Nicky Butt Van Gaal has Ferguson aura

<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592771header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592771header.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" /></a>Nicky Butt is confident Manchester United are in safe hands this season after likening new boss Louis van Gaal to Alex Ferguson.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> Butt has been impressed with the way the Dutchman, who guided his country to third place in the World Cup, has settled in at United and believes the club could challenge for the title this season.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> The former United midfielder has been retained as part of the backroom staff at Old Trafford, with his focus on developing young players.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> David Moyes struggled under the pressure of succeeding Alex Ferguson at United last season, but 39-year-old Butt does not expect the new man in charge to have any such problems.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> "He is obviously a very in-control man," he told the Manchester Evening News. "He has an aura about him - when he walks in the building, you know who the boss is, and I think that is very important.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> "We had that with Sir Alex for all those years and I think we have that now with Van Gaal. He walks into the building and he commands your respect.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> "All the players look up to him as the leader and that is how it should be.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> "From afar, when I've looked at him it looks like he takes no messing about and if anyone doesn't toe the line, I'm sure they will be out of the team."</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> United have won every game since the 63-year-old arrived and have one friendly against Valencia remaining before their opening Premier League clash with Swansea City on August 16</div>

Ferguson football Manchester United news news sports Nicky Butt Premier League soccer United Van Gaal Nicky Butt Van Gaal has Ferguson aura

Nicky Butt is confident Manchester United are in safe hands this season after likening new boss Louis van Gaal to Alex Ferguson. Butt has...

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Genoa pin hopes on Mauricio

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592089header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592089header.jpg" /></a>Genoa have secured the services of Chile international Mauricio Pinilla from Serie A rivals Cagliari.<br /> <br /> The 30-year-old was part of the national squad that reached the second round of the World Cup in Brazil, before being knocked out on penalties by the hosts.<br /> <br /> Pinilla was almost the hero for his side that day, crashing a shot off the crossbar in extra-time, before missing his spot-kick in the ensuing shootout.<br /> <br /> The forward was also involved in a bust-up with Brazil press officer Rodrigo Paiva during the match, which saw the official banned for three matches.<br /> <br /> Pinilla joined Cagliari from Palermo - initially on loan - in 2012, and scored 22 goals in 63 league appearances during his time at Stadio Is Arenas.<br /> <br /> Genoa announced the news on their official website, while Pinilla took to his Twitter account to declare: "I'm officially a player of @GenoaCFC."

Cagliari football Genoa Serie A soccer Genoa pin hopes on Mauricio

Genoa have secured the services of Chile international Mauricio Pinilla from Serie A rivals Cagliari. The 30-year-old was part of the nati...

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Draxler happy at Schalke

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592087header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592087header.jpg" /></a>The future of Julian Draxler has been the subject of much speculation over the past year, but the 20-year-old says he is happy at Schalke.<br /> <br /> Draxler has been heavily linked with a number of Premier League clubs, not least Arsenal, and the midfielder revealed he turned down a move to the Emirates Stadium during the January transfer window.<br /> <br /> Despite interest from across Europe, Draxler admits that last season he did not show his full potential when registering only two goals for Schalke.<br /> <br /> However, after signing a new five-year-deal in May and being part of the Germany squad that won the World Cup, the midfielder hopes to put that frustration behind him.<br /> <br /> "I just want to help the team and I want to be one of the leaders. I think I have to show all my qualities," said Draxler.<br /> <br /> "I have to be more dangerous on my position and create more chances. So I think the last season was very important for my development. I had to go through many lows, but this season will be much better."<br /> <br /> Schalke face Tottenham in their final pre-season friendly before starting their domestic campaign with a first-round DFB-Pokal tie against Dynamo Dresden on 18 August.

Draxle football Premier League Schalke soccer Draxler happy at Schalke

The future of Julian Draxler has been the subject of much speculation over the past year, but the 20-year-old says he is happy at Schalke. ...

