Manchester United are not Champions league title contenders - Van Gaal

Louis van Gaal says he does not think Manchester United are capable of winning the Champions League this season.

United sit second in Group B ahead and are yet to secure a place in the round of 16 ahead of their clash on Tuesday against Wolfsburg.

But even if they do progress to the first knockout stage, the Dutchman has suggested they need to strengthen further to be in with a chance of competing with the likes of defending champions Barcelona.

"I don't think that we are able to win the Champions League now," he told reporters. "Maybe next year when we strengthen our selection again.

"We can beat anyone on our day, but normally we are not good enough to win the Champions League, but we shall try to do everything."

Rooney hat-trick fires Manchester United to champions league group stage

Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney ended a 10-game scoring drought by grabbing a hat trick in Manchester United 4-0 win at bruge that progressed Van Gaal's side into the champions league group stage on Wednesday.

Rooney's confidence grew after putting his side on top in the 20th minute with a lobbed finish over the diving goalkeeper. The Skipper added more goals in the 49th and 57th minutes as Bruges' defense was repeatedly opened up.

Rooney waste a great chance for his fourth goal before Ander Herrera wrapped up the win in the 63rd minute. Javier Hernandez missed a penalty in the 81st to make it almost 5-0 after being handed the chance by Rooney, United penalty taker.

"It was a big disappointment last year not to challenge in (the Champions League)," Rooney said. "It was vital we went through any way we could.

Rooney scoring form was the biggest concern for Manchester United as they approached the season although he insisted it was only a matter of time before he got back to his scoring form.

Manchester United won 7-1 on aggregate and returned to Europe's premier competition after a one-year absence.

Manchester United set to lure Barcelona star with £240m bid

Manchester united are considering £240m package deal to lure Neymar away from Barcelona

According to The Sun who claims that united boss are ready to break the bank for the brazillian.

The report explained that United will pay Neymar £130m buoyant clause which will then rise to a staggering £165m tax add-ons, making the 23-year-old the most expensive player ever.

Then Red Devils are prepared to offer the barcelona star a five-year contract worth a whopping £75m

The reports are unconfirmed and it remains to be seen if united will consider offering that staggering amount.

Meanwhile, Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu has come out to state that Neymar is happy in Spain.

He said: 'Neymar feels great at Barcelona'

'We will have renewal talks later, we want him to stay for years and even retire here'.

Manchester united can cope without De Gea - Gary Linekar

Many Manchester United fans are desperate for Louis van Gaal to keep hold of David de Gea, amid speculation the goalkeeper is set for a transfer to Real Madrid.

The Spanish shot-stopper did not want to play United’s opening match against Tottenham, according to Van Gaal, and a move is looking increasingly likely.

So far, however, United have performed well without the 24-year-old, getting two wins and two clean sheets from their opening pair of Premier League fixtures.

And this statistic further shows it’s not all doom and gloom if Madrid are successful in landing De Gea.

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker alerted his Twitter followers to the fact that United have kept a clean sheet in every league game that De Gea has missed since the beginning of 2013/14 season.

'Manchester United have kept a clean sheet in every Premier League game that David de Gea has missed since the start of 2013/14 season'.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 14, 2015

Manchester United agreed a staggering £200,000-per-week contract

Manchester United had agreed a staggering £200,000-per-week contract with Sergio Ramos before the Spaniard elected to stay with Real Madrid, according to Cadena COPE.

The Red Devils were heavily linked with the centre-back earlier this summer amid claims that he’d grown unsettled at the Bernabeu.

Contract issues were widely cited as the reason behind the fall-out and led to claims that the now Real captain was desperate to join Louis van Gaal’s side.

However, Ramos has now changed his mind and all but agreed fresh teams with the La Liga giants, leaving United red-faced after a genuine push to snap him up.

