Desiigner Recruits Paul Pogba and Old Trafford for New Music Video

Desiigner has dropped a new music video for his single Outlet, featuring elements that would make an Manchester United fan proud.

Filmed at Old Trafford, the Panda rapper takes on the team’s locker room and pristine pitch alongside United star Paul Pogba.

Both men can be seen wearing United’s brand new away jersey for the 2017/18 season.

The video was made in collaboration with adidas and has been said to be written as a sports anthem of sorts, the kind that would fit in any pre-game locker room motivational scene in a sports movie.

With the bright lights glimmering at Old Trafford, United fans must be buzzing in their seats, reminded by their inclusion into the Champions League tournament next season.

Check out the video below.

Ronaldo’s Great But Stick To Your Priorities, Ed Woodward

It all started so well. Victor Lindelhof was signed for a reasonable £31 million (or by Southampton’s calculations, Virgil van Dijk’s left kneecap). Then word broke that Ed Woodward had matched with a young lad named Alvaro on Tinder. He’d never been to England and he’d love to come visit some time, if his grumpy grandpa Perez would just let him out of the house. And – whisper it softly or else you’ll jinx it – United were finally thinking of doing the decent thing and buying a defensive midfielder who could do remarkable things like tackle, and pass, and stay out of the treatment room. It was a very Mourinho transfer window. Ah, peace at last; normal, tabloid-free service has resumed.

And then, Ronaldo happened.

This week has brought a veritable hurricane of speculation surrounding one Cristiano Ronaldo. Unless you’ve decided that silly season just isn’t for you, you’ll have heard that the Champions League winning, crew cut sporting, superstar has made the “irreversible” decision to leave Spain and head for pastures new (or previously grazed).

Let’s start with a basic premise: Cristiano Ronaldo would make any team in the world better. He’s one of the two best players in the world and, based on current form and success, a shoo in for another Ballon D’or. At 32, he’s got at least another 3 years of elite football ahead of him. If United were to add him to their ranks, they instantly become Premier League frontrunners and serious contenders for the Champions League.

Here’s another uncontroversial statement: United are one of the few clubs that can actually afford to sign and pay Ronaldo. They’re one of even fewer that could do so AND match his ambition. He’s not going to China, and he’s not headed for the MLS. If he does leave, it’s probably down to two clubs: PSG and United. And as far as I’m concerned, this is the worst possible thing that could have happened.

Ed Woodward has always had a fondness for shiny things. He used to be an accountant after all. But not all that glitters is gold. Sometimes, it’s bronze and right now, it feels persecuted by the Spanish taxman. So heretofore steady Eddie has taken his eye off important targets like a defensive midfielder and closing the Morata deal. Instead, he’s ghosted on Alvaro and he’s fluttering his eyelashes at Cristiano.

This has pissed off another Portuguese power player and, in my opinion, Mourinho has every reason to feel frustrated with Woodward’s attention to retail. Jose only cares about what happens on the pitch, not on the billboards. And to challenge for the title, United have to some real needs to fill. A striker to replace Zlatan. A defensive midfielder. Possibly a wide player. United cannot afford to squander another transfer window with the prolonged and hopeful courtship of a superstar, only to end up with glaring holes in the squad. There’s a colourable argument that any Morata deal is tied up inextricably with Ronaldo’s future. Fine, that makes sense. But in that case, the focus has got to be on a defensive midfielder.

Because here’s the real deal: Ronaldo’s future isn’t going to be decided anytime soon. £130 million transfers don’t happen overnight. And until the words actually come from that immaculately groomed horse’s mouth, we don’t know if it’s actually “irreversible.” And if it is, guess what, Ed. They’ll tell you. It’s in both Madrid and Ronaldo’s interest to make sure you’re bidding and offering a contract. Why? Because you’ve got the dough. And money talks in football these days.

