Sterling Talks On Hold But Liverpool Expect Him To Stay, Says Ian Ayre

The Anfield chief executive wants the 20-year-old England international to remain at the club for a "long time" despite ongoing controversies off the field

Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre says contract talks with Raheem Sterling are on hold until the end of the season, but does not expect the England international to leave the club this summer.

Sterling scored in Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Newcastle on Monday night, but Brendan Rodgers was left to field questions regarding a video which surfaced appearing to show the forward inhaling nitrous oxide.

The 20-year-old, who has also been pictured holding a shisha pipe recently, admitted to being flattered by links to Arsenal in an interview with BBC Sport, but Ayre is confident that while negotiations over a new contract have been delayed, the club are not anticipating his departure.

"Raheem's agent has asked that we park all discussions regards his future until the summer," Ayre told Sky Sports News. "We respect that.

"Raheem is a Liverpool player and has over two years left on his contract. We expect Raheem Sterling to be here for a long time."

Sterling is Liverpool's top goalscorer in all competitions this season, finding the back of the net 13 times.

Arsenal To Offer 41 Million € For Aubameyang

Arsenal is ready to make a big offer for Dortmund's striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The gunners aim to pay a fee of 41 millione € for the Gabon international

Juventus Planning To Learn Tevez Future Plans

The Argentine is set to give the Bianconeri the final word on whether he will stay in the next few weeks, with Boca Juniors standing by to swoop

Carlos Tevez is expected to make a decision on his future in the next few weeks, with Juventus stepping up their pursuit for Paulo Dybala in fear of losing their star striker this summer.

The Argentine has netted 25 goals this term, leading the Old Lady to the verge of the Champions League semi-finals as well as helping to open up a 12-point lead at the top of Serie A.

However, the former Manchester City man has already told club officials that his current deal - which expires in June 2016 - will be his last, due to his desire to end his career with his first club Boca Juniors.

It is understood Tevez has now confirmed to the club that he will give a definitive answer on his future by the first week of May, with a summer move a distinct possibility.

Tevez has been in regular contact with Boca in recent weeks as he prepares to come to a decision which could signal the end of his career in Europe, nine years after he shocked the world by joining West Ham United from Corinthians.

For now, Tevez is said to be focused only on winning Serie A and challenging for the Champions League, while he has also set his sights on the Capocannoniere award given to the league's top scorer.

His 46 goals in 86 games have made the 31-year-old a cult figure in Turin, with Juventus' improved fortunes in Europe this season having been largely linked to his own vastly improved form in continental competition.

Juve's interest in Palermo striker Dybala will now be ramped up as a result of the uncertainty over Tevez's immediate future.

While club executives are thought to be keen on snapping up the 21-year-old Argentine regardless of Tevez's decision, they are now set to make significant strides in their quest for a new striker in case they find themselves shorn of their figurehead frontman ahead of next season.

Oscar: Why Would I Leave Chelsea?

The 23-year-old admits he could have made a greater contribution to his side's march to the Premier League title, but has no plans to depart Stamford Bridge this summer

Chelsea midfielder Oscar insists he has no interest in leaving the club this summer as he continues to adapt to a new role under Jose Mourinho.

Oscar has been a regular fixture in a Chelsea squad which remains on course to win the Premier League title this season, despite fierce competition for places at Stamford Bridge, which has seen both Juan Mata and Andre Schurrle leave the club over the last 18 months.

The summer transfer window could see Mourinho bring in more new recruits, but the Brazilian has no intention of leaving.

"I'm very happy here," Oscar told Goal. "I get along with everyone here and the club shows its praise to me.

"Chelsea is one of the best clubs in the world so I can't see why I would think of leaving the club."

Oscar has at times been the victim of tactical changes by Mourinho during games, coming off at half time against both Stoke City and Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks.

And while the 23-year-old is pleased with his season so far, he is eyeing an improved contribution within the various systems he is deployed in by Mourinho.

He added: "I'm very happy with Chelsea's season so far. I'm happy with my own performances as well but reckon that I could have contributed more to the team.

