'Man United play like a 5th class club', Mourinho criticizes Man City for 'eating quickly'

Fulham defender claims “Man United play like a fifth-tier club” and Mourinho criticises Man City for only building short-term success are the main news stories of the morning of February 11.

“Man United play like a fifth-tier club”

Fulham defender Dan Burn has compared Manchester United's style of play to that of the Conference Football League (England's fifth tier, semi-professional football) after the Red Devils' 2-2 draw with Fulham at Old Trafford yesterday.

David Moyes' side attempted a record 81 crosses but still failed to win. "I can only say that I have never had to head as many balls since I played in the Conference," said the former semi-professional Darlington player.

“We knew we had to defend very well in the box. We tightened the space between the back four. The full-backs were always looking at the wingers. They had a lot of crosses, a lot of chances and situations. But the second goal was really lucky.”

PSG has difficulty recruiting Ivanovic

PSG are chasing Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. The Serbian is a key player at Stamford Bridge. He is in contract talks with Chelsea and is keen to stay at the club.

PSG will find it difficult to steal Chelsea's man - Photo: Getty

Chelsea manager Laurent Blanc wants to add a right-back. His three targets are Chelsea's Ivanovic, Manchester City's Pablo Zabaleta and Newcastle's Mathieu Debuchy.

However, PSG's ability to successfully recruit Ivanovic is not high because with a salary of 120,000 pounds/week and a current contract of 2 years, this defender cannot expect much more.

Newcastle want to rank above Man United

Newcastle are currently eighth in the Premier League. They have been knocked out of two cup competitions, suffered two derby defeats and have just sold their best player (Yohan Cabaye) without replacing him. That is why many people say Newcastle's season is over. But manager Alan Pardew doesn't think so. His team still have a target.

Pardew wants to stand higher than Man United - Photo: Getty

Pardew said: “You’re never safe from relegation until you’ve got 40 points. So we’re not safe yet. Newcastle have the pride of a professional. The result at Man United-Fulham encouraged us because it gave us the chance to catch them. To finish higher than them is a bonus. That’s what’s motivating us at the moment.”

Mourinho: Man City only builds short-term success

Jose Mourinho has continued his psychological warfare by criticising Man City for being a team that is building on short-term success. Mourinho believes he spent wisely in January to deal with Financial Fair Play while Man City spent in defiance of the law.

Mourinho affirmed: “They (City) have a good squad now, not in the next 10 years. But in the next 3 to 4 years, with the experience, the potential, the strength, they are not worried about financial fair play.”

Mourinho uses psychological warfare again - Photo: Getty

“Mr Pellegrini is an engineer and he doesn’t need a calculator to figure this out. Mata was sold for £37m, De Bruyne for £18m. That’s £55m. Chelsea also bought Matic for £21m and Salah for £11m. £55m minus 32 is £23m. Chelsea were £23m positive in the winter. He doesn’t need a calculator to figure this out.”

4 Iranian female national team players banned from competing for being transgender

The Telegraph revealed that the Iranian Football Federation has conducted a series of tests on female players after it was confirmed that some of the country's top female football players, including four members of the national team, may be men who have not completed gender reassignment surgery or have a disorder of sexual development.

Clubs in Iran who want to sign a female player will have to undergo gender testing. Those who cannot prove they are female will not be able to play “until they receive medical treatment,” said Ahmad Hashemian, head of the medical department of the Iranian Football Federation.

Iran women's team - Photo: Getty

In total, seven players have been banned from playing in Iran's professional system for failing gender tests.

Barca wants Messi to receive the highest salary in the world

Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu insists he has never doubted Lionel Messi and believes the Argentine superstar has “made the difference” for Barca in the title race this season.

“We are not worried about him,” Bartomeu said. “Everyone has the right to their opinion. But we are closer to him than those who are talking and writing (out there).”

Messi is still outstanding - Photo: Getty

“He makes the difference and showed that yesterday in very difficult conditions.”

“Leo will have a contract. He is the best player in the world and we want him to be the best paid player in the world.”

Raphael Varane officially returns this week

Information from Spain confirms that defender Raphael Varane will return to the starting lineup of Real Madrid this week. The Royal Spanish team will travel to Vicente Calderon to play the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid. The 3-0 victory in the first leg brings a huge advantage to the team of coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Real is about to have important "reinforcements" - Photo: Getty

Varane has been out since November 9 after a knee injury. He has been back in training for some time now. AS believe Ancelotti will give the youngster a chance to return to the starting line-up.

Varane's presence is essential in the context that both Sergio Ramos and Pepe are suspended.

A series of veterans will leave Inter at the end of the season

A series of Inter Milan veterans have just announced that they will leave at the end of the season.

The first to speak out was veteran defender Walter Samuel. He admitted to Sky Sport Italia that he will leave at the end of the season. In addition to Samuel, Javier Zanetti, Diego Milito and Esteban Cambiasso are also living their last days at Giuseppe Meazza.

The day of farewell is coming - Photo: Getty

As for Cambiasso, a deal is in the works. But Inter will only keep the defensive midfielder if he accepts a halving of his current €4.5m/season salary.

All four of the above names are players who have made great contributions to Inter Milan. They were the core of the team's 2010 Champions League championship.

Barca wants to resume relationship with legend Johan Cruyff

Barca Vice President Josep Maria Bartomeu has revealed that Barca is looking to rekindle relations with former player, former coach, and legend Johan Cruyff.

Cruyff is a historical icon of the Catalan team. He led the “Dream Team” Barca to a series of successes in the early 90s of the last century.

Cruyff is an important part of Barca's history - Photo: Getty

The relationship between Cruyff and Barca collapsed after Sandro Rosell took over and stripped Cruyff of his honorary presidency.

Bartomeu confirmed: “We have been in contact with Cruyff’s people. We will stay in touch. He is extremely important for us and for this club. Little by little, everything will return to normal.”

According to Thethaovanhoa.vn