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<p>With a reported new Nike kit deal worth €700 million seen as a major attraction, nearly a quarter of Manchester United’s shares listed on the NYSE have been secured by investment firm Baron Capital this week.</p>
<p>Manchester United owners, the Glazer family, listed the club on the New York Stock Exchange in 2012 but have retained a 90 percent holding in the company. This season, despite all the problems on the pitch, the share prices of Manchester United has been slowly increasing in recent weeks and Baron Capital’s movement in the market could go some way to explain that increase.</p>
<p>In a securities and exchange commission filling on the United investor relations website, 9,581,636 shares were confirmed to be owned by Baron Capital, worth a reported £90.9 million ($151 million).</p>
<p>A €700 million kit deal with Nike has reportedly been sealed providing a further boost to the English club’s stock rates, as revealed by Baron. On the investment firm’s website, the information was provided on the portfolio that includes the shares of Manchester United, and confidence was expressed in their future prospects.</p>
<p>Their commentary read:</p>
<blockquote><p>“Shares of Manchester United dropped in Q4 (fourth quarter of 2013) due to a delay in the signing of a new global merchandise deal with Nike and the team’s poor performance on the field. The Nike deal is still expected to be signed, but has been pushed out from the fiscal year. We remain positive on the company’s prospects going forward.”</p></blockquote>
<p>This certainly justifies the strength and belief in the club, how it is able to make huge amount of profits while displaying poor play on the field. It further even clears the doubts on how the club is managing to afford the weekly wages of Wayne Rooney (£300,000) and Robin van Persie (£250,000). Or further how the club is able to spend £37.1 million on making Juan Mata wear the red jersey and the rumors surrounding the Glazers gifting a £180 million transfer kitty to David Moyes to rebuild the squad this summer.</p>
<p><strong>For more <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/category/manchester-united/">Manchester United news</a>, analysis and opinion, visit the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/category/manchester-united/">Manchester United team page</a>.</strong></p>


Manchester United Shares Acquired By American Investment Firm

Manchester United Shares Acquired By American Investment Firm - World Soccer Talk