But until then, quit daydreaming about bringing the Prodigal Son back from Spain. If he wants to come home, let him. You’ve been left at the altar too many times (Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Neymar, Ronaldo again) to fall for this. And I think I speak for many United fans when I say we’re sick of being given the run around. Getting Ronaldo would be great, even transformative. And money ain’t even no thang, bro: pay what you have to. We have an official instant noodle sponsor thanks to you! But don’t get distracted from that shopping list Jose gave you in May. Business first, then pleasure.

One Man’s View: A Zlatan return to the Premier League still possible

Zlatan IBRAHIMOVIC’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear dealt a heavy blow to Manchester United’s aspirations in the Premier League and Europa League.  It is obvious that United will miss him with a hectic run-in that still involves away games versus Arsenal and Tottenham, as well as the Europa League semi-final double header against Celta Vigo.

ACL injuries have sadly scythed down some top footballers at their peak, with Michael Essien and Radamel Falcao prime examples of players that never returned to their peak physical condition.  A case could be made that mobile forwards, such as Michael Owen, Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero, could also have achieved more in their careers, if not for the dreaded ACL curse.  Given that mild knocks and injuries often take longer to recover with age, an ACL tear for most footballers in their thirties is essentially a curtain-closer.

Zlatan’s untimely injury may rob him of his chance to move to Major League Soccer, with the North American season already in full swing.  Since Zlatan will likely be unavailable until 2018, club teams are unlikely to sign him for a full 6 months on wages when he does not play.  There is also the distinct possibility that Zlatan may not be the same player.  Age and decline are inevitable factors for any player.

Then again, Zlatan is not like any other player.  Often mentioned as an ultimate professional by peers, Zlatan believes in supreme fitness and dedication to his craft.  He is a taekwondo black-belt who broke United’s ‘power’ records during medical tests.  If he had remained fit, Zlatan would not have been short of offers this summer.  With injury curtailing a quick transfer away, this may still work in Man United’s and the Premier League’s favour.  United will extend their offer to help Zlatan with his recuperation, even if he does not extend his 1-year contract at Old Trafford.

Being able to closely monitor Zlatan’s preparations for a comeback will afford United the chance to possibly re-sign him on a short-term deal, hopefully for the second half of the season.  Even if he gets fit, questions will linger about whether he can return to his best.  In comparative terms, Radamel Falcao took 2 years to get back his goalscoring form at Monaco, but he is no longer the explosive player Columbian fans nicknamed ‘El Tigre’ (The Tiger).  Ghanian midfielder Michael Essien, who looked as if he could power the Chelsea midfield single-handedly, another example of how being unable to return to their physical best compromised the very best footballers.  The difference may that Zlatan’s style of football has already evolved.  At 35, he no longer affects the game as much, but has developed into a player that relies on affecting pivotal moments.

A maverick forward with the ability for the spectacular, Zlatan’s playing style in its most present guise is far different from his earlier years in Holland or Italy.  He may have become less involved in games, but more decisive with the ball.  This is a similar trait with an older Cristiano Ronaldo, who may play more centrally now, but also sees the ball less. It is telling that Zlatan once mentioned that as long as he made decisions on the ball quicker, he would not be so reliant on speed to get him out of tough situations.  Zlatan’s trajectory at the tail end of his career has confirmed that class is permanent, even if the fancy dribbles and the remarkable backheel goals are gone.  While age and injuries do bring a downturn, one would still expect an impact from Zlatan, even if he only plays 10 games towards the run-in.  This means that he could still have an impact in any prospective title race.

This could lead to an opportunity to keep Zlatan involved at Man United, even if this is behind the scenes.  It may rub off well on Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, who are said to relish working with an elite player who often helps out young players.  With Wayne Rooney likely to depart in the summer, retaining a talismanic figure like Zlatan in some capacity may pay off on and off the pitch.  If there was a player who could come back from the brink, one would probably put their money on Zlatan.  It would be fitting to see Zlatan a final time in the Premier League, with his team still in the title race.  And with that, this is one man’s view of what could be next for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

One Man’s View interprets the happenings in football from an alternative angle. Alternative, not alternative facts.

Here’s How You Can Play Five-A-Side With Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs in Singapore

Whether or not you’re a United fan, it’s not easy to pass up an opportunity to play with two of the Premier League’s top former players and former title winners.