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Campbell makes Fleetwood loan switch

<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> <div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px;"> <a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592085header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592085header.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16.00299835205078px;">Newcastle United striker Adam Campbell has joined League One side Fleetwood Town on a one-month loan deal.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16.00299835205078px;">The England under-19 international has struggled to break into the first team at St James' Park since graduating from the club's youth academy in 2012.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16.00299835205078px;">Campbell made three senior appearances during his debut season with the first team before spending much of the last campaign out on loan.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16.00299835205078px;">After spells with Carlisle United and St. Mirren, he will move to Highbury on a one-month loan deal and could make his debut against Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16.00299835205078px;">While the 19-year-old failed to score for Carlisle, he found the net twice for St. Mirren and will bolster Graham Alexander's attacking options.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16.00299835205078px;">Fleetwood are preparing to embark on their maiden campaign in the third tier after a meteoric rise up the pyramid in recent years.</span></span></div>

Campbell football Newcastle United soccer Campbell makes Fleetwood loan switch

Newcastle United striker Adam Campbell has joined League One side Fleetwood Town on a one-month loan deal. The England under-19 internat...

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Terry retains faith in returning Drogba

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592007header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592007header.jpg" /></a>Chelsea captain John Terry is adamant that Didier Drogba will still give defences nightmares in his second spell with the club.<br /> <br /> Drogba rejoined Chelsea last month, signing a one-year deal after his contract with Turkish side Galatasaray expired.<br /> <br /> The Ivory Coast international enjoyed a magnificent first stint at Stamford Bridge, winning the Premier League three times, the FA Cup on four occasions and the UEFA Champions League in 2011-12.<br /> <br /> A prolific eight-year spell ended with Drogba scoring over 150 goals for the London outfit, but at 36 there are doubts over whether the former Marseille man can reproduce anything close to that sort of form on his return.<br /> <br /> Drogba is likely to be the back-up to Spain's Diego Costa - who arrived from Atletico Madrid in July - with Romelu Lukaku, the player long touted as his heir apparent, sold to top-flight rivals Everton.<br /> <br /> But Terry remains confident that the move will prove to be a good one for Jose Mourinho's men, and feels Drogba's experience could have a positive impact on Chelsea's younger players.<br /> <br /> "Didier's still the same. He's been a nightmare to play against in training. He's still physically strong, sharp and hungry as well," Terry told Chelsea TV.<br /> <br /> "It's important Didier is here because he brings that mentality of wanting to win every day and that rubs off on people like [centre-back] Kurt Zouma and the other young players he's playing against."<br /> <br /> It has been a transfer window of great change for Chelsea, who - in addition to Drogba and Costa - have recruited Cesc Fabregas and Filipe Luis.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, long-serving players Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard have moved on, with the latter set to play for Manchester City on loan after joining affiliate MLS franchise New York City.<br /> <br /> But, while Terry is saddened by the departures of that pair, he feels fans should be excited by the club's future.<br /> <br /> "It just doesn't seem right to see them [Cole and Lampard] in different shirts," he added.<br /> <br /> "The club are evolving. One day we'll all be gone.<br /> <br /> "It's time for these players to continue to keep winning trophies for this club and keep the fans and owner happy.<br /> <br /> "If I was a Chelsea fan I'd be impressed from what I have seen so far from Diego, Cesc, Filipe and all the boys that have come in like Kurt as well."

Chelsea Drogba football John Terry soccer Terry retains faith in returning Drogba

Chelsea captain John Terry is adamant that Didier Drogba will still give defences nightmares in his second spell with the club. Drogba rej...

