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Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

Manchester United targeting Southampton’s Van Dijk to stiffen “soft” defence

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Jose Mourinho is targeting a move for Virgil van Dijk to add some steel to his defence, writes Steve Bates in the Sunday People.

The Manchester United boss wants the Southampton centre-back to add the leadership and aggression he believes is missing from the backline.

Aside from £30million summer signing Eric Bailly and full-back Antonio Valencia, Mourinho and his staff have been disappointed with the defenders, who they feel are ‘soft’.

The Special One and his assistants have assembled a list of experienced centre-halves – with £30m-rated Dutchman Van Dijk a priority.

The Old Trafford chief and his back-room team at Carrington reckon United’s current back-line lacks grit and are concerned at the lack of mental strength shown when they go behind in games.

Training ground sources claim England international Chris Smalling has come in for fierce criticism from Mourinho and left in no doubt he has to improve after the 4-0 hammering at Chelsea a fortnight ago.

Holland international Daley Blind and England youngster Luke Shaw have also been rebuked in private and public by Mourinho, who will also ditch Marcus Rojo when he buys reinforcements.

The Portuguese boss, who faces a crucial clash at Swansea on Sunday, has also been linked with formidable Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin.

The Uruguayan, 31 in February, is a fierce competitor and has a mean streak Mourinho admires as he searches for a defender with leadership skills like his former Chelsea captain John Terry.

But it’s believed Godin’s £30m release clause is deemed too much by United’s money-men for a player with no re-sale value.

Mourinho has also been linked with a move for his countryman and Euro 2016 winner Jose Fonte, also at Southampton, but the Portugal international is 33 next month so has a limited shelf-life.

At 25, Netherlands international Van Dijk – who scored in a Europa League win over Inter Milan on Thursday - is seen as a more viable long-term prospect.

Schneiderlin a January target for Palace after being sidelined by Mourinho

And he would come with the added bonus of having already played more than a season in the Premier League after his £11.5m switch from Scottish giants Celtic last September.

There was better defensive news for Mourinho on Saturday, with centre-back Bailly said to be making strong progress after suffering knee ligament damage at Chelsea.

The 22-year-old Ivory Coast international was looking at a Christmas return but United sources now suggest he could be fit to face Tottenham on December 11.

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Hull boss Mike Phelan: This is why Southampton are as good as any Premier League team

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The Saints are currently doing business on two fronts as they sit ninth in the league table and enjoyed a 2-1 win against Italian giants Inter Milan in European competition on Thursday night.

They arrive in East Yorkshire in good form, and Phelan believes his players will be coming up against a club that is on the up.

“Southampton have a squad that is comparable to any top team in the Premier League,” said Phelan.

“They were able to make five changes on Thursday night. I’m sure that wasn’t with us in mind, but they could do it because of the size and quality of the squad that they’ve got.

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Southampton boss Claude Puel issues rallying cry to players ahead of Hull trip

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Southampton take on Hull in the Premier League today

Saints face a trip to Hull today on the back of just one win in four in the Premier League.

And Puel knows that his team cannot afford to take their eye off their domestic campaign, despite success in Europe.

He said: “Now we have to forget the game against Inter Milan, because this match is another important one for us.

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

Hull boss Phelan: Why Saints are the model we should follow

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Mike Phelan believes Hull should aspire to a model similar to Sunday’s Premier League opponents Saints for the long-term stability of the club.

The Tigers have struggled with off-the-field matters with fans protesting at the ownership of the club, while a takeover bid by a Chinese and Hong Kong consortium is not looking any closer to completion.

Former boss Steve Bruce left the club by mutual consent just three weeks before the new season, which began without Hull having signed a senior player in the transfer window, and Phelan in temporary charge.

Phelan was eventually handed the manager’s job full-time last month, but while Hull have endured a torrid return to the top-flight the Saints have continued to integrate youth team players into the first team.

The likes of Matt Targett, Harrison Reed, Lloyd Isgrove and Sam McQueen have all started in recent matches as the St Mary’s club have mixed domestic and European ambitions.

Phelan believes it can only be positive for Hull to adopt a strategy which replicates their south-coast rivals, who beat Italian heavyweights Inter Milan in midweek.

“Looking at clubs like Southampton, it’s terrific what they’ve done,” he said.

"From my point of view, looking from a Hull City end, that’s the model you want to follow and interpret in the right way. That’s what Hull could be if everything is in place and pulling in the right direction.

"There is scope for Hull to be that model. There are others, like Stoke, who have developed over the years to become established in the Premier League.

"The difficulty is how you put that in place and whether or not you get the opportunity and time to do it.

"Southampton have proved over a period of time that they can produce. They’ve got fantastic facilities and a team that’s extremely competitive in the Premier League.

"Infrastructure is massive but having an idea and a plan, to be able to put that plan into operation, is just as important.

“That comes through winning and losing, giving people opportunities at this level. Young players are refreshing when you give them the opportunity in a first-team match.”

Phelan also revealed he was interested in Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez during the summer transfer window, but he could not get the deal over the line.

“We looked at a lot of forwards in the window,” he said.

"The only problem was that we did all our business in one day. You’re dipping in and out of different hats.

