Quotes of the week: Goals, transfers & high praise
It has been another newsy week in the world of Manchester United that included an excellent Premier League win over Stoke City, a much-discussed transfer saga and several exclusive interviews. To keep you informed, here are our 11 quotes of the week...
The Reds secured a victory over the Potters at Old Trafford on Monday night and the quality of our goals was the evening's main discussion point. In particular, Antonio Valencia's left-footed opener had Chris Smalling and Paul Pogba talking about their Ecuadorian team-mate, who had interestingly spoken to us in the summer about his desire to improve his weaker foot...
"We were joking with Antonio because on Sunday in training he was terrible when shooting, so I think he was just saving his best for the game."
"The goal from Anthony was very beautiful. Not the same as the one at Everton, but both were beautiful goals and we got the wins as well."
"There is always something to improve on and, this season, I will try to be better with my left foot. I will shoot more with it and I hope I can achieve this."
Although he didn't score against Stoke, Pogba was voted Man of the Match by supporters and our influential France international was the subject of much praise following the final whistle, with Jose Mourinho and Gary Neville highlighting his stellar performance in central midfield...
"Paul is happy with the way the team is playing and he's happy because the team is changing the profile, which is going more in his direction.”
"He’s got the confidence, the arrogance and personality to play for United. He always wants the ball and United are a far better team when he’s in there.”
POSSIBLE JANUARY TRANSFERS
Jose Mourinho admitted the club has a chance of signing Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal, who may in turn capture Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a potential swap deal that is reportedly being negotiated at the time of writing. The saga is the talk of the football world, and United legend Denis Irwin had his own say while appearing on MUTV's The Paddy Crerand Show...
"I am not confident, but also not unconfident. We have the feeling that Alexis can move and if he moves, I think we have a chance."
"The opportunity to sign somebody like Sanchez, for any price, cannot be missed. I think it would be great if he came."
"Is Micki going to be involved in a deal and leave us? It's possible but it's also possible that he stays."
FOCUS ON THE DEFENCE
On Wednesday we published our exclusive interview with Luke Shaw, who spoke in depth about his recent performances and desire to score a first-ever goal for the club, as well as his admiration for young team-mate Axel Tuanzebe. In a plus for the young left-back, he was also praised by a bona fide legend of his position...
"I really want to score and hopefully it will be at home. I’ll keep pushing for a goal but my job is to defend and as long as we’re getting clean sheets then I’ll be happy."
"You can see that his confidence is growing and there is no doubt that he has all of the attributes to make a modern full-back."
"Axel is unbelievable. The talent he’s got is frightening. He’s strong, quick, energetic, reads the game well, is a good passer of the ball, he’s got everything."
Check out the links below to read the full stories behind our quotes of the week...
'We have a chance to sign Sanchez'
ArticleMourinho on the prospect of Alexis coming and Henrikh Mkhitaryan going, plus a possible loan move for Axel Tuanzebe.
Why Pogba was Man of the Match against Stoke
ArticleCheck out the key statistics behind Paul's dominant display on Monday night and the best social media reaction.
'The talent Axel has got is frightening'
ArticleThe highly-rated Academy prospect has a massive future ahead of him at United, according to team-mate Luke Shaw.