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<p>No team has won the UEFA Champions League trophy for two consecutive years since 1990, but there has never been a squad that looked more equipped to do so than the current holders, Bayern Munich. It can certainly be said that Bayern are perfectly placed to re-establish itself as a European powerhouse such as the club did from 1974-1976 when it won three consecutive European Cups.</p>
<p>Since the rebranding of the Champions League 22 years ago, there has not been a single team to successfully defend soccer’s most prestigious club trophy. Arrigo Sacchi’s AC Milan was the last team to win it back-to-back in 1989-90.</p>
<p>Olympique de Marseille were unsuccessful in trying to defend their 1993 title following the Valenciennes bribery scandal, Porto lost their advantage after selling many of its 2004 heroes, while Borussia Dortmund 1997, Inter 2010, AC Milan 2007 and Chelsea 2012 were all handicapped by aging squads that required rebuilding after the clubs won their respective titles.</p>
<p>The teams best placed to retain the Champions League, in terms of pedigree, were Louis van Gaal’s Ajax in 1996, Marcello Lippi’s Juventus a year later, the following season’s Milan led by Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in 2010. Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United and Fabio Capello’s Milan of 1995 could also be added to this potential list by virtue of the fact that they were eventual finalists.</p>
<p>However, when all factors and circumstances are considered, none of these clubs have been better positioned than Bayern Munich this season to defend their respective trophy. Not only have the statistics of their unbeaten runs and dominant displays have been mind blowing, but individually, collectively, technically, tactically, physically and mentally Bayern look a complete team. Every department comprises star quality players, and all of them are on top form. The stellar names includes goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, defenders David Alaba and Dante, midfielders Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thiago and Toni Kroos, offensive talents like Thomas Muller, Arjen Robben and Ballon D’or finalist Frank Ribery. And that is without mentioning coach Pep Guardiola, who boasts an enviable Champions League record – two titles and two semi-finals from his four seasons at Barcelona.</p>
<p>Bayern may not be the best team of the Champions League era, but never before has a holder been so far ahead in the competition. In the mid nineties, Ajax had a magnificent Juventus side to compete with – a group who would reach three finals on the bounce. The following campaigns challenging the Italians were by a Dortmund squad full of Germany icons and a blossoming Manchester United side.</p>
<p>The Madrid Galacticos of Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, David Beckham, Raul and Ronaldo were unlucky to participate in one of the strongest-ever Champions League editions in 2002-03. Inter and Valencia were exceptional outfits, while Milan and Juventus were exceptional sides. When Carlo Ancelotti’s Milan failed the following term, many of these sides were still around — as were Roman Abramovich’s nouveau-riche Chelsea and the royal Arsenal invincibles.</p>
<p>Pep’s class of 2010, with their beautiful tiki-taka and superstars such as Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi, looked odds on to end the jinx, but it is often forgotten how formidable their semi-final conquerors Inter were. Jose Mourinho’s treble-winners erected perhaps the last great European back line. Lucio and Walter Samuel marshaled a virtually impenetrable wall. That seemed the power of Mourinho magic. He even celebrated eliminating Barcelona at Camp Nou in 2010 due to which he was then appointed as the Real Madrid Coach for their dream objective – The La Decima.</p>
<p>Barcelona is currently in decline despite their fine away win against Manchester City in mid-February. Atletico Madrid lack numbers. Manchester United are at their weakest for a quarter of a century, an exhausted Arsenal need a miracle to progress to the last eight who tasted recent defeat at Emirates by the reigning Champions, while Manchester City are all but eliminated and are way out of reach of the European elite. Real Madrid, Paris-Saint-Germain and an improving Chelsea cannot certainly be ruled out, but Bayern looks to be in another stratosphere.</p>
<p>Their strength in depth of talent is unparalleled. Despite missing Bastian Schweinsteiger, Javi Martinez, Frank Ribery, Arjen Robben and long-time absentee Holger Badtsuber for long terms this season, Bayern are breaking record after record. Guardiola even looked safe enough recently to think of exiling Mario Mandzukic and contract rebel Toni Kroos- who displayed a top class performance in Bayern’s victory over Arsenal in the last-16.</p>
<p>Guardiola can continue to rotate his side and ensure there is plenty of fuel left for the business end of the Champions League season, as Bayern are 16 points clear — as of the time of writing — at the top of the Bundesliga.</p>
<p>On the other hand, the La Liga and Premier League title races look as intense as ever as multiple teams are battling it out to reach the top. And Bayern are not only looking fresh, but also hungry. With a new coach under Guardiola, a new formation and no one assured of a first team place, there is no chance of complacency.</p>
<p>This brilliant Bayern side may just create history. If they don’t, then one may as well accept that the Champions League curse of no one winning back-to-back trophies is to be continued.</p>
<p><strong>Visit our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/category/leagues-bundesliga/">Bundesliga page</a> for more German soccer coverage.</strong></p>
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<p><em>Pep Guardiola was speaking to promote adidas Gamedayplus, bringing together the best of the UEFA Champions League in one place. To find out more visit adidas.com/gamedayplus or join the twitter conversation @adidasfootball</em></p>


Bayern Munich In Pursuit of Being First Team to Win Back-to-Back Champions League Trophies

Bayern Munich In Pursuit of Being First Team to Win Back-to-Back Champions League Trophies - World Soccer Talk

