Monday's B*ll*x

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Monday's B*ll*x

Postby Chinners » Mon Dec 11, 2017 1:58 am

THE BOLLOX

Manchester United and Manchester City players and staff clash in tunnel as Jose Mourinho is hit on head by bottle and doused in milk while coach Mikel Arteta is left with a cut to the head and Ederson confronts Portuguese boss
Manchester City beat Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday evening
United manager Jose Mourinho was also doused with water during the fracas
He was confronted by City goalkeeper Ederson after the match at Old Trafford
Mourinho wanted City's players to show more respect after their victory
United's players were unhappy as they felt City 'rubbed their noses in defeat'

Manchester United and Manchester City players were involved in an ugly tunnel fracas as tempers boiled over after the derby.
United manager Jose Mourinho had water squirted at him, was hit on the head by an empty plastic bottle and was also doused with milk from a flying carton as a melee ensued involving some 20 players and staff.
Mourinho demanded City players show ‘more respect’ as music blared out of their dressing room following their 2-1 victory. He walked into the away dressing room and was confronted by City keeper Ederson. The two were involved in a heated exchange, squaring up and shouting at each other in Portuguese.
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United players followed Mourinho into the corridor between dressing rooms, sparking the skirmishes.
Witnesses said some players tried to swing punches while police looked on in disbelief. City coach Mikel Arteta, one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants, received a cut to the head which left him bleeding.
City feel Mourinho overstepped the boundaries by entering their dressing room.
Twenty players and staff were involved in the tunnel melee which will be dubbed the new Water-gate at the end of a crackling Manchester derby.
Eyewitnesses were staggered at the eruption that followed the final whistle. United believed City had celebrated too much following their 2-1 win and showed a ‘lack of respect’. City thought Jose Mourinho had encroached on their territory as he approached their dressing room to protest.
United’s manager had water squirted at him, was doused in milk and was hit on the head by an empty plastic bottle.
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What a shame that after an absorbing derby we are looking at an off-the-field incident.
Michael Oliver, who refereed a tough game very well, will now have extra paperwork to do, whether or not he witnessed the alleged incident.
If he did see it, then his jurisdiction continues after the final whistle, so he can report misconduct in the same way as if it occurred on the field. Any violent conduct by players or substitutes will be reported as red cards and attract similar punishments.
If, as alleged, Jose Mourinho was involved, one can’t help thinking the Manchester United manager will be delighted if the attention turns to this incident rather than City dominating at Old Trafford and taking a big lead in the title race.
It might not have been Pizzagate from 2004, when United and Arsenal players scrapped and Sir Alex Ferguson was hit on the head by a slice thrown by Cesc Fabregas — but it wasn’t far off.
Mourinho had demanded City players show ‘more respect’ as music blared out of their dressing room. The United boss was heading from his own players’ dressing room to do his post-match press conference when he walked into City’s domain to make his feelings known and was confronted by City goalkeeper Ederson. The two were involved in a heated exchange and squared up, shouting at each other in Portuguese.
United’s players were enraged by the perceived gloating of City players and followed Mourinho into the corridor area between the dressing rooms, which sparked the skirmishes between players.
City, for their part, believed Mourinho, sore at losing, had overstepped the boundaries by entering their dressing room to voice his discontent and he was followed by his United players.
Witnesses said some players attempted to swing punches at each other as police, already present outside the referees’ room, looked on in disbelief. City coach Mikel Arteta, one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants, received a cut to the head.
Old Trafford security staff were forced to disperse the rumpus as United players blamed their City counterparts for ‘rubbing their noses in defeat’ by ‘whooping and cheering’. When tempers cooled, police remained outside the dressing rooms.
Mourinho’s anger was also fired by what he claimed was City receiving preferential treatment by referees, while he branded his own side’s defending ‘disgraceful’.
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In comments which irked City boss Guardiola, Mourinho insisted the league leaders were fortunate to seal a record 14th consecutive win — stretching their lead in the table to 11 points.
Mourinho was adamant Michael Oliver’s refusal to award a 79th-minute penalty after Ander Herrera went down under Nicolas Otamendi’s challenge was wrong. Herrera was booked for diving.
‘They are lucky, I think they have all these decisions in their favour,’ said Mourinho, who had accused City of being divers in the run-up to the game.
‘We can speak about anything you want, we can bring any football theory, stats, ball possession, but like last season it is a huge penalty in a crucial moment.
‘You expect City to score great goals, not to score two disgraceful goals. They had apparent control but the biggest save is the double save of Ederson.’
But Guardiola recalled similar jibes after last year’s 2-1 win here. ‘It was the same,’ he sighed. ‘But we won because we were better. In all departments we were better. I don’t know the plan from my opponent but we came here to try to win.
‘We did the same at Stamford Bridge. I am happy because so many people say you cannot win in England playing like this. It’s still only December. If we have an 11-point lead when we play the derby in April then maybe I will tell you we have the title.’