"There are different tactics depending on the opponent we face and we respect the manager choices. Sometimes I ended up not playing the entire match but I'm doing my best to fulfil my role. So yes, I'm happy with my

Oscar: Manchester United Should Also Be Afraid Of Chelsea

EXCLUSIVE: The two sides go head-to-head on Saturday and while the Brazilian talked up the likes of Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini, he knows the Blues have threats of their own

Chelsea midfielder Oscar has warned Louis van Gaal and Manchester United that they should be wary of the Blues in Saturday's meeting at Stamford Bridge despite their impressive recent run of form.

United have improved markedly in the second half of the season and are on a run of six league wins on the bounce, a sequence of results that has moved them to within eight points of Jose Mourinho's side.

The two sides go head-to-head this weekend and while Oscar appreciates that Van Gaal's men have upped their performance levels, he believes the Blues have enough talented players of their own to cause United problems.

The Brazilian told Goal: "It's not only Fellaini but Mata as well. Herrera, Blind, Rooney, Ashley Young, so many players.

"They certainly improved their performances at this point of the season and we must be careful with all of them. But they must be careful with us as well so big derbies like this one are always great matches.

"They were struggling in the beginning but they've shown a lot of improvements. They are playing very well at the moment. One can see that Man United found their ideal starting XI and we will face a tough opponent this coming weekend."

Chelsea can take another big step towards winning the title by beating United although Oscar is not getting carried away despite the west Londoners' healthy seven-point lead at the top of the table.

He added: "I wouldn't go that far [that the title is already wrapped up]. It seems easy but it's definitely not. We will face Man United and then Arsenal.

"Those will be like two 'finals' for us. After that we will have a clear idea on how close we are from the title. We will certainly fight until the end of the season. But we hope we can be the champions as soon as possible."

Three Signings Will Turn Manchester United Into Champions, Insists Neville

Gary Neville believes Louis van Gaal's side need to prioritise the signings of a centre-back, central midfielder and winger but doesn't think they need to spend €209 million again

Gary Neville believes Manchester United are three signings away from challenging for the Premier League title.

Louis van Gaal's side currently occupy third place in the table after a solid second half of the season, with many tipping the Red Devils to mount a serious challenge for the league in the 2015-16 campaign.

Van Gaal revealed on Wednesday that United's summer transfer plans are well underway , with the likes of Mats Hummels and Memphis Depay on the club's radar, and Neville believes three signings would be enough to transform the club into title contenders.

He said, as quoted by the Daily Mirror : "If you asked me three months ago, I would have said [United] were a long way behind.

"Now, it's not as far. Two or three months ago, they would have been thinking Chelsea are a long way in front of us. Now the recruitment battle that will happen in the summer becomes critical.

"If they get that right, United will feel confident they can challenge Chelsea for the title next season.

"I don’t think this summer is a case of United rebuilding or total restructure of the squad. They need to continue to improve in two or three positions: a central defender, a midfielder and a winger.

"It is a case of trading well, rather than wholesale buying. I don’t expect another €209 million spend. I don’t think it is required."

Buffon & Pirlo Can Guide Juventus To Champions League Final, Says Ferrara

The former Bianconeri boss is hoping the club can make it all the way to Berlin this season, with the Italian duo spearheading their bid

Former Juventus coach Ciro Ferrara believes that veteran duo Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon can guide his old side to the Champions League final.

The Bianconeri have one foot in the last four, having beaten Monaco 1-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final clash courtesy of an Arturo Vidal penalty.

And the 48-year-old believes the quality of two of their veteran Italy internationals can get them to the Berlin showpiece on June 6.

"We are talking about two phenomena," he said of the duo to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"They have made history in world football, not just in Italy. In their case, age does not matter. They are champions who have been lucky enough not to have serious injuries and have shown their value for almost 20 years.

"Why can't they reach the final? I'm optimistic by nature but the path is very long, starting with the return clash in Monaco.

"From an Italian perspective I hope they can. Objectively it's very difficult but not impossible. Now they're all games that can be decided with one moment.

"Gigi and Andrea have unique experience."

Juve take their 1-0 aggregate lead to Stade Louis II on Tuesday, with kick-off scheduled for 20:45CET.

Quaresma: Porto Aren't Through Yet

The Portugal international was delighted with his side's performance on Wednesday but says the tie is far from over

Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma has warned his team-mates that they still have plenty of work to do to progress to the Champions League semi-finals at Bayern Munich's expense.