And it’s now claimed by Cadena COPE that the 29-year-old was on the verge of joining the Premier League outfit, with a contract worth just over £200,000-per-week having been ‘agreed’ between the club and the player:

Manchester United set for Gareth Bale transfer

Manchester United has rekindled their interest in Real Madrid's Gareth Bale, according to reports in Spain.

United are willing to offer close to $125 million euros (£87.5m) to secure the services of the winger; however Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez remains confident the Welshman is going nowhere.

Bale has often been seen as the scapegoat among the Bernabeu faithful, enduring a disappointing second season with the club.

But his manager has come to his aid, backing Bale to go on and have a big season with Madrid.

"Gareth is a huge player for us and I know that he's happy," Benitez told a press conference when asked about Bale's future.

"I'm not going to talk about offers. Everything is well and he's going to have a good season with us I'm sure."

Adding to reports from Spain, the Sun believes that the Red Devils have already seen two offers for Bale turned away this off-season.

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David de Gea has been strongly linked to Real Madrid (AAP)

Benitez shut down suggestions Real Madrid would package an offer of Bale for United's goalkeeper David de Gea, who has been heavily in the spotlight this transfer window.

"I've said in five previous press conferences that I don't want to talk about players who are in other teams."

"We have three very good keepers. I can talk about them, not other goalkeepers."

De Gea has one season left on his contract with United, and it's rumoured that Madrid would be happy to land him on a free once his deal expires.

Man United open the new Premier League season at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

United have opened the door for Liverpool - Van Gaal

Manchester United have allowed Liverpool back into the race for UEFA Champions League qualification with their meek 3-0 defeat at Everton, according to Louis van Gaal.

Van Gaal's team were well beaten at Goodison Park on Sunday, with goals from James McCarthy, John Stones and Kevin Mirallas giving Everton a richly deserved victory.

United have now lost back-to-back two Premier League games for the first time under Van Gaal's leadership after last week's defeat to Chelsea.

Liverpool have two matches before United next play, meaning Everton's neighbours could be just a point adrift of Van Gaal's men by the time they kick-off against West Brom next Saturday.

And when asked whether United's blip has given Liverpool fresh hope of a top-four place in his post-match media conference on Sunday, Van Gaal replied: "Yes, I have said the same words to the players: 'You give the light to your opponents.'" 

Manchester United ‘make £21.5m transfer bid to sign Mats Hummels’

Manchester United have reportedly made a £21.5million bid to sign Mats Hummels from Borussia Dortmund.

Hummels is widely seen as United’s top transfer target ahead of the summer window, with Louis van Gaal a fan.

And amid speculation that they’ll pay whatever asking price Dortmund ask, Bild say a £21.5million opening offer has been lodged.

United hope it will be accepted even though it’s a lot lower than the amounts recently talked up for Hummels.

Still, the Red Devils are hopeful of getting the German signed up quickly as they look bring together their transfer plans.

Sky is the limit for United - Neville

With Manchester United finally accustomed to life under manager Louis van Gaal, former defender Gary Neville believes the Premier League giants can only get better following Sunday's derby win.

United claimed bragging rights and consolidated third position in the table after routing reigning champions Manchester City 4-2 in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford - the club's first derby win since 2012.

Goals from Ashley Young, Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata and Chris Smalling cancelled out City's eighth-minute opener via Sergio Aguero, who netted a consolation in the final minute of regulation time, as United moved four points clear of their neighbours with six matches remaining.

Having chalked up impressive victories over City, Liverpool and Tottenham in the past month, Neville said United can mount a serious title bid if they can improve on losses to Swansea City, Sunderland and Leicester City.

"Next season, [Van Gaal] will look at games he's dropped points in in this season and will think because that level of performance has come now, they could win those games next season," Neville said via Sky Sports' Super Sunday.

"I think the confidence will be growing in the camp. There are people in that dressing room who have won titles, and they'll get the feeling again that the performance levels and confidence is coming back.

