OptiNews - Friday 12 to Thursday 18 May 2017

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Puel ‘cannot understand’ Southampton exit speculation

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Claude Puel admits he finds speculation over his job as Southampton manager ‘strange’ ahead of their Premier League clash against Manchester United on Wednesday.

Puel’s future at St Mary’s is uncertain despite reaching the EFL Cup final in February and leading one of the league’s youngest sides to a potential top-eight finish.

Jose Mourinho’s side came out victorious at Wembley as Saints came agonisingly close to their first trophy since 1976 in a thrilling 3-2 defeat.

At times this season, fans have not enjoyed Southampton’s style of play and squad rotation under Puel but the Frenchman pointed to his relationship with the supporters as evidence that the club are behind him.

‘I think it’s strange because someone asked me about speculation and all of the questions about how I will improve the club,’ Puel said.

'It’s strange, it’s not a question of being proud of my work, with my staff it’s good to develop young players for the future.

'I hope for Southampton that we will see this for next season but of course it will be interesting to continue this work because I think it’s important to improve.

'For me, it’s important that every time we have honesty with the club and the fans.

'I work to give the best for the team, for the staff and the fans, it’s normal.

'I cannot understand the speculation because when I see all of the fans on the street they are happy to see me, and tell me congratulations.

‘When I spoke with our opponents’ players and staff, they give congratulations about our players and our quality and all of this is a good response to the speculation.’

With two games remaining in the Premier League, Southampton are aiming to finish eighth and Puel hopes to build for next season by taking six points against United and Stoke.

Puel said: 'The last result away against Middlesbrough allowed us the possibility to finish strong in the Premier League.

'We made seven changes and with a good result and good play and we saw all the squad play with good concentration and focus and this is the most important thing.

'A lot of people ask me what the possibilities are for this team, and it’s about having a good focus about the game (on Wednesday), not having to focus on relegation, Europa League games or different things, and I’m happy with all the work we can do on the pitch and in the training sessions.

‘When we can make seven changes with the team, this has allowed different players to recover, and this will allow us to finish strong this week.’

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

Saints announce new women’s team

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SAINTS have announced the creation of a new under-21 women’s team for next season.

The new side comes after the success of the Girls’ Regional Talent Club over the past year.

It will offer “a sustainable pathway for young female players” and, a club statement adds, “strengthen Saints’ commitment to the women’s and girls’ game”.

The team, which will be formed of 16 to 21-year-olds, will play against local and FA Women’s Super League development teams.

Executive director of football Les Reed said: "It’s fantastic news. It just shows how rapidly the girls’ and women’s programme has taken off, and how quickly we’ve moved from negotiating the takeover of the County Centre of Excellence into a Regional Talent Club and now a women’s team.

“It will be a very young women’s team, which goes with our profile as a club – young players to develop for the future, but it will contain a number of international players and high-quality young girls who have got bright futures in the game, so it is very exciting indeed.”

Head of women’s and girls’ football Martina Heath said: "It’s massive what we’ve done this year, but we’re not here to stand still.

"We had an amazing season this year with the Regional Talent Club, and we’re really conscious that we wanted to continue to support the players who are exiting that programme.

“I think it’s really important for the club to be offering a female player pathway throughout, and what’s really pleasing is that the club has really supported things in terms of the women’s and girls’ programme.”

The club is now welcoming registrations for trials from prospective players, who must be born between 1st September 1996 and 31st August 2001. Dates, and a registration form, can be found at southamptonfc.com.

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Sourced from BBC article

Southampton v Manchester United

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Southampton striker Charlie Austin may make a first start since December following his return from injury.

Manager Claude Puel could again decide to freshen up his team after making seven changes against Middlesbrough.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho says that Daley Blind will definitely be rested after playing six out of their last seven matches.

Paul Pogba is on compassionate leave after the death of his father, but Marouane Fellaini is back after a ban.

Conor McNamara: "Bettering last season’s top-six place was always going to be difficult for Southampton but this will be the first time in seven years that the club won’t have improved their final league position.

"Manchester United, meanwhile, must win both remaining league fixtures or Jose Mourinho will end his debut campaign with fewer league victories than in any of the previous three seasons under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal.

