“Hopefully he can finish off what he started” Ole Solskjaer provides update on Ighalo’s future at the club.

Manchester United coach, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has given an update on Odion Ighalo loan deal. Albeit, the Red Devils are yet to make an offer to Shanghai Shenhua for the Nigerian footballer, but manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hopeful the club can extend his loan spell so he can “finish off what he started”.

Ighalo, 30, who joined United in January, scored 4 goals, gave 1 assist in 8 games will return to China on 31 May unless an agreement can be reached to keep him until the end of the season. His current loan spell is due to expire on Sunday, and United remain in talks to extend his stay at Old Trafford.Image

He has been offered a £400,000 per week contract extension until 2024 by the Chinese club and has reportedly made a personal plea to the Chinese side to extend his loan as he is desperate to finish the season with Manchester United.

Also Read: Odion Ighalo desires to finish the season with Manchester United.

Solskjaer told MUTV, “The loan deal went until the end of May now, so obviously he’s supposed to be going back,” We’re in dialogue. They’ve been great towards us, his club, and allowed him to play for his dream club. It’s been a dream for him and hopefully, he can finish off what he started, hopefully with a trophy for us. At the moment, nothing has been agreed. Their league is going to get started soon so we’re just waiting to see.”

 

Premier League clubs vote to resume full-squad contact training.

Premier League Shareholders today voted unanimously to resume full-squad contact training, marking another step towards restarting the Premier League season when safe to do so. Matches have been put on hold since April 3 due to the coronavirus pandemic. This development is coming a week after they voted unanimously to return to small group training.

A statement from Premier League read thus, “Squads are now able to train as a group and engage in tackling while minimizing any unnecessary close contact. The Premier League’s priority is the health and wellbeing of all participants. Strict medical protocols are in place to ensure the training ground is the safest environment possible and players and staff will continue to be tested for COVID-19 twice a week. 

Also Read: Premier League clubs agree to resume training this week.

The statement continued, “Stage Two of the Return to Training protocol has been agreed following consultation with clubs, players, managers, the PFA, LMA and the Government. Discussions are ongoing as work continues towards resuming the season, when conditions allow.”

Marcus Rashford gets special recognition award.

Manchester United striker, Marcus Rashford has received a special recognition award in honour of the charity work he did amid the coronavirus pandemic.  He received the award from the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester for outstanding activity and contribution to the community. He is helping to feed 2.8 million children a week who would be struggling to eat during the pandemic.

The English footballer took to his Twitter account to react to the honour.

‘Wouldn’t normally share these types of things but this certificate is not just for me, it belongs to you all. Each and every one of you that has contributed the few £s you can, you’ve all made a huge difference 2.8million children a week are receiving meals they otherwise wouldn’t have during this lockdown because of YOUR help. I couldn’t have done any of this without the help of you all and Fareshare.”

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He continued, “To be recognized by my city is a great feeling. From being young I knew that if I ever got in a position that I could help I would and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved so far. Thank you all, you’re all superstars And we won’t stop until children and their parents no longer have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. I appreciate you all, thank you to the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester.”

Sad! Zlatan Ibrahimovic suffers potential career-ending injury.

AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Swedish football legend, reportedly sustained a calf injury during training this morning and this may put an end to his football career. The 38-year-old who signed a short-term deal with AC Milan on a free transfer midway through the season has netted four goals and one assist in 10 games in all competitions for the Seria A side this term.

Also Read: “Been scratching my head to work out how I got it.” Adrian Mariappa on positive coronavirus test.

AC Milan fears his 2019/2020 season could be over and he is out of contract in June 2020. SportMediaset journalist Pietro Balzano Prota wrote on Twitter: Bad injury for Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Medical tests are expected but it could be a long stop.”  Tests will take place tomorrow to understand the extent of his injury.

Get well soon Ibra.

 

N’Golo Kanté is prepared to miss the rest of the season.

Staying alive is more important than football!

Chelsea FC star, N’Golo Kanté is prepared to miss the rest of the season once the Premier League resumes, due to underlying health issues and the coronavirus pandemic. The French footballer was part of the first day of small-group training at Cobham on Tuesday, but was granted indefinite leave starting on Wednesday.

Also Read: Hull City confirm two positive coronavirus tests.

There are reports that the French footballer has a family history of heart problems. His brother died of a heart attack two years ago, just before the 2018 World Cup, and Kanté himself suffered a heart condition scare months ago when he fainted during training.

The midfielder has been given permission to train at home and he has the full support of manager, Frank Lampard and the club’s board.  Chelsea and the league have also reassured the 29 year-old that all possible precautions are being taken. With this development, the Blues may be without Kante for their last nine remaining Premier League games, if the season resumes.