Former United players Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville will be hosting a five-a-side tournament as part of the official opening of The Arena, the duo’s sports and fitness facility in Singapore at Braddell.

The CF Cup 2017 is open to all amateurs and will be held over two weekends – qualifying rounds on April 1 & 2, finals on April 8. Each of the legends will captain the last remaining two teams in the finals.

Registration for the Open category is $500, consisting of CF Cup t-shirts, adidas merchandise and apparels and vouchers for a space. There’s also a Corporate category for $2,000 which will include brand placements, meet and greet sessions and autographed jerseys.

The Arena features a range of sporting amenities including football pitches for public use and fitness programmes such as Muay Thai, yoga and rock climbing.

The centrepiece of The Arena is Cafe Football, an establishment by both Giggs and Neville to bring football fans together in one spot.

If you’re interested in joining the CF Cup 2017, you may register

LA Galaxy Set To Make Zlatan Ibrahimovic The Highest Paid Player In The MLS

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has lit up every league he’s been in, and his debut season in the Premier League is no exception.

The 35-year-old doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon, netting 26 goals so far this season for Manchester United.

However, it appears there’s one more league that has yet to experience the Zlatan treatment and LA Galaxy is poised to make him the highest paid player in Major League Soccer to secure his services.

Ibrahimovic, who joined United in the summer, signed a one-year deal but has an option for extension. While United are certainly inclined to prolong Ibrahimovic’s stay, the centre forward has yet to make his intentions clear.

Last year, Brazilian legend Kaka was the highest paid player in the MLS, with an annual salary of $7.167m at Orlando City.

According to the

So Is Antoine Griezmann Joining Manchester United Or Not?

Media coverage regarding the future of Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann have been fairly erratic these last couple of days, with conflicting reports surrounding his move to Manchester United.

Yesterday, reports from French TV station Canal Plus claimed that Griezmann had already agreed personal terms with Manchester United, with both clubs yet to reach an agreement on the transfer fee. Canal Plus were the first to confirm Morgan Schneiderlin’s move to United back in 2015 from Southampton.

Shortly after the report broke, United publicly denied the reports – although this would be the expected response regardless. The club did not refute claims that they are interested in the player.

Whether or not personal terms have been agreed on, it’s safe to say that Manchester United will do all they can to secure Griezmann, who has become target number one.

And if the reports turn out to be true and a transfer fee is the only remaining detail to iron out, the move could be as good as done – it is believed that Griezmann has a transfer release clause in his contract of £86m. With United’s financial prowess, Atleti would be helpless when Ed Woodward comes knocking.

The £86m fee will make the 25-year-old the second most expensive player in the world behind Paul Pogba, who joined United for £92.5m. The move will also reunited both Griezmann and Pogba, who are teammates in the French national squad.

Griezmann will also likely be paid as much as Pogba and will takeover the number 7 jersey from Memphis Depay, who departed for Lyon in January.

While it seems premature to be talking about summer transfers in February, it’s very likely that United would want to seal their deals early before other clubs create a bidding war for the striker.

Mourinho confirmed earlier this week that he has already lined up his summer targets.

“If you ask me ‘do I know what I want for the next transfer window?’ – yes I know. Is it possible to get? I’ll try, always, to be realistic,” the United manager said.

In the Red Corner: United & Liverpool Get the Result They Deserve, Not the One They Need

In the Red Corner is a weekly column on Manchester United. 

It is rarely the most decisive Derby when determining the destination of the Premier League title, but the fans’ thirst for victory is at its most intense when Manchester United play Liverpool. Before kickoff, few fans would have accepted a draw but after the dust settled, most would take it as a fair result as Liverpudlian industry cancelled out Mancunian intent.

1. Liverpool good value for draw

Manchester United’s recent run of victories have come against teams content to sit deep, forcing United to unlock a packed defence. While undoubtedly a challenge for a team still working out the kinks in its hugely talented attack, they’ve proven themselves up to the task in recent matches. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, on the other hand, don’t know how to sit back. They hassle, working in packs to put pressure on defenders and win the ball back in dangerous areas. Phil Jones’ ball-playing limitations were repeatedly exposed by an aggressive press, and a lesser goalkeeper than David De Gea would have struggled with the footwork required to deal with the frequent forced backpasses.