“Having put all his eggs in the Europa League basket - making eight changes ahead of defeats to both Arsenal and Tottenham - Mourinho must decide whether further rest or battle-hardiness is the best preparation for facing Ajax in Stockholm.”

Southampton manager Claude Puel: "The last result away against Middlesbrough allowed us the possibility to finish strong in the Premier League.

"A lot of people ask me what the possibilities are for this team, and it’s about having a good focus about the game (on Wednesday), not having to focus on relegation, Europa League games or different things, and I’m happy with all the work we can do on the pitch and in the training sessions.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho: "Now it’s time to play two good games to close the Premier League and reach the Europa League final in the best shape that we can.

“It’s true that the calendar has been hectic over the last two months, but we have to push hard now to try to win the three remaining games. We really want to.”

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 16/05/2017 14:59:04

| | The runners and riders in chase of Ollie Watkins ratedDEVONLIVE |
| | Preview: Southampton vs. Manchester UnitedSPORTSMOLE |
|

| Newcastle ready to sign 27-year-old wingerSHOOTCOUK |
| | Manchester United news and transfer rumours LIVEICNORTHWALES |

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Read Southampton

New content from (- Read Southampton)

| Southampton set to reignite interest in Ranocchia | Southampton are almost certainly going to be considering their defensive options this summer, and this has led them … 16-05-2017 |
| Southampton vs Manchester United - Match Preview | This Wednesday sees Manchester United travel to the south coast to face Southampton, who will try and get revenge on … 16-05-2017 |

Older content…

| Claude Puel turns down offer to become Saint-Etienne boss14 hours ago |
| Relegation victims that Saints should target2 days ago |
| Sporting willing to negotiate move for Saints target Semedo2 days ago |
| Southampton’s transfer to-do list2 days ago |
| Newcastle set to be offered Rodriguez2 days ago |
| Middlesbrough 1-2 Southampton - Five who impressed2 days ago |
| Reed reportedly considering loan spell away from Saints2 days ago |
| Middlesbrough 1-2 Southampton - Match Report2 days ago |

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#OnThisDay in 2015, #SaintsFC hit #AVFC for six at St Mary’s, with Sadio Mané netting the fastest ever #PL hat-tric… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/864496564768829441

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Sourced from The Independent article

Southampton announce U21 women’s team to leave Manchester United as only Premier League club without one

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Southampton have announced the creation of a new Under-21s women’s team leaving Manchester United as the only Premier League club without one.

The new side, which will begin from the 2017/18 season, will be made up of 16 to 21-year-olds and will play against local and FA Women’s Super League development teams.

Executive Director of Football Les Reed said: "It’s fantastic news. It just shows how rapidly the girls’ and women’s programme has taken off, and how quickly we’ve moved from negotiating the takeover of the County Centre of Excellence into a Regional Talent Club and now a women’s team.

“It will be a very young women’s team, which goes with our profile as a club – young players to develop for the future, but it will contain a number of international players and high-quality young girls who have got bright futures in the game, so it is very exciting indeed.”

Head of Women’s and Girls’ Football Martina Heath said: "It’s massive what we’ve done this year, but we’re not here to stand still.

"We had an amazing season this year with the Regional Talent Club, and we’re really conscious that we wanted to continue to support the players who are exiting that programme.

“I think it’s really important for the club to be offering a female player pathway throughout, and what’s really pleasing is that the club has really supported things in terms of the women’s and girls’ programme.”

The club is now welcoming registrations for trials from prospective players, who must be born between 1st September 1996 and 31st August 2001. Dates, and a registration form, can be found on the club’s official website.

Manchester United absorbed local women’s team Corinthians in 2000 but it only lasted five years and despite persistent calls have not had any affiliation with any women’s team for over a decade.

Rivals Manchester City have thrown considerable resources at their own project with the team winning the Women’s FA Cup last weekend in front of a record crowd at Wembley.

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Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

This is what’s left to play for in the Premier League this season

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Arsene Wenger riled his fellow managers on Monday after claiming some Premier League teams had already lost focus and were ‘on holiday’.

Arsenal’s manager was frustrated after watching Liverpool — who look set to beat the Gunners to a top four finish — ease to a 4-0 win away to West Ham, and hit out at Slaven Bilic’s side in his press conference.