The former Chelsea and Inter winger scored twice as Julen Lopetegui's side beat the Bavarians 3-1 at the Dragao on Wednesday to give his side a commanding quarter-final first-leg lead.

The Portuguese has hailed his side's work rate and attitude but told his team-mates that the job is only half done.

"It was down to our attitude," he told Uefa.com.

"We were very focused from the start. We knew it was the only way to get a good result, because Bayern are one of those sides that have the players to decide a game at any moment."

"We couldn't make mistakes. We're happy with tonight and the result. Nothing's been decided yet. We know how difficult it'll be when we go to Bayern.

"As I already said they have great players and a great coach. Now it's time for us to relax and think about Academica, then we'll focus on Bayern.

"It happened at a good time. I was able to help the team and I'm happy about that."

Cavani: I'm Staying At PSG

The Uruguayan has been linked with a move to the Premier League and Serie A recently but insists he will stay in the French capital

Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani has insisted he has no plans to leave the club at the end of the season.

The Uruguay international has often played in a wide role since moving to France from Napoli in the summer of 2013 and subsequently struggled to find his best form.

The former Palermo star operated in his preferred role as a centre forward in the absence of the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Wednesday night, but still put in another disappointing showing.

Cavani missed several good opportunities as PSG fell to a 3-1 defeat to Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final and appeared desperately short of confidence.

His continued struggles have seen him linked with Juventus and several Premier League sides recently but the 28-year-old has again looked to distance himself from talk of a summer exit.

"There's too much talk about my future," he told Sky Sport.

"I'll stay here and respect my contract and think about doing well for PSG."

Cavani has scored 20 goals in all competitions this season including two in the 4-0 Coupe de la Ligue final win over Bastia last Saturday.

Wenger: I Want Walcott To Stay At Arsenal

The forward's future at the club is again in doubt but his coach has made clear his intentions and backed him to "have a great goalscoring record in the future"

Arsene Wenger says he believes Theo Walcott has a great future and wants the England international to stay at Arsenal.

Walcott has struggled for starts since completing his recovery from a cruciate knee ligament injury in January, with Wenger often deploying summer signing Danny Welbeck ahead of him in wide positions.

Tensions mounted when Walcott took to Twitter in March to contradict his manager's suggestion that talks over a new deal had commenced but Wenger is adamant he wants to keep the winger at the club.

"I believe he will have a great future and I want him to stay here," he told reporters ahead of the Gunners' FA Cup semi-final clash with Reading.

"Walcott is getting better every week and will have a great goalscoring record in the future."

Goal understands Walcott is one of a number of potential replacements that Liverpool have earmarked for starlet Raheem Sterling, who recently admitted he is flattered to be linked with a move to Arsenal.

Ikhana: Enyimba Now Focused On NPFL & Federation Cup

Enyimba head coach, Kadiri Ikhana has told Goalthat the People’s Elephant are gradually overcoming their exit from the Caf Champions League and will now channel their might to the Nigeria Professional Football League and the Federation Cup games.

The Aba side were dumped out of the lucrative club competition in the first round by Egyptian side, Smouha SC almost two weeks ago and activities have been at the lowest ebb at the club because of the way they were allegedly controversially eliminated.

Ikhana in a chat with Goal said that Enyimba will start picking up the pieces after their elimination with the top of the table clash with Kano Pillars this weekend in Kano where they will strive to get a positive result for the first time in three seasons.

“We are about forgetting our ouster from the Caf Champions League even though we saw it coming that it would be difficult to qualify, based on the experience we had with the officiating. We ought to have closed up the tie in Aba but with only a goal advantage to Alexandria it would always be hard. We have learnt our lesson and life must go on," Ikhana told Goal.

“We have a tough match against Pillars this weekend and we don’t want anything to distract us from our preparation.

"We will kick start our season with the match and we want to get a good result in Kano to serve as consolation for our loss in the Caf Champions league.”

Enyimba have lost by the odd goal to Pillars in the last two seasons but they have always equaled the feat in Aba with emphatic wins on both occasions winning 3-0 and 3-1 respectively.

Transfer Rumours And Paper Review – Thursday, April 16

Here's the top transfer-related stories in Thursday's newspapers...

