Manchester United's fan from Rusia SENDS UNITED FLAG into space

“We’ll keep the red flag flying high” is a chant often heard at Old Trafford, but it’s fair to assume nobody has shown their colours on higher ground than Alexey Yakovlev.

Amazingly, with a little help from NASA astronaut Steve Swanson, the 36-year-old United fan from Moscow, Russia, sent his own MUFC flag into space for 169 days in 2014, when it orbited the earth 2,704 times. As Alexey told ManUtd.com ahead of Wednesday's match with CSKA Moscow, his is an interesting tale.

“I have been supporting Manchester United for 15 years now, since the year 2000,” Alexey explained. “It started in Kosovo, of all places, where I used to be a peacekeeper and where I found a lot of English friends who were also big Reds. They convinced me to become a fan as well!


“But the idea about sending a flag to space only came to me when I ordered it from a friend in England. I realised I could do it because I’ve been working as a translator at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia. That’s how I made friends with Steve, who I do a lot of translating for.

“Steve is American and is not a United fan but he quickly agreed to take my flag up to the International Space Station for me because he had some extra space in his own luggage. They are allowed to take 1.5kg up there and the flag only weighs 85 grams, so it was an easy fit.

“I am very proud of what I did and I am proud of the photo because United means a lot to me. We’ve waved our flag up in space and I doubt very much that anybody can take it higher than that!”

Will the 2018 World Cup be without Argentina team ?

A World Cup without Argentina?

Argentina are now sixth in the 10-team South American qualifying group for the World Cup and, crucially, only the top four teams will progress to Russia 2018. "We are more than aware that we have to change a lot," said star player Lionel Messi. "Of all the bad points, the good one is that we depend on ourselves but we can't be giving away any more points."

Tough night for Romero

United goalkeeper Sergio Romero endured a night to forget as Argentina lost 3-0 to historic rivals Brazil in Belo Horizonte. Liverpool midfielder Coutinho, Barcelona star Neymar and Paulinho of Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande were all among the goals for the men in yellow.

PIDATO Perpisahan Louis Van Gaal untuk MU

Louis van Gaal issued the following statement at 20:30 BST this evening (Monday 23 May) 

It has been an honour to manage such a magnificent club as Manchester United FC, and in doing so, I have fulfilled a long-held ambition.

I am immensely proud to have helped United win the FA Cup for the 12th time in the club's history. I have been privileged during my management career to have won 20 trophies but winning the FA Cup, which is steeped in so much history, will always be one of the most special achievements of my career.


I am very disappointed to be unable to complete our intended three-year plan. I believe that the foundations are firmly in place to enable the club to move forward and achieve even greater success.

I hope that winning the FA Cup will give the club a platform to build upon next season to restore the success that this passionate set of fans desire.

Having managed in Holland, Spain and Germany, I had always hoped for the opportunity to manage in English football and be part of English culture. Both of these experiences have lived up to expectations and been fantastic.

I thank my players and wish them well for next season. It has been a pleasure to work with them and it has been particularly rewarding to see so many young players take their chance to break into the first team and excel. I look forward to watching the continued development of these young players next season.

Thank you to the owners and board of Manchester United for giving me the opportunity to manage this great club.


I would also like to express my gratitude to the amazing United supporters. They are truly the best fans in the world.  I am indebted to my support and coaching staff, who have given me their all during their time at the club.

I am deeply grateful to each and every member of the club’s staff - the sports science team, the medical team, the kit and laundry department, club administration, the press office, the manager's team, the Academy team, ground staff and the catering team, both at Old Trafford stadium and Carrington training ground, all of whom have given me their unwavering support in my time at United. Never in my 25 years as a manager have I been so well supported in my role.

Finally, my special thanks go to Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton for always making me and my family feel so welcome throughout my time as Manchester United manager.

Berapa Pesangon Van Gaal tinggalkan MU ?

Manajemen Manchester United akhirnya mendepak Louis Van Gaal. Pelatih asal Belanda itu diputus kontrak usai mempersembahkan satu-satunya gelar bagi tim Setan Merah musim ini, yakni Piala FA.

Pemecatan Van Gaal dilakukan lewat rapat yang digelar di Carrington, Inggris, Senin pagi waktu setempat. Hadir dalam pertemuan tersebut Wakil CEO Manchester United, Ed Woodward.