"That's the first time Louis van Gaal, Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini have seen Old Trafford properly today in terms of an atmosphere.

"It's what Manchester United can create and that will give them enormous confidence. It always does when you win big matches."

Neville added: "They're getting so confident now. It is a fantastic four performances.

"Against Spurs, you were maybe saying: 'Spurs were poor that day, they were flaky.' So you were thinking: 'Is that the real deal?'

"To go to Anfield and win makes you really sit up, because it's a tough place to play no matter how Liverpool are playing, what point in the season it is, or what point Liverpool or United are in in their development.

"But to come here today, especially after City started well and went a goal up, that's a proper performance."

Man U plot PSG raid as Edinson Cavani and Thiago Silva top wish list

United plot huge raid on PSG?

Things are looking up for Manchester United. Louis van Gaal is odds-on to secure Champions League qualification this season and bring a host of new faces to the club.

Money is no longer an issue for United, given their commercial success and the new Premier League TV deal, and the Mirror reported Ed Woodward will be tasked with securing Paris Saint-Germain duo Edinson Cavani and Thiago Silva in a massive, £57 million move.

The Express, meanwhile, reported United have already opened talks with the Ligue 1 champions over a move for Cavani, who would reportedly command wages of anything upward from £250,000 a week.

With Van Gaal keen to trim his squad of dead wood, the paper suggested the likes of Robin van Persie, Javier Hernandez, Rafael or Nani could be used as part of a complex players-plus-cash deal, such as swapping stickers in the playground but with a bit more money at stake.

The Mail reported United are so desperate to move Van Persie off the books that they are willing to offer the striker the remaining half of his loyalty bonus -- a cool £5 million -- to move on this summer, with Juventus and Inter Milan keen. Not a bad golden handshake.

Cavani would offer Van Gaal width and a danger from out wide in his new-look 4-3-3 formation, while Silva could be a fine option, should a bid to land Borussia Dortmund captain Mats Hummels falter. Whatever happens, it's bound to be a busy summer at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal using network in race for Dutch starlet?

Manchester United look likely to edge Liverpool in the race for the top four, and Brendan Rodgers' side are also set to lose to the Red Devils in the transfer market, according to the Mirror.

The paper reported both clubs are in for PSV Eindhoven star Memphis Depay, but Liverpool are only prepared to pay £20 million for the Netherlands international.

That would leave Louis van Gaal free to land the player he coached in the 2014 World Cup for around £25 million, with the Dutch coach reportedly using his close friendship with PSV technical director Marcel Brands to seal the deal.

Plenty of players have failed to make the step from the Eredivisie to the Premier League in recent years, but with 19 league goals this term leaving PSV within three points of their first title in seven years, Depay, who is almost certain to leave this summer, looks to be a real prospect.

If that wasn't enough Dutch talent for you, the Mirror also reported United are after "the new Arjen Robben," 17-year-old FC Twente winger Bilal Ould-Chikh -- notch that name down, and remember it when he breaks through, people!

Man United are willing to pay £65 million to bring in Depay and Cavani [Express]

 Manchester United are willing to part with £65 million to bring in Memphis Depay and Edinson Cavani in the summer, according to an exclusive report by the Express.

Louis van Gaal is known to be a fan of Depay, having included him in Holland’s World Cup squad.

The attacker impressed in his appearances at that tournament and has been the stand-out player in the Eredivisie this season, helping PSV to the top of the table.

It is understood that Depay wants to move and that PSV are willing to let him leave if their asking price of £25m is met.

Cavani is another attacker that van Gaal wants to recruit and he’ll take no convincing to leave PSG with it being well known that he’s unhappy at the club.

Substituted against Marseille at the weekend, Cavani didn’t care to hide his annoyance at being hauled off by manager Laurent Blanc.

United would have to part with around £40m to bring the Uruguayan to Old Trafford but, with the form he’s been in this season, it doesn’t seem a wise move.

