Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez: Manchester United Duo Score 5 to Crush Bolton

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(Bleacher Report) Last season saw the emergence of what looked like it had the makings of an incredible partnership. Wayne Rooney had made the best of both Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov over the last few seasons, but he is yet to have enjoyed a long term striking partnership.

The arrival of Javier, "Chicharito," Hernandez last season was seen as a move that was up in the air for Sir Alex Ferguson just as many of his signings can be at times. However, the Mexican international proved all the critics wrong scoring 13 goals in his first season at United.

While Dimitar Berbatov was the 20 goal-scoring EPL Golden Boot Winner, Rooney and Hernandez looked to be forming a deadly partnership when the Mexican played in the place of the Bulgarian.

They ended last season partnering in the Red Devils 3-1 loss to Barcelona in the Champions League final on English soil. In what was a disappointing match you could clearly see that Rooney was making a statement as he had one of the best games of the season in their loss, and Hernandez was lively throughout, but Barcelona were just to strong.

Preseason saw Rooney start building on his form from last season while Hernandez suffered a head injury and was forced to wait over a month to make his Premier League debut for this season when he came on as a substitute against Tottenham three weeks ago.

Just before the match started against Bolton you could see Hernandez on his knees at the half line looking to be praying before the match and for some reason you could just feel that this match could be something special for the Red Devils.

As he lined up alongside Rooney in their first start of the season together they got the match underway and it was immediately United on the attack as a victory for Manchester City earlier in the day meant it was a must win to stay the top of the table.

Four minutes and forty seconds into the match Hernandez got on the score sheet to give United the early lead as an Injured Tom Cleverly was limping to the sidelines needing a sub. What better way to stop the run of play than with a go ahead goal. It was a great ball played in from Nani and Hernandez only had to direct it into the back of the net.

Rooney played some great defense as he assisted his new keeper David de Gea by clearing a Chris Eagles shot off the line in an effort from Bolton to pull the opening goal back only minutes after they went behind.

New signing Phil Jones continued to show his value as he has all season by setting Rooney up for two goals in a five minute span.

The first at the 20th minute saw Jones playing a great cross that Rooney tucked home for his first of the day.

His second on the score sheet came at the 25th minute when Jones burst through the midfield and defense of Bolton Wanderers to play the ball off for Rooney to notch home his seventh goal of the season.

Two minutes later Hernandez looked to have answered his partner when he knocked home another Nani cross in the 27th minute, but it was hauled back due to being called offside.

United were cutting Gary Cahill's defense to shreds and it looked set to be a United rout. Hernandez and Rooney both continued to look lively throughout the first half.

With the second half set to resume, the Red Devils were already sitting 3-0 up on their opponents but looked to be hungry for more as they continue to raise their goal differential this season. The announcers claimed just before the second half kickoff that so far United have made their most prolific goal scoring start to a season since 1885.

Kevin Davies and Ivan Klasnic got the ball rolling for the second half but United were quick to get the ball back and got straight to work once more as they pressed for another goal after an opening five minutes with Bolton breathing down their necks looking to get one back.

Anderson made a great free kick effort on the 54th minutes but missed just long and Bolton once again pushed hard at the United goal with Martin Petrov shooting high over the bar.

David de Gea looked to emulate Liverpool's Pepe Reina with a long ball up to Anderson and Hernandez and the Mexican nearly had another with Jussi Jaaskelainen out of pocket, but he shot it directly into Nigel Reo-Coker.

However, he would finally get his second on the night on the 58th minute when a ball fell to him in the box and he hammered it home to send United up 4-0 with them continuing to be ruthless around the net.

Reo-Cokler nearly got one back for Bolton a minute later as it got over de Gea but only dipped enough to bang off the cross bar and preserve the clean sheet for United.

Ryan Giggs and Chris Smalling would come on just minutes later to give the defense and the midfield some extra creativity and life going into the final half an hour of the match.