"Saya ingin berterima kasih kepada Louis (Van Gaal) dan stafnya atas kerja keras mereka selama dua tahun dan ditandai dengan gelar Piala FA ," kata Woodward..."Selama berada di sini, dia (Louis Van Gaal), bertindak profesional dan bermartabat," beber Woodward.



Woodward megumumkan pemecatan Van Gaal malam hari. Dia tidak lupa berterima kasih atas warisan yang ditinggalkan mantan pelatih Barcelona, Ajax Amsterdam, dan timnas Belanda itu.
"Dia meninggalkan kita warisan pemain-pemain muda yang percaya diri untuk mewujudkan kemampuan mereka di panggung tertinggi. Semua orang di klub ini berharap yang terbaik buat dia."

Van Gaal sebenarnya masih menyisakan kontrak selama 12 bulan lagi. Namun menurunnya performa MU selama ditanganinya membuat manajemen tidak punya pilihan selain mendepaknya.

Meski demikian, Van Gaal tidak meninggalkan Old Trafford dengan tangan hampa. Sebaliknya, pria berusia 64 tahun tersebut masih mendapat kompensasi atas sisa kontrak yang belum dijalankannya. Jumlahnya mencapai angka €6,5 juta atau setara dengan Rp99.3 Miliar.

"Saya sangat kecewa tidak bisa menuntaskan rencana tiga tahun saya," kata Van Gaal. "Saya percaya fondasi sudah berada di tempatnya untuk membangun klub ini dan meraih sukses ke depannya."

Bermain 10 Orang, MU Juara Piala FA

Manchester United (MU) sukses meraih trofi pertamanya bersama Louis van Gaal. Di final Piala FA, Sabtu (21/5/2016) Setan Merah menaklukkan Crystal Palace dengan skor 2-1.

Pada waktu normal, kedua tim bermain imbang 1-1. Palace membuka gol lebih dulu melalui Jason Puncheon pada menit ke-78. Sementara MU membalas melalui Juan Mata dan Jesse Lingard.

MU coba menguasai pertandingan sejak awal. Tempo cepat diperagakan akan asuh Louis van Gaal sehingga membuat Palace sulit berkembang.
Peluang pertama dimiliki Marcus Rashford pada menit ke-10. Namun tendangannya masih bisa diantisipasi pertahanan The Eagles.

Goodbye Louis Van Gaal. Thanks for your Hardwork

Manchester United (MU) resmi memecat Louis van Gaal sebagai manajer. Keterangan tersebut disampaikan langsung Executive Vice Chairman MU Ed Woodward di situs resmi MU, Selasa dinihari WIB atau senin malam waktu setempat (BST - Britain Summer Time)

"Saya ingin berterima kasih kepada Louis dan stafnya atas kerja luar biasa mereka selama dua tahun yang berujung penyamaan rekor 12 gelar Piala FA (dan membuat Van Gaal meraih titel di empat negara berbeda). Selama di sini, dia sudah bersikap sangat profesional dan bermartabat," kata Woodward.

"Dia mewarisi kami dengan beberapa pemain muda yang dipercayanya untuk unjuk kemampuan di level tertinggi. Semua orang di klub ini mendoakan yang terbaik untuk masa depannya."

Kabar MU akan memecat Van Gaal sebenarnya sudah ramai diberitakan media-media Inggris, Senin petang (23/5/2016). Tetapi, belum ada keterangan resmi dari MU terkait kabar tersebut.
Van Gaal sebenarnya masih punya sisa kontrak semusim dengan MU. Dia juga sudah memberikan bibit-bibit muda potensial bagi MU. Selama dua musim menangani klub berjuluk Setan Merah itu, ia baru saja memberikan trofi Piala FA. Sayang, sukses itu tidak menyelamatkan masa depannya. Pasalnya, MU gagal meraih tiket ke Liga Champions musim depan.

Lantas, siapa pengganti Van Gaal? "Keputusan terkait manajer baru akan diumumkan segera," demikian pernyataan MU.