Liverpool are preparing to offload Mario Balotelli to finance a move for Manchester United outcast Radamel Falcao. The Reds are willing to take a significant loss on their £16m signing to make room for the Colombian international. (Daily Star)

Manchester United are preparing to make a bid for Mats Hummels, the Borussia Dortmund captain, while they also hope to wrap up deals for Memphis Depay, the PSV Eindhoven and Holland forward, and Nathaniel Clyne, the Southampton and England right back. The trio will cost a combined £70million. (The Times)

Chelsea are considering turning to Diego Godin in their search for a new central defender. Raphael Varane is Jose Mourinho’s top target but Real Madrid are determined to keep him, and commanding Atletico Madrid stopper Godin, who is also on Manchester United’s radar, has emerged as an alternative for the Blues. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is also ready to reignite his interest in West Ham forward Enner Valencia, while Oscar is set to be axed this summer, with Juventus keen on the playmaker. (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal may have to offer James Milner a four-year contract if they are to sign the England midfielder as a  free agent from Manchester City. (London Evening Standard)

West Ham are weighing up a summer move for Swansea boss Garry Monk. The Hammers have yet to start talks with current manager Sam Allardyce about a new contract and Monk is on their radar. (Daily Star)

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman is keeping checks on QPR midfielder Matt Phillips. (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal Targeting £11million Swoop For Hot Italian Prospect

Arsenal are ready to test Juventus' resolve with a £11m bid for defender Daniele Rugani.

The 20-year-old is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in Italian football and has been likened to former greats Alessandro Nesta and Fabio Cannavaro.

The centre-back has spent this season on loan at Empoli from Juventus and his performances have not gone unnoticed.

Playing at the heart of their defence, Rugani has helped newly-promoted Empoli defy the odds and climb to 15th in Serie A.

And now, according to Sport Italia, Arsenal are preparing a summer swoop of £11m for the Italy Under-21 international.

Chelsea and Manchester United have both been linked in the past too, but Juventus are still hopeful they can persuade the youngster that his future lies in Turin.

John Terry Should Still Be Playing For England, Says Fabio Capello

Chelsea captain John Terry should still be playing for England, according to former national boss Fabio Capello.

Capello resigned in February 2012 after Terry was stripped of the captaincy by the Football Association over allegations of racial abuse following an incident with QPR's Anton Ferdinand.
Terry, 34, was acquitted after a trial in July 2012 but was banned for four games and fined £220,000 by the FA.

"It's better to have a player like John Terry than not," said Capello.
"He is one of the best."

Terry, who won 78 England caps, retired from international football in September 2012, saying his position in the national squad had become "untenable".

He has been an instrumental figure this season for Chelsea, who are on course to win a fourth Premier League title.

Capello, speaking at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Shanghai, said: "England haven't got a lot of defenders but they sometimes have problems.

"But I don't think he has the chances to play with the national team any more."
Capello, appointed England boss in December 2007, has been managing Russia since July 2012.

Enrique Delight At 'Complete' Barcelona

Paris (AFP) - Barcelona coach Luis Enrique admitted he could scarcely have hoped for a better performance after his side blew away Paris Saint-Germain with a 3-1 victory in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.

The Spanish league leaders ended PSG's 33-game unbeaten home run in Europe stretching back to 2006 as Neymar opened the scoring in the first half at the Parc des Princes before Luis Suarez added a superb double in the second half, leaving next week's return leg looking like little more than a formality.

"We were superior in midfield, were dangerous going forward and defended well as a team. It was a very complete performance from us," said Enrique, who was not too concerned about the late consolation conceded when Jeremy Mathieu deflected a Gregory van der Wiel shot into his own net.

"I would be happier if we hadn't conceded the goal, but we didn't get much luck with it. It caught out our goalkeeper, but I wouldn't change our game tonight, even if a 3-0 would have been perfect."

PSG will need to score at least three goals to stand a chance of progressing to the semi-finals when they go to the Camp Nou for the second leg next Tuesday.

Nevertheless, Barcelona are refusing to take anything for granted, especially as PSG will be boosted by the return from suspension of both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marco Verratti for the second leg.


Barcelona's Luis Suarez (2nd R) scores his first goal past Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Salvat …
"They will get players back, so I am sure the tie is not finished yet. We are not going to make the mistake of thinking it is over," said the coach.