From the start, Liverpool refused to roll over in the face of a full-strength United and a raucous Old Trafford crowd. Indeed, it was through their trademark gegenpressing that Liverpool won the corner that would lead to Pogba’s handball, Milner’s penalty and a 1-0 lead for the away side. Throughout the match, the Merseyside outfit frequently won the ball in dangerous areas and attempted neat, quick passing triangles to gain an edge on a United defence for whom Marcos Rojo again shone. The draw was well-earned as Liverpool played out Klopp’s tactics to near perfection, but ultimately failed to measure up to United in terms of individual quality, a problem compounded by beginning the match shorn of arguably their 3 most important players – Sadio Mane, Joel Matip and Philippe Coutinho.

There are, however, three worries for Liverpool going forward. The first comes down to fitness. Jurgen Klopp’s “heavy metal football” places physical demands on players that are unrivalled in the league. Will Liverpool have enough in the tank to reach the finishing line firing on all cylinders? Without European distractions, perhaps, but I reckon they’re still a season away from having the stamina to see a title challenge to its brutal, bloody end. Liverpool were my pre-season pick as dark horse for top-4, and I think that’s where they’ll end the season.

How Liverpool cope without Sadio Mane is the second worry. Coutinho and Mane add stardust and incision to Liverpool’s attack, transforming it from merely industrious to truly devastating. With both players fit and firing, Liverpool are one of the most exciting teams in Europe but they have not won since losing Mane to the African Cup of Nations. Klopp is not known for his tactical versatility so it remains to be seen whether Liverpool can play the Klopp way without their the mercurial Senegalese winger. The return of Coutinho will go some way to mitigating the loss but the maverick Brazilian lacks Mane’s consistency.

The final worry for Liverpool is a subtle one, but I feel it may prove to be a glass ceiling in the long-run. Liverpool aren’t ruthless. They’re exciting and are at their best when their backs are against the wall, channeling the emotion of their fans into an electrifying performance. But they aren’t ruthless and it’s a reflection of their emotional manager. Jurgen Klopp is a manager for the fans, as he runs the gamut of emotions more visibly than most supporters. Bear hugs, touchline sprints and frantic gesticulations are par for the Klopp. This dovetails nicely for a club with some of the most emotionally charged fans in the world.

But think back to the Europa League final, when they led at halftime against Sevilla, but capitulated in the second half. And think about this match, where Liverpool led at halftime but couldn’t hang on when faced with sustained pressure. There are arguments against this view, such as the 1-0 victory against Manchester City, but I think Klopp lacks the ruthlessness that managers such as Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte have shown at various times with various clubs. The bundle of emotional energy that is Jurgen Klopp lacks the cold, clinical ruthlessness to see out 1-0 wins; instead he mirrors the nervousness of fans, and that bleeds into his players. Perhaps there is less energy to channel when trying to close out a 1-0, but to consistently conquer the summit, you must be ruthless and Klopp does not have a track record of strangling the life out of a 1-0. Until he masters that art, Liverpool will be exciting without being a consistently dominant force.

2. United disappoint but preserve unbeaten streak

United and Liverpool ended the match as they began it – with the two longest unbeaten runs in the league. The satisfaction of a late equaliser will overshadow the sentiment many United fans had going into this match: that Liverpool were there for the taking. Liverpool were winless since the turn of the year and without their 3 best players, while United were in a rich vein of form and with a chance to truly announce their top-4 credentials. Instead, the Red Devils were treated to a performance rich in purpose but lacking in product.

