Bastian Schweinsteiger is confident that Louis van Gaal can take Manchester United back to the pinnacle of European football.
Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger believes Louis van Gaal will soon have the club back on an equal footing with the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Van Gaal led United to fourth in his first season at the helm, returning the Old Trafford club to the UEFA Champions League after a seventh-placed finish in the previous campaign.
Close-season arrival Schweinsteiger, who played for Van Gaal at Bayern, is confident that upward trajectory will continue under a manager who won the Bundesliga while at the Allianz Arena.
"I am positive that – under coach Louis van Gaal – it is possible with Manchester United to usher in a new era. Similar to Bayern then," Schweinsteiger told Bild.
"This is what makes them the charm for me.
"I can promise to give everything and try with my experience to help to internationally reach the level of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern."
The 31-year-old acknowledged the lure of United was strong enough even without the added bonus of working under a familiar boss.
"If you know how a coach is ticking and how he can play football, it makes a decision easier," added the midfielder.
"But I went primarily because of the club... the fact that the coach still fits so well, of course, is ideal."
Asmir Begovic (Chelsea)
It may seem odd to pick a goalkeeper that conceded three goals, but the fact is that without Begovic, Chelsea could well have shipped five or six goals - and that was just in the first half! It seemed that he had a duel going on with Sergio Aguero and although he was eventually beaten by the Argentine, there was also some smart stops. One in particular was even acknowledged by the Man City striker, who applauded the gloveman's athleticism.
Numpty of the Week
Premier League Team of the Week
All eyes were fixed firmly on the Etihad Stadium this weekend as the champions from the last two seasons faced up.
It was Manchester City that had the killer instinct as theywon 3-0 against an uncharacteristically lifeless Chelseaside.
Elsewhere, there was victories for Manchester United,Arsenal, Everton, Swansea City, Norwich City, Leicester City and Liverpool, with draws being played out at White Hart Lane and Vicarage Road.
Having taken all of the action into consideration, Sports Mole has picked its best XI players, as well as selecting the best goal and biggest villain.
Asmir Begovic (Chelsea)
It may seem odd to pick a goalkeeper that conceded three goals, but the fact is that without Begovic, Chelsea could well have shipped five or six goals - and that was just in the first half! It seemed that he had a duel going on with Sergio Aguero and although he was eventually beaten by the Argentine, there was also some smart stops. One in particular was even acknowledged by the Man City striker, who applauded the gloveman's athleticism.
Aleksander Kolarov (Manchester City)
With Gael Clichy providing competition, the Serbian has not always been the first choice left-back at the Etihad Stadium. But, more performances of the quality that he put in against Chelsea will do his chances of regular action no harm. His crosses into the penalty area caused countless problems for the visiting defence, while he also showed signs that a decent understanding was being forged with new signingRaheem Sterling.
Chris Smalling (Manchester United)
His teammate Daley Blind may have been named the Man of the Match at Villa Park, yet it was Smalling's display that truly caught the eye. In a defence that contains inexperienced full-backs and Blind, who is not naturally a centre-back, Smalling put in a leader's performance to help the others through. He made a number of crucial interceptions and challenges as United held out to record a second clean sheet of the campaign.
John Stones (Everton)
With displays like this, it's little wonder that Jose Mourinho is so keen to take the centre-back to Chelsea before the transfer window slams shut. When big clubs circle to sign a youngster, it tends to have a negative impact on the mental state of the player in question. Yet, to the 21-year-old's credit, he showed no signs of that being the case as he kept Graziano Pelle quiet for much of the contest on the South Coast.
Steven Whittaker (Norwich City)
The Scot has not always been a favourite among the supporters at Norwich, but he could well have won over some of the doubters following his impact at the Stadium of Light. He found the net with a really good finish to put the Canaries 2-0 up on Wearside. After that, it was a steady defensive showing from Whittaker, who shackled Jeremain Lens.
With Gael Clichy providing competition, the Serbian has not always been the first choice left-back at the Etihad Stadium. But, more performances of the quality that he put in against Chelsea will do his chances of regular action no harm. His crosses into the penalty area caused countless problems for the visiting defence, while he also showed signs that a decent understanding was being forged with new signingRaheem Sterling.
Chris Smalling (Manchester United)
His teammate Daley Blind may have been named the Man of the Match at Villa Park, yet it was Smalling's display that truly caught the eye. In a defence that contains inexperienced full-backs and Blind, who is not naturally a centre-back, Smalling put in a leader's performance to help the others through. He made a number of crucial interceptions and challenges as United held out to record a second clean sheet of the campaign.