It would be Giggs that started the move for the next United goal as he knocked a long ball forward to Nani on the right hand side and he crossed to Rooney who completed a hat trick with a blasted shot from outside the top of the box past Jaaskelainen to make it 5-0 Untied.

The hat-trick would be Rooney's seventh of his career and the second one against Bolton at the Reebok after he completed his first Premier League hat trick of his career against them on October 28, 2006.

A minutes later Giggs again was involved as he pushed a long through ball up to Rooney and his cross to Hernandez was just missed with the Mexican missing a chance for a hat trick alongside Rooney's.

Bolton never gave up as they continued to push for a consolation goal that would never come with Martin Petrov again being at the heart of their attacking efforts.

Hernandez missed his second chance to come level with Rooney for a hat trick on the 87th minute when Nani played him in for a great chance, but in an amazingly unselfish move he crossed to Anderson who was a step behind and could not take advantage of the wide open net.

The game ended 5-0 and the strike partnership of Rooney and Hernandez looks to be in full and complete health.

Hernandez was a menace all day as he constantly found ways to create space for this teammates and finished clinically on both of his goals.

Rooney continues to be on fire as he has eight league goals to his name after a second straight hat trick in the league after having completed one against Arsenal in their last league victory. His clearance off the goal line in the first half continues to prove that he is developing into a complete forward as he is important at all parts of the pitch.

The two attackers will open their UEFA Champions League campaign this week when they face off against Sporting Lisbon from Portugal, and they will be looking to be on all cylinders to get the Red Devils off the mark on the continent.

Their biggest goal will be to return to the Champions League final and end this new campaign on the opposite end of the way they ended last season. With the way their club is playing at the moment it is possible that Barcelona could not touch them right now.

It will be interesting to see how their form progresses for the rest of the season as United usually peak about November. If this is only the Red Devils at 75 percent then lord help anyone that stands in their way come mid season.
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Wayne Rooney Against Bolton and Ranking His 7 Hat Tricks

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(Bleacher Report) There is not another striker in the world that is hotter than Wayne Rooney at the moment.

Three weeks ago, he scored a hat trick against Arsenal at Old Trafford in United's 8-2 victory. He followed that performance the next week on international duty, scoring a brace against Bulgaria.

Just yesterday, on September 10, 2011, he scored his second straight hat trick in the league against Bolton Wanderers. It was the second time the Reebok had seen him score a hat trick on their home ground.

In total, he has eight goals in his last four appearances and is on fire. Chelsea will have to be on the lookout next week when they travel north to Old Trafford......Click to View Wayne Rooney's Hat Tricks.

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EPL Preview: Predicting the Manchester United Starting XI vs. Bolton

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(Bleacher Report) Manchester United are still riding high after what could be a season defining moment, by devastating Arsenal at home two weekends ago 8-2.

The international break may have cooled down the team, but so far that looks unlikely as the majority of the players sent away to represent their respective countries put in excellent performances.

This weekend the focus shifts back to the EPL. United are top of the table by one goal over their neighboring rivals Manchester City.

This weekend's opponent, Bolton Wanderers, have endured a tough run of games. After nearly coming back to draw against Manchester City three weeks ago, they then were dealt a convincing defeat by Liverpool right before the break.

Owen Coyle will be hoping he can change his fortunes when Manchester United come to town but, being realistic, his club will have a daunting task putting the damper on Wayne Rooney or Ashley Young.

Both men have played inspired football for United so far. The Red Devils are usually slower out of the gates, and hit form in early November, but if this is them at about 75 percent then there are few teams that will be capable of knocking them off later on.

Coyle will be hoping that Gary Cahill can be beyond top class at the back, and that Fabrice Muamba can do something to disrupt the forward midfield play of United. If neither of those prove true, it will be a long day at the Reebok for the home team......Click to View the Predicted Lineup.

