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

ACN: Equatorial Guinea and Congo are through to the semis after a day of high drama

Hosts Equatorial Guinea are through to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals after a dramatic and controversial 2-1 victory over Tunisia in Bata.
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Tunisia led 1-0 in stoppage time at the end of the match but Equatorial Guinea were then awarded an extremely contentious penalty and former Real Madrid winger Javier Balboa converted it to force extra-time.


And the same player then scored with a brilliant free-kick to send Equatorial Guinea into the last four for the first time.


The penalty was the turning point, and Mauritian referee Rajindraparsad Seechurn’s decision sparked fury from Tunisian players and the coaching staff on the sidelines.


There were ugly confrontations between both camps near the dugouts and riot police even had to move in to restore order.


Tunisia are ranked 96 places above Equatorial Guinea in the FIFA world rankings and, having largely bossed the game, they took the lead on 70 minutes.


Mohamed Yaakoubi crossed from the right and Ahmed Akaichi got in front of Diosdado Mbele and steered the ball home at the near post.


However, with the hosts apparently heading out, they were handed an injury-time spot-kick when Ivan Bolado went down under minimal contact from Hamza Mathlouthi.


And, once the Tunisian protests had finally died down, Balboa calmly sent Aymen Mathlouthi the wrong way from the spot.


Estoril striker Balboa then settled the match in the 12th minute of extra time with a wonderful free-kick which he curled into the top corner.


There were further ugly scenes in the closing stages as players clashed near the dugouts once again and, at the final whistle, Seechurn was surrounded by furious Tunisian players, and then chased by them across the field and down the tunnel, as riot police and yellow-jacketed security officials tried to escort him away safely.


Pre-tournament long shots Equatorial Guinea will now contest a semi-final against Ghana or Guinea in capital Malabo next Thursday.


The day’s first quarter-final was hardly less dramatic as Congo came back from 2-0 down to defeat Republic of Congo 4-2 in a thrilling second-half.


The opening 45 minutes were lacklustre but Dore Ferebory gave Republic of Congo the lead in the 55th minute when he drifted in behind the defense at a free kick and flicked home a right-foot volley.


And Thievy Bifouma made it 2-0 seven minutes later after some chaotic defending allowed him to sweep in a loose ball from close range for his tournament-leading third goal in four games.


However, Congo hit back three minutes later when Yannick Bolasie sped down the left to the byline, and pulled a cross back to give forward Dieumerci Mbokani an easy tap in.


Mbokani's forward partner, Loteteka Bokila, then equalized with 15 minutes left, hammering a shot into the roof of the net after his initial effort had been blocked.


Substitute Joel Kimuaki headed in the crucial third goal from a set-piece with nine minutes to go, and Mbokani bore down on goal in stoppage time to score his second and make sure of Congo's place in the last four for the first time in 17 years.
Source: Skysports

David Beckham reveals daughter Harper called him fat... as he admits he often tries to embarrass his children

His sculpted physique has graced countless magazine covers and underwear campaigns but David Beckham has revealed that he was recently called fat... and the offender was none other than his three-year-old daughter Harper.

Speaking to chat show host Jimmy Kimmel, David, 39, joked that Harper's comments have made him worry about his shape.

He said: ''I was bathing Harper and had got her out and was toweling her down when she said: "Daddy I love you but I don't like you, you're so chubby!" I didn't think I was but.....!'

Chubby': David Beckham has revealed that his three-year-old daughter Harper thinks he is fat

Although he is a world-class footballer with an OBE from Britain's Queen Elizabeth, David admitted that his sons, Brooklyn, 15, Romeo, 12 and nine-year-old Cruz, are embarrassed by him.

And David, who is married to designer Victoria Beckham, does everything he can to make them self-conscious.

Speaking about bringing Brooklyn to school, he said: 'He asked me to park around the corner and he would walk round but I followed him and opened the window and shouted, "Brooklyn I love you!".'

Although he is a world-class footballer with an OBE from Britain's Queen Elizabeth, David admitted that his sons, Brooklyn, 15, Romeo, 12 and nine-year-old Cruz, are embarrassed by him.

And David, who is married to designer Victoria Beckham, does everything he can to make them self-conscious.

Speaking about bringing Brooklyn to school, he said: 'He asked me to park around the corner and he would walk round but I followed him and opened the window and shouted, "Brooklyn I love you!".'
SOURCE:DAILYMAIL

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.
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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. 

Liverpool ace Mario Balotelli was dumped by fiancee Fanny Neguesha because he objected to her sizzling mag shots

Mario Balotelli did not want to see his fiancee in photoshoots
Hated the idea of other men gawping at her body in magazines
Fanny Neguesha ended relationship and returned £25,000 engagement ring
Model is preparing for Italy's version of 'I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here'
Mario Balotelli was reportedly dumped by Belgian model Fanny Neguesha because he objected to her sexy mag poses.

The Italian striker proposed to the 22-year-old beauty at last year's World Cup in Brazil with a £25,000 sparkler.

However, the relationship proved short lived as Fanny returned the engagement ring after he demanded she quit modelling.

Balotelli didn't want the Belgian beauty doing any photoshoots or even singing and dancing

Fanny was proposed to at last summer's World Cup with a £25,000 engagement ring by Balotelli

Fanny speaks on the phone showing off her £25,000 engagement ring from Balotelli before the split

Fanny revealed on Italian TV: 'He didn't want to see me in photoshoots - or singing and dancing.

'I tried to explain to him that I had a career as well. But he just wouldn't listen. Looking back maybe I was a bit too hasty.

'I should have taken a bit more time and thought about it before I accepted his proposal.


'He was a hard head and couldn't accept  I wanted my own career path as well.

'In the end I returned the engagement ring to him. He was upset but we have both moved on now.'

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.'

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho takes swipe at Liverpool for letting Steven Gerrard leave

Jose Mourinho wants Steven Gerrard to stay in the Premier League

The Liverpool midfielder will join LA Galaxy when his contract expires

Liverpool held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw in Capital One Cup semi-final first leg 

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho appeared to take a dig at Liverpool for letting Steven Gerrard leave when his contract expires. 

The Reds stalwart will join MLS outfit LA Galaxy in the summer, bringing the curtain down on 17 years at Anfield.

Gerrard hit the post as Liverpool came from behind to hold Chelsea to a 1-1 draw in Tuesday night's Capital One Cup semi-final first leg.