John Stones (Everton)
With displays like this, it's little wonder that Jose Mourinho is so keen to take the centre-back to Chelsea before the transfer window slams shut. When big clubs circle to sign a youngster, it tends to have a negative impact on the mental state of the player in question. Yet, to the 21-year-old's credit, he showed no signs of that being the case as he kept Graziano Pelle quiet for much of the contest on the South Coast.
Steven Whittaker (Norwich City)
The Scot has not always been a favourite among the supporters at Norwich, but he could well have won over some of the doubters following his impact at the Stadium of Light. He found the net with a really good finish to put the Canaries 2-0 up on Wearside. After that, it was a steady defensive showing from Whittaker, who shackled Jeremain Lens.
Jefferson Montero (Swansea City)
New signing Andre Ayew has dominated the headlines in Swansea's opening two fixtures thanks to his goalscoring touch, but the form of Montero shouldn't be ignored. Fresh from giving Branislav Ivanovic the runaround a week ago, the Ecuadorian caused Newcastle right-back Daryl Janmaat so many problems that the Dutchman was given two yellow cards for fouls on him during the first half. For good measure, he also set up his side's second goal for that man Ayew.
Fernandinho (Manchester City)
There will be some people - particularly those of a Chelsea persuasion - that believe the Brazilian midfielder was fortunate to be on the pitch following a clash with Blues striker Diego Costa. Nevertheless,Fernandinho made the most of his let off with an industrious showing against the champions. His goal in the closing stages came courtesy of a crisp finish that left Begovic little chance.
Ross Barkley (Everton)
Last season was, by and large, a miserable one for Barkley. Having represented his country at the World Cup, much was expected of Everton's playmaker. However, due to injury problems and a lack of form, it didn't happen. Against Southampton, though, the 21-year-old suggested that he was back to his best form as he scored a goal and assisted another for the first time in one Premier League match.
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
Ever since the Germany international arrived in North London for £42m from Real Madrid in 2013, he has polarised opinion. But, what cannot be doubted is just how good he was at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon. Ozil was at his creative best and would have ended the contest with more than one assist to his name had his teammates not been wasteful in front of goal.
New signing Andre Ayew has dominated the headlines in Swansea's opening two fixtures thanks to his goalscoring touch, but the form of Montero shouldn't be ignored. Fresh from giving Branislav Ivanovic the runaround a week ago, the Ecuadorian caused Newcastle right-back Daryl Janmaat so many problems that the Dutchman was given two yellow cards for fouls on him during the first half. For good measure, he also set up his side's second goal for that man Ayew.
Fernandinho (Manchester City)
There will be some people - particularly those of a Chelsea persuasion - that believe the Brazilian midfielder was fortunate to be on the pitch following a clash with Blues striker Diego Costa. Nevertheless,Fernandinho made the most of his let off with an industrious showing against the champions. His goal in the closing stages came courtesy of a crisp finish that left Begovic little chance.
Ross Barkley (Everton)
Last season was, by and large, a miserable one for Barkley. Having represented his country at the World Cup, much was expected of Everton's playmaker. However, due to injury problems and a lack of form, it didn't happen. Against Southampton, though, the 21-year-old suggested that he was back to his best form as he scored a goal and assisted another for the first time in one Premier League match.
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
Ever since the Germany international arrived in North London for £42m from Real Madrid in 2013, he has polarised opinion. But, what cannot be doubted is just how good he was at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon. Ozil was at his creative best and would have ended the contest with more than one assist to his name had his teammates not been wasteful in front of goal.
Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
There was not even one minute on the clock when Aguero raced clear of the Chelsea defence to have the game's first chance. From that moment onwards, the visiting rearguard was petrified of the 27-year-old. He eventually got his goal after some neat footwork inside the box and on another day he would have been celebrating a hat-trick. With 10 goals in his last nine outings, there are few better strikers in Europe on current form.
Romelu Lukaku (Everton)
When the Belgian is on this sort of form, he's unplayable. Playing as a lone striker, but with Arouna Kone in close support, Lukaku thrived against Southampton. His first goal, which broke the deadlock, was a well-placed header to end a sweeping counter-attack. Then, just before the break he fired in a low shot beyond the reach of Maarten Stekelenburg to make it 2-0 to the travelling Merseysiders. On days like this one, the centre-forward looks worth the £28m that Everton forked out for him 12 months ago.
There was not even one minute on the clock when Aguero raced clear of the Chelsea defence to have the game's first chance. From that moment onwards, the visiting rearguard was petrified of the 27-year-old. He eventually got his goal after some neat footwork inside the box and on another day he would have been celebrating a hat-trick. With 10 goals in his last nine outings, there are few better strikers in Europe on current form.
