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Manchester United Expected to Vie for Vermaelen

Sep. 17th 2014

tunde folawiyoWith Coach Van Gaal hard at work perfecting the Manchester United roster, it has been announced that the club intends to heighten efforts to acquire the talented Thomas Vermaelen. United are expected to extend a £15m to the Arsenal defender to top Barcelona’s attempts for a signing (1). The news comes upon Vermaelen’s rejection of a contract extension with Emirates, prompting the renewed interest in the Belgian. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of other Red Devils fans may welcome the player with open arms as his achievements are not lost upon the world of football thus far.

The Red Devils have exhibited a weak central defense in the past, driving Van Gaal’s determination to acquire Vermaelen. Arsene Wenger had previously halted the move earlier in the summer. Also on the Coach Van Gaal’s player wish list is Daley Blind, Ajax’s wing-back. Signing these two players would do tremendous things for Van Gaal’s plans for a 3-5-2 player formation that would allow two wide players to easily transition from defense to attack.

Though a Vermaelen transition to United would most likely be welcome by fans, Arsenal has displayed reluctance to part with Vermaelen, especially to a League rival. In recent years alone, six of Arsenal’s first team have moved north, further adding to their hesitation to hand over Vermaelen. Though, whilst he served as captain for the team last season, the defender made only seven appearances, adding to speculation of his reputation amongst the team.

United’s defense is undoubtedly of great concern for the new coach. Acquiring Vermaelen would provide coverage for Luke Shaw, adding strength to a defense previously seen lagging. Recent reports have suggested that as many as six of United’s players may be making a move from Old Trafford.

Vermaelen joined Ajax’s youth academy during 2000 before winning the 2003-2004 Eredivisie during his first season. He served as the club’s captain after the departure of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar during 2009. That same year, he joined team Arsenal, where he was named club captain upon the transfer of Robin van Persie to Old Trafford during August of 2012. Though he displayed great talent on the field, the success of defensive duo Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker hindered playing time. His leadership skills and goalscoring abilities as a defender make him a force to be reckoned with. Tunde Folawiyo and other loyal fans of Manchester United may hope for a Vermaelen signing to turn the team’s defense around in hopes of brighter times ahead. For more information about his varied interests, view this interview with Tunde Folawiyo.

Summer transfer window will result in significant changes at Old Trafford

Aug. 29th 2014

Tunde FolawiyoNow that the World Cup has drawn to a close, Louis Van Gaal is focusing all of his attention on transfers. It was recently reported that the Dutchman had been hoping to sign Kevin Strootman; this dream has been dealt a blow, as the midfielder’s current club, Roma, are reluctant to sell one of their top players.

As a football fanatic, Tunde Folawiyo may know that Strootman is still recovering from a severe knee injury – but this has not deterred Van Gaal, who says that he will continue to monitor the player’s recovery, and potentially make an offer in the near future. However, Van Gaal’s offer will have to be a generous one; Rudi Garcia, Roma’s manager, has stated that he would not let Strootman go for less than £79 million.

United have had better luck with signing Arturo Vidal; whilst the midfielder initially said that he had no interest in transferring to Old Trafford, an offer of £35 million is said to have caused him to reconsider. At the moment, talks are underway, and if they go well, Vidal could be moving to the Red Devils within a matter of days.

Supporters of United, such as Tunde Folawiyo, might have heard the rumour that Angel Di Maria, one of Real Madrid’s midfielders, is keen to move to another team. There have been indications that Di Maria is feeling overlooked at his current club, and would quite happily transfer to United, if a reasonable offer was made. The Argentine is reported to have complained about the lack of time he has had on the pitch as of late, due to the arrival of newly-acquired players like Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez.

However, it is unclear whether Van Gaal is interested in signing Di Maria. When asked, he noted that he will need to closely examine the existing squad at United before making a decision. He explained that he must first analyse the strengths and weaknesses of his team and determine if certain players need to be replaced; only then will he be able to consider the midfielder.

Van Gaal has been true to his word in this regard, and has made it clear to several members of the current squad that he will replace them if their performance is not up to scratch. In particular, the manager is said to be keeping an eye on Wilfried Zaha and Nani, neither of whom did as well as they should have during the pre-season US tour.

