Man 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.

Despite having his hands full with transfer negotiations and coaching responsibilities at the World Cup, Louis Van Gaal is now beginning to focus his efforts on training United, and making them challengers for the club title once more. The Dutchman has ordered Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw, Phil Jones, Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney to participate in the Red Devils pre-season tour of the USA, even though it’s been less than a month since the English team exited from the World Cup.

As a fan of United, Tunde Folawiyo may remember that in previous years, players were granted a minimum of four weeks holiday after taking part in any major tournament. However, Van Gaal seems to be determined to place greater demands on his players. In addition to calling up those who played for the English squad during the World Cup, he is also ordering additional evening training sessions for the entire team. This will mean that United will complete an afternoon training session, take three hours off for recovery, and then return to the pitch for another session which will last at least two hours.

Whilst Van Gaal has set the training schedule in motion, he will not be present to oversee its execution, due to being tied up with World Cup business; in his absence, Ryan Giggs will be stepping in as manager – this is a player whom many supporters, including Tunde Folawiyo greatly admire. The Welshman has already served in this capacity, following Moyes’ departure earlier this year; as such it’s safe to say that the team will be in good hands. Giggs will also be supported by the newly-appointed assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg.

Stuivenberg recently resigned as the manager of the Dutch FA under-21 team, after Van Gaal offered him a position at Old Trafford. He had been serving in this capacity for more than 12 months, and had also helped the under-17 Dutch team to win the European Championships in both 2011 and 2012. Jelle Goes, the technical director at the FA, commented on Stuivenberg’s resignation, noting that they were very grateful to him for his contributions to Dutch football, and that he had done an incredible job with both the under-21 and under-17 teams.

As 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.

Much sought-after player Thomas Vermaelen may be making a long-anticipated switch to Manchester United this summer, according to recent reports. Whilst Arsenal has yet to formally accept the bid, it’s been said the defender is ready to seal his fate with the Red Devils. Fans of the club, like Tunde Folawiyo and millions more from around the globe, are surely waiting in anticipation for news of this important trade. During a time when fan morale may be an all-time low, new hope may be restored upon the signing of a number of talented players.

Rumours are swirling that the 28-year-old Arsenal player has been extended a generous £30,000-a-week pay raise to make the move to Manchester and with only a year left before his contract expires, the defender can no longer afford to sit idly. It has been said that Vermaelen and Coach Arsene Wenger have fallen out of sorts as the manager has looked to players like Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny to serve as the backbone of the back four.

Vermaelen, a five-year player for Arsenal, joined the club after transferring from Dutch team Ajax, and was once amongst Wenger’s foremost defensive players before suffering a series of injuries he has struggled with since. It is said that the player believes new manager Louis van Gaal may be able to restore his skill, in addition to improving his £70,000-a-week salary.

Arsenal has proved vulnerable in regards to transfers during recent years, with players like Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Adebayor, Samir Nasri and Kolo Toure all signed off to Manchester City. Several players who made the switch to City went for large salaries as their contracts wore down, as is the case with Vermaelen.

Belgian footballer Vermaelen joined AFC Ajax’s youth academy during 2000, winning the 2003-2004 Eredivisie title during his very first season. After a loan, he rejoined Ajax to win the esteemed KNVB Cup. He then served as the club’s captain upon Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s departure during 2009. That same year, he joined popular Arsenal and was named captain upon Van Persie’s switch to United during August of 2012.

Amongst Vermaelen’s key attributes are his aerial abilities, his speed with the football and his leadership skills that have carried through several teams with great success. Tunde Folawiyo and other fans of the Red Devils may regard a Vermaelen switch as just the beginning of a wise set of moves by the newly appointed Coach Van Gaal.

As the newly appointed Coach Louis van Gaal prepares to take the reins of the famed Red Devils, the rumour mill is swirling with talks of a possible snag of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Bayern Munich’s star midfielder. With a range of switch-ups sure to occur after Van Gaal’s commitments to the Netherlands’ World Cup venture runs its course, United fans like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others around the UK are surely waiting with breath that is bated.

Whilst it is expected to be no easy fete to negotiate with Munich, Pep Guardiola may be interested in replacing Schweinsteiger with a faster, younger player. Within the days to come, United are expected to extend an offer to acquire the talented 29-year-old. Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, is undoubtedly busy at work trying to secure the new coach’s list of potential trades. Although Schweinsteiger is thought by many to be a Bayern Munich treasure, it is said that United is confident in their ability to close the deal.

Thomas Muller had also been identified as a player Van Gaal hopes to acquire upon his management at Old Trafford. The coach guided the player up the Bayern ranks while he managed the team. This seems highly unlikely, however, as the player recently signed a contract at Allianz Arena, ending speculation of a summer departure. The Forward, 24, had recently made demanding remarks regarding his status with Bayern. He stated his inability to remain complacent, exhibiting a strong desire to be reassured of his place with the team. Whilst Van Gaal may have undoubtedly loved to see the player make a move to United, the club has long suspected Muller’s devotion to Munich.

After suffering a disasterous season under former coach David Moyes, United is ready for changes. Van Gaal’s expertise is sure to prove a source of relief for team players, fans and coaching staff alike. Whilst the roster is under heavy review as to turn the team’s record around next season, pressure is high for current players unsure of their future with Old Trafford. It seems as if no player is safe from the wrath of a new coach hoping to make big changes to a flailing team. Fans of the famed organisation, like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others around the globe, may have no choice but to trust the decisions of Van Gaal in hopes of a successful season for the Red Devils.

Manchester 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.

Interim 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.

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.

As 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.

Man United’s transfer plans are once again being revamped, following the appointment of Louis van Gaal as manager. Whilst Moyes was said to have been eager to add Cesc Fabregas to the team, van Gaal has insisted that he has no interest in this player, and has now provided Ed Woodward, the club’s executive vice chairman, with a new transfer list, which includes Kevin Strootman, Indi Martins and Jordy Clasie.

Some United supporters, like Tunde Folawiyo, might be a bit confused by van Gaal’s decision to name Strootman as a potential addition to the team, as the midfielder suffered quite a severe knee injury recently, which has left him unable to participate in the World Cup. However, the manager’s other choices should come as no surprise; both Martins and Clasie have been with Holland for the past two years, and are believed to have played a key role in the club’s securing of their World Cup qualification. As such, it makes sense that the Dutch manager is now hoping to bring these two on board at Old Trafford.

Bastian Schweinsteiger, who currently plays for Bayern Munich, is said to be at the top of the manager’s wish list. He has performed well in the past, but since Pep Guardiola was appointed as the club’s new manager, the midfielder has spent much of the last season on the bench. Schweinsteiger is rumoured to be frustrated with his lack of playing time, and so might very well be open to the idea of moving to another club.

Whilst most of United’s transfer negotiations have not yet led to any concrete decisions, one deal has already been struck. Federico Macheda will be moving from United to Cardiff this summer, and will remain with his new club for at least three years. The 22 year old described it as a fantastic opportunity, and thanked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for signing him.

As a fan of United, Tunde Folawiyo might recall that Macheda started out strong when he joined the Red Devils in 2009, scoring winning goals for his team against both Sunderland and Aston Villa. However, as time went on, he began to spend more and more time on loan, and although he did well during his spell with Birmingham, it seems that the management at United are quite content to part with him.