Wayne Rooney: England Record is 'Dream Come True'

Wayne Rooney said it was a "dream come true" to break Sir Bobby Charlton's England goalscoring record and set his sights on adding to his total.

The 29-year-old Manchester United striker's penalty in the 2-0 win over Switzerland in a Euro 2016 qualifier took his tally to 50 goals.

"It's a great feeling," he said. "I've been close for the last few games and it's a dream come true.

"I've got a lot of football in me for England. I hope the goals don't stop."

The spot-kick was awarded late in the game when Raheem Sterling was fouled in the area by Granit Xhaka.

Rooney, who scored his first England goal against Macedonia in 2003, told BBC Radio 5 live: "It's a very special night for me and my family. A night I will never forget.

"I was very nervous stepping up to take the penalty. I knew it was such a big moment for me and my career. The players said to me afterwards it was like being at a concert because there were so many flashes from phones in the crowd.

"It's a huge honour because Sir Bobby Charlton is an England and Manchester United legend. I know Sir Bobby will be extremely proud that a Manchester United captain has broken the record."

The striker was handed a commemorative England shirt by boss Roy Hodgson in the dressing room after the match, and made a speech in front of his colleagues.

"Nights like this you don't forget," he added. "When you create a bit of history it's a great feeling. It was really nice of the players and the manager to present me with a shirt afterwards."

Rooney: This is a night I'll never forget

An emotional Wayne Rooney reflected on his England goal-scoring record in an exclusive radio interview with 5 live Sport.

The Manchester United striker converted the 50th goal of his international career during England's 2-0 win over Switzerland at Wembley to surpass Sir Bobby Charlton's long-standing record.

Rooney's goal from the penalty spot doubled England's lead after Harry Kane broke the deadlock midway through the second half.

But Rooney, who was greeted back into the dressing room to a standing ovation, admitted that surpassing the record was a very proud moment.

"It's a very special night for me and my family. It's a night I'll never forget," Rooney said speaking to 5 live's Chief Football Reporter Ian Dennis.

He added: "It's a huge honour - Sir Bobby is a legend. I know he'll be extremely happy and proud that it's a Manchester United captain who has done it.

"It's nights like this that you don't forget - when you do create a bit of history it's a great feeling and a special moment."

This clip was first broadcast on 5 live Sport on 08 September 2015.

Wayne Rooney made history by breaking Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time England goalscoring record in the Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland at Wembley.

England captain Rooney equalled Charlton's tally of 49 with a penalty in the victory against San Marino on Saturday that ensured a place in France next summer.

And he was on the spot again late on in Tuesday's match against the Swiss for goal number 50 to erase a record that has stood for 45 years.

It looked like Rooney might be made to wait until England's meeting with Estonia at Wembley next month as Switzerland frustrated Roy Hodgson's side until their resistance was eventually broken.

England substitute Harry Kane pierced the deadlock with a crisp finish after 67 minutes and Rooney rewrote the record books with a thunderous penalty six minutes from time, earning a standing ovation from the Wembley gallery.

It ensured his side completed eight wins out of eight, securing top spot in Group E.
(source: http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/)

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Wayne Rooney Goes Joint Top of England Goalscoring Chart

England confirmed their place at Euro 2016 after a routine dismissal of San Marino - but captain Wayne Rooney must wait to eclipse Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time goals tally.

Rooney scored a record-equalling 49th goal with an early penalty but was surprisingly substituted by England manager Roy Hodgson with history beckoning and the San Marino defence out on its feet. He must now try again against Switzerland at Wembley on Tuesday.

There was still plenty for England to celebrate, though, as they made it seven wins out of seven in qualifying to ensure they will be in France next summer.

England were never under threat and it was another damage limitation exercise for San Marino, especially after Cristian Brolli headed into his own net before half-time.

Ross Barkley nodded in his first England goal after the break and England romped clear with two goals from substitute Theo Walcott and Harry Kane's clever lofted finish.

Rooney made to wait

There was general astonishment - probably shared by Rooney himself - when he was substituted after 58 minutes needing just one goal to beat Charlton's record.

Rooney will surpass the former Manchester United player's mark eventually and perhaps it will be more fitting should he seal it against Switzerland at Wembley on Tuesday rather than this quaint 6,600-capacity arena with many fans getting a free view from the hills that rise up at one end of the stadium.

It looked like the record was there for the taking when Rooney tucked away that early penalty but he had no further clear chances - although one would surely have come against a home defence that was exhausted in the last 25 minutes. 

 

How the fresh faces fared

England manager Roy Hodgson gave opportunities to players in the relatively sedate surroundings of San Marino and one man in particular took his chance with relish.

Swansea City's Jonjo Shelvey, making his first England appearance in almost three years, was positive in possession, happy to play a deeper role but also willing to get forward and show his range of passing. He capped his performance by making the fifth goal for substitute Kane.

He will have created a good impression with Hodgson through his discipline and work-rate and can feel he has worked his way back into the England fold.

Barkley also made his mark with a neatly-taken header from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's cross as well as a few trademark moments of quality.