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GOLDEN BOLLOX 11-12-2011
Nigel de Jong: Manchester City can be future kings of Europe
Nigel de Jong has continued the inquest into Manchester City’s Champions League exit by insisting the Blues are close to ruling Europe.
City crashed out of the Champions League despite racking up 10 points in Group A alongside Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villarreal.
That haul would have been enough to qualify from six of the eight groups and Dutchman de Jong believes that’s proof enough that City are ready to challenge for the Champions League trophy next season.
“We are not far off from challenging in the Champions League,” said de Jong.
“We won’t be affected by the setback. We made a few mistakes. It’s all about experience and being consistent at this level. As a group we didn’t play in the Champions League until now, so this is a good experience.
“You have to make mistakes – and we did that this season – and learn from them.
“It’s a shame we lost our place but we still have four cups to play in. We have announced ourselves on this stage.”
Neighbours United also failed to make it out of their Champions League group and will join City in the Europa League draw next week.
With City and United separated by five points at the top of the Premier League and paired together in the FA Cup third round, the Blues could potentially stop United winning anything for the first time in six years this season.
But de Jong refused to delight in the struggles of City’s Red rivals, choosing instead to focus on winning trophies, not stopping others.
“It’s a shame for Manchester because the biggest teams in the Premier League are not going to be in the Champions League but, on the other side, we have a lot to play for.
“We could be challenging United for the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League but we have to see what the draw is.
“You can see there’s a reverse league now. The Europa League is a little bit like the Champions League with all the big teams in there, United, Porto, Olympiakos and Ajax. We are not despairing about the season because it’s still early.
“Winning the Premier League would make up for going out of the Champions League. That was our main target this season.
“We didn’t go through but we can’t let that distract us from our main target and that’s winning the Premier League.”
After Wednesday’s European disappointment, City will re-start their title challenge with a trip to Chelsea on Monday. And while de Jong concedes there’s still a long way to go before City can be crowed champions, he insists victory at Stamford Bridge would represent an important step.
“You always have to prove yourself against the strongest and what is better than a Chelsea in form?” said the Dutchman.
“You have to beat them to become Premier League winners. They are still title contenders and still up there. We are still in December and the next few months are going to be very hard. Then you can see who are fighting for the prizes.”