“When you are a manager you want your team to give everything until the last moment. You hope that results go your way," Wenger said. “Some teams turn up, some teams are on holiday. You just want your team to play well.

“To be professional is to do your job well until the last day of the season. To look into the mirror and say you did it properly is vital. If we don’t have the results I am disappointed but what is not excusable is to not give your best.”

Wenger’s comments may have inspired more anger than agreement, but he is right when he suggests there is still plenty left to play for this season.

Aside from professional pride, league position, European qualification and prize (or merit) money is yet to be determined for most teams.

Chelsea have already sealed the title while Spurs have also guaranteed their position as runners up. Everton are certain to finish in seventh place while relegated Hull are destined to finish the season in 18th.

For the remaining 16 teams, though, there is still something left to play for.

*Guaranteed to finish in this position.

Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal still have the most to play for. All three are guaranteed European football next season, but whether they end up in the Europa or Champions League has not yet been determined.

Depending on results, Liverpool and City can finish anywhere from third to fifth while Arsenal could finish as high as third and as low as sixth. Those possible fluctuations mean each team’s potential merit money could vary, but the main difference would be the potential earnings from television rights that come with Champions League football.

Manchester United, meanwhile, can finish either in fifth of sixth place while Everton will end the season just below that.

West Brom, Southampton and Bournemouth could all find themselves as high as eighth or as low as 12th come the end of the season.

Leicester and West Ham have the potential for the biggest swings in terms of league position. Both clubs can finish in one of eight different positions.

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Sourced from talkSPORT article

Premier League table 2016/17: Possible final positions and prize money for every club revealed

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The 2016/17 Premier League season is nearly over and the main issues have been decided.

With 12 teams having just one remaining fixture, and the other eight playing twice this week, the title has gone to Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Hull have all been condemned to the Championship next season.

But the top four is not yet decided, while the table could still shift considerably, with every position a club moves up the table worth around £2m per place.

Take a look at the table above to see where your club could finish and how much prize money they could make.

Statistics correct up to and including matches played on 15 May 2017

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Saints to wear Scope logo against United

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Saints will take on United in front of a packed St Mary’s crowd, as well as an internationally-televised audience, with Virgin Media using the night to promote the work of its charity partner.

Scope support more than a quarter of a million disabled people and their families every year, promoting equality and raising awareness of key issues.

As part of the night, Paralympic gold medallist and avid football fan Richard Whitehead MBE will help coach five Saints supporters for a half-time penalty shootout to raise up to £25,000 for Scope.

Virgin Media will donate £5,000 to Scope for every goal scored in the shootout, while they will also be holding collections for the charity at the match.

Brigitte Trafford of Virgin Media said: “Fans are the heart of football and that means disabled fans too.

“Giving Scope this platform at one of Southampton’s biggest matches highlights the issue of disability and football.”

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Puel: No new injury concerns

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The Saints defender has been out since January with a foot injury, but was running on the pitch this morning.

Puel explained that he will not be available before the end of the season, but was encouraged by what he witnessed from the centre-back.

"We have no new injuries, but there was some good news this morning when I saw Virgil running on the pitch,” he said.

"He is not available, but it was his first run and it’s a good thing, but he does not have the possibility to participate with the team until the end of the season.”

Puel also revealed that goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, who has also been out with a long-term injury, was back in training, but, like van Dijk, is not yet available.

"McCarthy comes back in the training sessions also and makes good progress,” he said. “Again, he is not available, but is making progress. Hesketh is also not available, but that is all.”

Puel also spoke at his pre-match press conference about striker Charlie Austin, after he came on as a late substitute at Middlesbrough having been out since December with a shoulder injury.

"We have different possibilities, and it’s a good thing to see Charlie come back into the squad,” he said. "Now he comes in with competition with other players like Long, Rodriguez, Gabbiadini.

“I hope he can play a little before the end of the season, of course. He needs to have rhythm and intensity after his five months out of the squad. It is normal, but he has good physical fitness and that is important for the team.”