Manchester United U21s have been crowned Premier League 2016 champions

Manchester United Under 21s have been crowned Premier League champions for a second consecutive season following their 3-2 victory over Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Warren Joyce's side made it three titles in the four-year history of the competition with goals from Andreas Pereira, Donald Love and Guillermo Varela.

The result moved them top of the table - above Sunderland who have played all their fixtures - with two games remaining, against  Southampton and Chelsea

Ini Hasil Pengundian (Drawing) Semifinal Liga Champions 2016

Pengundian atau drawing laga semifinal Liga Champions 2015-2016 telah usai dilaksanakan di markas UEFA di Nyon, Swiss, Jumat (15/4/2016).
Mantan gelandang Inter Milan, Dejan Stanković dipercaya untuk melakukan drawing dihadapan para manajer tim serta petinggi-petinggi klub.

Hasilnya, Manchester City keluar pertama, skuat asuhan Manuel Pellegrini itu dipastikan menjadi tuan rumah. Sergio Aguero Cs akan menjamu Real Madrid di Etihad Stadium pada Minggu, 26 April 2016.
Sementara itu, laga semifinal 2, Atletico Madrid bakal meladeni Bayern Muenchen di Vicente Calderon, Madrid esok harinya.

Partai puncak nantinya digelar di Stadion San Siro, Milan, Italia, pada 29 Mei 2016, di mana masing-masing tim terlebih dahulu harus melakoni laga home-awa
y (kandang-tandang).

Nine of the best markets in Greater Manchester

From street food to arts and crafts, Great Manchester has a wealth of top notch markets that are well worth a visit

Markets in Manchester have been seen a huge resurgence recently, and show no sign of slowing down.

What used to be the backbone of many communities died away after the dominance of supermarkets - but we could be on the brink of a market comeback. Bolton council has pumped almost £4.5mi into their markets recently, while the Grade II listed Mackie Mayor in Manchester is in line for a major restoration.

With new markets cropping up across the city and a bunch of renovations on the horizon, it's much easier to be canny with your cash and support local traders.

Markets provide a platform for indies to set up shop. From seasonal produce to to artisan pies, local photography to handmade jewellery, support the local community by dishing out your dollar to independent traders on your doorstep.

Levenshulme Market, Great Manchester

Altrincham Market, Great Manchester

Winners of Best Market at the Observer Food Monthly Awards, Alty Market is a must-visit and a testament to the unwavering ambition of its directors to promote the identity and culture of the North West.

What does it sell? The market hosts a permanent selection of food and drink traders indoors at Market House, and a changing line up of traders outside.

When? Market House: Tues–Sat 9am-10pm, Sun 9am–6pm; Altrincham Market: Tues 8am–4pm, Thurs 8am–3pm, Fri 8am–4pm, Sat/Sun 10am–4pm

Anything else? The indoor market gets busy. Very busy. So arrive early to bagsy a table if you're planning on eating or drinking at Market House.



Levenshulme Market, Great Manchester
Something of a local success story, Levenshulme market is a social enterprise run by residents with a view to boost the local economy and community.

What does it sell? With the market's relaunch this month, organisers promise a bigger and better line up of traders. Each week it's a hand-picked selection of artisan food, drink, arts and crafts.

When? Sat 10am–4pm

Anything else? Make a day of it and swing by Trove and the Levenshulme Antiques Village, just a few minutes walk from the train station.

Manchester United rumoured Home and Away kits for the 2016/2017 Season

New Update:
Manchester United rumoured Home and Away kits for the 2016/2017 season

Manchester United Home Kits 2017

Manchester United Away Kits 2017

Lukaku is the ideal striker for Manchester United to replace Rooney with

Like one of his surges into the penalty area, Romelu Lukaku timed his weekend remarks about the possibility of joining Manchester United to perfection. England and United supporters are like water and oil but they appear to agree Wayne Rooney should not be a certain starter for club nor country anymore. A meaningless win can make England fans so giddy they demand a special DVD is released to commemorate such hollow triumphs, but the victory over Germany reiterated how inessential Rooney is to his country these days. Roy Hodgson has Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Danny Welbeck and, when he is able, Daniel Sturridge to offset Rooney's absence. Louis van Gaal is not as well off but, in the callow Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, United appear to have missed a reliable goalscorer, rather than Rooney, during his six-week absence.

