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Ghana FA apologise for World Cup showing

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After a group-stage exit and off the field controversy, the association's president has expressed his regret following a disappointing campaign for the Black Stars in Brazil<br />
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The Ghana Football Association has issued a public apology following the national team's early exit from the World Cup.<br />
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Four years ago, Ghana were the pride of Africa as they came within a whisker of becoming the first nation from the continent to reach the semi-finals of the competition, only for Uruguay to knock them out on penalties.<br />
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And after exiting this year’s tournament in Brazil at the group stage, FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi apologised to the Ghanaian public for the disappointing campaign.<br />
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"Admittedly, the performance of the team fell below the expectation of many Ghanaians," Nyantakyi told a news conference on Wednesday.<br />
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"Our inability to qualify for the second round broke many Ghanaian hearts. We wish to offer our unqualified apologies for the disappointment."<br />
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Much was expected of Kwesi Appiah's side heading to Brazil, but only one point from a possible nine saw them finish bottom of Group G behind Germany, United States and Portugal.<br />
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Disappointing displays on the pitch were coupled with chaos off it, as experienced duo Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng were both handed indefinite suspensions before the final group game for episodes of indiscipline on the training pitch.<br />
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Ghana's stay in South America was also overshadowed by rows over squad appearance fees, and needing a win in their final match against Portugal they were beaten 2-1.<br />
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The tournament in Brazil was their third consecutive appearance at a finals, and the first time they have failed to progress from the groups.<br />

Ghana FA apologise for World Cup showing

After a group-stage exit and off the field controversy, the association's president has expressed his regret following a disappoint...