Too often, Ander Herrera’s passes were askew. Paul Pogba turned in a performance of the lowest quality, his concession of the penalty compounded by his being frequently outmuscled while in possession. Attacking moves broke down and killer passes were either a fraction too heavy or slightly underhit. Chance were created, and duly passed up, by most of the cast of United’s attacking unit before Ibrahimovic’s late equaliser. The big Swede reminded United fans why he is never substituted by being utterly anonymous for 83 minutes, then immediately decisive. The draw means United lose the chance to pull level on points with bitter rivals Manchester City and throw serious weight behind their top-4 aspirations. On the whole, it was a disappointing performance from United, in light of recent form.

But there are positives to take from the result. It would have been a far different draw if United had been the ones giving up the 84th minute equaliser. That would have been morale sapping, and would resurrect questions about United’s fortitude and focus. Instead, snatching a draw from the jaws of defeat produces a mildly galvanising effect. The unbeaten run is intact, while the ageless Ibrahimovic makes it 13 goals in 13 appearances.

Given their style of play, Liverpool will always be a tough test and United showed themselves capable of answering the question without really playing well. United pariah Marouane Fellaini also answered critics. Fans were bemused when the big Belgian was signed to a contract extension but an important goal against Hull in the EFL Cup was followed by this encouraging cameo, where he was preferred to Marcus Rashford as final substitute. Mourinho likely triggered Fellaini’s contract extension as show of faith in the midfielder, one that was meant to be seen by the United faithful. It has put an end to the boos that Fellaini has had to endure from pockets of Old Trafford, and the midfielder has responded with better football. He will never be Old Trafford’s favourite son but has a role at the club, and at least he is no longer subject to confidence-crippling boos now fans recognise he is here to stay.

Another benefit from United’s failure to win is that it means premature questions of title ambitions are postponed. United need to focus on seizing a place in the top-4, and chatter about the title will lead to more hysteria should should their form stumble. It is becoming a more attainable goal.

3. A glance ahead

United now have a run of winnable fixtures (Stoke (A), Hull (H), Leicester (A), Watford (H)) until they travel to Pep Guardiola’s City on February 26. City were on the receiving end of an immensely satisfying Merseyside walloping early in the day, and if United rack up the victories between now and their meeting, the Manchester Derby will be a tantalising fixture. Looking at the fixtures between now and Gameweek 26, lots of United’s top 4 rivals play each other. Liverpool play both Tottenham and Chelsea, while Spurs also face City and Chelsea host Arsenal. There are lots of points to be dropped and if United return to winning ways at Stoke, they could capitalise in a huge way. Looking at the fixtures list on a meta level though, can any league hold a candle to the Premier League any more? Not in my book.

David Menon is a Premier League contributor with a weekly column on Manchester United.

Manchester United And Uber Announce Global Partnership – Here’s What Fans Can Expect

Manchester United and Uber have announced a global partnership to enhance the match day experience for fans at Old Trafford and around the world.

The multi-year partnership is the first of its kind for the football club and the ride-sharing company, aimed at giving supporters new ways of experiencing the club no matter where from.

As official ride partner for United, Uber will be creating “exclusive experiences” such as providing fans from over 30 countries exclusive behind-the-scenes content, while supporters at Old Trafford will have dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones for a convenient and safe way to travel.

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“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Manchester United to not only make match day transportation more seamless, but to deliver fans incredible experiences throughout the season, no matter where they are supporting from,” said Uber’s Amy Friedlander Hoffman.

“Supporters will tell you that the journey to and from a game, whether they are watching it at Old Trafford or another venue on the other side of the world, is an important part of the matchday experience, contributing to the build-up and anticipation of the day,” said Richard Arnold, the club’s group managing director, in a statement.

“Working with Uber we will look to enhance this experience for our 659 million followers, both home and abroad, by bringing them the spirit of Old Trafford and Manchester United through various experiences and interactive campaigns.”

More details to come over the coming months.

The World Top Footballers Might Be Coming To Singapore This June – Here’s How

The Singapore Sports Hub is in line to host some of the world’s top footballing talent in the middle of this year, should negotiations with representatives from the International Champions Cup (ICC) prove successful.

The tournament is the biggest of its kind during the off-season, which featured top teams such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City last year.