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English Premier League: Week 4 Match Previews and Predictions

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(Bleacher Report) After a two-week absence, the EPL returns to action following an exciting opening month of August and an even more exciting close to the transfer window.

Many changes were made through signings and transfers in the last few days of the summer window. The balance of power could very well be shifting in the coming months, especially concerning lower level clubs like Queens Park Rangers.

Some moves were expected and some were last-minute shockers. In the end, all it does is make us look forward to multiple new debuts this weekend with even more anticipation.

For a full review of the August team of the month from Bleacher Report and additional monthly awards you can click here, otherwise let's get rolling on the matches coming up starting on Saturday......Click to View the Match Previews.

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EPL Transfer Deadline Day Deals: The One Deal Each Team Has to Make on Final Day

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(Bleacher Report) With less than 24 hours remaining, each club in the Barclay's Premier League will be looking to complete their final deals and set their team up as best as possible for the next four months before the January transfer window is open.

Arsenal have been scrambling all day to make sure that Arsene Wenger brings in at least enough to get the club to January in the top six.

The teams expecting to be in the relegation fight are also looking for their last chance to add depth before they see just how grueling the EPL season can be.

There is not a lot of time left for all of our clubs, and with a look at what the next day could hold here is a list of the deals that each team needs to complete on deadline day......Click to View Slideshow.

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Transfer Deadline Rumours: 5 Possible Destinations for Wesley Sneijder

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(Bleacher Report) Wesley Sneijder looked like he could become a hot commodity this summer when Manchester United started to chase his signature.

For several weeks he was at the top of their want list behind the already wrapped-up deals for Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea.

Then the deal suddenly seemed to just wade away as Sir Alex Ferguson began to distance the club more and more from the speculation over the Dutchman.

Mainly I believe that Ferguson has been, and rightfully so after this opening month, very happy with his youthful contingent in the center of midfield.

He still has many veterans to choose from with Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher all still on the roster.

Now it is still up for grabs whether the Inter Milan playmaker will move before Wednesday or stay put......Click to see Slideshow.


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Dimitar Berbatov: Five Possible Transfer Deadline Day Destinations

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(Bleacher Report) Dimitar Berbatov has been tipped to leave Old Trafford ever since his apparent falling out with Sir Alex Ferguson during and after his failure to even appear on the bench for Manchester United's 2011 UEFA Champions League Final match against Barcelona.

The 2010-11 Barclay's English Premier League Golden Boot winner looked to be on his way out of Old Trafford early in the summer.

Despite Sir Alex Ferguson having squashed the rumors of the Bulgarian's departure, it still remains a hot transfer topic.

Danny Welbeck's rise to prominence in the face of both Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez has many questioning where the 30-year-old actually fits in.

Michael Owen and Federico Macheda are also on the attacking fringes with United, which leaves Berbatov left wanting for first-team action.

He may or may not be on the move, but if something happens in the final few days, here is a list of five possible destinations where the 20-goal scorer could be headed as the transfer window is quickly reaching its final days......Click to View Slideshow.

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EPL Preview: Predicting the Manchester United Starting XI vs. Arsenal

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Danny Welbeck of Manchester United celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on August 22, 2011 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

(Bleacher Report)Manchester United currently are joint top of the table as they look to keep their streak going against an Arsenal team that is experiencing loads of change this season. The Red Devils have had great success so far this season with an invigoration of new youthful talent.

The Gunners made their way into the Champions League this week thanks to a superb effort in the second leg to assure they went through against Udinese. It means there once again is hope of an all English semi-final round but Arsene Wenger has to sort his team out in the league as well.

Sir Alex Ferguson has managed his team well through the first two games by securing victories over a tough West Bromwich Albion team, as well as an unimpressive Tottenham Hotspur club last week.

However, the Red Devils have experienced an injury crisis of their own with their two star center half's in Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand being out for the time being as well has having lost Rafael Da Silva. Patrice Evra is touch and go but should once again be in the starting line up.