It was a tougher night for Leicester City's Jamie Vardy, who struggled to get into the action and, for a short while in the second half, became embroiled in a running battle with San Marino defender Giovanni Bonini.

Everton's John Stones, at the centre of so much speculation recently as Chelsea were willing to pay in excess of £30m for his services, had little to do other than handle the unique pressure of ensuring San Marino did not score their first goal of the Euro 2016 qualifiers on his watch. 

Are England in shape for Euro 2016?

Well, they will definitely be there and, as the first team to qualify (hosts France apart) Hodgson has some time for experimentation in the final three qualifiers.

England will not travel to France among the favourites but there is some fine young talent in this squad in the shape of the likes of Barkley, Luke Shaw, Kane, Stones and, of course, Raheem Sterling, who was rested on Saturday.

Hodgson will hope they continue to develop rapidly over the next 12 months alongside established, experienced players such as Rooney.

This should mean England can travel with hope and optimism. But potential winners? That is a long stretch. 

What they said

England striker Wayne Rooney: "It's a proud moment to equal Sir Bobby Charlton's record. My aim is to push on and try and help the team win on Tuesday and break the record.

"It would have been great if the record had happened tonight. Obviously the tradition of Wembley and to break the record at Wembley would be great."

England manager Roy Hodgson: "I am more than satisfied and we won it with a good margin.

"One or two who weren't in contention to play on Tuesday night have pushed their claims and Jonjo Shelvey deserves a mention."

'Hodgson will be delighted'

Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas on BBC Radio 5 live: "There have been some decent performances from England. Ross Barkley stepped it up in the second half, Nathaniel Clyne bombed up and down the right flank and Jonjo Shelvey has hardly given the ball away.

"England manager Roy Hodgson will be delighted with his team's discipline, energy and professionalism."

The stats you need to know

• England have now won their last six meetings against San Marino, netting 37 goals in the process (6-0, 7-1, 5-0, 8-0, 5-0, 6-0)
• A player from a London club has scored every time England have faced San Marino
• Wayne Rooney has now scored five goals against San Marino, more than he has against any other side in an England shirt

 

(Source:http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football)

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Transfer Anthony Martial From Monaco to Machester United for £36m

Manchester United have completed the £36m signing of Monaco forward Anthony Martial, making him the world's most expensive teenage footballer.

The fee could rise to £58m.

France Under-21 international Martial, who scored eight goals in 31 Ligue 1 games last season, signed a four-year deal with the option for a fifth year.

The 19-year-old, who had been linked with Arsenal, becomes United's third most expensive signing after Angel Di Maria (£59.7m) and Juan Mata (£37.1m).

He was allowed to leave the France squad on Monday for a medical with Louis van Gaal's side, who have given him the number nine shirt.

Monaco signed Martial for £4.4m two years ago from Lyon, who will receive about £7.35m as a result of a sell-on clause.

Conditions that would increase the fee include Martial winning the Ballon d'Or award for the world's top footballer.

The previous world record transfer fee for a teenager was £27m, which United paid for Southampton left-back Luke Shaw last summer and Paris St-Germain spent on Roma centre-back Marquinhos in 2013.

His signing came as Premier League spending passed £850m for the first time in a transfer window. 

The Most Expensive Teenagers In World Football 

 

The Biggest Club In The World'

"I am so excited to be joining Manchester United," said Martial. "I have always wanted to play in the Premier League and to join the biggest club in the world is what every young footballer dreams of.


"I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and working with Louis van Gaal, who has achieved so much in his career."


Manager Van Gaal said: "Anthony is a naturally talented, young, multi-functional forward with great potential. We have been watching him for a while now and he has developed immensely during his time at Monaco.

"He has all the attributes to become a top football player; however we need to give him time to adjust to his new environment and the rhythm of the Premier League."


Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev said: "We wished to keep him this season but Manchester United made an incredible offer that neither Anthony, nor AS Monaco, could refuse."

Who is Martial?

A France Under-21 international who has just been called up to the senior national team for the first time.

He scored 32 goals in 21 games at youth level for Lyon before breaking into the first team in the 2012-13 season, making three appearances before joining Monaco.

Martial scored two goals in 15 games in his first season at Monaco and 11 in 42 in all competitions last season.

With nine goals, he is the top teenage scorer in Europe's top five leagues since the start of 2014-15. 

In a July 2015 study by the Soccerex 20 Football Value Index,  Martial was ranked the 17th most valuable under-21 player in Europe at £11.6m.

(Source:http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football)

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Crystal Palace Enjoying The Game Away

In The 2015 No Team Has Pocketed More Points In Away Games Than Crystal Palace

In the match of the Barclays Premier League last weekend before the international break in September, some games will not be forgotten just including a victory Crystal Palace at home to Chelsea, West Ham United claim win at the headquarters of Liverpool for the first time since 1963, and Swansea City recorded a victory third straight 2-1 over Manchester United.

source:www.premierleague.com

Vital statistics for the whole of Matchweek 4 see below.