Romelu Lukaku (Everton)
When the Belgian is on this sort of form, he's unplayable. Playing as a lone striker, but with Arouna Kone in close support, Lukaku thrived against Southampton. His first goal, which broke the deadlock, was a well-placed header to end a sweeping counter-attack. Then, just before the break he fired in a low shot beyond the reach of Maarten Stekelenburg to make it 2-0 to the travelling Merseysiders. On days like this one, the centre-forward looks worth the £28m that Everton forked out for him 12 months ago.
Numpty of the Week
Daryl Janmaat (Newcastle): Younes Kaboul and his fellow Sunderland defenders were strong contenders for this unwanted award, but after Gary Neville's brutal - yet fair - analysis last night, we've decided to lay off the Frenchman! But, we have opted to keep with the North East flavour.
Now, on that type of form, Swansea's Montero would have caused problems for any right-back in world football. But, when you've already picked up a yellow card for fouling him, to then blatantly pull the Ecuadorian's shirt in front of the referee is madness. The result, unsurprisingly, was a second caution, which left his Newcastle teammates to play with 10 men for the remaining 50 minutes at the Liberty Stadium.
Goal of the Week
Romelu Lukaku - Southampton vs. (Everton): While the finish may have been a relatively simple one, what proceeded it was an example of the perfect way to counter-attack.
A neat passing move out of defence eventually found Kone wide on the right. From there, the Ivorian swung over a cross towards the back post for Lukaku, who expertly guided his headed effort back past Stekelenburg and into the net.
Sammer: Leave Gotze in peace
Amid continued rumours over his Bayern Munich future, Mario Gotze has again been defended by club great Matthias Sammer.
Bayern Munich's sporting director Matthias Sammer has called for Mario Gotze to be left "in peace" as speculation continues regarding his future at the Allianz Arena.
The former Borussia Dortmund man has fallen somewhat out of favour under Pep Guardiola with the close-season arrival of Douglas Costa set to further threaten his chances of starting regularly.
Gotze featured for the final 25 minutes of Friday's opening-day Bundesliga victory against Hamburg before playing much of Monday's friendly win at Dynamo Dresden.
And - amid reports of interest from Arsenal - Sammer sought to quell speculation of Gotze leaving Bayern.
"Can we agree on one thing? We let Mario just play football," Sammer told Bild.
"He enjoys our confidence, but now leave the boy in peace. It will be better if we do not talk about it constantly.
"If you want to win something big, you need just these players. Dealing with them is even more important than with those who play."
Gotze's relationship with Guardiola has been the subject of scrutiny in recent weeks, with the midfielder having suggested the Bayern boss does not talk to him enough.
The 23-year-old later took back the comments, adding he was "happy" and "comfortable" at the club.
Mangala needs time - Kompany
Eliaquim Mangala has been linked with a move away from Manchester City, but Vincent Kompany is confident he will improve.
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany backed defender Eliaquim Mangala to eventually prove his worth in the Premier League.
The Frenchman, 24, made a £31.8million move from Porto to City in August last year, featuring 25 times in the league in his first season.
But Mangala has combined with Kompany to help Manuel Pellegrini's men keep clean sheets against West Brom and Chelsea to start the new season.
Kompany believes Mangala, whose proposed loan move to Valencia is seemingly off, will prove himself.
"People always underestimate the hardship of this league. It is very rare, especially with a central defender, for someone to come in and dominate. It is very hard," he said.
"Our defending against Chelsea was made easier by the fact we defended well as a team.
"We have a style of play where we play very high with a lot of space, so a lot of individual challenges are required.
"Because of that, it is only when the whole team works like we did that we get great defensive performances."
City are top of the table after their first two outings, having claimed back-to-back 3-0 wins to start the season.
Kompany, who has scored in both wins, said it was strange to be labelled title favourites so early in the season, and he is unfazed.
"Usually we get written off a bit later in the season, then we come back," he said.
"It is not a bad way to start, but for all of a sudden people to talk about us as favourites, why does it matter?
"I am happy for people to say Arsenal, Liverpool, [Manchester] United and Chelsea are the favourites. But if we keep playing like this, you won’t see any sad faces at this club."
Nasri not joining Inter - agent
Samir Nasri has been linked to Inter and a reunion with former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini.
Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri will not be moving to Inter, according to his agent Jean-Pierre Bernes.
Nasri struggled for regular game time at City last season and he has emerged as a transfer target for former manager Roberto Mancini and Inter, who are set to sell Mateo Kovacic.
Mancini brought out the best in Nasri during City's Premier League-winning campaign in 2011-12, but the 28-year-old France international has no plans for a reunion.
