Dwight Yorke says Manchester United's win over Leicester was like watching the team of old

Dwight Yorke insists Manchester United's performance in the 3-1 win over Leicester City at Old Trafford was "emphatic", and was like watching the team of old.

Manchester United were back in the goals to beat Leicester at Old Trafford

Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao and a Wes Morgan own goal gave United the win, their first in the Premier League since Boxing Day, and Yorke was impressed by Louis van Gaal's side.

He told Sky Sports' SNF Match Choice: "It was emphatic the way they approached the game, the new system he has put out, the diamond system in midfield.

"I just think the players have gone out with a lot of confidence and authority to dictate the game from start to finish. And that's the Man United way when you go to Old Trafford.

Angel di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney all started

"We know they lost that a little bit in recent times, but today they needed to put a really strong performance out against a very weak Leicester team. United really put it to bed and put on a real exciting show for the fans."

Falcao grabbed his fourth goal in a United shirt, reacting quickest to Angel Di Maria's effort saved by Mark Schwarzer, and Yorke, so used to scoring at Old Trafford, is delighted with the perseverance shown by the Colombian.

He said: "That's why he scores so many goals in the past, he's probably gone through a little rough time and there are lots of question marks over him at this time.

Louis Van Gaal was happy with Manchester United's positive performance

"But the guy is a goal poacher and scores all types of goals. That's more evidence of his star quality, he didn't give up.

"I would like to think there's no point in having these star names and not getting them out on the pitch.

"Certainly at home you expect all these big names to be on the pitch at the same time. The Man United way is the free-flowing attacking football, we want to see more of that.

"The result was evidence of having all the big names on the pitch."
Source:skysports

Premier League: Arsenal top scorer Alexis Sanchez a doubt for Super Sunday game against Aston Villa

Arsenal could be without Alexis Sanchez for their Super Sunday game against Aston Villa this weekend.

The club's top scorer has a hamstring problem and will be put through a fitness test on Saturday before Arsene Wenger finalises his matchday squad.

Sanchez has featured in all but one of Arsenal's Premier League games this season, and before this month's win at Manchester City statistics revealed he had either scored or assisted more than half his side's goals.

If the Chile international is missing on Sunday it will be the first time since September Arsenal have played a full 90 minutes in the league without him.

This week's new arrival Gabriel has a chance of being involved on Sunday, according to Wenger, who does not expect to have any of his injured players back.

The manager told Arsenal's website Danny Welbeck - yet to play this year - is "really, really, really close" and will be back to face Tottenham next weekend, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta are still out.
SOURCE:SKYSPORTS

Premier League: Daniel Sturridge sure Steven Gerrard will manage Liverpool

Daniel Sturridge is convinced Steven Gerrard will eventually return to Anfield as Liverpool manager.
 Sky Bet
Sturridge is due to return to action this weekend, ending a five-month injury lay-off, when the Reds return to Premier League action against West Ham.

Since Sturridge was injured, Gerrard has revealed this will be his last season - for now - at the club and he will be leaving for the MLS with the LA Galaxy at the end of the campaign.

But the striker is certain it is not the last Anfield will see of the 34-year-old and expects to be playing under him before his own playing days come to an end.
Devastated

"He's still a role model of mine. I look up to him, I think everyone in the squad does. He'll be sorely missed - he's somebody who's given me a lot of experience and helped me to improve as a person and a footballer."

Sturridge was originally injured on England duty, suffering a thigh problem, but he was due to return last month, only to sustain a fresh thigh injury just as he looked to be ready to return.
No holding back

But he feels ready to end his lay-off and admits he has learned a lot from the sidelines - albeit as a frustrated supporter.

"I've been champing at the bit," Sturridge added.

"I'm ready now - it's been a long time coming, but I am happy with how everything has gone and I am looking forward to it. I won't hold back from anything.

"I don't like watching too much but I had to. I watched every single match when I was in the States - I was getting up early doors in the morning, so sometimes it'd be 4am depending on where I was and what time the game was.

"I'd get up early and it was important for me to see how we played, the formations and the style of the new players.