Great performances against Tottenham by both Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have many believing that the returns of Vidic and Ferdinand will be met with a tough test to get back into the first 11 automatically as Smalling in particular has shined since the FA Community Shield Victory.

I expect a great matchup as even though the Gunners are down, Wenger always has them ready for a good hard fought battle against his old rivals up north at Old Trafford.

Keeper

David De Gea is sure to start. Despite his early rattlings in the opening match's, most notably being caught out at times appearing to be behind the pace, the young Spaniard has shown much promise. I believe he will only get stronger under Ferguson's tutorship.

The Back Line

Jonathan Evans and Phil Jones are my believed men to hold their places at the center of defense. Both have continued to display poise and class beyond their years and they look very promising for United's future.

Patrice Evra will start on the left and will be his leadership at the back that will guide the three youngsters and his keeper to keep making forward moves. Chris Smalling has proven a great stand in at the right back position and his versatility will see him get much playing time this season.

The Midfield

Ashley Young has been excellent since his arrival and I expect nothing less of him as he retains his place in continuance of his great form. Nani as well has been on top of his game and his creativity has had great influence in what could be the season in which he comes of age.

The center of midfield has been held down by an unlikely duo that emerged as the summer preseason went on. Tom Cleverly returned from a great loan spell and has been a permanent fixture in Sir Alex Ferguson's line-up since. Just as well Anderson looks to finally have developed to his potential and is reaping the rewards.

The Attack

Wayne Rooney as always is one of the most deadly and well rounded strikers in the game. Rooney also has already gotten himself into the top of the scoring charts with a goal in both the West Brom and Tottenham victories.

Danny Welbeck returned from loan this season after having a good showing for Steve Bruce and Sunderland last year. He scored against Tottenham last Monday night and looks to have a good run of form going as he is holding the place of Javier Hernandez while he recovers to complete fitness.

Supersubs in Waiting

Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez will most likely be the striking options on the bench. Berbatov could be leaving the club before next week, while Hernandez is still not at 100% fitness as he is making his way back from the head injury he picked up in preseason.

Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Ji-Sung Park will be the likely candidates for a possible run out in the middle or wide areas of the park should the need arise.

Rounding out the last two places on the bench are Fabio da Silva and Tomasz Kuszczak. Fabio will be the only real option available for a defensive run out as the United defenders available and still fit are slim.

Conclusion

The Red Devils will surely be looking to take advantage of a much weakened Arsenal, and are the most likely to take the majority of the points. However, you can never count out Wenger and any group he puts on the pitch as he has the ability to prove you wrong every single time.

I think it will be cagey for the first half with United getting ahead 1-0 around the 30th minute. Arsenal should hold until after the break and despite getting at least one past De Gea I see the Gunners going out 3-1 away to United.

You can read my full match preview from Thursday here.

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UEFA Champions League 2011-12: Complete Group Analysis and Reaction to Draw

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(Bleacher Report)Barcelona triumphed last season for their second trophy in three seasons. However, their reign at the top is about to be tested as today set the groups for the 2011-12 edition of the UEFA Champions League.

The Group Stage start on September 13, with Groups E, F, G and H all starting the first match day. Groups A, B, C and D start their round robin mini-tournaments the 14th.

After last season's scintillating action from start to finish, once again we start the analysis and speculation of the events to come.

Manchester United and Real Madrid hope to have another chance to knock Barcelona off their throne, but returning giants Borussia Dortmund to the competition will also have high hopes.

This season's draw was much anticipated for several clubs such as Manchester City—making their first appearance in the competition—and also for Napoli, who return after many seasons absent.

Without further delay lets get to the results of today's event......CLICK HERE TO START THE SLIDESHOW.

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English Premier League Preview: Matchday 3 of the 2011-12 EPL Season

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(Bleacher Report)The Barclay's Premier League heads into its third weekend of action on Saturday. A week of Carling Cup action as well as Champions League qualifying has seen it be an exciting week.