"I've heard rumours in Italy about Inter and Samir," Bernes told FCInterNews. "However, there's absolutely nothing concrete with the Nerazzurri.
"Will he stay in Manchester? I can say that there's nothing with Inter."
Nasri has been named among the substitutes for City's opening two league victories this season, coming off the bench in matches against West Brom and Chelsea.
Medel: Inter can fight for Scudetto
Inter have not won Serie A since 2009-10 but midfielder Gary Medel is hoping his team can end that drought this season.
Gary Medel believes Inter can return to the glory days by winning the Scudetto in 2015-16, though the tenacious midfielder would be happy with a UEFA Champions League berth.
Inter have watched from afar as Juventus have dominated Serie A, failing to finish better than fifth in the past four seasons after struggling to eighth last term.
The Milan club ended the campaign 32 points adrift of Juve but Chile international Medel feels Inter can win their first league title since 2009-10 following the arrivals of Geoffrey Kondogbia, Miranda, Jeison Murillo and Stevan Jovetic.
"I hope it will be a great year," Medel told Inter Channel.
"Great players have come in, top players, and we hope we can finish in the top three in the league. The team is very strong, and we can fight for the title.
"If we don't manage that, the aim is to get into the top three and get back into the Champions League."
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Exclusive - 'A stupid practical joke!' De Bruyne's agent furious following Wolfsburg declaration
The agent of Manchester City target Kevin De Bruyne has categorically denied suggestions the player has committed his future to Wolfsburg, telling talkSPORT he was the victim of ‘a stupid practical joke’.
Premier League giants City have chased the Belgian playmaker all summer, after he finished last season with a record number of assists for the German Cup winners and Bundesliga runners-up.
Wolfsburg director of sport Klaus Allofs recently admitted the club is expecting a ‘crazy’ offer for the 24-year-old, with the Blues reportedly readying a £49million bid which will see the formerChelsea man earn around £230,000 a week.
But the ongoing saga took another unexpected turn on Monday, with the German Player of the Year telling press at the Sport Bild award ceremony: "I will stay at Wolfsburg this season."
However, in an exclusive interview with talkSPORT, agent Patrick De Koster fumed that his client had been duped into making the statement.
“When we came into the awards ceremony there was an agreement that we were not going to talk about the situation before a live audience,” he told talkSPORT
“And, I don’t know why, but at a certain moment the moderator asked Kevin, ‘could you affirm that you will play against Bayern in October’? to which Kevin jokingly replied, ‘yeah, yeah’.
“At that stage he then told Kevin, ‘repeat after me, I Kevin (I Kevin) declare I will stay (declare I will stay) in Wolfsburg in October (…in Wolfsburg in October).’
“So it was a practical joke, but we were not amused with it.
“Why? Because a few minutes later the whole internet and social media was full of this declaration, but for sure it wasn’t a declaration. It was just a practical joke, a stupid practical joke!
“And Kevin, before a live audience, what can he do? German is not his mother language!”
De Koster added that, despite the stunt, the clubs are still locked in talks over the midfielder's future and a decision is apparently imminent.
“We were really furious about it because he [Kevin] has not made his choice," he added. "I know negotiations between the clubs are still ongoing.
"Can we find the solution? We will see in the next few hours or days what is going to happen.
“But what happened yesterday evening was not professional.”
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Exclusive - Philippe Coutinho can become a Liverpool 'hero', declares former Reds midfielder
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Exclusive - Philippe Coutinho can become a Liverpool 'hero', declares former Reds midfielder
Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has backed Philippe Coutinho to become a Reds ‘hero’ if he continues the form he has shown over the last six months.
The Brazilian has taken centre stage for Brendan Rodgers’ side while others have departed Anfield and was recognised by his fellow peers last season by being shortlisted for PFA Player of the Year.
Coutinho proved the match winner again last weekend too, producing a sublime moment to snatch victory for Liverpool at Stoke in the dying stages, and Redknapp feels he has now assumed the role of Reds’ talisman.
“He’s such an important player for Liverpool and he can become a hero there over the next few years if he carries on the way he does,” the Sky Sports pundit told Drivetime.
“I think he makes things happen, especially now there’s no [Luis] Suarez, [Raheem] Sterling and [Steven] Gerrard.”
Coutinho’s end product always appeared to undermine his potential until the back end of last season, and Redknapp has challenged him to now emulate the levels set by the likes ofManchester City playmaker David Silva.
He added: “He’s the one player you look at who can do something special, he can win games on his own – like he did last week.
“I think he’s capable of getting 10 to 12 goals a season from the number ten role.”
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