"But it was hugely important (to go out there) and I am thankful to the guys over there who helped me out."
SOURCE:SKYSPORTS

Transfer news: Andre Schurrle nears Chelsea exit after agreeing personal terms with Wolfsburg

Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle is inching closer to a move back to the Bundesliga after agreeing to personal terms with Wolfsburg, according to Sky sources.

A fee has yet to be agreed for the player but the two sides remain in negotiations and Chelsea are expected to receive in excess of £20m for the 24-year-old.

Blues manager Jose Mourinho said last week he expects to reach the end of the window with the same squad but admitted a departure is possible in the event of "a phenomenal offer and a player super keen of accepting the challenge".

Wolfsburg are currently second in the Bundesliga and Schurrle would like to join the 2009 champions after growing frustrated with a lack of regular playing time at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are close to agreeing a deal with Fiorentina for winger Juan Cuadrado who will be brought in as a replacement for Schurrle.

Cuadrado has a buyout clause of £26.8m but the cost of that deal will be largely financed by the sale of Schurrle.

Schurrle has started five games and made nine substitute appearances in Chelsea’s 22 league this season, scoring three goals in the process.
SOURCE:SKYSPORTS

Thierry Henry to take UEFA coaching courses in Wales as Arsenal legend prepares for management career

Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has been in Wales this week
He is due to undertake UEFA B licence coaching course 
Henry recently made his debut as a pundit on Sky Sports  
Thierry Henry has begun his climb on to the managerial ladder by undergoing UEFA coaching courses in Wales.

The former Arsenal striker, who has recently embarked on a career in punditry at Sky Sports, has made no secret of his desire to become a manager in the future.

And that process has appeared to have started, with a source telling Sportsmail that Henry has been in in Wales for the ‘last few days’ ahead of undertaking a UEFA B licence course.

Henry has been in Wales this week as he looks to complete his UEFA coaching badges in Newport

Should the 37-year-old pass, he is likely to complete his A licence in the summer.

The Welsh FA’s headquarters are based in Newport, where Henry will follow the likes of David Ginola in taking the courses.

Henry gave a presentation to the Wales Under 16 squad earlier this week and is set to be joined on the course by former team-mate Freddie Ljungberg.

Interestingly, the ex-France international has been backed to become Arsene Wenger’s successor at the Emirates by Robert Pires.

Henry has been backed to become Arsene Wenger's eventual successor at the Emirates Stadium 
SOURCE:DAILYMAIL 

Real Madrid set to rename stadium Abu Dhabi Bernabeu as part of £15m-a-year deal

Real Madrid agreed to sell naming rights to Abu Dhabi for £15m a year
Coca-Cola and Microsoft both showed interest in having name on stadium
According to AS the sponsors have settled on Abu Dhabi Bernabeu
The change won't happen until the stadium is remodelled
As well as having it’s name behind one of European football’s biggest clubs Manchester City, Abu Dhabi now looks set to have its name in front of one of the world’s most emblematic stadiums – the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Arab Emirate that has bankrolled Manchester City entered into a financial partnership with Real Madrid last November and for around £15million a year over a reported 20-year period they have won the naming rights for the club’s stadium according to Diario AS.

Coca-Cola and Microsoft had both shown an interest in having their name on the Bernabeu but the race looks to have been won by the Spanish energy company Cepsa which in turn is owned by the IPIC (International Petroleum Investment Company) which is owned by the Abu Dhabi government.

The Bernabeu was opened in 1947 and is one of the most iconic venues in world football
Madrid-based Cepsa is Spain's fourth largest industrial group in terms of turnover, while IPIC, formed in 1984, has invested in 18 leading companies within the energy and related sectors across the globe.

In November of last year when the three-year tie-up between IPIC and Real announced by Madrid, president Florentino Perez was caught on camera saying the stadium will be called ‘IPIC or Cespa, whatever they want’.

According to the AS report the sponsors have settled for ‘Abu Dhabi Bernabeu’.

The renaming will not take place until the stadium is remodelled. Planning permission for the £375m project is currently stalled because of a European Commission enquiry into possible illegal state aid.

Real Madrid are currently finalising financing for the redevelopement and the somewhat unpopular sale of the stadium’s name is seen as one way to raise funds towards that end.

