Sanchez To Call It Quits On United?

The Chilean has endured some challenging times at Old Trafford and is ready to make a move in January 

Since joining Manchester United back in January the career of former Arsenal and Barcelona star Alexis Sanchez has taken a left turn.

The Chilean has scored just four times for the Red Devils since January and according to the Mirror Manchester United are looking to cash in on their investment as Sanchez hasn't been a good return on his high wages at Old Trafford.

Sanchez reportedly earns an estimated £ 500 000 per week at United and at the moment he's also looking forward to putting an end to his torrid time in Manchester.

According to reports, Sanchez's representatives has identified French champions as Paris Saint-Germain as the right destination for him and looks make the move to Paris as soon as January.

However, one obstacle that Sanchez will have to navigate through are his high wages, and considering his current form its justified for Le Perisiens to have reservations about paying him such a handsome sum.

And also taking into account that PSG have invested heavily in the last two seasons, with the signings of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, Sanchez would have no other choice but to take a pay cut.

Paul Ince: Why Mourinho Should Be Sacked

Man United manager Jose Mourinho has had a rough start to season

Since the season began a storm was quietly brewing for Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho as he cut a rather unhappy figure during the Red Devils' preseason tour in the United States.

Ever since then it seems Mourinho has been playing on defence as United have made a poor start to the season and are currently nine points off the top spot.

Most recently United have had to make comebacks in back to back matches first pulling off a victory in a 3-2 win at Newcastle and drew with Chelsea in one of their best performances in a 2-2 draw.

That ended though as they suffered a 1-0 loss against Italian champions Juventus on Tuesday.

This has brought about concerns that Manchester United are not where they should be considering that Mourinho is into his third season, and also because of the large sums invested into the squad there are still yet more questions than answers about Mourinho's team.

This was a point raised by former Manchester United star Paul Ince. Speaking to Paddy Power news the United legend said that the time for excuses was now over and done with for Mourinho.

"We're three seasons into Mourinho's reign now.There are no more excuses", Ince said.

“He's spent a lot of money, if I was managing a team and they’d given me three years, and it was clear we weren’t up to standard, I’d expect to lose my job."

Despite spending more than any other United manager money proved to be the heart of the Portuguese's discontent during preseason as even though United made one major signing with midfielder Fred Mourinho didn't feel it was enough.

"It looks to me like Jose Mourinho is stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea. Realistically, he wants to play defensively and nick a one nil win, but he knows that the fans and players at United won’t accept that. And they’re right not to.

“They’re not even showing signs of improvement. In fact, they’re going backwards. He bought Fred who can’t get a game, and the same goes for Alexis Sanchez. He’s disappeared! His career has gone backwards."

There's also a sense that United have been playing within themselves as they've started games on the defensive as we've seen in the past few games which is against how the team plays with regards with the personnel they have.

"Mourinho is too focused on what the opposition are doing. Focus on your own team, instead. Your players look completely scared, they have no confidence at all.

“The sad fact is United have no presence any more. Liverpool do, Man City clearly do, even Chelsea in such a short time are showing what they’re made of. Why after three years are Manchester United still trying to find a winning formula under Mourinho?”

The Players Ready To Steal The Show This El Clasico

In the first Clasico since 2007 without Messi or Ronaldo who will steal the show?

Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid will once more renew their rivalry with the first El Classico of this season under some unfamiliar circumstances. With Cristiano Ronaldo leaving for Juventus in the summer, and Barca star man Lionel Messi out due to injury Sunday's showdown will be the first one since 2007 which won't be  featuring either one of the two biggest players in world football.

What this means for Sunday is that someone else will have to step up and carry on where the two club legends left off and there isn't a shortage of names to call on to make the difference.

MARCELO

Despite playing at the back Brazilian left full back Marcelo has been a game changer for Madrid more often than not not only because of what he does on defence but also what he provides for the team going forward.

Marcelo has scored in Madrid's two most recent matches, including what turned out to be the winner in Tuesday's match against Viktoria Plzen, and Sunday could be another chance for him to further underline his importance for Los Blancos.

Although he is reportedly a doubt for Sunday with an injury he picked up during their win on Tuesday, word is he is set for a late fitness test which means there's at least a chance he could feature on Sunday.

KARIM BENZEMA

After spending the majority of the last few years acting as the foil to Cristiano Ronaldo's goal scoring pursuits, its almost easy to forget that Karim Benzema is also a goal scorer in his own right.

The Frenchman is currently the top scorer for Madrid at the moment with six goals in all competitions so far this season and having scored the opener in their win in the Champions League will be looking forward to getting one over Madrid's eternal rivals 

What's also worth mentioning is that if he scores on Sunday he will break into the top ten of the highest goal scorers in El Clasico and in the process joining an illustrious list of stars including former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, club legend Raul and Barca star Lionel Messi.

GARETH BALE

With Ronaldo stepping out of the spotlight of the Bernebeu many saw this as Gareth Bale's time to shine as the new main man for Real, but being injury prone it had not worked that way so far.