“He was one of a few we were discussing but it was not one we could really do.”

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 06/11/2016 06:55:50

| | Hull should follow Southampton model for success - Mike PhelanBELFASTTELE |
| | Bale, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain … Tymon?HULLDAILYMAIL |

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

It’s matchday!

#HCAFC vs #SaintsFC
2.15pm GMT
@premierleague
KCOM Stadium
http://southamptonfc.com https://grabyo.com/g/v/E2sRFXglWEw

Retweets: 9

Favourites: 7

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Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

Best Bets for the Arsenal Tottenham derby plus Liverpool and Manchester United

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Favourite backers need to wake up and smell the banana skins today.

You get just 13/1 the FIVE-timer if you fancy rolling up a Premier League no-brainer and crawling back to bed.

And at least two jollies look a bit shonky.

Southampton had a good result this week, but can’t score. Hull are the same, except for the good result. Take NO ‘both sides to score’ at 4/5 .

Yes, leaky Liverpool should find enough to beat Watford at 2/7, but YES ‘both score’ at 21/20 is fairer.

Swansea look pants-down to pace. Punt Manchester United flyer Marcus Rashford ‘anytime scorer’ at 7/4 (888).

And have some 11/1 ‘anytime scorer’ about West Brom ‘sleeper’ Gareth McAuley at Leicester – the old unit’s scoring plenty. It’s not by accident.

Nibble 12/1 ‘no goalscorer’ at Arsenal in the breakfast kick-off, but add a proper portion of 10/11 HOME WIN - that looks a fair enough price with Tottenham carrying injury and suspension handicaps.

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Sourced from ESPN FC article

Hull City should follow Southampton’s model for success - Mike Phelan

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Mike Phelan believes Hull should aspire to a model similar to Sunday’s Premier League opponents Southampton for the long-term stability of the club.

The Tigers have struggled with off-the-field matters with fans protesting at the ownership of the club, while a takeover bid by a Chinese and Hong Kong consortium is not looking any closer to completion.

Former boss Steve Bruce left the club by mutual consent just three weeks before the new season, which began without Hull having signed a senior player in the transfer window, and Phelan in temporary charge.

Phelan was eventually handed the manager’s job full-time last month, but while Hull have endured a torrid return to the top-flight the Saints have continued to integrate youth team players into the first team.

The likes of Matthew Targett, Lloyd Isgrove and Sam McQueen have all started in recent matches as the St Mary’s club have mixed domestic and European ambitions.

Phelan believes it can only be positive for Hull to adopt a strategy which replicates their south-coast rivals, who beat Italian heavyweights Inter Milan in midweek.

“Looking at clubs like Southampton, it’s terrific what they’ve done,” he said. "From my point of view, looking from a Hull City end, that’s the model you want to follow and interpret in the right way. That’s what Hull could be if everything is in place and pulling in the right direction.

"There is scope for Hull to be that model. There are others, like Stoke, who have developed over the years to become established in the Premier League.

"The difficulty is how you put that in place and whether or not you get the opportunity and time to do it.

"Southampton have proved over a period of time that they can produce. They’ve got fantastic facilities and a team that’s extremely competitive in the Premier League.

"Infrastructure is massive but having an idea and a plan, to be able to put that plan into operation, is just as important.

“That comes through winning and losing, giving people opportunities at this level. Young players are refreshing when you give them the opportunity in a first-team match.”

Phelan also revealed he was interested in Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez during the summer transfer window, but he could not get the deal over the line.

“We looked at a lot of forwards in the window,” he said. "The only problem was that we did all our business in one day. You’re dipping in and out of different hats.

“He was one of a few we were discussing but it was not one we could really do.”

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Sourced from Daily Mail article

Hull must follow Southampton’s model, admits Mike Phelan

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Mike Phelan believes Hull should aspire to a model similar to Sunday’s Premier League opponents Southampton for the long-term stability of the club.

The Tigers have struggled with off-the-field matters with fans protesting at the ownership of the club, while a takeover bid by a Chinese and Hong Kong consortium is not looking any closer to completion.

Former boss Steve Bruce left the club by mutual consent just three weeks before the new season, which began without Hull having signed a senior player in the transfer window, and Phelan in temporary charge.

Phelan was eventually handed the manager’s job full-time last month, but while Hull have endured a torrid return to the top-flight the Saints have continued to integrate youth team players into the first team.

The likes of Matthew Targett, Lloyd Isgrove and Sam McQueen have all started in recent matches as the St Mary’s club have mixed domestic and European ambitions.

Phelan believes it can only be positive for Hull to adopt a strategy which replicates their south-coast rivals, who beat Italian heavyweights Inter Milan in midweek.

‘Looking at clubs like Southampton, it’s terrific what they’ve done,’ he said.

'From my point of view, looking from a Hull City end, that’s the model you want to follow and interpret in the right way. That’s what Hull could be if everything is in place and pulling in the right direction.

'There is scope for Hull to be that model. There are others, like Stoke, who have developed over the years to become established in the Premier League.

'The difficulty is how you put that in place and whether or not you get the opportunity and time to do it.