It was revealed last week that Real are the world's richest club in terms of revenue, raking in a staggering £459.5m in 2013-14 and the renaming of the stadium to earn extra cash is certain to anger supporters of this traditional club. 

Cesc Fabregas is a doubt for Chelsea's Premier League clash against Manchester City after limping off against Liverpool

Jose Mourinho revealed the cost of reaching Wembley was a trio of injuries to Cesc Fabregas, Filipe Luis and match-winner Branislav Ivanovic.

Fabregas faces a race against time to be fit for Saturday's Premier League showdown against Manchester City after limping off in Chelsea's Capital Cup semi-final win over Liverpool.

The midfielder collided with Blues team-mate John Terry at the beginning of the second half at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night and was unable to continue.

Fabregas was replaced by Ramires in the 50th minute and headed straight down the tunnel to receive treatment on a hamstring problem.

Luis (calf) was also withdrawn late on, while goalscorer Ivanovic suffered a cut foot.

'Branislav was able to continue but the others weren't,' said Mourinho.

'Filipe Luis came off with a calf problem and Fabregas reported a tight hamstring. Fabregas said he wasn't yet injured but that he would be soon if he continued.

'I don't want to think about fatigue. If we played two hours and lost I would be more worried. They are happy and when you are happy you can cope with fatigue. But obviously we played for two hours and we have to play on Saturday against City, who didn't.'

Robin van Persie uncertain whether he will extend Manchester United deal, and admits form has not been good enough this season

Robin van Persie is out of contract in 18 months and may not sign new deal
He has eight Premier League goals this season and says he must do better
The Dutchman missed a golden opportunity against Cambridge United
Manchester United face an FA Cup replay after surprise 0-0 stalemate
Van Perise joined United from Arsenal in controversial £24m deal in 2012

Robin van Persie admits his form has been poor this season and says he does not know if Manchester United will keep him after his contract ends in 18 months.

Van Persie’s close relationship with Louis van Gaal was tested to the limit in the first half of the campaign and the United manager considered dropping him after a ‘very bad game’ against Arsenal in November.

The Holland striker’s form has improved since but he has scored only eight goals and missed one of the few chances United created in Friday’s goalless draw at Cambridge United in the FA Cup fourth round.

Van Persie is clattered by Cambridge United keeper Chris Dunn as United are held in their FA Cup encounter

Didier Drogba honoured by Football Writers' Association as Jose Mourinho hails striker as Chelsea's best value player of all time

Jose Mourinho insists there is more to come from Didier Drogba at Chelsea as the striker says he wants to stay at the club beyond the end of the season.

Mourinho led the tributes to Drogba as he was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the game by the Football Writers' Association at a Gala Tribute evening at the Savoy Hotel in London on Sunday.

Mourinho hailed Drogba, who first joined Chelsea for £24million in 2004, as the club's 'best value player ever' and insisted the 36-year-old was 'not finished yet.

Dressed smartly in a blue suit and bow tie, Drogba followed the likes of Mourinho, Sir Alex Ferguson and David Beckham by picking up the prestigious award.

He said: When you have achieved so much and won so many trophies like we have done in the past 10 years, that creates something special.

'I hope, and the club makes me believe, I am part of this big family, so we are going to find the best thing for both of us to promote the club in the best way."

'When I left this club (the first time in 2012), I was saying that I had done everything I wanted to do, but I think now that I did not do everything, I think there is more to do.

'I love this club and would love to be part of this club for the future, with the new players.'

Earlier Mourinho, speaking to the Football Writers' Association, said: 'I came to Chelsea in the summer of 2004 and in my first written report to Mr Abramovich in relation to my plans for the club, I gave the names of some players.

'Big names were arriving at Chelsea in that period. The previous summer, for example, Claude Makelele came from Real Madrid and Hernan Crespo came from Inter, among others, but Didier was unknown and the price was very, very high.

'Yet I knew as clearly as I have ever done that he was the player I wanted.

'I was very strong to persuade my club to pay such an amount for him and I think we can already say he was the best-value signing for Chelsea in relation to what he has done for the club over so many years, and he is not finished yet.'

Rafael Nadal: History counts for nothing against Tomas Berdych, he's a great player

Rafael Nadal insists his amazing record against Tomas Berdych will count for nothing when the pair clash in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.