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<p>There’s little breathing room left for Manchester United manager David Moyes. The fans and press have turned against him, and now seemingly there are people within the Manchester United squad who are wanting the boss to leave.</p>
<p>After the UEFA Champions League last 16-first leg match between Manchester United and Olympiacos, there was an outburst by the United fans. Even the believers of The Chosen One have questioned the ability of the Manchester United gaffer. The team’s fall from Champions to seventh place also-rans has been nothing short of a disaster for a team of United’s calibre, with many questioning Moyes, his players and the club’s transfer activities.</p>
<p>There have been rumors that Moyes might be sacked if he doesn’t prove his worth in the next 12 matches. So that begs the question, who should or could replace the Scotsman in the prestigious role if and when he is sacked?</p>
<p>World Soccer Talk looks at some of the managers who could be well suited to take charge at the North West club.</p>
<h1>Louis Van Gaal</h1>
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<p>Louis Van Gaal is the current Dutch National Team manager but will be stepping down from his role after the World Cup. It has been rumored that he might be the one to take over from Tim Sherwood after the tournament in Brazil this summer, but the lure of Old Trafford might beat White Hart Lane.</p>
<p>Prior to the national post, he was a coach at Ajax, Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich. He won three league titles, a UEFA Cup and a Champions League trophy with Ajax, two league titles and a Spanish cup when he was posted to Barcelona, but most impressively, he made AZ, a mid to lower league Dutch club, league champions in 2008-09. This led to the famous Allianz Arena, where he won the league and the cup double and took the German side to the Champions League final.</p>
<p>He’s an advocate of total football, as his sides are a joy to watch. The Spurs fans would undoubtedly want him in charge at White Hart Lane, but Louis van Gaal’s successful record should ensure Manchester United fans purr at his potential appointment.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the latest rumors are that Manchester United are interested in a double team of <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-united-eye-louis-van-3196231" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Louis Van Gaal and Frank de Boer as joint-managers</a> if they sack Moyes.</p>
<h1>Diego Simeone</h1>
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<p>A bit of a gamble this one, but Diego Simeone certainly deserves mention thanks to what he has been doing at Atletico Madrid. This season, Simeone has somehow kept his side in the title race, currently sitting three points behind Real Madrid and joint second with Barcelona, putting aside the fraction of the financial muscle and grandeur that Barcelona and Real Madrid possess.</p>
<p>He went to three FIFA World Cups (1994, 1998 and 2002), and was capped for Argentina over 100 times. Naturally, his managerial career started in South America, having held the top seat at Racing, Estudiantes, River Plate, San Lorenzo and Catania.</p>
<p>He has been in the current La Liga since 2011, having been in charge of Atletico for 129 matches, winning 84. His 65% win percentage looks impressive, even if it is La Liga, and one that United could consider.</p>
<h1>Antonio Conte</h1>
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<p>As Juventus manager, this might be a difficult appointment to pursue, but one that might be worthwhile. Despite their poor display in the group stages of the Champions League, Antonio Conte is turning Juventus into the formidable side they once were.</p>
<p>Having spent a lot of time bouncing between Serie A and Serie B during his managerial career, Conte was given his big club chance in May 2011. He won the league at his first attempt, and again the following season; this time with more points Juventus had ever previously received.</p>
<p>He has been compared to Jose Mourinho, with his tactical astuteness and ability to bring players together. However, he differs significantly compared to the playing philosophy of the Chelsea boss. Jose seems to have a tendency to be assured and conservative, whereas Conte is all about attacking football. This is best demonstrated by Vidal and Vucinic being Juve’s top scorers in 2012-13. Maybe an attacking Mourinho-type manager is what United need?</p>
<h1>Cesare Prandelli</h1>
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<p>The current Italian national manager, who guided Gli Azzuri to the Euro 2012 final, putting Italy back on the international map, is an achiever on the international stage, and his club record isn’t too shabby either.</p>
<p>Prandelli has been a manager at several Italian clubs (with varying lengths and success) including Atalanta, Lecca, Verona, Venezia, Parma and Roma, but his best success came at Fiorentina. Cesare Prandelli advanced the Viola club from relegation candidates to fourth place in the league, turning them into a UEFA Champions League side.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, Fiorentina were caught up in the match fixing scandal that resulted in their Champions League spot being revoked and a deduction of 15 points the following season. Amazingly the points deduction did not prevent Prandelli from leading his side to a sixth&nbsp;place finish in the league (level points with fifth place). Maybe a move back into club management is in order for Prandelli?</p>
<h1>Jurgen Klopp</h1>
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<p>Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp would be a perfect appointment by United. His record is hugely impressive with the black and yellows having won two Bundesliga titles (2011 and 2012), and a variety of other cups (DFL-Supercup twice and DFB-Pokal).</p>
<p>He was awarded the German Football Manager of the Year in 2011 and 2012, and even took Dortmund to the Champions League final in 2013. That looks an incredible achievement in itself when you consider the group of death they got through without losing a game. Rather, they topped the group with some extraordinary performances against Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid side.</p>
<p>Under Klopp, Dortmund beat Real Madrid again in the semi-finals, but lost to an 89th&nbsp;minute Robben goal in the final. With Dortmund consistently selling their top players, which may involve IIkay Gundogan and Marco Reus to Manchester United, Klopp may consider looking for a new challenge, and United would fit the bill perfectly.</p>
<h1>Glenn Hoddle</h1>
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<p>As a club manager, he hasn’t had great success as other candidates on this list. He got Swindon Town promoted to the Premier League, Chelsea to the FA Cup final, Tottenham to a League Cup final and England to the World Cup.</p>
<p>But Hoddle looks to have an aspiration and tendency to develop young talent, as displayed by his active involvement with his academy and his eagerness to get the England U-21 job. Young players are what exactly Manchester United has right now, with the likes of David de Gea, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Adnan Januzaj, Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck.</p>
<p>Furthermore, Hoddle specialies in flowing attacking soccer, and would most certainly get the best out of Juan Mata, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney. This idea might be out of the box, but could it work?</p>
<h1>Sir Alex Ferguson</h1>
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<p>One doesn’t need to explain why bringing Sir Alex Ferguson would work for the betterment of Manchester United, but should Fergie return to save the day? Manchester United clearly lost ~15 points this season without him as boss. His reinstatement could return them to glory.</p>
<p><strong>For more&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/category/manchester-united/">Manchester United news</a>, analysis and opinion, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/category/manchester-united/">Manchester United team page</a>.</strong></p>