Like many of United’s supporters, Folawiyo is no doubt curious as to what decisions Van Gaal will make during the coming weeks. To find out more about this football fan, read the Tunde Folawiyo ‘About Me’ information.

Van Gaal making progress with transfer deals

Aug. 25th 2014

Van Gaal has been working hard to secure the transfer of new players to United. Arturo Vidal, Juventus’ Chilean midfielder, has been high on the manager’s wish list for several weeks now, despite the fact that his current club are clearly reluctant to let him go. However, recent reports suggest that the transfer could still go ahead; it was  Tunde Folawiyorevealed last week that Vidal had passed a series of medical examinations which were set up to see confirm that he is fit enough to join the Red Devils. This is certainly a step in the right direction, and could mean that the midfielder will be joining the team at Old Trafford in the very near future. (

As a fan of the club, Tunde Folawiyo may have heard that United are now in pursuit of Juan Cuadrado, following reports that Barcelona has failed in its attempt to sign the player. The Spanish club is thought to have been unimpressed with the price which Fiorentina has demanded for the Columbian; rumour has it that they deemed £39.5 million too excessive a sum. However, Van Gaal is eager to nab the winger, and may be able to afford it, if he manages to sell Javier Hernandez, a forward that several Spanish and Italian clubs are interested in.

Whilst the sale of Hernandez is still up in the air, the departure of Patrice Evra has been confirmed. After eight years with the Red Devils, the 33 year old has joined Juventus, at a cost of £1.2 million. Discussing the move, Evra said that although he had ‘the best memories’ of his time with United, he was thrilled by the idea of returning to the country where he first began to play football professionally.

United fans like Tunde Folawiyo are probably aware that Mats Hummels is another player whom Van Gaal is hoping to purchase during the coming weeks. The Borussia Dortmund star may be up for grabs, now that his current club are considering replacing him with another centre back named Tiago Ilori. However, Dortmund have stipulated that the transfer of Hummels will only go ahead if United agree to loan the player out to them on occasion. Hummels himself has yet to comment on the matter, but Hermann, his father, has said that a transfer is unlikely.

Although Folawiyo is an avid football fan, and enjoys watching Man United matches, he spends much of his time immersed in his own entrepreneurial activities. Those who wish to learn more about his work can read the Tunde Folawiyo company details online.

Manchester United Eyes Real Madrid’s Di Maria

Aug. 6th 2014

Tunde Folawiyo Following a disappointing season under recently sacked coach David Moyes, Van Gaal’s roster is slowly but surely beginning to take new form. Jorge Mendes, agent for Real Madrid player Angel di Maria, has announced his client may very well make a move to Manchester during the upcoming transfer window this summer. If this move does indeed take place, the winger would become the team’s top signing of the season. Fans of United, like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others around the UK and beyond, may be delighted by the prospect of acquiring this renowned super talent.

Di Maria recently stated that he was unsure of his future with Real Madrid. According to reports, the winger is said to be unhappy with Real Madrid’s courtship of James Rodriguez, a breakout star during the World Cup. Whilst Di Maria experienced a wonderful season playing for Los Blancos during 2013-2014, his frustration is understandable. With four goals and an impressive 17 assists last season, it’s no wonder United is eyeing the player so closely. His talents have already been shadowed by team mates Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale, three of the greatest players in the game today. It was Di Maria who came through for the team when Ronaldo was plagued with health concerns, a true testament to the Argentinian’s abilities under immense pressure.

The Argentine winger began his thriving career playing for Rosario Central before moving to Europe during 2007 to begin playing for Portugal’s Benfica. After three years with Benfica, Di Maria transferred to Real Madrid for a payout of €25 million. He played an integral role in Real Madrid’s tenth title win at the UEFA Champion League Final, further garnering popularity amongst millions of fans. As one of Argentina’s international players since 2008, the winger has earned more than 50 caps, scoring the winning goal at the Olympics of 2008. Further demonstrating his outstanding talents, he represented Argentina at two World Cup matches and the Copa America of 2011. An effective finisher, Di Maria performs best when running alongside the byline, proving instrumental in Real’s win of La Decima. If paired with Januzaj, Di Maria is expected to shine. Whilst acquiring topnotch wingers is no easy fete, Manchester United may have no choice but to jump at the chance to sign Di Maria. Tunde Folawiyo and other fans of the famed club may find a Di Maria acquisition to be a great step in the quest toward victory.