Several of the top-flight teams have already been dumped out of the first major domestic trophy campaign, and it leaves them with more time to focus on securing their place in the top flight for next season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers continue to be the surprise club out of the gates, as they are tied at the top of the table with Manchester United and Manchester City.

Aston Villa, Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United all rebounded from opening day draws to secure their first victories of the season, leaving them in the middle at fourth through seventh place standings.

Below that comes all of those that are still to build more than a three-point collection in the first two weekends. Queens Park Rangers' surprise win over Everton sees them higher up than both other promoted clubs. Swansea City got a point against Wigan Athletic, who have failed to beat either of the new sides they have faced in the first two weekends.

Norwich City continue to be the only promoted team to be undefeated, but that is expected to possibly change when they travel to Stamford Bridge at the weekend.

With more transfers having gone through this week, the rosters and possible starting 11s of several teams have changed once again, as I expect to see another weekend with new faces on debut at new clubs.

The 10 matches on display this weekend only have one or two games that are expected to be lopsided, as there is potential for some excellent battles on Saturday and Sunday with most clubs are fairly evenly matched.

That being said, let's get to the previews for this weekends offering of games in Week 3 of the 2011-12 edition of the Barclay's Premier League......CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE ROUND 3 PREVIEWS FOR THE 2011-12 BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE.

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World Football Rumors: Sneijder to Man Utd & 15 Transfers That Haven't Happened

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(Bleacher Report)Hundreds of transfer rumors have come and gone this summer. There has been no lack of excitement built up by fans, only to have their hearts crushed by a move that just did not happen for their club.

So many moves remain on the table, but the majority of the major deals look likely to have been done for the summer.

With only eight more days in the month of August for teams to try and strengthen or recover some of the cash spent through sales, it is now down to the wire.

Regardless, there are rumors going back and forth with some of the biggest possibilities still hanging in the balance. In some cases there might be just enough time for a few more big money dealings to be complete.

That said, lets take a look back at 15 moves that did not happen or are yet to fully materialize into a deal......CLICK TO START THE SLIDESHOW.

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English Premier League Preview: Matchday 2 of the 2011-12 EPL Season

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(Bleacher Report)The second full weekend of matches in the new English Premier League season is already quickly approaching.

Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal were all held to disappointing draws by Sunderland, Stoke City and Newcastle United. Queens Park Rangers and Swansea City got a not so warm welcome to the EPL, while Norwich City held their own against Wigan, showing their intent to fight for the 17th spot this season to stay up.

Manchester United have suffered an injury crisis for the time being as both of their star center-half's went down in the second half of their season opener against West Bromwich Albion. Sir Alex is expected to name his two young stars in the squad and their time to prove their worth may be coming sooner than believed.

Arsenal have a lot of questions to answer and they now have at least part of the cash required to give their fans and followers something. The sale of Cesc Fabregas has been a heated topic, but honestly, now that he has left it should allow many to just breath a sigh of relief and move on.

With so much drama already unfolding in the league I cannot wait to see what all happens this coming weekend.

So here we go with this weeks English Premier League Match Previews for Matchday Two of 2011-12......CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SLIDESHOW.

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Premier League Transfers: Ranking the 20 Worst Deals so Far

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(Bleacher Report)A lot of moves in and out of the clubs in the English Premier League this summer have been rather debatable.

Whether it be the price for the player, or his lack of experience or age, it has been one disapproving story after another for so many of this summers movers and shakers.

All that has prompted a quick look at some of the worst signings that have been discussed this summer.

The criteria is not necessarily based on skill or talent, but it can also be based on overpayment and likelihood of success for the player.

Now that we have that discussed, here is a look at 20 of the worst deals in the EPL so far......CLICK TO VIEW SLIDESHOW.

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Premier League Bad Boys: Predicting the Top 7 Clubs to Get Red Carded in 2011-12

Thats it, once more and you are done sir!
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(Bleacher Report)The sending off of players is always a hot topic the English Premier League as it is the most physical league in the world according to many different sources.