Top 7 Candidates to Replace David Moyes at Man United

Top 7 Candidates to Replace David Moyes at Man United - World Soccer Talk

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<p>With Manchester United needing to strengthen its midfield this summer, there are so many questions revolving around their reported interest in two footballers currently playing in Germany. Are Manchester United thinking along the right lines with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich players, as they look to finally solve their midfield problems? Is Borussia Dortmund’s Ilkay&nbsp;Gundogan worth taking the risk?</p>
<p>Borussia Dortmund star Gundogan and Bayern Munich playmaker Toni Kroos are widely considered the club’s two top targets for the summer transfer window. When one sees Kroos playing, as he did last week against Arsenal, it becomes hard to imagine him swapping the current best team in the world for a side that may not even make it to Europa League next season. But it looks possible as Kroos has certainly hesitated to nail down a new contract with the reigning treble champions.</p>
<p>Even if United dangle a €302,000-a-week contract in front of Kroos, it may be the kind of move that might end in disappointment, just like last summer’s failed pursuit of Cesc Fabregas. Kroos, who is out of contract in June 2015, might somehow sign a new contract and put his dream to bed.</p>
<p>But it looks a different story for Gundogan, who also has less than 18 months left on his contract and has just made one appearance this season in the Bundesliga due to a back injury. A fully fit Gundogan would be a far more important coup than Rooney’s contract extension that was agreed last week.</p>
<p>Gundogan is a&nbsp;world class player at the age of 23, the kind of man who can dominate any game in central midfield and a perfect kind of player to fill in the holes in this United squad. With Gundogan playing alongside the likes of Rooney and Juan Mata, Manchester United can once again live up to its potential and dominate games rather than finding themselves embarrassed even against the most mediocre of opposing sides.</p>
<p>United have lost eight matches this season and are sixth in the Premier League table, so signing Gundogan might be the starting point of an extensive rebuild. Moyes has also kept his eyes on signing a defender, left-back, winger and a striker in the coming summer transfer window, backed by the best part of a £180 million transfer kitty from the Glazers.</p>
<p>But Gundogan, who played such a key role in Dortmund winning the 2012 Bundesliga and reaching the Champions League final last season, would be the most important of the lot. For sure, he carries a certain risk given his notorious unpredictable nature of back problems and his lack of action this season. Real Madrid is also among the clubs who would compete with United for the signature of the German international, if he proves his fitness.</p>
<p>United have burned themselves before by signing a player with a poor injury track record. In his autobiography, Sir Alex Ferguson described Owen Hargreaves as “a disaster.” Yet Gundogan might be a risk worth taking for a side that has spent almost six years trying to replace Roy Keane and Paul Scholes without any luck.</p>
<p>Manchester United definitely needs a lot of repair work to be done in the summer, but Gundogan could prove a catalyst to put the Old Trafford side back into contention.</p>
<p><strong>For more&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/category/manchester-united/">Manchester United news</a>, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/category/manchester-united/">United team page</a>.</strong></p>