Belgium into quarter-finals after battling past the USA

Unknown 0 6:20 AM

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Belgium required extra-time to claim a 2-1 win over a battling USA side and book a quarter-final date with Argentina.</div>
An
 end-to-end encounter somehow finished goalless after 90 minutes, with 
Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku eventually settling the tie despite 
Julian Green stepping off the bench to set up a grandstand finish.<br />
The
 best of the chances in normal time fell to Belgium, with the clearest 
dropping the way of teenage striker Divock Origi who could have netted 
inside the opening 40 seconds and saw a looping header crash off the top
 of the crossbar.<br />
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Romelu Lukaku: Made the difference after stepping off the bench</div>
</div>
The United States had their moments as an attacking force, but it was
 to be dogged defending and some inspired goalkeeping from Tim Howard 
that kept them in the contest.<br />
They remained level for 93 minutes,
 but the introduction of Lukaku’s pace and power at the start of 
extra-time was to prove their undoing.<br />
The Chelsea striker brushed
 aside Matt Besler on his way into the box and squared for former 
Stamford Bridge team-mate De Bruyne to work the ball onto his right foot
 and drill low across Howard into the bottom corner.<br />
Lukaku then 
netted the second himself, racing onto a perfectly-weighted pass from De
 Bruyne to rattle a first-time effort past Howard at his near post.<br />
The
 USA looked down and out at that stage, with physical and mental energy 
drained, but they somehow picked themselves up to halve the deficit 
through Green’s impressive volley and came agonisingly close in the 
dying stages to forcing a penalty shoot-out.<br />
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Julian Green: Grabbed the USA a lifeline, but they could not find a leveller</div>
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The statistics will tell a tale of Belgian dominance, but that will miss the story of American heroics.<br />
From
 the first minute, Howard stood tall when Belgium's 19-year-old striker 
Origi caught Omar Gonzalez flat-footed and only the keeper's 
outstretched foot prevented his team going behind in the very first 
minute.<br />
The USA confounded expectations by fielding an attacking 
formation rather than keeping things as tight as possible, and that 
nearly paid off when Michael Bradley linked up with Clint Dempsey but he
 could not find the power with a clipped shot to really test Thibaut 
Courtois.<br />
De Bruyne was guilty of the most glaring miss of the half when he cut back inside but sent a tame shot rolling wide of the post.<br />
He then tried to make amends with a first-time shot but Howard held it easily.<br />
The second half began with Belgium looking threatening and the USA relying on fortune and Howard.<br />
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Tim Howard: Heroic display kept the USA in it, but there was nothing he could do about the goals</div>
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Dries Mertens' looping header was flicked over the bar by Howard, Jan
 Vertonghen's left-wing cross evaded both De Bruyne and Origi, then 
Origi sent in a good header which landed on top of the crossbar.<br />
It
 was not all one-way traffic, however, and the Belgium defence made a 
hash of dealing with Damarcus Beasley's cross and Graham Zusi lashed in a
 shot that Vincent Kompany was fortunate to get in the way of.<br />
Axel
 Witsel zipped a low shot not far off target before Howard once again 
came to the rescue to defy Origi, who would have been disappointed with 
his effort.<br />
Dempsey had a shot on target as the USA tried to 
respond, but it was Howard saving with his feet again that kept the USA 
in the game. Howard was again inspirational when Kevin Mirallas' run saw
 Eden Hazard given a sight of goal, but the keeper parried.<br />
Besler
 produced an astounding block to deny Daniel Van Buyten, before another 
Howard save saw the Everton keeper tip over Origi's rising drive.<br />
With normal time running out, Kompany went close to bundling over the line, but Howard once again was equal to the challenge.<br />
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Belgium: Joy for Marc Wilmots' side as they march on into the last eight</div>
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Chris Wondolowski could have snatched it for the USA but sliced horribly wide.<br />
Belgium
 boss Marc Wilmots gave Lukaku a chance to make up for his disappointing
 tournament, on for Origi, and within two minutes of extra time starting
 he had made the goal.<br />
Lukaku's strength and pace down the right 
opened up the USA and De Bruyne fastened on to the ball to fire in low 
at the far post with Howard for once beaten.<br />
Mirallas, another Everton man, could have wrapped it up but another intervention by Howard kept it at 1-0.<br />
That
 was only putting off the inevitable though as, with the USA looking 
done, De Bruyne this time played in Lukaku to fire home first-time at 
Howard's near-post.<br />
The game seemed over, only for Green to pop up
 with a goal with just about his first touch, the 19-year-old Bayern 
Munich player beating Courtois with a volleyed finish to keep things 
interesting until the very end.

Belgium into quarter-finals after battling past the USA

Belgium required extra-time to claim a 2-1 win over a battling USA side and book a quarter-final date with Argentina. An end-to-end e...