It is expected that the club won’t take the permanent option on their loan deal for Falcao and, with no new contract on the horizon, Robin van Persie will also move on.

Manchester United to ditch Robin van Persie, want Edinson Cavani transfer

Manchester United are looking to sign Edinson Cavani as they prepare to let Robin van Persie leave.

United are currently assessing their striker options for next season and the Daily Mirror says doubts have emerged over Van Persie’s future.

The Red Devils are apparently fed up with his poor injury record and will now listen to offers for his services.

Paris Saint Germain striker Cavani is seen as the ideal replacement, with United keen to get the forward signed up after his row with Laurent Blanc.

Cavani is rated at £40.4million.

Angel Di Maria linked with transfer talk with Manchester city

Manchester City are reported to be considering a move for Manchester United attacker Angel di Maria, who only arrived at Old Trafford last summer in a British record transfer deal.

This information comes from Duncan Castles in the Sunday Times who claims City director of football Txiki Begiristain has ‘held discussions’ regarding an approach for Di Maria, although it is unclear with whom these talks are supposed to have taken place.

It would be difficult to fathom United considering selling Di Maria, who cost £58.7 million last August, but this link to City seems to suggest there has been some encouragement, perhaps from the player’s camp.

Di Maria has certainly not provided the type of impact United had hoped for but it would still seem rather unlikely that Louis van Gaal would sanction his departure after just only one season with the club.

The 27-year-old has struggled with both injury and consistency this term but has still managed to register 10 Premier League assists, and provided the cross for Wayne Rooney to score in the weekend victory over Aston Villa.

Manchester united have improved since November - Van Gaal

Man United were playing well at the Etihad but Chris Smalling‘s red card meant they were fighting against it from that point onwards and United’s efforts ultimately ended in vain as the game finished 1-0 to City.

However, United head into the derby this weekend in great form having won their previous five Premier League games and van Gaal is confident his team have evolved and improved since November.

“It was another Manchester United [last November], I believe,” van Gaal said after the Aston Villa game.


“That was more in the start of the process and now we are in the end of the process.

“Now we have developed the team. I think also the confidence of our players is very high at the moment but also our performances show that, so it’s not the same Manchester United.”

Even in November, United were actually the better team at the Etihad, in spite of Smalling’s red card, but there is certainly far more confidence among fans heading into this derby game.

Liverpool away is the toughest match of the season yet United put in their most dominant performance, so a home game against a City side going through indifferent form is not as daunting a prospect.

That being said, you can’t underestimate the intensity of a derby and form usually counts for nothing as Liverpool showed at Anfield but after a few years of dreading the derby knowing City were the better side, this game has an altogether different feel about it leading up to kick-off.

United know they have what it takes to come away with three points and if they can execute a game plan as well as they did at Anfield, City will struggle to get into the game.

Falcao equals Colombia´s all-time scoring record

Manchester United loanee Radamel Falcao may be struggling at club level but he is having no trouble on the international stage after matching Colombia's all-time scoring record in an international friendly against Kuwait.

Falcao converted a second-half penalty in Colombia's 3-1 victory over Kuwait to take his international tally to 24 goals in 56 appearances, the same amount as former striker Arnoldo Iguaran.

Monday's result in Abu Dhabi capped a successful international period for Falcao, who scored three goals in two matches, having only managed four in 22 appearances at Old Trafford this season.

"I am happy to have scored but the most important thing is the victory for the team," the 29-year-old said afterwards.

"Today, we played a good team in the shape of Kuwait who created several chances and that helps us prepare for similar situations in future matches.

"These wins will help to build confidence for the Copa America [hosted by Chile and gets underway on June 11 with Colombia drawn alongside Brazil - who edged them in the World Cup quarter-finals last year - Peru and Venezuela]."

Falcao - on loan from Monaco - returns to Manchester with fourth-placed United preparing to host lowly Aston Villa in Premier League action on Saturday