with Manchester United, as is the hope of millions of fans across the world, including Tunde Folawiyo. With a disappointing season behind them, there is only room to look ahead.