However, when it comes to the big occasions Bale is always up for it and has always delivered when Madrid have needed him most. The Welshman scored 26 goals for Madrid, despite spending time on the side lines with injuries, last season and Sunday can be his time to shine especially in Messi's absence.

With Los Blancos being as they are, Bale serves as their best chance for victory considering that he has scored 92 times for Madrid as well as setting up another 53 in his time at the Bernebeu.

LUIS SUAREZ

Since making a move to Barcelona back in 2014 Luis Suarez, with the exception of Messi, has been the most important player for the Blaugrana for the last four years and his goal tally would testify to that fact.

The Uruguayan has scored 133 goals so far for the Catalans and doesn't look to be slowing down any time soon.

He's scored four times this season, but its also his ability to set up his teammates which makes him even more of a danger having already provided six assists for his teammates this season.

PHILLIPE COUTINHO

Another ex Liverpool man who will be looking to make his mark on the El Classico will be Brazilian Phillipe Coutinho.

The midfield magician has enjoyed his time at Barca having helped Barca to a league and cup double after a big money move in January. He's scored four times this season while also providing three assists.

The Brazilian has a number of excellent skills in his locker which include his passing, shooting from range and expertise with the dead ball you can be sure that Messi won't be missed too much.

ARTHUR

Having recently being signed in the summer Barca new boy Arthur has yet to score his first goal for the Catalans and couldn't have a better opportunity to open his account for his new team.

The slick Brazilian is one smooth operator in midfield with his quick footwork and ability to think on his feet his playing style is reminiscent of Barca legend Andres Iniesta.

He will no doubt will be trying to emulate the exploits of the Spaniard in the biggest match of his career so far.

City Finding Their Best Form, Can Spurs Stop Them?

Champions Man City have been turning on the style recently and will look for more of the same as they take on Spurs

After their runaway Premier League title win last season, reigning champions Manchester City may currently be neck and neck with title rivals Liverpool, however there are positive signs that things are starting to fall into place as the Cityzens have impressed following the international break.

City have scored eight goals in two games without reply and now make their way to London to face off against Spurs just at the right time. Kevin De Bruyne made his first appearance over the weekend and will be eager to show City supporters what they've been missing.

In his absence midfield magician David Silva has been pulling the strings as City have looked they're unstoppable best. The Spaniard has scored twice this season and has set up another two and he'll be looking for more of the same in London.

Another one of City's dangerous weapons has been French left back Benjamin Mendy who has been in sterling form providing more assists for City than anyone else this season.

The swashbuckling Mendy has posed a number of problems for opposition teams and nothing but the best will have to do for them to stop the marauding fullback.

For Spurs despite making a decent start to the season with three consecutive wins, which included their big 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, they haven't looked like their old selves this season.

On Wednesday Spurs found themselves in great difficulty as they were held to a 2-2 draw against Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven which leaves their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.

In the league though they sit just two points off the leaders and champions City and a win on Saturday would make a huge statement as it would pull them closer to the leading pack.

To do this they'll have to overcome their recent form as despite winning their last four straight league matches, Spurs haven't been convincing in those victories as they've won most of those games with just a single goal deficit.

What's also worth noting is how they performed in their last match against a top six side as they looked fatigued and off the pace in their home loss to Liverpool and a similar showing against the champions could see them in for a long night.

The Players Real Madrid Need To Sign Next Season

Spanish giants Real Madrid have found life hard without Ronaldo and have to shake things up next season

Defending champions Real Madrid finally put an end to their five match winless run with a win in last night's Champions League match against minows Viktoria Plzen. Despite that Madrid's laboured display against a team they should beat easily has not gone down well and with El Classico looming Los Blancos have plenty of cause to worry.

After making a good start to the new season, with three consecutive wins, Real have looked off the pace and what's becoming evident is the reality of life after Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portugal star played a big role in Madrid's success over the last few years winning a number of major honours for the club, including their treble of successive Champions League titles, and left the club as its all time goal scorer. 

With this in the summer the task for Los Blancos was obvious: finding a replacement for their talisman. However either through their reluctance to spend or because of the inflated player prices in the current transfer market, Madrid failed even to make a telling signing during the summer.

Neymar was reportedly a high priority target as well as Paris Saint-Germain teammate and teenage wonder Kylian Mbappe, but considering they both cost PSG a whopping combined € 400 million signing either one of them looked to be too much of a reach for Los Blancos.

With events currently unfolding as they are, next summer will be crucial for Real Madrid and they will need to make a statement by landing at least two big name signings to replace what they lost with Ronaldo's departure.

HARRY KANE

One thing that's become obvious for Madrid with Ronaldo's departure is the need for goals in their team and as far as goal scorers go very few are better than English forward and Tottenham man Harry Kane.

Aged 25 the Spurs forward has already tallied 113 goals in the Premier League in just 162 appearances and when looking for someone to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, Kane fits the bill and given enough time could reach the former Real star's level of goal scoring prowess.

However, given his age, his importance to Spurs and of course being English, Kane's signature will surely require huge sums of money.

MAURO ICARDI

Inter Milan captain Mauro Icardi has been one of the most prolific forwards in Serie A over the last few seasons.