Argentina beat Switzerland 1-0 after Angel di Maria's extra-time winner

Unknown 0 6:17 AM

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Angel di Maria scored two minutes 
from the end of extra-time to send Argentina into the World Cup 
quarter-finals following a 1-0 win over Switzerland in Sao Paulo.</div>
Di
 Maria’s erratic performance had been symptomatic of Argentina’s, but he
 produced the decisive moment of a largely disappointing game to set up a
 last-eight encounter with either Belgium or USA.<br />
Switzerland 
created the best chances of a first half which failed to match the 
entertainment that has generally been on offer at the World Cup so far.<br />
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Lionel Messi is surrounded by four Switzerland players as he controls the ball</div>
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Granit Xhaka forced a smart low save out of Sergio Romero on 28 
minutes following good work by Xherdan Shaqiri before Josip Drmic tamely
 chipped the ball straight at the Argentinian keeper after he had been 
sent clean through.<br />
Argentina displayed greater impetus after 
half-time but, with Lionel Messi largely subdued, the two-time World Cup
 winners struggled to fashion clear chances.<br />
Diego Benaglio saved 
well from Marcos Rojo and Gonzalo Higuain, before the Switzerland keeper
 was equal to Messi’s low shot and was then up quickly to deny 
substitute Rodrigo Palacio on the follow-up.<br />
Di Maria brought a 
flying save out of Benaglio early in the second period of extra-time 
before the Real Madrid attacker sent Argentina into the last eight with 
two minutes to go by rolling a low shot beyond the Swiss keeper 
following a burst of pace from Messi.<br />
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Switzerland goalkeeper Diego Benaglio is called into action</div>
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Switzerland were agonisingly close to equalising in added time when 
the unmarked Blerim Dzemaili’s header from inside the six-yard box came 
back off the post and the rebound deflected wide off the substitute.<br />
Alejandro
 Sabella looked a worried man on the touchline as his Argentina team 
failed to break through an organised Swiss defence in the early stages 
of the first half as their opponents looked far more dangerous on the 
attack.<br />
Romero dived to his right to deny Xhaka with his feet and 
the Argentina goalkeeper saved the follow-up from Stephan Lichtsteiner.<br />
Argentina
 offered only weak threats at the other end as Ezequiel Lavezzi, 
starting ahead of the injured Sergio Aguero, shot straight at Benaglio.<br />
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Lionel Messi looks on as Valon Behrami berates referee Jonas Eriksson</div>
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Switzerland had to resort to some bully-boy tactics to tame the 
Argentinians at times, though. A few late tackles flew in and referee 
Jonas Eriksson ran out of patience, booking Xhaka for tripping Lavezzi.<br />
Then
 came the best chance of the first half on 39 minutes. Drmic raced 
through on goal after the ball broke to him in space, but much to Ottmar
 Hitzfeld's dismay, the striker attempted a chip which landed straight 
into Romero's arms.<br />
Romero frayed Argentinian nerves just after 
the break when he juggled Shaqiri's free-kick on the line, but he 
collected the ball at the third attempt.<br />
Argentina dominated the 
rest of the second half, but Benaglio would not be beaten. Rojo stung 
Benaglio's palms with a fierce shot and the Swiss stopper then stretched
 to tip over Higuain's header before Messi hit a spectacular left-foot 
volley that flew inches over the bar.<br />
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Ottmar Hitzfeld gathers his Switzerland players together as the game went into extra time</div>
</div>
Switzerland coach Hitzfeld brought Gelson Fernandes on and within 10 
minutes he had received a booking for hacking down Di Maria.<br />
Sabella
 also made a change, bringing Palacio on for Lavezzi. The Inter Milan 
striker missed a glorious chance with his first touch - a free header 
that flew wide from Messi's cross.<br />
With 13 minutes left Benaglio 
showed immense bravery to push the ball away from Palacio's feet as he 
followed up Messi's shot from the edge of the area.<br />
Benaglio had 
to be alert for the final 10 minutes of the 90 as Argentina launched 
attack after attack, and he remained the busiest man on the pitch in 
extra-time, saving in quick succession from Pablo Zabaleta and Higuain.<br />
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At the start of the second period Benaglio again saved superbly from Di Maria’s fierce shot from just outside the area.<br />
A
 penalty shoot-out seemed inevitable, but Di Maria finally beat Benaglio
 with two minutes left. Palacio won the ball on the halfway line and 
laid the ball to Messi, who played in Di Maria and he curled his shot 
into the net.<br />
Wild celebrations ensued, but Switzerland piled 
forward and they would have equalised a minute later had Dzemaili not 
hit a post and missed the rebound from two yards.

Argentina beat Switzerland 1-0 after Angel di Maria's extra-time winner

Angel di Maria scored two minutes from the end of extra-time to send Argentina into the World Cup quarter-finals following a 1-0 win ov...