Van Gaal creates demanding training schedule for United

Jul. 15th 2014

Tunde FolawiyoDespite having his hands full with transfer negotiations and coaching responsibilities at the World Cup, Louis Van Gaal is now beginning to focus his efforts on training United, and making them challengers for the club title once more. The Dutchman has ordered Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw, Phil Jones, Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney to participate in the Red Devils pre-season tour of the USA, even though it’s been less than a month since the English team exited from the World Cup.

As a fan of United, Tunde Folawiyo may remember that in previous years, players were granted a minimum of four weeks holiday after taking part in any major tournament. However, Van Gaal seems to be determined to place greater demands on his players. In addition to calling up those who played for the English squad during the World Cup, he is also ordering additional evening training sessions for the entire team. This will mean that United will complete an afternoon training session, take three hours off for recovery, and then return to the pitch for another session which will last at least two hours.

Whilst Van Gaal has set the training schedule in motion, he will not be present to oversee its execution, due to being tied up with World Cup business; in his absence, Ryan Giggs will be stepping in as manager – this is a player whom many supporters, including Tunde Folawiyo greatly admire. The Welshman has already served in this capacity, following Moyes’ departure earlier this year; as such it’s safe to say that the team will be in good hands. Giggs will also be supported by the newly-appointed assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg.

Stuivenberg recently resigned as the manager of the Dutch FA under-21 team, after Van Gaal offered him a position at Old Trafford. He had been serving in this capacity for more than 12 months, and had also helped the under-17 Dutch team to win the European Championships in both 2011 and 2012. Jelle Goes, the technical director at the FA, commented on Stuivenberg’s resignation, noting that they were very grateful to him for his contributions to Dutch football, and that he had done an incredible job with both the under-21 and under-17 teams.

Tunde Folawiyo | United Fails to Secure Fabregas and Cavani

Jul. 4th 2014

world-cup-364618_640As the Manchester United rumour mill continues to swirl with news of forthcoming signs, the team has reportedly stepped back from pursuing multi-million dollar deals to acquire both Cesc Fabregas and Edinson Cavani. It is said that United bosses spent six months contemplating bringing the pair to Old Trafford. With the end of a disappointing season comes new hope for Red Devil fans like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others. There is sure to be a series of exciting switch-ups as Van Gaal takes the reins of United upon completion of coaching the Netherlands team during their Brazil World Cup venture.

Manchester United has had its sights set on Cavani since last season. David Moyes, the club’s booted ex-manager, travelled to Paris to watch the Uruguay striker take the field three times. The player joined Paris Saint-Germain for £55m last summer, departing from Napoli. According to UK’s Daily Star, the player is now determined to make a Premier League move, though these hopes may not be fulfilled by United. It’s been reported that the newly appointed coach Van Gaal has put the axe on the trade.

Cavani’s quest to Premier League is said to stem from a frustration with playing behind Swedish player Zlatan Ibrahimovic. It’s been reported that Cavani would require a match of Wayne Rooney’s £300,000-a-week salary in order to join United – a stipulation Ed Woodward is reportedly unwilling to accept. The Red Devils have admitted a defeat in furthering their bid for Cesc Fabgregas. Although the ex-Arsenal player has been on United’s radar for over a year, it’s said that Van Gaal has since moved onto other options. According to a local newspaper, the signing won’t be happening for a culmination of reasons. The player began his career training with Barcelona before signing with Arsenal of the Premier League during September 2003, aged 16. He established himself as the team’s starting midfielder and captain, breaking a variety of club records during the process. Demonstrating outstanding skill, he quickly became known as one of the greatest young players in his position. The player later returned to Barcelona where he became a valued goal scorer during his three seasons with the team. During this time, he won a league title, his first.

Whilst United fans may be disappointed at the failure to secure these super talents, hopes remain high that Van Gaal’s got big plans in mind. Tunde Folawiyo and other fans of the team may continue to anticipate the coming months of trades.