Ilkay Gundogan and Toni Kroos Are the Answers to Manchester United's Midfield Problems

Ilkay Gundogan and Toni Kroos Are the Answers to Manchester United's Midfield Problems - World Soccer Talk

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<p>Manchester United currently look like slaves to Wayne Rooney’s financial ambition. In their current position, United are scared to lose one of their best players, and Wayne knows it. The situation has evolved to the extent that Rooney can essentially name his price and Manchester United will be obligated to pay the ransom. But the question remains whether Rooney will be able to deliver a lot better and prove he is worth the landmark deal coming his way, to help build the team around him to bring back silverware to Old Trafford.</p>
<p>Or would it be better for United to sell Rooney and use the money to help buy several players to rebuild the team under Moyes or a new manager?</p>
<p>As far as the contract negotiations are concerned, Rooney is playing United like a fiddle. By letting his deal run towards its summer 2015 expiry, he’s provoking Manchester United by not signing the extension, making the club becomes more eager to tie him down – by any means necessary. However, the club has every right to demand a lot more in return for the money they are about to pay.</p>
<p>If a poll is to be conducted, has Rooney been Manchester United’s player of the season? Perhaps, with Adnan Janujaz, that seems to have been the truth. But if compared to the previous seasons, this is the worst Manchester United team performing in a decade. Presently, he’s excelling at a club that sits in seventh position in the league currently in a mid-table side. If he was not standing out at United, it would be remarkable.</p>
<p>The Premier League is currently flourishing with as many top players as it had in recent seasons with Luis Suarez, Sergio Aguero and Eden Hazard performing and improving tremendously well every week. It looks a joy-ride watching them score or assist in almost every match. Those three in particular are leading their sides towards fulfilling their club objectives.</p>
<p>Could the same be said about Wayne Rooney at present? Not a chance. Critics are keen to stress that United’s brilliant forwards are being inhibited by David Moyes. That seems more of an excuse than a reality. Rather, the truly great find a way to ease the pressure of the man in the dug-out by proving themselves on the pitch, where it matters.</p>
<p>Manchester United are safeguarding the future of a man who has twice held the club to ransom and who has tactically admitted that his ambition is breaking Sir Bobby Charlton’s scoring record, which seems entirely selfish. Traces of his ill behavior revealed themselves after he missed the starting spot in last season’s Champions League draw against Real Madrid, which resulted in his subsequent performance dropping.</p>
<p>On Sunday, Rooney was no better than any other Fulham player and never cut the figure of a man capable of turning the game in his team’s favor. He clipped a few passes over the heads of the Fulham defense to little avail and can even consider himself unlucky not to have scored. But he lacks that certain spark that comes with the prime performers – that cunning intelligence and imagination.</p>
<p>The contract coming his way looks the best, and last, in his career. The huge amount of money that Manchester United is planning to spend on Rooney might be better invested elsewhere. Wayne Rooney has much to prove if he fancies himself as a £300,000 per-week footballer.</p>
<p><strong>For more&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/category/manchester-united/">Manchester United news</a>, analysis and opinion, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/category/manchester-united/">Red Devils team page</a>.</strong></p>


Is Wayne Rooney Worth His £300k Per Week Deal?