This win means a lot: Pep
Pep Guardiola told Jose Mourinho to stop blaming refereeing decisions for Manchester United's Derby misery against Manchester City.
City won at Old Trafford for the second successive season on Sunday as goals from David Silva and Nicolas Otamendi clinched a 2-1 victory that moved the leaders 11 points clear of second-placed United. Marcus Rashford had made it 1-1 for the hosts.
United boss Mourinho claimed City were "lucky" because referee Michael Oliver failed to award a penalty for Otamendi's challenge on Ander Herrera in the second half. Herrera was booked for diving and City manager Guardiola made it clear he was tired of his old rival's excuses.
"Last season it was the same, we won here and it was the referee. Today as well. Yesterday he spoke about the referee," Guardiola said.
"We are an honest team. We had 75 percent ball possession, which means we wanted to play. We came here and did that." City's substantial lead at the top makes them firm favourites for the title.
But Guardiola isn't getting carried away and warned his players to forget dreaming of silverware because surviving the hectic Christmas period won't be easy.
"This win means a lot in the way we played for our confidence but in three days we go to Swansea in the winter time," he said.
"We are going to face a lot of difficulties. In December it's impossible to be champions but it's good for us."
Mourinho admitted the title race is all but over. Asked if the race was over, Mourinho said: "Probably, yes."
"I'm pretty sure everyone is going to fight for points and try and reduce the distance, but the advantage is a very good one. Manchester City are a very good team and they are protected by the luck, and the gods of football are behind them. They are lucky, they have decisions in their favour."
Gabriel Jesus had an early opening but shot tamely straight at United keeper David De Gea, as did Raheem Sterling when he wriggled some space.
City's dominance was rewarded in the 43rd minute although the breakthrough was not a product of clever passing but sloppy defending from United at a set-piece.
Romelu Lukaku failed to clear Kevin De Bruyne's inswinging corner and the ball fell to Silva, who was played onside by Ashley Young. The Spaniard gratefully hooked the ball home.
Poor defending at the other end allowed United to get level before the break.
Marcos Rojo hit a hopeful diagonal cross into the City box but Otamendi misjudged a header, Fabian Delph hesitated and Rashford pounced on the loose ball and drove low past Ederson.

David Silva’s slow-motion grace proves far too much for Manchester United
In midfield or as an oddball centre-forward, Manchester City’s key man was brilliant in a win that could be decisive for his team’s title aspirations
With half an hour to go in this taut, thrilling, at times spiky Manchester derby, David Silva could be seen chugging around at the point of the Manchester City attack, not so much pressing the red-shirted defenders as rumbling between them with a stately kind of grandeur, like a royal frigate in shallow waters.
With Gabriel Jesus off and City leading 2-1 it was Silva, the most false of false No9s, who found himself shunted into that forward role. He has cut a more rotund, slightly more ponderous figure in the last year and a half, but remains a beautifully pure footballer. Here Silva was not only the slowest, least athletic, least physically imposing footballer on either team – he was also the best player on the pitch, so unhurried, so aware of the shifting planes and currents around him that at times he resembled a colts coach mixing in with the under-12s in training, able to peer above the heads, direct the play, call the next pass two steps ahead.
In a match that saw Manchester United’s own £90m centre forward Romelu Lukaku struggle – all ham-footed lay-offs and an inadvertent assist for both of City’s goals – Silva was a striking point of contrast. An oddball centre-forward perhaps, but also the compete oddball centre-forward. At one point in that second half Silva surged down the left channel, held the ball for Leroy Sané’s run and played a beautiful nudged reverse pass, a pass so gentle it seemed to belong in an altogether different game, to be startled to find itself out here surrounded by all this fury. Moments later Silva even took it on himself to make a curving, decoy run, Ian Rush-style, freeing space for Kevin De Bruyne behind him to surge forward and shoot at goal.
If this victory does end up a decisive step towards the league title it was entirely fitting Silva should decorate its best moments. More than any other player, and even as an inherited part, Silva embodies Pep Guardiola’s obsession with pass and move, with making a fetish of the ball, of trying to win every moment in the match.
And yet Silva would perhaps struggle to find a role in the opposition here, a Manchester United team packed with speed and athleticism, but sent out at the start to defend deep and then break with speed.
And what a start it was from United, who spent the opening half hour defiantly silencing their own crowd. This wasn’t just attack versus defence during those wasted opening 43 minutes, it was deep, maniacal, utterly paranoid defence. For long periods Old Trafford seemed to be staging a pub game on a windy day, the ball skirling inexorably towards the United goal, every clearance boomeranging back in the sleet.
Even United’s method of moving the ball forward from the back was extraordinary, something from the Wimbledon playbook under Egil Olsen, “clearing out” the midfield and sending swirling long passes towards the front three, 42 of them in the opening hour. The contrast was, of course, striking. With 20 minutes gone, Vincent Kompany varied the angle for City, skimming a long pass that flew straight through to David De Gea, while in his rectangle Guardiola went berserk, puffing out the wings of his shiny black bomber jacket as he signalled for more patience, more care, more of the same old Pep style.
United were, of course, faced with a ticklish balance of attacking intentions, teased by some obvious weaknesses in City’s defence, tortured by the prospect of being torn apart by the rapiers at the other end should they overcommit to seeking out those tender spots. But this was something else, as demonstrated by the fact United scored from their first concerted attack in first-half injury time, Marcus Rashford finishing expertly after Fabian Delph had failed to cut out a diagonal pass.
By that stage United were already chasing the game. Later Nicolás Otamendi’s neat finish would take it away again. Fittingly, it was Silva who had scored the opener, albeit in the most unexpected way, scissoring home a loose ball after a corner. Up to that point Silva had been majestic in his more accustomed role, keeping the ball, directing City’s attacks, introducing urgency where required, and skipping away from Ander Herrera, with a decisive slow-motion grace. Some players have an extra yard in their head. Silva appears to have an entire practice pitch up there, with the whole game playing on fast-forward on a series of big screens.
At one point, as his legs began to slow towards the end, he could be seen calling out to Raheem Sterling and pointing, telling him where to run to take De Bruyne’s pass, trundling around the pitch like an auxiliary brain in a jar, making every part of the play he touched just that bit better; the most fitting of key parts on a day that saw City take a giant leap forward.
Since you’re here …