Tunde Folawiyo | Manchester United eyes Arsenal’s Thomas Vermaelen

Jul. 2nd 2014

Tunde Folawiyo Much sought-after player Thomas Vermaelen may be making a long-anticipated switch to Manchester United this summer, according to recent reports. Whilst Arsenal has yet to formally accept the bid, it’s been said the defender is ready to seal his fate with the Red Devils. Fans of the club, like Tunde Folawiyo and millions more from around the globe, are surely waiting in anticipation for news of this important trade. During a time when fan morale may be an all-time low, new hope may be restored upon the signing of a number of talented players.

Rumours are swirling that the 28-year-old Arsenal player has been extended a generous £30,000-a-week pay raise to make the move to Manchester and with only a year left before his contract expires, the defender can no longer afford to sit idly. It has been said that Vermaelen and Coach Arsene Wenger have fallen out of sorts as the manager has looked to players like Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny to serve as the backbone of the back four.

Vermaelen, a five-year player for Arsenal, joined the club after transferring from Dutch team Ajax, and was once amongst Wenger’s foremost defensive players before suffering a series of injuries he has struggled with since. It is said that the player believes new manager Louis van Gaal may be able to restore his skill, in addition to improving his £70,000-a-week salary.

Arsenal has proved vulnerable in regards to transfers during recent years, with players like Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Adebayor, Samir Nasri and Kolo Toure all signed off to Manchester City. Several players who made the switch to City went for large salaries as their contracts wore down, as is the case with Vermaelen.

Belgian footballer Vermaelen joined AFC Ajax’s youth academy during 2000, winning the 2003-2004 Eredivisie title during his very first season. After a loan, he rejoined Ajax to win the esteemed KNVB Cup. He then served as the club’s captain upon Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s departure during 2009. That same year, he joined popular Arsenal and was named captain upon Van Persie’s switch to United during August of 2012.

Amongst Vermaelen’s key attributes are his aerial abilities, his speed with the football and his leadership skills that have carried through several teams with great success. Tunde Folawiyo and other fans of the Red Devils may regard a Vermaelen switch as just the beginning of a wise set of moves by the newly appointed Coach Van Gaal.

Tunde Folawiyo | Van Gaal Eyes Major Red Devils Changes

Jun. 30th 2014

Tunde Folawiyo As the newly appointed Coach Louis van Gaal prepares to take the reins of the famed Red Devils, the rumour mill is swirling with talks of a possible snag of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Bayern Munich’s star midfielder. With a range of switch-ups sure to occur after Van Gaal’s commitments to the Netherlands’ World Cup venture runs its course, United fans like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others around the UK are surely waiting with breath that is bated.

Whilst it is expected to be no easy fete to negotiate with Munich, Pep Guardiola may be interested in replacing Schweinsteiger with a faster, younger player. Within the days to come, United are expected to extend an offer to acquire the talented 29-year-old. Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, is undoubtedly busy at work trying to secure the new coach’s list of potential trades. Although Schweinsteiger is thought by many to be a Bayern Munich treasure, it is said that United is confident in their ability to close the deal.

Thomas Muller had also been identified as a player Van Gaal hopes to acquire upon his management at Old Trafford. The coach guided the player up the Bayern ranks while he managed the team. This seems highly unlikely, however, as the player recently signed a contract at Allianz Arena, ending speculation of a summer departure. The Forward, 24, had recently made demanding remarks regarding his status with Bayern. He stated his inability to remain complacent, exhibiting a strong desire to be reassured of his place with the team. Whilst Van Gaal may have undoubtedly loved to see the player make a move to United, the club has long suspected Muller’s devotion to Munich.

After suffering a disasterous season under former coach David Moyes, United is ready for changes. Van Gaal’s expertise is sure to prove a source of relief for team players, fans and coaching staff alike. Whilst the roster is under heavy review as to turn the team’s record around next season, pressure is high for current players unsure of their future with Old Trafford. It seems as if no player is safe from the wrath of a new coach hoping to make big changes to a flailing team. Fans of the famed organisation, like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others around the globe, may have no choice but to trust the decisions of Van Gaal in hopes of a successful season for the Red Devils.