Is Wayne Rooney Worth His £300k Per Week Deal? - World Soccer Talk

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<p>In a match where everybody expected Manchester United to come out with three important points, the Red Devils were held by a Fulham side who sit bottom of the table.</p>
<p>It looked more of a mismatch with the quality of players Manchester United had in their starting line-up against a struggling Premier League side who are currently trying to avoid the relegation zone. Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata all lined up to start the match, but it was Fulham’s Steve Sidwell who shocked the reigning champions with a 19th&nbsp;minute goal after a sublime chip into the box from Lewis Holtby.</p>
<p>United struggled to break down a resolute Fulham side for long spells, and they were staring down the barrel of a ninth league defeat of the season at one stage as goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg excelled.</p>
<p>Manchester United definitely dominated the possession in the match and were looking too desperate to score, at times, but it was Fulham defenders Dan Burn and Johnny Heitinga who were preventing — what is on paper — one of the best attacking threats in the Premier League from scoring. It was a match where crosses flew in from both wings, but those crosses could be best summed up in two tweets:</p>
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>81 – Man Utd have made more crosses in a single game than any other Premier League side since the beginning of 2006/07. Bombardment.</p>
<p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/statuses/432575383087882242">February 9, 2014</a></p></blockquote></div>
<p><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>18 – Just 18 of Manchester United&apos;s 81 crosses against Fulham found a teammate. Fruitless.</p>
<p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/statuses/432576652397539328">February 9, 2014</a></p></blockquote></div>
<p><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>However, Manchester United finally broke through. It was talisman Robin Van Persie who swept in Juan Mata’s attempted shot from three yards at the far post in the 78th minute and, less than two minutes later, Carrick’s deflected strike from outside the penalty area that sailed into the top corner of the net, which was celebrated emphatically by David Moyes. It seemed that Manchester United had achieved one of those late comebacks that former manager Sir Alex Ferguson was famous for. But in the dying minutes, it was Fulham striker Darren Bent who spoiled the party by scoring an equalizer in injury time to deal another crippling blow to David Moyes’s season.</p>
<p>During the match, former Manchester United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen gave new signings John Heitinga and Ryan Tunnicliffe their first Fulham debuts while 18-year-old forward Muamer Tankovic made his first Premier League start. While on the other side it was Nemanja Vidic who, after announcing he will quit Manchester United at the end of the season, returned from a three match suspension to captain the Red Devils.</p>
<p>This result surely gives David Moyes many questions to contemplate considering that even with almost all of the star player and first squad players available, he is not able to deliver victory against the weakest side in the league at Old Trafford. If he can’t beat Fulham, how will he be able to manage when Manchester United travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal, and to Greece to face the Greek Champions Olympiacos in their Champions League draw at the end of the month?</p>
<p>Here are the highlights from the match. Due to rights restrictions, the video can only be viewed by readers in the United States:</p>
<div class="ckeditor-em"><iframe loading="lazy" src="http://vplayer.nbcsports.com/p/BxmELC/nbc_embedshare/select/37BXnYLP_2Yp" frameborder="0" width="620" height="382"></iframe></div>


WATCH Manchester United 2-2 Fulham Match Highlights [VIDEO]

WATCH Manchester United 2-2 Fulham Match Highlights [VIDEO] - World Soccer Talk

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Siddharth Dhruva

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WATCH Manchester United 2-2 Fulham Match Highlights [VIDEO]