Nadal had to save six break points in the opening set of his fourth-round clash with Kevin Anderson before easing to a 7-5 6-1 6-4 victory, while Berdych saw off home hope Bernard Tomic 6-2 7-6 (7/3) 6-2 on Sunday.

Third seed Nadal has an 18-3 career record against Berdych, who won three of their first four meetings but has lost the last 17 in a row.

'It doesn't matter what happened in the past. It is a different story this time,' Nadal said. 'Different moment for me, different moment for him. The way we arrive to that match is not going to affect what happens in the match. I'm sure of that.

'He's a great player. I have success against him, but I have the chances to lose against him. I remember in 2012 I had a very, very tough match against him here (in the quarter-finals). I was close to being two sets to love down. He's a player that is top level.'

Nadal admitted he thought of quitting during his second-round match with American Tim Smyczek on Wednesday, the Spaniard suffering from dizziness and nausea as he fell two sets to one behind.

However, the nine-time French Open champion dug deep to win in five sets and looks to be working his way back to form and full fitness after the latter half of 2014 was ruined by a wrist injury and appendicitis.

The 28-year-old continues to play down his chances of winning a second Australian Open title, but added: 'It's very special to be in the quarter-finals after a tough period of time for me, it's a fantastic result.

'I am not a person that I am happy like this and that's it. I try to play better and better every day.

'If that happens, I hope to keep having chances for the next match. But today is a day to be happy the way that I improved my level of everything, all the things I have to do on court. Today I was much closer (to) what I have to do to try to have success.'

Berdych, who lost to eventual champion Stan Wawrinka in the semi-finals here last year, has yet to drop a set but admitted he would still need 'something extra' against Nadal.

'I'm feeling very good,' the 29-year-old said. 'It's been a great, great run so far. I just put myself in the best possible position right now.

'I'm going to have to add something extra again. That's how the tournament is developing, just move forward, just be ready for it.'

Berdych hopes new coach Dani Vallverdu, who formerly worked with Britain's Andy Murray, will provide an effective scouting report on Nadal, and added: 'He is very good on that.

Jose Mourinho: Signing Radamel Falcao or Angel di Maria would have caused an explosion at Chelsea..

Jose Mourinho says he was offered Radamel Falcao and Angel di Maria

But the Chelsea boss claims their wages would've caused problems

The pair earn a combined £465,000-a-week at Manchester United

Mourinho insists he was not interested in either player last summer

FFP rules would have prevented deals too, according to Mourinho 

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho claims he chose not to sign Radamel Falcao or Angel di Maria last summer because their huge salaries would've 'caused an explosion' at Chelsea.

The Blues boss, whose agent Jorge Mendes also represents Falcao and Di Maria, says he was offered the chance to bring them to Stamford Bridge before Manchester United agreed deals for the pair. 

Falcao moved to Old Trafford on a season-long loan from Monaco, while Di Maria sealed a British record £60million transfer from Real Madrid.

But Mourinho, who insists he didn't want either player, cited the effect of their wages on his dressing ROOM when explaining why he passed up the opportunity to sign them.

In new book The Key to Mendes, Mourinho said: 'I can't have a player earning €10m when others earn three, four or five. That would have caused an explosion.'

Colombia striker Falcao earns £265,000-a-week at Old Trafford, while former Benfica star Di Maria is paid £200,000-a-week.

Mourinho, who has been outspoken about UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules in the past, also believes Chelsea would've been unable to finance deals for the South American duo.

Family first: Cristiano Ronaldo puts recent love split behind him and spends time with his son... amid rumours he's already moved on from Irina Shayk

He's had a busy time lately, having one relationship end and another one potentially begin.

But Cristiano Ronaldo ignored all of that to take time out and spend the afternoon with his son on Monday.

The footballer picked up his little boy, also called Cristiano, from school in Madrid, Spain.

Their family outing came as it was widely reported the Real Madrid captain had already moved on from his recent split from long-term girlfriend Irina Shayk: he is now thought to be dating a Spanish news reporter called Lucia Villalon.

Cristiano's split from the stunning model, whom he'd been with for five years, was confirmed at the weekend, after days of speculation after she unfollowed him on Twitter.