Manchester United Renews Evra Contract | Tunde Folawiyo

Jun. 27th 2014

 Tunde FolawiyoManchester United has announced that player Patrice Evra’s contract has been extended. The renewal takes the Frenchman’s Manchester United career into a tenth season. As fans of one of the most famous clubs in the sport, Manchester United supporters are anticipating a thrilling season with newly-appointed coach Van Gaal leading the squad. Loyal fans such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others may find Evra’s extension to be a wise move for the future success of Manchester United.

With over 379 appearances and 10 goals for the team, Evra served as captain during former skipper Nemanja Vidic’s absence due to injury. Signed by the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson in January 2006, the French full-back has won five Premier League titles, three League Cups, a Champions League and a FIFA World Cup over his career with Manchester United, demonstrating his incredible talent on the field. He has proved consistent since his arrival at Old Trafford, regularly serving as captain.

Aside from his tremendous skill, it’s Evra’s passion that has given him the cult hero status he holds today. He was capped for France five times and served as club captain for Monaco before he joined United at the age of 24. It was playing for Monaco that his reputation as a smart, attack-minded player was established. He showed great success at the club, which won the French League Cup in 2003 before qualifying for the UEFA Champions League final in 2004.

Upon his arrival at Manchester United, Evra made his career debut in an inauspicious 3-1 defeat. But the French player went on to help his team towards victory in the Premiere League before claiming a spot in PFA’s Team of the Year.

While famous player Wayne Rooney proved a team star throughout the 2009/10 season, Evra’s accomplishment of starting in 37 out of 38 league fixtures was not unnoticed. He was again included in Team of the Year on captaining Manchester United to a Carling Cup victory in February 2010. Further demonstrating his talents, Evra played 35 games during the Reds’ 2010/11 league campaign, and later that season his contract was extended yet again, keeping him with the team until the end of the 2013/2014 campaign.

As Evra’s future with Manchester United looks promising, the hopes of millions of Reds fans throughout the world remain in balance. Tunde Folawiyo and countless others with a love for Manchester United may regard the achievements of Evra as a testament to his worth to the team.

Tunde Folawiyo | Rumors of Van Gaal Transfers Swirl at Old Trafford

Jun. 23rd 2014

Tunde Folawiyo After finishing in seventh place in this year’s Premiere League, Manchester United players and fans alike are eager for change. Millions of Manchester United supporters are undoubtedly heavy with disappointment over the season’s events, prompting a major reevaluation of the roster for newly appointed coach Van Gaal.

In an attempt to return the squad to the glory days of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign, the new manager is likely to mould the Reds with a group of preferred players by his side. Manchester United fans like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the UK and beyond may anticipate news of these game-changing transfers.

It’s rumoured that not even Manchester United’s best players are safe from the chop. Those who don’t mesh well with the new coach’s plans may be ejected from Old Trafford well before the 2014/2015 season begins. Defensive duo Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic have already confirmed their departure from the team, while the future of players Juan Mata and Javier Hernandez remains uncertain. While Mata’s January debut with the team saw good performances during the last half of the 2013-2014 season, Van Gaal’s transfer options have left the Spaniard’s time with the Reds in doubt.

Cesc Fabregas, a long-awaited target from Barcelona, is up for grabs after the team recently announced he may depart from the club for a £30 million pay-out. Additionally, it’s been reported that Van Gaal has shown interest in the former Arsenal member, Andres Iniesta. The arrival of these players would significantly reduce Mata’s time on the field. Goalkeeper David de Gea has voiced his concerns over a possible Mata transfer, noting the player’s importance to the team. Last season alone, he scored six goals and had four assists during his Premiere League play time.

Aside from Mata, others players are also swirling around the rumour mill, with Mexican favorite ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez among them. As one of Manchester United’s fans’ favourites, the immensely talented 26-year-old is sure to attract the attention of a number of other clubs if he is indeed let loose by Van Gaal. With four goals and four assists last season, his contributions to the team are simply undisputable.

As the future of some of Manchester United’s most talented players hangs in the balance, the hopes of millions of fans rest steadily on Van Gaal’s shoulders. Tunde Folawiyo and others with a passion for Manchester United may contemplate the fate of these top players with trepidation.