Hull City confirm two positive coronavirus tests.

HULL CITY CAN CONFIRM THAT TWO PEOPLE HAVE TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 FOLLOWING THE FIRST ROUND OF TESTING AT THE TRAINING GROUND.
Following the first round of testing at the training ground, Hull City has confirmed that two people have tested positive for Covid-19. The names of these individuals will not be disclosed, as the clubs have asked  for this to be respected.
“The duo, who are both asymptomatic and feeling no ill effects, will now self-isolate for seven days – in line with the protocols set out in EFL guidelines – before being tested again at a later date. The Club will continue to liaise closely with the affected personnel and will make no further comment.” The club said in a statement.

La Liga returns on 8th of June.

The Spanish government has given the green light for the return of professional sport – including La Liga Santander and La Liga SmartBank – as of June 8th, following guidelines from the Ministry of Health.

“Spain has done what it should and now new horizons are opening for everyone. The time has come to bring back many day-to-day activities,” said Sanchez.

“From 8 June, La Liga will be back. Spanish football has a huge following but it will not be the only recreational activity that will return.”

“We are very pleased with the decision, It is the result of the great work of clubs, players, coaches, CSD (National Sports Council) and agents.

“But we cannot lower our guard, it is important to follow health regulations and ensure the pandemic doesn’t come back.” The league’s president, Javier Tebas said he had

 

“Been scratching my head to work out how I got it.” Adrian Mariappa on positive coronavirus test.

Watford FC Defender, Adrian Mariappa has revealed his shock at being told he was the Watford player who had tested positive for coronavirus.  Mariappa’s was one of six positive results to come back from  Premier League testing this week, two other members of Watford staff and Burnley assistant manager, Ian Woan also tested positive.

The 33-year-old, who lives with his partner and three of his four children, was informed of his positive test on Tuesday and now has to isolate for a week. Speaking on his shock about the result, the defender said, “Ever since I got my positive result back on Tuesday, I’ve been scratching my head to try to work out how I might have got coronavirus. It was a big surprise because I haven’t really left the house, apart from some exercise and the odd walk with the kids. I’ve mainly just been homeschooling and keeping fit. My lifestyle is very quiet, certainly no parties or going out or anything, so I really don’t know how I got it. Like most people, we’ve been having more deliveries of food and things, so maybe that’s one way, and my partner has been to the supermarket a few times.

‘The club doctor called to tell me and, to be honest, I did ask whether it could be 100 percent accurate or whether my results could have got muddled up. Maybe if I had been displaying any symptoms then it might have made sense. But I’ve not had any symptoms and I’ve felt as fit as ever, probably fitter because I’ve been working really hard. I’ve been following my training programme and I’ve not felt out of breath or ill, or anything.

Also Read: English Premier League: 6 people test positive to coronavirus.

‘We’ve been fully monitored the whole time and the club have been able to track our distances and things. I’ve been really excelling in all of that and feeling great. It’s quite scary how you can feel absolutely fine and not really have left the house, and yet still get the virus. If it wasn’t for the fact I had gone back to training and had this test, then I’d never have found out that I had the virus and I would just be getting on with things as normal. That’s obviously quite a strange thought.’

 

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Neuer signs new contract.

Manuel Neuer has signed a new three-year contract with Bayern Munich, keeping him at the club until June 2023.
The 34-year-old Germany international who joined the club  Schalke in 2011 helped them win 18 trophies.

“FC Bayern is very happy and satisfied that Manuel has extended his contract until June 30, 2023. Manuel is the best goalkeeper in the world and our captain.” Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.

The four-time UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year Manuel Neuer gets a pay rise for his contract extension (previous estimated annual salary 15 million euros). However, Neuer’s new salary does not exceed €20m.

Oliver Kahn, a member of the executive board at Bayern said. “Another big decision for a successful future! Manuel Nuer is the captain and one of the most important pillars of our team. He embodies great years of German football and we’re happy to continue the way of FC Bayern together. This extension is a strong signal.” 

 

English Premier League: 6 people test positive to coronavirus.

The Premier League has confirmed that six people tested positive for coronavirus from three clubs after 748 tests. The affected individuals will now self-isolate for seven days. Clubs and individuals have not been disclosed for data protection reasons.

This news is coming a day after Premier League Shareholders voted unanimously to return to small group training from Tuesday afternoon. The decision was made after an emergency conference call with all 20 clubs on Monday.

With the new development,  the chances of starting matches again on 12th June are slim.

The Premier League is providing this aggregated information for the purposes of competition integrity and transparency. No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by the league and results will be made public in this way after each round of testing.” The Premier League said in a statement.

Some of the precautionary measures undertaken include bi-weekly testing and daily pre-training questionnaire and temperature check.