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QUIXOTIC
kwɪkˈsɒtɪk
adjective
synonyms: idealistic, unbusinesslike, romantic, extravagant, starry-eyed, visionary, utopian, perfectionist, unrealistic, unworldly
extremely idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.
"Carl dropped the caps lock and went from cunt to quixotic."


Noel Gallagher trolls Manchester United legend Gary Neville after Manchester City claim derby bragging rights
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Manchester City super-fan Noel Gallagher enjoyed a laugh at Gary Neville’s expense today as his club beat Manchester United in the Manchester Derby.
The 50-year-old former Oasis star is a known celebrity supporter of City, and was on punditry duty with Sky Sports today for the big game at Old Trafford.
Goals from David Silva and Nicolas Otamendi gave the visitors the three points, and Gallagher had the added bonus of witnessing United legend Neville suffering throughout.
Neville, who spent his entire career at United, will have been gutted to see his old side lose such an important game and fall eleven points off the pace in the race for the title.
That just added to Gallagher’s experience, however, as he mocked his fellow pundit for his ‘breakdown’ in City’s victory.
‘I think my fans would rather go to bed and wake up and have a draw and move on but it’s great to be here sat beside a football legend (points to Graeme Souness) – and Gary Neville,’ Gallagher is quoted in the Daily Mirror.
‘But it’s been fascinating watching this fella here having a mental breakdown up until the goal.
‘If I knew when I’m watching from home that this is what he’s like when he’s watching United, it’s going to make it all the more enjoyable for me this season I think.’
Many will feel the title is surely City’s to lose now, with Pep Guardiola’s men on an extraordinary run of form, winning 14 in a row in the league – a new record over a single season.
Gallagher has certainly been impressed, and added that he feels it is the way City are now grinding out wins that puts them in such a strong position to go on and win the league.
‘When we first started the season when we were hammering teams it was great to watch and all that,’ he said.
‘But I think the last three or four games we’ve seen something different where they are kind of digging it out in the last minute. We’ve never seen that City before.’

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OTHER BOLLOX
Manchester United defender Luke Shaw wants a £5m pay-off to leave the club in January. Newcastle were interested in the 22-year-old but did not want to pay the £20m fee United were asking for. (Sun)

United have also held talks with midfielder Marouane Fellaini in an attempt to get the 30-year-old to sign a new contract. Felliani's current deal expires in the summer. (Sun)

Gareth Bale has agreed terms with Real Madrid to leave the club next summer, with Manchester United and Tottenham keen to sign the 28-year-old attacker. (Diario Gol)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that striker Olivier Giroud, 31, will stay at the club and start in more games. Giroud had been looking for a loan move away from the club. (Mirror)

West Ham manager David Moyes has told Joe Hart that the club's Premier League survival is more important than the 30-year-old goalkeeper's international ambitions. (Mirror)