"They will have nothing to lose. As always, we will try to win at the Camp Nou and clinch a place in the semi-finals."

Enrique resisted the temptation to heap praise on Suarez, even if the Uruguayan's two second-half goals ultimately made the difference.

The former Liverpool striker's double in the French capital leaves him with 11 goals in Barcelona's last 11 matches, including a crucial brace in the 2-1 last-16 first-leg win at Manchester City and the winner in the recent Clasico victory over eternal rivals Real Madrid.

In comparison, over the same period, Lionel Messi has scored eight times and Neymar merely four.


Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani (C) fails to score from a diving header against Barcelona d …
"I have seen Suarez score goals like that for Ajax and Liverpool. He is strong and finishes like a centre-forward. But all the players played their part tonight, and when we play like that it is difficult to beat us."

- Suarez 'clinical' -

Suarez's display put his fellow Uruguayan Edinson Cavani in the shade, with the latter toiling up front for PSG as the hosts struggled to wrestle possession away from Barcelona.

"They have the same nationality and they play in more or less the same position, but one was clinical tonight in a team that dominated," admitted Paris coach Laurent Blanc.

Blanc saw his side produce a rousing second-leg display to eliminate Chelsea in the last 16 last month, but he knows the task facing them next Tuesday will be far tougher, especially after seeing captain Thiago Silva hobble off with a thigh injury early on to be replaced by David Luiz.hat was when things started to go wrong for us. We replaced Thiago with a player who was still not fully fit either. To hope to get a better result against them you really need to be 100 percent in all areas and for my team it certainly wasn't the case," he said.

"There is a lot of disappointment. The players gave everything and are completely worn out. I hope the motivation for us will be to go to Barcelona, with certain key players back, and show a different face."

PSG also lost top spot in Ligue 1 on Wednesday after title rivals Lyon beat Bastia 2-0, and before travelling to Barcelona Blanc must patch up his side for an important league game at Nice on Saturday.

"We will need to get four or five players back before we go to Barcelona, but first I have to send out a competitive team that is capable of taking three points at Nice."

Five Possible Destinations ForJurgen Klopp

Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp dropped a bombshell on the world of international soccer on Wednesday when he announced he would be leaving the club at season’s end. Klopp has spent seven years in charge at Dortmund, guiding it to two Bundesliga titles, one German Cup and a Champions League final.

Young, charismatic and capable of turning the sum of his players into something that’s somehow greater than the individual parts, the 47-year-old Klopp has long been among the most sought-after managers in Europe. And unlike Pep Guardiola, he has no plans to take any kind of sabbatical from the sport. So with this unexpected news, several of Europe’s top clubs are assumed to be on alert.

Here are five possible places where Klopp could end up next.

1. Manchester City

The collapse of City’s campaign to retain the Premier League title is likely to drag a number of people down with it. Chief among them, manager Manuel Pellegrini, whose tactical naivety and seeming inability to motivate his squad have cost the Citizens dearly this season. Despite City publicly denying any interest in Klopp, British bookmakers have the club as odds-on favorites to secure his services.

But while Klopp’s charisma and technical know-how make him an obvious choice for a club like City, it’s difficult to envisage him imposing his all-running, high-intensity style on City’s current crop of aging and jaded players. Although with Pellegrini’s reign likely on its way to a premature end, City could decide it’s worth taking a punt on Klopp if attempts to lure long-term target Pep Guardiola from Bayern Munich this summer prove unsuccessful.

2. Real Madrid

Real Madrid is possibly the only club in the world where a manager can win the Champions League one season, make it through to the quarterfinals and be within two points of the domestic crown the next season and still be in danger of getting sack. But such is the situation Carlo Ancelotti currently finds himself in. Should the Italian fail to overhaul Barcelona in the La Liga title race or, at the very least, reach the Champions League final, it’s highly unlikely he’ll still be in charge next season.

Madrid’s current squad certainly has enough youth, pace and vitality to adapt to Klopp’s demanding style of play. Taking over at Real Madrid would offer the Dortmund manager a level of prestige few other clubs could match. Providing Klopp, who’s managed just two clubs over the course of his 14-year career, isn’t put off by Madrid’s tendency to regularly discard managers, he potentially could be a good fit for the Bernabeu outfit.

