Soccer Apr 12, 2022
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal says cancer treatment behind him
The 70-year-old still plans to lead his team at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in seven months' time despite having gone through 25 chemotherapy sessions.
Soccer Mar 22, 2022
Dutch coach Louis van Gaal criticizes hosting of World Cup in Qatar
Van Gaal said the world soccer governing body's reasons for awarding the finals to Qatar, where his team will be competing at the Nov. 21-Dec. 18 tournament, were spurious.
Soccer | PREMIER REPORT May 12, 2017
Mourinho puts United's season on the line
by Christopher Davies
The gamble had to pay off for Jose Mourinho and it did, or rather it has so far. The Manchester United manager had prioritized the Europa League over a top-four finish in the Premier League, and for someone who has made pragmatism an art ...
Soccer | PREMIER REPORT Jan 6, 2017
Winning F.A. Cup not high on priority list for many
by Christopher Davies
It is F.A. Cup third-round weekend or, as English Premier League clubs call it, a chance to rest the top stars. Managers will say players need a rest after three games over the holiday period, but the fact is the F.A. Cup is loose change ...
Soccer | PREMIER REPORT Oct 14, 2016
Man United needs win over Liverpool for title hopes
by Christopher Davies
Jürgen Klopp would have been the perfect fit for Manchester United. He had made Borussia Dortmund a European powerhouse, playing an exciting brand of attacking football. He's respected and admired by just about everyone. His infectious personality and ready laugh give him a charisma that ...
Soccer | PREMIER REPORT Sep 23, 2016
Rooney's decline presents a problem for Man United
by Christopher Davies
We have seen the best of Wayne Rooney. He will be 31 next month and the Manchester United captain will not improve as a footballer. He has lost that explosive yard of pace and now relies more on his ability to pass rather than passing ...
Soccer | PREMIER REPORT May 26, 2016
Will Manchester United regret bringing in Mourinho?
by Christopher Davies
If nice guys finish second, it is easy to see why Manchester United believes Jose Mourinho can deliver another Premier League title. The appointment of the Portuguese to succeed Louis van Gaal was one of the most cynical campaigns designed to undermine another manager I ...
Soccer May 25, 2016
English soccer's biggest club seems to have secured the services of the sport's most colorful manager after Jose Mourinho agreed to personal terms with Manchester United on Tuesday, according to Sky TV reports. After a trophy-laden career with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, ...
Soccer | PREMIER REPORT May 20, 2016
Rooney assured spot in Euro 2016 squad; Rashford being scouted
by Christopher Davies
Saturday's F.A. Cup final, in which the lowest-scoring Manchester United team in more than a quarter of a century is expected to beat Crystal Palace as comfortably as it can with such an impotent attack, will have two particular interests for England manager Roy ...
Soccer | PREMIER REPORT May 13, 2016
Van Gaal's future uncertain with Mourinho waiting in wings
by Christopher Davies
Over the past six months, rarely has a day gone by when some newspaper has not run a story about Jose Mourinho taking over from Louis van Gaal. There has been a drip-drip of exclusives ranging from a pre-contract has been signed, an actual ...
Soccer | PREMIER REPORT Apr 22, 2016
Unloved managers lead clubs into showdown at F.A. Cup semifinals
by Christopher Davies
If the majority of Manchester United and Everton fans had their way, Louis van Gaal and Roberto Martinez would not be in charge of their respective clubs for Saturday's F.A. Cup semifinal, let alone next season. This gives a fascinating if morbid edge to the ...
Soccer | PREMIER REPORT Feb 5, 2016
Mourinho makes most sense for Manchester United
by Christopher Davies
So, it will have to be Jose Mourinho then. The attitude of Manchester United fans to the inevitable announcement that Pep Guardiola will join Manchester City this summer was like winning second prize in the lottery: not the worst alternative, but a long way behind ...