Burnley have enquired about the availability of QPR defender and club captain Nedum Onuoha. The 31-year-old is out of contract in the summer. (Daily Mail)

Juventus are considering a bid for Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin, 22. (Sun via Tuttosport)

Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan wants to sit down with manager Jose Mourinho and discus his future with the club. The 28-year-old hasn't started a game for the club since early November. (Daily Star)

Arsenal are the favourites to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero, 30. (Daily Star)

Serie A club Torino want to sign Stoke midfielder Giannelli Imbula. The 25-year-old is currently on loan at Toulouse. (Stoke Sentinel)

Swansea midfielder Ki Sung-yueng has put contract talks with the club on hold to focus on improving the club's form. The 28-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season. (Sky Sports)

Aston Villa want to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on a permanent deal. The 24-year-old is on a season-long loan at the Championship club. (Express)

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has said ­Christian Benteke's penalty miss during Saturday's 2-2 draw could cost the side if they end up in a relegation battle. (Telegraph)

Championship club Sheffield Wednesday are considering sacking manager Carlos Carvalhal after they failed to win their past five matches. (Express)

West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic has said that manager David Moyes' no nonsense approach has helped the club turn a corner. (Sky Sports)

Neymar is likely to miss Paris Saint-Germain's match against Strasbourg on Wednesday. He has received permission from the club to fly to Brazil for a family emergency. (ESPN)

Meanwhile, Neymar's team-mates visited Disneyland Paris after their 3-1 victory over Lille at the weekend. (Daily Mail)

Ex-Liverpool manager Graeme Souness believes it was a "bonus" for Manchester United that they were without Paul Pogba for the Manchester derby. (Times)

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez's performances are heavily influenced by his emotional state, his international coach Oscar Tabarez has said. (Marca)

CHUCKLE'S BOLLOX
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Man City were on 'different level' to Man Utd, says Gary Neville
Gary Neville said Manchester City were on a different level to Manchester United and should have won Sunday's derby match by more goals.
David Silva and Nicolas Otamendi scored goals from set-pieces as Pep Guardiola's side won 2-1 at Old Trafford to move 11 points clear of their opponents at the top of the table and win their 14th straight Premier League match.
But even though the goals were straightforward, Neville said their performance was anything but.
"I thought in the first half United looked anxious when they were on the ball when they won it back. In the second half United didn't have the quality.
"It's tough to do what City have done today; to go to Chelsea and play like they did and come here and play like they have, showing authority and confidence.
"The goals were scruffy and Jose won't believe they've conceded two goals from set pieces, but not many teams have come here in the last 25 or 30 years and dominated like that.
"You are talking about Barcelona or Real Madrid. Not many teams come here and do that. I even saw some United fans at the end clapping off the City manager and players.
"Seventy thousand United fans have walked out of there today thinking the best team have won.
"You can't have too many complaints. It could have been three or four in the end."
But he insisted Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho could have done more to restrict their impact by man-marking City's influential duo.
Neville added: "After about five minutes I thought 'this is going to be a long day'.
"I've watched City numerous times this season and if you let Silva and De Bruyne get on the ball and control the rhythm of the game you're in trouble.
"I thought Mourinho would have man-marked them and got in their faces. Let them go to Fabian Delph, Otamendi, Kyle Walker or even Fernandinho but those two shouldn't be getting the number of passes in the game.
"To me, when they influence the game you are having a nightmare and they influenced the game far too much.
"Have Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera got the legs to do it? I wondered whether Jesse Lingard would go and mark Silva and if Herrera would go and man-mark De Bruyne and stop those two.
"They are so exceptional those two, they are at a different level. Follow them and stop them."

GOLDEN BOLLOX 11-12-2013
Bayern Munich 2 Müller 5′ Götze 12′ .
Man City 3 Silva 28′ Kolarov 59′ (pen) Milner 62′ .