Pace, aggression and passion are the fuel to the fire of the English game and it is no secret that the physicality of the English leagues as a whole make them the most watched of any league in the world as a whole collective.

Referees like Phil Dowd pictured above hold games in the balance as their decisions are made on the spot and have the ability to change games and alter teams seasons based on a split second of brilliance or negligence.

Taking that into consideration and looking at the results from last seasons disciplinary records I have compiled a list of the top seven clubs that will most likely see Red during the season......CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SLIDESHOW.

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English Premier League Match Previews for Matchday 1 of the 2011-12 EPL Season

Can the Old Scot Do It Again this Season?
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(Bleacher Report)Despite all the hype, several games look to be on the verge of being postponed thanks to the unrest that is happening all across England. Nevertheless this preview goes ahead as planned.

The day we all have been waiting for is finally here. The summer transfer window is nearly finished and teams are still scrambling to finalize their last minute additions and subtractions for the season that is now afoot.

Saturday opens up the 2011-12 Barclay's Premier League season with a seven game slate of matches that are sure to get all of our blood pumping. It has been only a few months but I have missed the thrill of weekly league matches and the start of Cup ties.

For two months we have speculated and debated over what will come of this season and which teams will be the surprise or expected performers.

This weekend we will get the first taste of all our thoughts, as some great match-ups and drama will already be giving us a tease of what could happen when we reevaluate the expectations come January.

Manchester United will hope to retain their title, while Chelsea and Manchester City look to upend the Red Devils' chance at a repeat. Liverpool claim that the Champions League is their target for next season, but it would be unlike Kenny Dalglish for him to try and chase anything other than a League title after United over took the Reds in the all time Domestic title charts last season.

Big name transfers from within the league and from Europe also look to have an impact on the season as all of the top six, save the North London Derby contingent of Tottenham and Arsenal, have done their best to improve. You may say Arsenal have improved with the addition of Gervinho, but they need a keeper, a defender and with Samir Nasri looking to ride the coattails of Cesc Fabrgas out the door, they might be in need of a whole lot more with little time to pull it off.

Regardless of how it all plays out, this weekend is going to be great to watch. So let's get to the predictions for the coming week with my first of this season's EPL weekly previews right here on your very own Bleacher Report......CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE MATCH PREVIEWS.

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Wesley Sneijder Rumors Refuse to Stop as Player Seems Intent on Making His Move

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(Bleacher Report)Wesley Sneijder appears to be inching ever closer to a move to Manchester United. The last 24 hours have seen Sneijder admit that there have indeed been unofficial talks being held between the Red Devils and Sneijder's current club Inter Milan.

The Dutchman's national teammate and closest friend, Tottenham's Rafael Van Der Vaart, believes that Sneijder would be the perfect fit for United's offense, and when asked to discuss his friends current state on a move to England he had this to say:

"Of course he would like to play in England, it's the biggest league in the world."

"He is a good friend of mine and we have contact almost every day. He knows what to expect in the Premier League."

His response on the possible move of Sneijder to United was:

"I hope not because Manchester United are going to be stronger."

"But he's a great player and he [would] fit in well at Manchester United."

In the end Sneijder has managed not to burn any bridges by stating that the decision was up to Inter Milan with his following comments:

"I am an Inter player now and the chance that I will still be with Inter on August 31 is pretty big. There's also a chance that I will leave the club though.

"That doesn't really have anything to do with me, but is down to Inter. They have been pretty clear that they will have to let go of me if a good offer comes in. They don't want me to leave, but there's a chance that they will sell me if the price is right."

With just over three weeks still remaining, if the need is still there and United have the money it would not surprise me to see Sneijder in a Red Devils kit by the end of August.