PROFILE: ANDER HERRERA

Unknown 0 7:48 PM

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<h1 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 24.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 13.2pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 36.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Profile: Ander
Herrera</span></h1>
<h2 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; float: none; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Manchester United has announced the signing of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.manutd.com/en/NewSignings201415.aspx"><span style="color: #c60000;">Ander
Herrera</span></a> from Athletic Club. But how much do you know about the
Spanish central midfielder? Read on to learn more…</span></h2>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Background:</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Ander Herrera was born in Bilbao on 14 August 1989. His schooling
in Spanish football came at Real Zaragoza where he made 41 first-team
appearances and helped them win promotion to La Liga in 2009. Two years later,
Herrera moved to Athletic Club in the city of his birth for a reported fee of
£6.6million.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The Bilbao boy:</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">As one third of an effective midfield triumvirate that also
included Oscar de Marcos and Ander Iturraspe, Herrera became a key component in
a team that quickly ascended the ranks of Spanish and European football. In
fact, during his first season at San Mames, under the tutelage of maverick
manager Marcelo Bielsa, the club were runners-up in the Europa League and Copa
del Rey. A hernia injury proved troublesome throughout the 2012/13 campaign,
when a series of big-name players secured moves away from Bilbao, although
Herrera's eventual return helped steer Athletic away from the relegation zone.
With his reputation enhanced, interest from overseas clubs, including United,
was reported. Alas, it wasn’t to be and the playmaker continued to impress in
Spain, scoring five goals in 33 appearances to help secure a fourth-placed
finish in 2013/14.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Have we met him before?</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> In March 2012, United welcomed Athletic Club to Old Trafford
for a Europa League encounter that was meant to be one-sided. Unfortunately,
the Reds were caught off guard and suffered a humbling 3-2 defeat at the hands
of Bielsa's powerfully energetic side. Herrera played a starring role that
night, clocking up 86 minutes of action and one assist for de Marcos. A
second-leg defeat at San Mames followed, sending the Reds bowing out of Europe.
After witnessing his team's defeat, Sir Alex Ferguson said admiringly:
“Athletic Club's work rate is higher than any I have seen in Europe. But it is
not just about their work rate, they are very good footballers too. They will
go far.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Country calling:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Herrera has so far been capped by every age group with the
Spanish national team except the senior side and he notably played alongside
David De Gea and Juan Mata for the Under-21s. He also made three appearances
for Spain's Olympic team during the 2012 Games in England. With all the talk of
a watershed for Spain's World Cup-winning midfielders, following their early
exit from Brazil 2014, Herrera's full debut could be on the cards if he catches
the eye with United.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">What we said:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> "Ander is a fantastic young player, with great energy
and creativity. We believe him to be one of the brightest young prospects in
Spain and I am certain he will be a big hit with the United fans. I’m delighted
he has made the decision to come to Manchester and play his part in the club's
future." - Ryan Giggs<br />
<br />
</span><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">What he said:</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“Signing for Manchester United is a dream come true. I have played
at Old Trafford for Athletic Club in the UEFA Europa League and it was one of
the highlights of my career so far. I have joined United to do all I can to
help the team reach the club's objectives. Having arrived on Tuesday I'm
excited to now be living in Manchester and I can't wait for my first game in
United's famous red shirt.” - Ander Herrera</span></div>
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PROFILE: ANDER HERRERA

Profile: Ander Herrera Manchester United has announced the signing of Ander Herrera from Athletic Club. But how much do you know ab...