Manchester City staged a superb comeback to end Bayern Munich's record run of 10 consecutive Champions League wins but they still finished as Group D runners-up behind the German champions.
Bayern were dominant early on as Thomas Muller struck from Dante's pass before Mario Gotze scored following a corner.
David Silva pulled a goal back from close range after Jesus Navas's cross.
Aleksandar Kolarov equalised with a penalty after James Milner was tripped before Milner's fine finish won it.
It was an amazing turnaround from Manuel Pellegrini's side, who almost earned the 4-2 victory they needed to go through as group winners as Alvaro Negredo had a late effort saved by Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
But after Bayern scored twice in the opening 12 minutes, the fact City fought back to claim an unexpected victory will give them confidence as they progress to the last 16 for the first time.
Although Bayern and City both finished with 15 points, the German side's 3-1 win during the first group game in Manchester meant their better goal difference proved crucial.
City and Bayern had already qualified before this game but Bayern boss Pep Guardiola was clear that finishing second in the group - and thus facing a seeded team in the first knockout round - was "not an option".
But his team looked vulnerable as they suffered only their third defeat of 2013 with Silva and Milner excellent throughout.
Play mediaIt started with the Germans in imperious form as City looked nervous after an early a mix-up between Joleon Lescott and recalled goalkeeper Joe Hart.
And after five minutes the visitors were undone as Dante's diagonal pass caught Kolarov napping and Muller nipped in behind the City captain to finish past Hart.
Hart had to save Dante's header and turned Ribery's effort onto the post after another Lescott mistake before Bayern went 2-0 up from the resulting corner.
Mario Mandzukic had time to shoot towards goal and his effort found Gotze, who also had space to stroke the ball past Hart from close-range.
By this stage, the only question was how many goals Bayern would score. Hart had made four touches, and two of them were to pick the ball out of the net.
Matters appeared to worsen when Micah Richards was replaced at right-back by Pablo Zabaleta after pulling a hamstring but the introduction of the experienced Argentine seemed to galvanise the visitors.
Shortly after a decent passage of play, City grabbed a goal back. Silva, on his return to the team after a calf injury, tucked in after Milner had headed Navas's right-wing centre back across goal.
After a frantic first half, City continued to improve but in the space of three minutes either side of the hour mark, the game then flipped on its head.
Silva was the architect as he played in Milner, who was brought down by Dante in the penalty area. Kolarov sent Neuer the wrong way from 12 yards.
Spanish midfielder Silva then set Navas free down the right and Milner curled a beautiful shot in at the back post after Bayern's Jerome Boateng had missed the cross,
Substitute Negredo could have made it a perfect night when Neuer saved his shot before Pellegrini chose to bring on Jack Rodwell instead of Sergio Aguero as they chased a fourth goal.
Whatever the group placings, this was an incredible way for City to flex their muscles before hosting Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday.

How could City have finished top?
•When teams finish level on points in the Champions League, group positions are decided by head-to-head records - NOT goal difference
•Bayern won 3-1 in Manchester in October
•If Manchester City had won 4-2 in Munich, the sides would have taken three points off each other, and would have had a level goal difference in those games of +2
•City would then have won the group above Bayern as both sides would have scored five goals in the two games, but City would have scored more goals away from home (four to three)

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Manchester United losing out to derby rivals for Argentine starlet
Manchester City are in a tussle with local rivals Manchester United and Italian giants Inter Milan over the signing of Argentine starlet Bruno Zuculini - and look set to prevail.
According to The Sun, the 20-year-old midfielder is poised to opt for the Etihad Stadium over Old Trafford and the San Siro as he looks set to land a lucrative transfer in January or the summer.
Manchester United manager David Moyes' scouts haven't been the only ones to be impressed with Zuculini, but it looks as though their powers of persuasion have been outdone by the negotiators at Manchester City.
The report claims Citizens boss Manuel Pellegrini will be getting a very highly-rated youngster for as little as £1.5million - said to be something of a steal - because of the financial troubles at his club in Argentina, Racing Club.
A defensive midfielder is considered by many to be a vital target for Manchester United, though Zuculini may be a touch inexperienced for the Premier League title holders' current pressing needs.
However, he is being tipped for big things in his homeland since making his debut for Racing at only 17 - he is yet to make a senior appearance for the Argentina national team, though it is not expected to be long before he does.