'Southampton have proved over a period of time that they can produce. They’ve got fantastic facilities and a team that’s extremely competitive in the Premier League.

'Infrastructure is massive but having an idea and a plan, to be able to put that plan into operation, is just as important.

‘That comes through winning and losing, giving people opportunities at this level. Young players are refreshing when you give them the opportunity in a first-team match.’

Phelan also revealed he was interested in Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez during the summer transfer window, but he could not get the deal over the line.

‘We looked at a lot of forwards in the window,’ he said.

'The only problem was that we did all our business in one day. You’re dipping in and out of different hats.

‘He was one of a few we were discussing but it was not one we could really do.’

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 06/11/2016 08:57:00

| | Worth A Read - Coventry City Fingers Caught In Sisu Sliding Door - Coventry City FC - Coventry MADFOOTYMAD |

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Want to win a signed #SaintsFC away shirt?

Predict the result of today’s visit to #HCAFC to be in with a chance: https://cards.twitter.com/cards/rh0us/2ie09

Retweets: 1

Favourites: 1

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 06/11/2016 09:57:10

|

| Manchester United target Southampton’s Virgil van DijkNINETYMINUTESONLINE |

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Who has the best chance of finishing in the Prem’s Top 4 this term? How do Man Utd look?

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STARSPORT take you through each Premier League team’s odds of finishing in the first four positions at the end of the season.

Paddy Power think that Manchester United’s chances are not as good as they were before the campaign started.

Jose Mourinho’s side haven’t enjoyed the best start to the season despite some star signings in the summer.

The Red Devils are eighth in the table with only four wins in 10 matches.

But who has the best odds of finishing in the first four places that lead to next season’s Champions League?

Check out our gallery above for more.

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Man United boss Jose Mourinho targets Premier League rivals: Defender raid planned

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The Sunday People claim Jose Mourinho is looking to add leadership and aggression to his defence with the Saints star earmarked as the man to make the difference. United staff are said to be disappointed with their ‘soft’ defence and have only been impressed with Antonio Valencia and summer signing Eric Bailly.

“Man United boss Jose Mourihno is ready to swoop for Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk” The Sunday People report Chris Smalling came in for criticism after the 4-0 defeat to Chelsea and Daley Blind and Luke Shaw have also been targeted by Mourinho. Van Dijk, 25, is seen as a long-term project for the Red Devils and he has the bonus of already holding Premier League experience. As well as the Dutchman, United have been linked with Atletico Madrid star Diego Godin.

United return to Premier League action later today when they take on Swansea at the Liberty Stadium. Mourinho will serve a one-match touchline ban in Wales after an altercation with Mark Clattenburg at Old Trafford last weekend.

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

#OnThisDay in 1993, #SaintsFC beat #THFC 1-0, with @mattletiss7 setting up @nmaddo for the winner at The Dell: https://grabyo.com/g/v/wPzBO7ulDBE

Retweets: 2

Favourites: 4

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 06/11/2016 10:57:58

| | Report: Mourinho’s doubts trigger chase of Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk, eight-goal teen wantedHEREISTHECITY |

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

Fonte set to return after another tough Europa rest

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Claude Puel admitted it has been difficult to leave the likes of Jose Fonte out of European action, but hopes the squad can see the benefit of his rotation.

Saints skipper Fonte was a major driving force in Saints securing Europa League football, but has yet to play a minute in the competition as Puel saves him for top flight games.

Other big names such as Steven Davis, Charlie Austin and Ryan Bertrand have also had to spend periods watching from the sidelines, but results have backed up Puel’s policy.

The Saints boss said: “For Jose, for all the players, it’s the same feeling, with Ryan Bertrand, with Davis, with other players wanting to play all the games.

“It is important to consider all the players and for example Jose can do a good game this time because after every game he can recover and take that time.

“For all the players it is the same thing. They can play in the best level because they are fresh with good energy and this is very important, and Jose play also an important game with the squad against Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United - all the great teams.

“We are lucky to have many possibilities and it is important to give confidence for all the players.

“Maya take confidence also in his play and his qualities and can play with a very good level.

“It is important for the squad because it is not possible for a player to make all the games with just Jose and Virgil at centre back. This is not possible.

“The squad cannot continue this good work with just two players and it is important to consider this for the future and get a good balance for every player.

“It is sometimes difficult and all the players want to play every game but it is important to develop all the squad to have the better result for the future.”

Fonte is expected to come straight back into the starting line-up to face Hull at the KCOM Stadium today. Bertrand, Davis, Jordy Clasie and Austin are also likely to be back in the side.

Puel has no fresh injury problems but the likes of Cedric Soares, Shane Long and Matt Targett will not be available again until after the international break.

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Join us at http://southamptonfc.com for live updates and free audio commentary, as #SaintsFC take on #HCAFC: https://cards.twitter.com/cards/rh0us/2img1

Retweets: 1

Favourites: 2

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 06/11/2016 11:58:28

| | Hull City v Southampton match statistics, betting indicators and predictionFOOTYLATESTCOM |

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Claude Puel hopes #SaintsFC can keep the momentum going at #HCAFC today:

Retweets: 2

Favourites: 11

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