3. Arsenal

With his attacking style, technical acumen and predisposition towards legacy building rather than club-hopping, Klopp has long been seen as a potential successor to Arsene Wenger. But there are few indications the Arsenal manager, whose contract runs until 2017, is willing to hand over the reigns at the Emirates just yet. Currently in line for a second-place finish in the Premier League and considered favorites to retain the FA Cup, the Gunners could be on track for their best season in a decade. This means there is also little danger of Wenger being sacked.

As to whether Wenger decides this season’s impending success amounts to the preamble to one last glorious title run, or a suitably high note to bow out on, remains to be seen. But if the Frenchman does go, Klopp would be an ideal candidate to help turn the page from the Wenger era at the North London club. His high-pressing style would also nicely suit this current crop of Arsenal players.

4. Paris Saint-Germain

Despite leading the club to last season’s Ligue 1 title, consecutive league cups and into the Champions League quarterfinals for a second season running, Laurent Blanc has never really been seen as the right manager for PSG. The Parisian club places a high premium on glamour and charisma, two qualities Blanc lacks and that Klopp possesses in spades.

Living in the City of Lights while managing the top club in France would seem like an attractive proposition for any manager. PSG could also guarantee Klopp a spot in the Champions League season in and season out, while providing him with the budget to perhaps go one better than when his Dortmund side lost the final to Bayern two years ago. Klopp would also seem to possess the necessary force of character required to motivate a dressing room full of superstars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani and Thiago Silva.

5. Liverpool

With a squad infused by youth, a passionate base of support and a quixotic tendency to take on bigger, richer clubs and beat them, Liverpool would seem like an ideal environment for Klopp’s brand of soccer to flourish. However, it’s unclear at the moment whether the Anfield outfit will be looking for a new manager any time soon.

A late-season run of good form has eased pressure on Brendan Rodgers. Securing a Champions League berth and/or winning the FA Cup would all but ensure the Northern Irishman’s job come next season. But should he fail to do either, the club’s ownership group, Fenway Sports Group, would likely see Klopp, who’s been linked with the job before, as a viable successor.

Suarez: I Had To Nutmeg Luiz

The Uruguay international produced two pieces of spontaneous skill to outfox the former Chelsea defender on Wednesday night

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez said he had not other option than to nutmeg Paris Saint-Germain's David Luiz in the build-up to both of his goals in Wednesday's 3-1 win at the Parc des Princes.

The Uruguay star scored twice after Neymar had opened the scoring to give the Blaugrana a commanding first-leg lead in the Champions League quarter-finals ahead of next week's Camp Nou return.

The former Liverpool man turned on the style for both of his goals but admits he was left with little alternative given the situation he was faced with on both occasions.

"A striker is always looking for goals and the two moves came off for me," he is quoted as saying by AS.

"I had to nutmeg Luiz twice because there was nothing else I could do.

"We were focused from the first minute. We knew we had to come out with a lot of intensity.

"In football you never know what’s going to happen. They have so much quality and we need to be aware that this isn’t over. It’ll be a good game."

Barca's second leg against PSG takes place on Tueday at 20:45CET.

Rooney: I Am Captaining Manchester United My Own Way

Wayne Rooney is taking inspiration from past Manchester United leaders but insists he must captain the team his "own way".

The striker has led the charge as United have won six on the bounce in the Premier League to rise to third, with Daley Blind hailing his team talk before beating champions Manchester City.

Rooney says he has studied past United skippers and also former England captains John Terry and Steven Gerrard but is keen to make his own mark as he aims to improve both club and country.

"You have to do it your own way," Rooney told reporters. "You can obviously look how people have done it before you but I have to be my own person and do what I feel is the best way for me to captain the team.

"Giggsy wasn't captain here full-time in my time at United, but the things he's done have been a big help and still now. There were also leaders like Roy Keane, Gary Neville and David Beckham.

"There was Steven Gerrard and John Terry who were fantastic captains. But you can't say I want to be like him or I want to be like someone else."

March's 3-0 win over Tottenham was regarded as a turning point in United's season, having beaten rivals Liverpool and City since, with both Marouane Fellaini and Louis van Gaal revealing Rooney's impact.