Manuel Pellegrini defends Sergio Aguero snub
Manuel Pellegrini has implied that he did not realise that an extra goal against Bayern Munich on Tuesday would have sent Manchester City through as Group D winners in the Champions League.
City came from two goals down to win 3-2 at the home of the European champions, but scoring a fourth goal would have sent the Premier League outfit top of the group.
However, Pellegrini opted to keep top scorer Sergio Aguero on the bench and insinuated that he thought City needed two more goals rather than the one to head the table.
"I was tempted if we scored the fourth goal," Pellegrini told Sky Sports News. "Of course, that's why I sent Aguero to warm up.
"But also I think it was a risk to continue with Silva. He couldn't play more than 70 minutes.
"It is very important to be first in the group but not the most important thing. It was difficult to score two goals and I think that Silva couldn't play more than 70 minutes."
City now turn their attention back to the Premier League as they face leaders Arsenal this weekend.

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Micah Richards pledges £20k charity donation after support from Manchester City fans
Manchester City defender Micah Richards has told fans he’ll donate £20,000 to charity after being humbled by the reaction to his latest injury setback.
Richards made a rare start in City’s Champions League win in Bayern Munich on Tuesday but lasted only 16 minutes before succumbing to what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
The 25-year-old looked distraught as he left the pitch in the Allianz Arena and, after writing ‘am sorry City fans!’ on Twitter, Richards received a string of supportive messages.
Clearly touched by the response, the former England international has returned to Twitter, offering to donate ’20k of my own money to anyone who convinces me their charity needs it most’.
What a nice lad.

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Monaco line up £17m January bid for Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany
MONACO are set to test Manchester City's resolve to hold onto Belgian defender Vincent Kompany in January by making a £17m offer for the player's services.
The French side are looking for defensive reinforcements and have identified Vincent Kompany as the perfect candidate to front their push to become a European superpower.
According to reports in France, Monaco have already contacted Kompany's agent to hold preliminary talks over a move.
But City are highly unlikely to be willing to part with their captain in the upcoming transfer window.
The 27-year-old has struggled to make an impact for City this season after battling a series of injuries that left him unavailable to Manuel Pellegrini.
But the Citizens have encountered difficulties in his absence, particularly away from the Etihad Stadium and see Kompany as an integral part of their assault on both the Premier League and Champions League this season.
As such, it would almost certainly require a bid in excess of £17m to get City to part with their prize asset, particularly given the financial clout at the Manchester club's disposal.
But Monaco also have almost infinite financial resources at their disposal and could well come back with a substantially improved offer in the hope of getting their man.
Last summer Russian businessman Dmitry Rybolovlev shelled out to bring the likes of Radamel Falcao, Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez to the Principality for Monaco's return to Ligue 1 and it is not beyond the realms of possibility that he continues his spree as he prepares to take part in next season's Champions League.

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Manchester City move toward Barcelona star, but would he get in team?
Barcelona have repeatedly been linked with a move for a new central defender, it's considered a weak part of their team. Carles Puyol has struggled with injury but when fully match fit he'd like to think he'd walk into the first team, but Gerard Pique has seen his form drop off. There has often been rumour surrounding Pique about his private life impacting what happens on the pitch and there's been all kinds of gossip about that again recently. Acording to many reports Pep Guardiola hired a private detective agency to follow Pique during earlier years at Barcelona and he played his best football under the now Bayern Munich manager.
If Barcelona succeed with their wish and get a new central defender then it could be Pique who is more under threat. The defender isn't often linked with transfers but if he was battling to get into the team then that could change. Twenty two year old Marc Bartra is more in the Pique mould than the Puyol one and he could be seen as a long term replacement, and happier to sit on the bench.
Catalonia's RMC radio, often first with Barcelona news, reported on Tuesday that Manuel Pellegrini was looking at Pique for Manchester City but it's not certain he'd get in the side there. Vincent Kompany has struggled with injury, like Puyol, but it's surely he and Matija Nastasic who would be Pellegrini's first choices. Pique qould be an expensive and not entirely needed adition. A less costly centre back on the way up in his career would be a better alternative.
Pique's contract runs until June 2015 and this could be a way to generate interest and encourage Barcelona to arrange a renewal quickly.