PROFILE: LUKE SHAW

Unknown 0 7:41 PM

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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 36.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Profile: Luke Shaw</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in
English football, 18-year-old <a href="http://www.manutd.com/en/NewSignings201415LukeShaw/NewSignings201415LukeShawNews/2014/Jun/~/link.aspx?_id=205B9F1DAE58431691441E4D135813BB&_z=z"><span style="color: #c60000; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Luke Shaw</span></a> arrives
at Manchester United with the potential for many seasons of success ahead of him.</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Having returned from the World Cup in Brazil with Roy Hodgson’s
England, Shaw arrived at the Aon Training Complex on Friday to seal his move,
just a day after the Reds completed the signing of <a href="http://www.manutd.com/en/NewSignings201415LukeShaw/NewSignings201415LukeShawNews/2014/Jun/~/link.aspx?_id=E390891F2DC643999B8DF8D6426E5634&_z=z"><b><span style="color: #c60000; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Ander Herrera
from Athletic Club</span></b></a>. Here, we chart his fledgling career...
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The early years: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Despite his tender age, United’s new
recruit is remarkably experienced after flourishing at Southampton under the
tutelage of former managers Nigel Adkins and Mauricio Pochettino, making 67
first-team appearances to help the Saints cement their status as a Barclays
Premier League club. However, his progress at St Mary’s began back in 2004 when
he joined the south coast outfit as a fledgling 10-year-old prospect... but
only after boyhood team Chelsea turned him down for being too small. “I think
it was only when I was about 14 or 15 I got taller and bigger,” he recalls of
his time at Stamford Bridge. “I can't remember much of being released. But I
remember the first day of my trial at Southampton – I got a phone call straight
away to say they wanted me.” Shaw then graduated through a youth academy that
has recently produced high-profile graduates such as Real Madrid superstar
Gareth Bale, Arsenal’s Theo Walcott and their very own Adam Lallana, alerting
several big clubs to his seemingly immeasurable talents.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">First-team action:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> In January 2012, Shaw took his
much-anticipated first-team bow during an FA Cup fourth-round draw at Millwall
aged 16, coming on as a 77th-minute substitute for Jason Puncheon. He then
watched from the stands as Southampton earned promotion from the Championship,
although his chance to shine was just around the corner and a first-ever
professional start arrived via a Capital One Cup first-round win at Stevenage
at the outset of the 2012/13 season. A Barclays Premier League debut would
follow, paving the way for a maiden campaign that yielded 28 first-team
appearances as the Saints secured a respectable 14th-place finish. The 2013/14
term followed suit as Shaw registered another 41 outings, impressively missing
just three top-flight fixtures. Perhaps most notably, his team-mates became the
league’s surprise package with a brand of football that helped them finish just
eight points behind United in eighth place.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">International honours:</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Shaw earned his first full England cap in a friendly against
Denmark in March 2014, producing an effective cameo at Wembley. Speaking
afterwards, the patriotic teenager was understandably elated: "Wow, I'm 18
years old, I've played in the Premier League over 50 times and now I have a cap
for England and not many 18-year-olds can say that. I'm very proud." That
performance helped convince manager Roy Hodgson to pick the 18-year-old ahead
of his idol Ashley Cole for this summer’s World Cup in Brazil – becoming the
Three Lions’ third-youngest squad member in history behind Theo Walcott (17)
and Michael Owen (18). While Everton's Leighton Baines was preferred for the
defeats to Italy and Uruguay, Shaw was given the nod against Costa Rica and
kept a clean sheet alongside new United team-mates Chris Smalling and Phil
Jones. He is now expected to start when the Three Lions begin their qualifying
campaign for Euro 2016 in September.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">What they say:</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“Luke must think it is this easy for everyone. But it shows just
how well he has done and he deserves everything he is getting. To be where he
is in such short time is unbelievable. He has everything. Not many people get
past him – the best wingers in the Premier League won't get the better of him.
I can't remember one. For such a young lad it is frightening really. I think it
is full credit to Southampton that the mental strength of them coming into the
first-team and taking it in their stride, I have never seen anything like it.”
– Rickie Lambert, former Southampton colleague</span></div>
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PROFILE: LUKE SHAW

Profile: Luke Shaw Widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in English football, 18-year-old Luke Shaw arrives at Man...