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Video: Puel on United

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Match Preview: Saints vs Manchester United

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THE MATCH

Southampton vs Manchester United

Wednesday 17th May, 7.45pm BST

St Mary’s

Premier League

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

After their 2-1 success away at Middlesbrough, Claude Puel’s men will look to follow that up and put themselves in pole position to finish in the top eight.

That victory was with a changed eleven, as Puel made seven changes to give players valuable game time and rest some of his squad.

Manchester United arrive at St Mary’s following a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the last game at White Hart Lane.

Jose Mourinho’s men can no longer qualify for next season’s through the Champions League and they may look to keep their squad fresh ahead of the UEFA Europa League final against Ajax.

TEAM NEWS

Southampton: Claude Puel has no injury concerns ahead of Wednesday’s clash but did reveal that Virgil van Dijk and Alex McCarthy are progressing well with their respective injuries.

Manchester United: Jose Mourinho will be without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ashley Young, Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo and Tim Fosu-Mensah for the trip to the south coast.

FORM GUIDE

Southampton’s previous five:

Middlesbrough (a) W 2-1

Arsenal (h) L 2-0

Liverpool (a) D 0-0

Hull City (h) D 0-0

Chelsea (a) L 4-2

Manchester United previous five:

Tottenham Hotspur (a) L 2-1

Celta Vigo (h) D 1-1 (UEFA Europa League)

Arsenal (a) L 2-0

Celta Vigo (a) W 1-0

Swansea City (h) D 1-1

TOP PERFORMERS

Nathan Redmond’s superb finish in the 2-1 win at Middlesbrough took his goalscoring tally in the Premier League to seven, his best goalscoring season in the competition.

Top scorers: Charlie Austin (9), Nathan Redmond (8)

Most assists: Dušan Tadić (7), James Ward-Prowse (5), Ryan Bertrand (4)

In the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, United still have a number of quality attacking options at their disposal. Marcus Rashford has eleven goals to his name, recently netting a crucial free-kick against Celta Vigo in the Europa League.

Anthony Martial is another player with pace and power to unlock a defence.

Top scorers: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (28), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (11), Marcus Rashford (11), Juan Mata (10)

Most assists: Ander Herrera (11), Wayne Rooney (10), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (9)

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

All-time record:

Played: 120

Southampton: 27

Draws: 30

Manchester United: 63

Previous four meetings:

DID YOU KNOW?

Manchester United (17 wins) need to win both of their remaining Premier League games in 2016-17 to avoid it being their lowest tally of wins in a single Premier League season. They won 19 in both 2013-14 and 2015-16.

Southampton have failed to score in their last three home league games, but they’ve never gone four top-flight home games without a goal.

NOT AT THE GAME?

Can’t make it to St Mary’s? Our interactive match centre at southamptonfc.com will have all the build-up, as well as in-game updates and free live audio commentary.

Additionally, be sure to follow us on our various social channels for behind-the-scenes access and further updates.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 16/05/2017 15:59:17

| | Rafa Could Make Move For This Experienced Versatile ForwardNEWCASTLEUNITEDWEBSITE |
| | Southampton tracking Basel ace Mohamed ElyounoussiHEREISTHECITY |

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| Key Battles - Manchester United (H) | After Saints took the spoils in a 2-1 victory at relegated Middlesbrough on Saturday, Manchester United visit St … 16-05-2017 |

Older content…

| Southampton set to reignite interest in Ranocchia15 hours ago |
| Southampton vs Manchester United - Match Preview15 hours ago |
| Claude Puel turns down offer to become Saint-Etienne boss15 hours ago |
| Relegation victims that Saints should target2 days ago |
| Sporting willing to negotiate move for Saints target Semedo2 days ago |
| Southampton’s transfer to-do list2 days ago |
| Newcastle set to be offered Rodriguez2 days ago |
| Middlesbrough 1-2 Southampton - Five who impressed2 days ago |
| Reed reportedly considering loan spell away from Saints2 days ago |

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Ready for #MUFC? :soccer:

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 16/05/2017 16:59:32

| | Jose Mourinho confirms Marouane Fellaini start against Saints while Paul Pogba will not playSUNDAYWORLD |
|

| Puel baffled by future speculationEIRSPORT |
| | Massive enhancement on Man United to score against SaintsNEWSLADBROKES |

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Southampton v Manchester United preview: Paul Pogba to miss match

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Manchester United are set to be without Paul Pogba when they visit Southampton, live on Sky Sports on Wednesday.

