Marouane Fellaini has been a much maligned figure at Old Trafford, but Roy has spoken out in his support recently.
In other Manchester United related news, Jose Mourinho is keen to make another defensive addition to the team, Man City captain Vincent Kompany says that Mourinho’s rivalry with Pep Guardiola will not overshadow the Manchester derby and Carlo Ancelotti has some words of praise for incoming striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Roy Keane thinks Fellaini criticism is unfair
Marouane Fellaini hasn’t been a consistent performer for Manchester United since arriving from Everton in 2013. The fans who were already frustrated at United’s poor performances this past season have been very vocal with their criticism for Marouane Fellaini on social media and fan forums.
However a fan favourite and legend in Irishman Roy Keane recently spoke in favour of Fellaini, saying that he was being made into a scapegoat for the club’s failures as a whole.
“I like Fellaini,” said Keane, according to the Telegraph.
“I thought the criticism he had when he went to United was a bit over the top.
“I think it was just because he came in at the last minute when David Moyes was there and fans were maybe quick to jump on his back. I saw him a few times live, when United weren’t great, and thought he done okay. But he seemed to be the scapegoat for the fans.”
The Belgian himself had also earlier attributed the harsh criticism against him to his association with former manager David Moyes.
Vincent Kompany says Manchester derby is bigger than Mourinho v/s Guardiola
As Pep Guardiola prepares to takes over the reins at Manchester City next season, his rivalry with Jose Mourhino is already attracting public attention. Being proponents of contrasting philosophies, the two managers do not share a healthy professional relationship, far from it, perhaps.
While the upcoming battle between two of modern football’s most successful managers would be intriguing, it is sure to flare up the derby between the two Manchester clubs. However, Man City captain Vincent Kompany maintains that the derby is more than just a battleground between two managers.
“For me it’s always United vs. City, first and foremost,” said the Belgian defender, according to Manchester Evening News.
“That is bigger than any names in the game, to me.
“It’s never bad to throw a little bit of hot sauce on the barbecue when you’ve already got it on full flames but it’s already one of the biggest fixtures in world football.
Kompany knows a thing or two about Manchester derbies, having been a Man City player since August 2008. This was even before City became the financially strong club it is today.
Manchester United interested in Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci
The coveted Italy and Juventus defensive trio of Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Andre Barzagli could break up soon if Jose Mourinho has his way. The Manchester United manager has already roped in Ivorian center-back Eric Bailly from Villarreal and has now set his sights on 29 year old Bonucci as his next defensive target, according to Italian publication La Stampa.
Bonucci has been a mainstay in the Juventus side that has now won five Serie A titles in a row. The Italian has also showed his prowess for the national side recently, as the Juventus defence kept out Euro 2016 favourites Belgium and spurred the Azurri to a 2-0 victory.
However, the center-back is very highly rated by Juventus and it would take a massive offer for them to consider selling the player. The report goes on to state that Manchester United are also willing to let go of Netherlands midfielder Daley Blind to fund the deal. Blind had been used at center-back by manager Louis van Gaal this past season, but could be leaving Old Trafford after the arrival of Jose Mourinho who insists on a more physical kind of player at center-back.
Ancelotti says Zlatan is not an ordinary 34-year-old
Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti has been managing at the top level for more than two decades, before which he spent two decades terrorizing defences in the Serie A as an attacking midfielder. Needless to say, the Italian knows a thing or two about longevity, and he has had his say on 34 year old Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“I know that he is 34 years old but anyone who has ever worked closely with footballers – and knows a thing or two about their fitness and their stamina – can see that Ibra is not your typical 34-year-old. When he says that he is getting better, he means it. He’s certainly better than any 34-year-old footballer I know,” wrote Ancelotti, in his column for the Telegraph.
Zlatan recently saw out his contract at Paris Saint-Germain and is currently a free agent. However reports suggest that it is almost certain that the striker will join Manchester United after Euro 2016. He is coming off a prolific season with PSG, where he scored more than 50 goals in all competitions.