The 39-year-old confirmed he spoke to the players before the game but insists any speech was off the cuff.

He added: "I didn't even write anything down for my wedding! The team spirit in the dressing room is fantastic, but there are though obviously times when you have to speak up.

"I did that before the Tottenham game because I felt I had to. We had a bad defeat in the FA Cup against Arsenal and I just wanted to reiterate what our targets were for the remaining games of the season.

"The players responded to that and we have had some good results."

Dante Played In Ski Boots - Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer singled out Dante for criticism after a “black night” for Bayern Munich against Porto, accusing the defender of appearing to play in ski boots.

The World Cup winner did not hold back in a withering assessment of Pep Guardiola’s side, who went down 3-1 at Estadio do Dragao in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

Two early Ricardo Quaresma goals – the first from the penalty spot – after some calamitous defending set the tone and, although Thiago Alcantara pulled one back, another blunder allowed Jackson Martinez to complete Bayern’s misery.

Beckenbauer told Sky: “I have not seen a single Bayern player who showed his normal form. It was a black night. Sometimes this happens and it happened tonight.

“When you have a keeper playing badly or a defender playing badly that is not unusual. But in this match they all ‘worked together’ to achieve this result.”

Quaresma’s second came after he dispossessed Dante before running on to finish past Manuel Neuer. It was not the first time the Brazil international has been guilty of lax defending this season and Beckenbauer was not impressed.

“If he was from Iceland or the North Pole, I’d say ‘okay, he is still wearing his ski boots’. But no, he simply has to stop the ball.”

Suarez And Neymar Take Barca Burden Off Messi

Lionel Messi will have to wait for his 400th Barcelona goal. The Argentine attacker failed to net as Luis Enrique's side stormed into a commanding lead in their quarter-final tie in Paris on Wednesday night but he won't care because, refreshingly, it was his two team-mates who took care of the scoring this time.

Barca have so often relied upon Messi in recent years - especially in the big games and particularly in Europe. But at the Parc des Princes in their first-leg game against Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar and Luis Suarez showed they are ready to provide a helping hand with important goals too when it matters most.

Neymar perhaps had a point to prove after he was surprisingly substituted by Barca boss Luis Enrique in the weekend draw at Sevilla, when he had been the best player on the pitch. And he proved that point by scoring the first following a lovely lay-off from Messi, later earning generous applause from his coach as he produced a remarkable run which almost resulted in a second. Looking tired up until his recent rest due to suspension, Neymar has returned a different player.

But Suarez stole the show. The Uruguayan, constantly questioned in his first few months as a Barca player, got off to a slow start in terms of goals at least but scored two stunning strikes in this match. The 28-year-old has now netted an impressive 18 in 33 games since signing in the summer - and the Barca trident of Messi, Suarez and Neymar is surely football's finest forward line at the moment.

"It takes time," former Barca striker Thierry Henry said of his adaptation afterwards on Sky Sports. "You can't arrive at Barcelona and not struggle to perform especially when you're used to another type of system and play. But he's clever enough to understand what he had to do and as we saw, he's a great goalscorer, a great player, with great movement."

And Suarez himself said: "We knew before the game that if we didn’t concentrate we wouldn't be able to win the game. When you play against the big teams you need concentration."
They had that and on this form Barca will take some stopping in the remainder of the competition.

Luis Enrique's side will be expected to finish the job with relative ease at Camp Nou next Tuesday and the Catalans remain on target for the treble as they have already reached the final of the Copa del Rey and lead La Liga by two points from Real Madrid.

Much of that is down to the brilliance of Messi in 2014-15, but the Argentine cannot do it all on his own and Barca are in such a strong position now because he is getting the help he needs from Suarez and Neymar. Messi is maturing into the sort of player who pulls the strings from deep, which could become his natural position once he enters his 30s. It was the role he filled for Argentina at the World Cup - imagine if they had Neymar and Suarez ahead of him?

"We were excellent not only in attack but also in defence," Luis Enrique said. "I have to congratulate the players - it was a huge win and a deserved one at that."

It certainly was and the Asturian's decision to push for the summer signing of Suarez is definitely paying dividends. As the striker settles and Neymar blossoms in his second season, it isn't only all about Messi any more - and that's the best news for Barca.