The France international, who also missed the 2-1 defeat at Tottenham, is on compassionate leave following the death of his father on Friday.

United boss Jose Mourinho is expected to rotate his squad as they prepare for their Europa League final against Ajax on May 24.

They can no longer make the top four, leaving next Wednesday’s final in Stockholm as the only route to Champions League qualification.

Southampton and United met in the EFL Cup final at Wembley in February, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s winner the difference in a 3-2 victory for United.

But Southampton boss Claude Puel insists their midweek Premier League reunion should not be billed as a revenge mission.

“It’s just another game,” Puel said. "It’s been a long time since the (EFL Cup) final against United.

“The game is not revenge because it’s important to keep a good energy and to enjoy our football and just to focus about this, not anything else.”

Southampton have no fresh injury worries as they continue their push for a top-eight Premier League finish.

Virgil van Dijk has returned to training and is running again as he recovers from a foot injury, but the Dutch centre-half remains sidelined for their final two games of the season.

Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy (hamstring) is also back in training but is not available to feature, while Charlie Austin could make his first start since recovering from a long-term shoulder injury.

Mourinho is planning changes for the trip, with Pogba again absent.

Daley Blind will be among those rested at St Mary’s but Marouane Fellaini is available after serving a three match-ban.

Ibrahimovic, Marcos Rojo (both knee), Ashley Young (hamstring), Luke Shaw (foot) and Tim Fosu-Mensah (shoulder) are out through injury.

Southampton are winless in their last five home Premier League games against United, losing four of those by a single goal margin (D1).

United’s last away defeat in the Premier League to Southampton came in August 2003, with James Beattie scoring the only goal of the game.

Four of United’s five goals against Southampton in all competitions this season have been scored by Ibrahimovic, who has been ruled out for the season.

Manolo Gabbadiani netted both of Southampton’s goals in the EFL Cup Final in February.

United have come from behind to beat Southampton on eight occasions in the Premier League (including in this exact fixture last season) - the most any team has done so against another in the competition’s history.

Southampton have failed to score in their last three home league games, with their goalless drought at St Mary’s currently standing at four hours and 35 minutes. They’ve never gone four top-flight home games without a goal.

United haven’t lost three successive Premier League games in a row (or in a single month) since December 2015 under Louis van Gaal.

Mourinho’s side have won more points away from home this season in the Premier League (34 in 18 games) than they have at Old Trafford (31 in 18 games).

Even if Southampton win their remaining two Premier League matches of the season, the maximum points tally that they can achieve is 51 points - this will be lower than in 2015/16 (63), 2014/15 (60) and 2013/14 (56).

United (17 wins) need to win both of their remaining Premier League games in 2016/17 to avoid it being their lowest tally of wins in a single Premier League season. They won 19 in both 2013/14 and 2015/16.

Man Utd just keep playing game after game! That’s what happens when you’re successful.

I think Mourinho has to start the team that will play in the Europa League final. It’s no good resting all of the players for two weeks’ time, everyone will be rusty by Stockholm.

I think he’ll be putting his cup final team out, and if he doesn’t do it this game, he surely won’t do it for the Palace match on the last day. You can’t let players go two weeks without a game before a cup final like that.

I think his Europa League team will beat Southampton. Puel is under a bit of pressure; they finished seventh last year, but what would you rather: finish seventh and not look like doing anything, or finish 12th and get into a cup final, which they should have won?

Football is all about moments, I’d rather be in the cup final. I think he deserves another chance.

Southampton are Sky Bet’s marginal favourites at 8/5 with United priced at 7/4 while the draw is a 9/4 chance.

Gabbiadini and Marcus Rashford head the first goalscorer betting at 5/1 despite neither starting their sides’ respective last games, while Antony Martial is enhanced from 13/2 to 15/2 to net first in Sky Bet’s Price Boosts.

Mourinho’s side may have fallen short of the top-four this season but they are considered 11/4 second favourites to win the Premier League title next season, while the Saints are up against odds of 150/1.

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