According to Image: Sky Sports[/caption]

If successful, the cup will help bolster the Sports Hub’s string of events which has severely been lacking after the S$1.33 billion venue opened in 2014.

The last top-flight football event in the venue was the Barclays Asia Trophy, which featured Arsenal, Everton and Stoke City. Since then, there hasn’t been any major tournaments beyond lower-tier matches of ex-football players and regional teams.

The International Champions Cup will take place in the mid-year in between seasons.

In the Red Corner: Resilient United End Year On High

In the Red Corner is a weekly column by our Premier League contributor David Menon.

Manchester United fans can start 2017 in high spirits as the Red Devils overcame a resolute Middlesborough defense and some incompetent refereeing to end the calendar year with five Premier League wins on the bounce.

1. FCUK

Just when it looked like it wasn’t to be United’s day, their French Connection U.K. delivered in the dying minutes. Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial have had their critics for failing to live up to their price tag and last season’s standards respectively. Against Middlesborough, they showed their worth, popping up with a goal apiece to clinch victory at the death. Pogba was outstanding throughout, dictating play with raking crossfield balls; only the post denied the goal his overhead kick so richly deserved.

Earlier this week, Zlatan Ibrahimovic suggested Pogba’s early season struggles were the result of him

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As for Anthony Martial, last week, this column expressed the hope that he listen to his coaches and apply himself in training to realise his incredible talent. We got a glimpse of that on Saturday. He tortured Calum Chambers for 90 minutes, turning him inside and out with his direct running and trickery. He showcased his skill in setting up Ibrahimovic’s (wrongly) disallowed goal, and unleashed a 30-yard thunderbolt that thundered off the upright with Valdes dead to rights.

In his

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Small pockets of fans booed his recent introductions, so what on earth was Mourinho playing at by going with the awkward Belgian? Mou’s comments on Memphis were telling: “When I have the feeling and information that the player probably has a big chance to leave then I have to care more about the others.” These comments probably apply to United’s “Schmidfield” as well. So Mou stuck to his guns, went with Fellaini, and in fairness, the Belgian did nothing wrong, and added an important block as well.

But as time wore on and with the match goalless, Mourinho showed a willingness to go for the win that was missing during his predecessor’s reign. Throughout the second half, Mourinho made increasingly aggressive substitutions, ending the match with 3 at the back, 3 forwards, 2 attacking midfielders, and Pogba and Herrera in central midfield. It paid off. Juan Mata and Marcus Rashford came off the bench to play crucial roles in securing victory, with Mata setting up Pogba’s winning header, and Rashford being denied a strong penalty shout. United were eventually rewarded for their perseverance and much credit must go to Mourinho for having the guts to go for broke. He played the United way and won.

3. United stay true to traditions

Ever since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, United have been under fire for abandoning the traditions and  practices established during his 26 year reign. His retirement came at a time when United began marketing its brand aggressively, prompting suggestions that the club had sold out on its heritage in favour of corporations and cash. Even David Moyes felt comfortable taking potshots at his former employer’s financial activities. It was therefore fitting that, on his 75th birthday, Manchester United honoured Ferguson’s finest traditions.

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United spent the first half knocking hard on the Middlesborough door to no avail, and when Ibrahimovic’s goal was disallowed when it appeared perfectly legitimate, it seemed the referee had conspired against them as well. But both Mourinho and Ferguson motivate their teams by creating a siege mentality: its us against the world. Instead of wilting under consistently poor officiating and conceding a goal against the run of play, United seemed galvanised.

Spurred on by their new manager who put faith in his young talents Rashford and Martial, United attacked frantically and with intensity. Despite having lost 7 points in the last 10 minutes of matches already this season, United turned the tables and rescued 3 points instead.

With the legendary birthday boy watching from the stands, United scored in the 85th and 87th minutes – quintessential Fergie time. Make no mistake, this is Mourinho’s team now. But it is a team that bears hallmarks of Ferguson’s most feared teams – fighting till the death, never knowing when they’re beaten and a dash of exciting young talent – and that bodes well for United fans.

David Menon is a Premier League contributor with a column on Manchester United.