She was also notably absent at his third prestigious Ballon d'Or WIN celebration on January 12.

However, in her absence was the beautiful reporter, a sports journalist who was also pictured celebrating with him on the day in Irina's absence. 

The  Portuguese footballer was first linked to Lucia when she posted a photo of the pair on her Twitter account shortly after Cristiano received the golden soccer trophy in Zurich, Switzerland.

'There are 3! Golden ball congratulations! Zurich 12/01/15,' she wrote in the caption. 

Victoria's Secret beauty Irina's spokesperson revealed on Saturday: 'We can confirm Irina Shayk has ended her relationship to Cristiano Ronaldo of five years.'

A massive argument between his mother and his longtime love may have resulted in the demise of their romance.

Cristiano's alleged new flame, who is an avid follower of his successful sports career, is a state broadcaster who graduated with law and journalism degrees.

The 26-year-old noticeably braved the plummeting temperatures and sat in the stands at Cristiano's game against Getafe CF on January 18, cheering on the world famous star with a couple of girlfriends.

WWE superstar Daniel Bryan puts burglar who broke into his home in chokehold until police arrive

The 33-year-old former heavyweight champion took down Cesar Sosa, 22, after he spotted him fleeing his home in Phoenix, Arizona

A hapless burglar got more than he bargained for when he broke into the home of a WWE wrestler.

Cesar Sosa, 22, bit off more than he could chew when he raided the PHOENIX, Arizona home of former heavyweight champion Daniel Bryan.

The 33-year-old was returning home with his wife late on Thursday when he saw two suspects running out of a rear door.

The WWE superstar gave chase and was able to catch Sosa, putting him in a rear naked chokehold until the police arrived.

The second suspect managed to get away.

Liverpool launch transfer moves for Xherdan Shaqiri and Neto and aim to cut Divock Origi loan short

Kop chase: Liverpool want to add Shaqiri (left), Origi (centre) and Neto to the squad

Liverpool have already begun to prepare for life after Steven Gerrard, by making moves for THREE players over the weekend.

Despite that reminder that life goes on without him though, the Reds' skipper has been told he WILL be offered a role back at the club when he finally hangs up his boots following his Indian Summer in Major League Soccer.

Manager Rodgers won’t sit still in the meantime, as he attempts to bring in the players he feels will help steer Liverpool into the top four and claim the Champions’ League place required to attract a world class successor to the captain.

The Reds have been in talks with French club Lille for more than a month now, over a settlement to end Divock Origi’s loan agreement early, and allow him to arrive at Anfield in January rather than next summer.

And we can reveal a deal has been struck in principle, with Lille ready to accept £3m to allow the Belgium international...but ONLY IF they can sign a replacement in the current transfer window.

Rodgers is keen to bring in another striker, but with Raheem Sterling showing impressive form in a new central role and Daniel Sturridge due back from long-term injury this month, the pressure is off to bring in a tried and tested scorer, and instead he can use Origi as a high quality back-up as he learns the Premier League ropes.

Liverpool have also made a firm approach for Bayern Munich’s World Cup star Xherdan Shaqiri, with the English club committing to a fee of around £10m with the German champions.

The Swiss international can play in most of the midfield and forward roles, and Rodgers would dearly love to bring him to Anfield after being rebuffed last summer.

He faces stiff competition from Inter Milan and Juventus, but despite reports suggesting the diminutive Shaqiri wants to move to Italy, sources close to the player have revealed he will consider the Reds’ offer seriously, with Bayern keen to complete a permanent deal, rather than the loan agreement Inter prefer.

The third plank in Rodgers’ triple assault on the transfer market is a move for a keeper to challenge Simon Mignolet.

After scouting Brazilian star Neto for the past 12 months, he has made an approach for a fee of around £3m.

Neto has told his Italian club Fiorentina he will not sign a new contract, and with his current deal running out in the summer, that has left them with no option but to try and secure a fee now, and the Reds are in pole position.

Rodgers hasn’t quite given up hope on a loan deal that will bring Chelsea’s Petr Cech to Anfield, but realistically he has pursued the Neto option, to provide a high quality challenge to the struggling Mignolet.

Christopher Lee