LUKE SHAW SIGNS FOR UNITED

Unknown 0 7:31 PM

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4ZXK1J0iJNtk9ceGJTr-dZ5FEBsW87XdkP1-ri-4Tu1y_-7nLJA0z2XN0Kw4hmIOZYxbFgQ45VoxkICrq6xmFqim1N1kMRBCgpPwN2cBHoFrWqgkL_IG3o9f3Bd1VNi5E79KG66oKfIx/s1600/luke+shaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4ZXK1J0iJNtk9ceGJTr-dZ5FEBsW87XdkP1-ri-4Tu1y_-7nLJA0z2XN0Kw4hmIOZYxbFgQ45VoxkICrq6xmFqim1N1kMRBCgpPwN2cBHoFrWqgkL_IG3o9f3Bd1VNi5E79KG66oKfIx/s1600/luke+shaw.jpg" /></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Manchester United is delighted to announce the signing of Luke
Shaw from Southampton Football Club. He joins on a four-year contract with an
option to extend for a further year.</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shaw, 18, recently
gained his third cap for England and was the youngest player to feature in this
year’s World Cup campaign. The left-back has made 67 appearances for
Southampton since making his debut in 2012.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Luke Shaw said:
"I am thrilled and excited to be joining Manchester United. I have been at
Southampton since I was eight years old and I would like to thank them and the
fans for everything they have done for me.  I want to continue to progress
my career and joining United is the ideal place for me to do that. I am looking
forward to this new chapter in my life and also looking forward to learning
from the world-class players and management at the club."</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Manchester United
assistant manager Ryan Giggs said: "Luke is a very talented young
left-back with great potential. He has developed immensely during his time at
Southampton and has all the attributes to become a top player. I am delighted
he has joined Manchester United as I believe this is the right club for him to
continue his development as a young player and eventually fulfil that
promise."  </span></div>
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LUKE SHAW SIGNS FOR UNITED

Manchester United is delighted to announce the signing of Luke Shaw from Southampton Football Club. He joins on a four-year contract wit...

HERRERA IS A RED

Unknown 0 7:19 PM

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7N4rZJis5JtkJiWRbQLf3Sd_oCnLW71p0vPILv9iyFw-_Bv7DV3sZa64fczcHjY-85owPj2PZrgCNGHzhZP2P8A5BqPQiKGjigvZ9wQUHrVSoQtx-fNOL_A4HCJomq4kEzuOMC_kj7h7y/s1600/herrera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7N4rZJis5JtkJiWRbQLf3Sd_oCnLW71p0vPILv9iyFw-_Bv7DV3sZa64fczcHjY-85owPj2PZrgCNGHzhZP2P8A5BqPQiKGjigvZ9wQUHrVSoQtx-fNOL_A4HCJomq4kEzuOMC_kj7h7y/s1600/herrera.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>Club statement on
Ander Herrera</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Manchester United
is delighted to announce that, after triggering the buy-out clause in his
contract on Tuesday, it has signed Spanish central midfielder Ander Herrera
from Athletic Club in Bilbao, pending the receipt of the International Transfer
Certificate. He joins on a four-year contract, with an option to extend for a
further year.</span></h2>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Ander, 24, from Bilbao, joined Athletic Club from Real
Zaragoza in 2011 and has since made 128 appearances, scoring 11 goals. He has
been capped by Spain at Under-20, Under-21 and Under-23 level.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs said:
"Ander is a fantastic young player, with great energy and creativity. We
believe him to be one of the brightest young prospects in Spain and I am
certain he will be a big hit with the United fans. I’m delighted he has made
the decision to come to Manchester and play his part in the club’s future. I’m
looking forward to seeing him in action on our summer tour to America.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Ander Herrera said: "Signing for Manchester United is a
dream come true. I have played at Old Trafford for Athletic Club in the UEFA
Europa League and it was one of the highlights of my career so far. I have
joined United to do all I can to help the team reach the club's objectives.
Having arrived on Tuesday, I’m excited to now be living in Manchester and I
can’t wait for my first game in United’s famous red shirt. I will never forget
my time with Athletic Club and I’d like to thank the fans and staff for all
their support and, above all, wish all my fantastic former team-mates all the
best for the future."</span></div>
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HERRERA IS A RED

Club statement on Ander Herrera Manchester United is delighted to announce that, after triggering the buy-out clause in his contrac...