Manchester United and Manchester City to meet in China friendly this summer

The rivals will meet in the International Champions Cup in what could see Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho go head-to-head. Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho could go head-to-head in China this summer after it was confirmed that Manchester United and Manchester City will face each other in a pre-season friendly in the Far East. The rivals will meet in Beijing at the Bird's Nest Stadium on Monday, July 25 in the International Champions Cup. United will also play Borussia Dortmund in Shanghai on Friday, July 22 while City are set to meant the Bundesliga side in Shenzhen on July 28. Guardiola will have already taken over at the Etihad by then - but the question is whether Mourinho will be in the opposite dugout. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager is the favourite to succeed Louis van Gaal after a desperate season for United. Fresh reports from Spain over the weekend claimed Mourinho had already signed a pre-contract to take over at Old Trafford. United announced on Tuesday that they would embark on an eight-day pre-season tour of China, which will include two games. City confirmed their plans to travel to the same destination in February, following a £265m investment deal with Chinese consortium CMC in December.

Martial happy at United

Anthony Martial has no intention of leaving United for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.
Martial, 20, has been one of the brighter performers in a demoralising campaign for United since he rejected Chelsea to join them in a £36m transfer from Monaco in the summer.
The Frenchman has netted 12 goals in 39 games and his performances have inevitably seen him linked with a return to his homeland. Martial, though, has no intention of taking the same path as Angel di Maria did last summer and vowed he will be more pr
olific in the Premier League next season.

Manchester United scores big with Philips Lighting

Royal Philips Electronics has provided a state of the art lighting installation for Manchester United. Old Trafford is the first stadium in the United Kingdom to house this pioneering lighting system, which will ensure that the stadium continues to be one of the greatest and most famous sporting arenas in the world.

Old Trafford was previously lit at an average light level of 1200 lux. The new light levels will initially provide 2600 lux at ground level which is the equivalent of five times the lighting level required in a typical office environment.

Old Trafford 2

Philips ArenaVision sets new standards of light distribution, enabling mounting heights to be reduced without causing glare, and keeping light where it belongs to reduce or eliminate light pollution. This new lighting ensures that it’s not just the pitch side spectators that benefit. Improved lighting creates the perfect picture quality for TV cameras, allowing you to enjoy the action of the game from your sofa.

Plus, floodlight failure will be a thing of the past thanks to two generators which are part of the new lighting system which guarantee instant re-ignition.  (Conventional lamps typically require 20 minutes to cool down before they can be utilised once more.)

With the largest seating capacity in the Premier League (75,000 approx), fans cannot fail to be impressed with the improvements this will bring to their viewing experience.

Philips Lighting has currently floodlit 70% of all UK Premier League Clubs, 55% of the world’s major football stadiums and latterly eight out of the 12 stadiums in Germany in the 2006 World Cup finals.

Zlatan Ibrabimovic yakin akan bergabung dengan Manchester United

Striker PSG diatur untuk berangkat ke Old Trafford di musim panas menurut laporan di FranceJose Mourinho menginginkan Zlatan Ibrabimovic untuk bergabung dengannya di Manchester United di musim panas - menurut laporan.

Le Sport 10 mengklaim striker Paris St Germain begitu yakin dia akan menuju ke Old Trafford pada akhir musim bahwa ia sudah merencanakan untuk hidup di Liga Premier.

Mourinho adalah favorit untuk berhasil Louis van Gaal jika United memecat pelatih asal Belanda setelah kampanye mengecewakan.

Mantan manajer Real Madrid dan Chelsea dikatakan telah mengidentifikasi kebutuhan untuk pusat kelas dunia kembali, gelandang dan striker ketika ia mengambil alih.

Sementara itu Inggris telah meningkatkan mengejar mereka dari Renato Sanches - mengirim pengintai untuk menonton gelandang Benfica selama akhir pekan.

Menurut Mail, United terus negosiasi kepindahan £ 46m untuk pemain berusia 18 tahun pada musim panas ini.

remaja sangat-rated telah muncul sebagai salah satu yang paling dicari prospek di Eropa.

Inggris membuka pembicaraan pada bulan Januari lebih dari sebuah langkah yang diusulkan, dengan klub Old Trafford berharap untuk mengamankan dia karena kurang dari nya klausul £ 60m pembelian.