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Bastia loan Ba from Sunderland

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592079header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592079header.jpg" /></a>Sunderland midfielder El-Hadji Ba has returned to French football, joining Ligue 1 side Bastia on a season-long loan.<br /> <br /> The midfielder joined the Premier League club from Le Havre last July, but failed to establish himself in the first team in his maiden season.<br /> <br /> Ba scored on his debut in a 3-1 FA Cup win over Carlisle United in January, but made only two more appearances in the 2013-14 campaign.<br /> <br /> First-team opportunities were likely to be limited for the 21-year-old Frenchman in the coming season following the addition of Jack Rodwell.<br /> <br /> Ba will instead hope to prove himself with Bastia as they look to build on last season's 10th-place finish under new coach Claude Makelele.<br /> <br /> Bastia face Marseille in their Ligue 1 opener on Saturday at the Stade Armand Cesari, where Ba could make his debut for the Corsican club.

football soccer Sunderland Bastia loan Ba from Sunderland

Sunderland midfielder El-Hadji Ba has returned to French football, joining Ligue 1 side Bastia on a season-long loan. The midfielder joine...

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Mostefa makes Lorient move

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592031header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592031header.jpg" /></a>Lorient have added some steel to their midfield with the signing of Algeria international Mehdi Mostefa from Ajaccio on a three-year-deal.<br /> <br /> Mostefa makes the move after playing two games during Algeria's run to the last 16 of the World Cup in Brazil.<br /> <br /> The defensive midfielder, who can also operate as a centre-back, spent three years with Corsican side Ajaccio after joining them from Nimes in 2011.<br /> <br /> Mostefa could not prevent Ajaccio from suffering the ignominy of relegation from Ligue 1 last season, as they finished bottom with just 23 points to their name.<br /> <br /> But Mostefa will be playing in the French top flight in the coming season after becoming the latest recruit of new Lorient coach Sylvain Ripoll, who took over from Christian Gourcuff in May.<br /> <br /> Ripoll will preside over a much changed side in his maiden season in charge.<br /> <br /> Ghana forward Jordan Ayew and former France Under-21 international Benjamin Jeannot are among the other new faces at Stade du Moustoir.<br /> <br /> First-team regulars Jeremie Aliadiere, Kevin Monnet-Paquet and Gregory Bourillon have left the club, but the 30-year-old Mostefa is excited by the prospect of playing for the Brittany club.<br /> <br /> "I was interested in the project of the club," Mostefa told Lorient's official website.<br /> <br /> "To leave Ajaccio for Lorient is a great step for me in my career. I am very happy to be here.<br /> <br /> "I am ambitious and really want to make a great season with Lorient."<br /> <br /> Mostefa could make his Lorient debut at Monaco on Sunday.

Algeria football soccer Mostefa makes Lorient move

Lorient have added some steel to their midfield with the signing of Algeria international Mehdi Mostefa from Ajaccio on a three-year-deal. ...

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Arsenal never close to Khedira capture

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592049header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592049header.jpg" /></a>Arsenal were never close to signing Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira, according to manager Arsene Wenger.<br /> <br /> The Germany international has been a reported target for the Premier League club in recent months, with Arsenal thought to have been keen to further strengthen the centre of their midfield.<br /> <br /> Rumours intensified after Real brought in Khedira's compatriot Toni Kroos from Bayern Munich, but Wenger insists Arsenal never in the market for the 27-year-old.<br /> <br /> The Frenchman confirmed on Friday that the former Stuttgart man is unlikely to come to the Emirates Stadium, but revealed that he could yet make further signings.<br /> <br /> Wenger questioned: "I don't know who has put Khedira on the market - is it his agent or the press?<br /> <br /> "We were never close to signing him. Jack Wilshere is back fit and in midfield we have offensive midfielders and quite a few box-to-box players."<br /> <br /> Arsenal have also been linked with Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus and Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho ahead of their Premier League opener against Crystal Palce on August 16.<br /> <br /> While remaining open to additions, Wenger said the return of Joel Campbell from a loan spell at Olympiacos and a lack of big-name departures means his squad is already very strong.<br /> <br /> "We still have three and a half weeks before the transfer market closes," he added.<br /> <br /> "I am open to [more transfers] but Joel Campbell has come back plus the addition of the four players we have already bought.<br /> <br /> "We have not lost players until now so we have a big squad at the moment."

Arsenal Germany Khedira National Football League soccer Arsenal never close to Khedira capture

Arsenal were never close to signing Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira, according to manager Arsene Wenger. The Germany international has...

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