Icardi has shown good scoring pedigree scoring a total of 119 goals so far in his career and has been at work on improving that record this season.

The Argentine has started the season off well with six goals in just nine appearances and would be a welcome addition to Madrid's efforts to get back on top.

EDINSON CAVANI

Uruguayan sharpshooter Edinson Cavani has made his name on his reputation of finding the back of the net with consistency having scored a total of 260 goals so far in his career.

Last season he scored a total of 40 goals for French champions PSG and Madrid should be aware of recent news that Cavani is open to leaving Le Persiens after reportedly refusing to sign a contract extension.

Even at 32 he could be exactly what Madrid need at this point in time.

EDEN HAZARD

For a team like Madrid who are currently lacking in inspiration someone like Hazard, and anyone of the aforementioned players, could be exactly what they need to take them back to the big time.

The Belgian has scored seven goals this season and considering that he brings more than just goals to the team, the Bernebeu looks to be the best place for him right now.

Even though Chelsea slapped a hands off transfer fee (£ 200 million) the odds are high that Hazard will be in white next season as he hasn't been shy about expressing his interest in moving to the Spanish capital.

What's also working in his favour is that at the end of this season he will be in the final year of his contract with Chelsea which will make it easier for Madrid and they won't have to pay the £ 200 million fee the Blues want unless he extends his current contract.

In form Inter go toe-to-toe with Messi-less Barca

Barcelona welcome Inter in battle for top spot in group B

Since lifting the most coveted trophy in European football Italian giants Inter Milan fell on hard times which culminated with a six year absence before the Nerazzuri returned to the Champions League with an astounding come from behind victory against Tottenham.

They followed that Champions League win with another over PSV Eindhoven and head into their trip to the Nou Camp on good footing as they're currently on a match winning run in all competitions.

With their latest win over arch rivals AC Milan Inter have won seven games on the spin and couldn't have picked a better time to take on former European champions Barcelona.

Spearheaded by the goal scoring prowess of captain and sharpshooter Mauro Icardi, Inter will be optimistic of coming back with some sort of result at one of the most inhospitable venues to visit.

After winning their first five games of the season in all competitions, and scoring 16 goals in the process, Barcelona have hit a bit of a rocky patch.

The Catalans have only managed to win two out of their last six matches and were dealt a heavy blow as talisman Lionel Messi is set to spend some time on the side lines and the Argentine will miss Wednesday's clash against Inter as well as the big showdown against eternal rivals Real Madrid.

The good news though is that it gives someone else in a Barca shirt a chance to step up and carry the torch lit by the Barcelona star man.

Phillipe Coutinho's name would be one of the names to be called to take on that starring role for the Blaugrana. Barca also have Luis Suarez and record signing Ousmane Dembele to turn to in Messi's absence.

An Iconic Clash: Man United v Juventus

All eyes will be on Paul Pogba to see what he can muster as United welcome Ronaldo back to Old Trafford

When envisioning the perfect night of European football fans would be hardpressed to find a match that ticks all the boxes for a magical Champions League encounter than this one.

On one hand you have the long time champions of English football, a dominant superpower in the game and one of the most recognizable names in world football; the pride of Manchester, the Red Devils, Manchester United under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho looking to scale to the heights which once made them synonymous with the word success.

On the other hand you have the Biaconneri, Juventus, an endlessly dominant force in Serie A who've put together one of the greatest sides in world football who look to translate their dominance over the football in Italy into claiming the most coveted trophy in club football.

As if that's not enough to pique your interest there's also the added subplot as either club's big name player set to square of against the club where they made their names not so long ago.

Cristiano Ronaldo now at Juventus will be making a return to his old stomping ground and will be looking to turn on the magic which made him the most distinguished Red Devils player in recent memory.

While Paul Pogba who hasn't had the best of times in Manchester will look to turn back the clock and show the home fans why his former employers had plucked him from United's fringes and made him a star.

Adding on to the magic of this fixture will be the serene setting of Old Trafford as Juve and United are set to engage in a dream contest made for the Theatre of Dreams.

After the events of this weekend fans got to witness a glimpse of what Manchester United are all about as Mourinho's men defied the odds and were stopped short of victory only by a late equaliser as Chelsea survived a spirited second half come back from United.

This will no doubt buoyed their confidence heading into this encounter and repeat performance is the aim for the Red Devils as they seek to topple the unbeaten Old Lady. 

Leading the charge for United will be Pogba who was a driving force for both their comebacks against Newcastle and at Chelsea, and what's become evident for United is that if he does well then the team does well too.

However, the world cup winning Frenchman will have his hands full as he'll be tasked with taking on compatriot Blaise Matuidi who plays a similar role.

For Juventus, everything has worked out pretty much as planned as the Old Lady have been dominant so far this season and having dropped points for the first time this season, a win at Old Trafford could be exactly what the doctor ordered after their hiccup against Genoa.

All eyes will also be on Ronaldo as the Portugal star has now found his scoring boots for Juve and will be out to put a damper on his reunion with his old club.