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Roman Midfielder Could Still Be a Main Target for Sir Alex Ferguson

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(Bleacher Report)AS Roma holding midfielder Daniele De Rossi has been on the Red Devils Radar for several months now. The player believed to be valued between £14 and £20 million is yet to be a formal target for United as there are no reports of an officially launched bid.

However, his skill set is something that the current United squad is lacking and has been without since Owen Hargreaves last fully fit season in 2008.

Rossi is a born and bred Roman but his recent negative personal experiences over the past several years have rendered him at times out of sorts in the Eternal city, and he could be looking for a way out with England his primary intended destination.

Chelsea have also looked at him as a possible replacement for Michael Essien who is becoming more and more injury prone which is threatening his ability to be the world class box to box midfielder that made him famous in a Blues kit.

Manchester City have also placed their name in the hat, but it looks like they are about to seal the deal for Arsenal's Samir Nasri.

Despite all the rumors AS Roma are not about to let the player leave if they have anything to say about it.

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Tom Cleverly's Rise to the Occasion Could Render Midfield Signings Unnecessary

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(Bleacher Report)After return to Manchester United from his season long loan spell to Wigan Athletic last season, Tom Cleverly is quickly garnering much acclaim for his performances.

He was a standout performer throughout the entire preseason campaign for the Red Devils as his creative play gave constant fuel to the United attack.

One of his best showings so far was this past weekend against Manchester City in the FA Community Shield. Replacing Michael Carrick after the first half allowed Cleverly to once again show that he is more than capable of standing toe to toe with the top competition in the league.

His performance played him right onto a spot with the English national team, and although he did not get to make his debut this week thanks to the public unrest that is sweeping the country, he remains one of the brightest midfield prospects to come out of Manchester in years.

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Gabriel Obertan out to Make Fergie Take Notice

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(Bleacher Report)Newcastle United completed their signing of Gabriel Obertan from Manchester United this afternoon as they signed the pacey midfield winger to a five year deal at St. James park.

Obertan is the latest player to move on from Old Trafford after John O'Shea and Wes Brown both left for Sunderland in hopes of more playing time before they start truly aging out of their profession.

Goal.com re-quoted the player from BBC's Newcastle affiliate with these comments:

"I needed to play football, I do this job because I love football."

"Wearing a jersey just because it's a big club is not worth it, I had to leave and Newcastle was the right choice for me."

"I have good memories at Manchester United, we won the title last season, there was the Champions League final,"

"But it was difficult playing with the reserves, trying to stay fit, and I didn't get enough games."

The arrival of Ashley Young to the Red Devils pretty much ended any chance that Obertan had had in staking a claim to a first team place this season in Manchester, and he will join many fellow French players at Newcastle.

Newcastle's newest signing also had these kind words for his new home in the Daily Mirror:

“I am not sad, though, because I have signed for a big club. It is very big here, there is a lot of history and I want to be here...

“Now I just want to show the Newcastle United fans exactly what I can do," he said. "Each game I play here I will have a point to prove.

“I will be showing that in training every session and of course in the matches.

“It will not be easy because there are quality players here already. I just want to give 100% for the club.”

Obertan looks to be another daft signing by Alan Pardew if his primarily french philosophy in players works out.

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FA Community Shield Analysis: Seven Players That Impressed

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(Bleacher Report)The FA Community Shield provided just the kind of match that the English Premier League needed to build this coming weekends opening fixtures.

Manchester City stormed out of the gates to take a 2-0 advantage into the break, and nearly ruined my Manchester United victory prediction from last Thursday. However, the Red Devils gave their noisy neighbors a lesson in the game.

That lesson, there are two halves to any football match. You may have won the first half but we destroyed you in the second. Goals from Joleon Lescott and a belter from Edin Dzeko were cancelled out by two Nani strikes and a great free kick winning shot from young defender Chris Smalling.

With the action now three days past, I thought I would take a look back and really talk about who impressed the most in the 3-2 United victory......Click Here to Start the Slideshow.

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