Man City plot to poach Suarez from Liverpool
AS ARSENAL prepare for their Champions League Italian job in Napoli tonight, the Evening Standard reports that Julian Draxler has dropped his strongest hint yet that he's coming to England next month. But will it be Arsenal or Chelsea?
The 19-year-old has been showering praise of late on the Premier League leaders, describing "Arsenal as a very, very nice team" and admitting that he had talked to fellow German internationals Mesut Ozil and Per Mertesacker about life at the Emirates. But the Standard says Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is now lining up an offer for the teenaged playmaker in the January transfer window, and the Special One will be cheered by comments made by Draxler to German magazine Kicker.
"I have now resigned myself to the fact that I am not welcome in the number 10 position here at Schalke," he said. Draxler allegedly believes he's not being given a fair crack of the whip by manager Jens Keller and it appears the situation will lead the midfielder to part company with Schalke next month.
The Standard says the German outfit will expect £40m in return for Draxler but gives no clue to which of the London rivals he'll plump for.
"Astonishing" is the word used by caughtoffside.com in describing Manchester City's plan to prise Luis Suarez from Anfield. Apparently the Sky Blues - who last night sensationally beat Bayern 3-2 in Munuch - will offer Liverpool £40m plus Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko in exchange for the Uruguayan hitman.
Dzeko, who arrived at the Etihad two years ago, is valued at £20m so on paper it looks a good deal for the Reds, but with Suarez in the form of his life this season, caughtoffside says the offer will "receive short shrift from Liverpool".

Manchester City star plays down possible January move to Inter
Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko has distanced himself from a possible January move to Italian giants Inter.
The 27-year-old striker would like to stay in Manchester until June in order to make a calm decision regarding the next phase of his future.
According to Sky Italia, English club Tottenham is pressing to purchase the Bosnian international as they are entirely satisfied with newly acquired striker Roberto Soldado’s performances so far this season.
Dzeko remained a substitute for most of former manager Roberto Mancini’s tenure and continues to do so under currently under Manuel Pellegrini, fuelling reports that he is set to leave the Citizens at the end of the campaign.
Dzeko has netted seven times in 17 appearances for City this season.
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Re: Monday's B*ll*x

Postby Mase » Mon Dec 11, 2017 7:22 am

Cheers Chinners
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Re: Monday's B*ll*x

Postby Wooders » Mon Dec 11, 2017 7:52 am

So they came to our dressing room and the only person who was physically injured was one of our guys but we’re being portrayed as the bad guys?
Citys new Motto "To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you and hear the lamentation of their women"
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Re: Monday's B*ll*x

Postby mr_nool » Mon Dec 11, 2017 8:11 am

José is lactose intolerant. He could have died.
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Re: Monday's B*ll*x

Postby nottsblue » Mon Dec 11, 2017 8:18 am

Age old tactic by Jose to deflect from how poor they were on the pitch
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Re: Monday's B*ll*x

Postby john@staustell » Mon Dec 11, 2017 8:32 am

What a classless clown the man is. From Special One to Joke in just a few short years.
“I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly.”
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Re: Monday's B*ll*x

Postby carl_feedthegoat » Mon Dec 11, 2017 9:35 am

Just shows what kind of spirit we have in our squad .
THEY SAY SWEARING IS DUE TO A LIMITED VOCABULARY. I KNOW THOUSANDS OF WORDS, BUT I STILL PREFER "FUCK OFF" TO "GO AWAY"
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Re: Monday's B*ll*x

Postby Peter Doherty (AGAIG) » Mon Dec 11, 2017 11:34 am

mr_nool wrote:José is lactose intolerant. He could have died.

Chortle.
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Re: Monday's B*ll*x

Postby Mikhail Chigorin » Mon Dec 11, 2017 9:49 pm

So Gareth Bale has arranged terms with Real Madrid to leave that Club in the Summer and the Scum are keen to sign him.

Mmmm, I wonder if Mourinho is wanting him to replace Luke Shaw at left back ??
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