Saturday, August 29th

Newcastle United 0-1 Arsenal

- Arsenal have now won eight Barclays Premier League matches in a row against Newcastle United

- Arsene Wenger has won 10 of 11 meetings with Steve McClaren BPL (Lost 1)


Aston Villa 2-2 Sunderland

- Aston Villa won only one time clean-sheet of 11 last Barclays Premier League match at Villa Park

- Only two teams that conceded more penalties in BPL than Sunderland (six) since the beginning of last season (Tottenham Hotspur: eight; West Bromwich Albion: seven)


AFC Bournemouth 1-1 Leicester City

- AFC Bournemouth Striker Callum Wilson has scored four goals in his last two games BPL

- Jamie Vardy bagged three goals and one assist in his last five appearances in the league


Chelsea 1-2 Crystal Palace

- Overall Chelsea four points is the second lowest in the Barclays Premier League season up to this point, after the team of Blackburn Rovers (three) in the 1995-1996 season

- No team won more points away than Crystal Palace in BPL 2015 (25 - level with Arsenal)



Liverpool 0-3 West Ham United

- Manuel Lanzini goal for West Ham at home to Liverpool was the fastest goal in the Barclays Premier League 2015/16 season so far (2:28)

- This is the first league victory of the Hammers at Anfield since September 1963; end a record 42-match winless streak in major league


Manchester City 2-0 Watford

- Manchester City have become the ninth team to win the Barclays Premier League 10+ games in a row.

- Man City are unbeaten in their last 25 home games against a team in the BPL campaign (won 23, draw 2, Lost 0), where their last defeat was against Reading in February 2007.


Stoke City 0-1 West Bromwich Albion

- Solomon Rondon scored his first Barclays Premier League for West Bromwich Albion from all seven shots (including blocked)

- Two Stoke player sent off in the first round, this is the 10th time in the BPL where a team playing with nine players before halftime. This is the third fastest record, the team reduced to nine men in a single BPL matches (31 minutes)


Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Everton

- Tottenham Hotspur have failed to win their first four games in the Barclays Premier League for the first time since 2008/09

- Mauricio Pochettino forces recorded 20 shots (including blocked) without netting, the highest record them without yielding a goal since registering 21 goals while against Manchester City in May


Sunday, August 30

Southampton 3-0 Norwich City

- Graziano Pelle has scored five goals in five appearances in the final of the Barclays Premier League St. Mary's Stadium, while 12 of the 14 league goal for Southampton occur at home (86%)

- Alex Neil suffered his first defeat away to Norwich City in 15 away matches in all competitions (won 10, draw 4)


Swansea City 2-1 Manchester United

- Two final defeat of Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League Swansea City occurred after winning first (2-1 in the month of Feb 2015)

Bafetimbi Gomis has scored nine goals in 10 games last BPL, and he was the first Swansea player who scored in each of their opening four games in the Barclays Premier League

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Cech Earns Arsenal A Point: Arsenal vs Liverpool 0-0

Liverpool maintained their unbeaten start to the Premier League season as they played out a thrilling goalless draw with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. 

In a game littered with chances, brilliant goalkeeping and defensive mistakes, it was almost beyond belief that neither side could carve out a victory and deliver an early psychological blow among the contenders at the top of the table.

Liverpool dominated the first half but found Petr Cech in magnificent form as the former Chelsea goalkeeper saved miraculously from Christian Benteke and turned Philippe Coutinho's shot on to a post.

Coutinho also struck the bar in the third minute - and while Arsenal's opportunities were few, they were furious that Aaron Ramsey's early strike was ruled out for offside.

Arsenal regrouped and dominated much of the second half, Alexis Sanchez hitting the post and Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet producing a fine reflex save from Olivier Giroud.

The Reds will be delighted with a third successive clean sheet on the back of victories against Stoke City and Bournemouth, while Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will be equally pleased by the character shown by his side after a difficult first half.

 

Cech shows his worth

When Arsenal bought Cech for £10m from Chelsea in June, the instant wisdom was that his presence alone could be worth an extra 10 points to the Gunners.

Time will tell, but this was the night when the 33-year-old showed just how important a signing he could be as the Gunners try finally to mount a serious Premier League title challenge.

 Cech was castigated to an exaggerated degree after a poor debut in the home defeat by West Ham, but he was magnificent here when Liverpool laid siege to his goal in the first half.

He spread himself brilliantly to turn away Benteke's close-range effort when it seemed certain the Belgium striker would score, then showed he still retains the old athleticism to stretch and tip Coutinho's curling shot against an upright.

If any Arsenal fans harboured doubts about his purchase, this was a display to dispel them.

Coutinho plus Benteke equals danger

When Liverpool almost won the title in 2014, it was spearheaded by the superb attacking triumvirate of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling.

Liverpool floundered last season with Suarez at Barcelona, Sturridge injured and Sterling disaffected and out of sorts before his £49m move to Manchester City.

While there can be no comparisons with that trio, there are so many signs of promise in the understanding already established between Coutinho and £32.5m summer signing Benteke.

Coutinho's darting runs and fast footwork are dangerous on their own while also looking for an outlet in Benteke, whose easy movement shows he is so much more than a big target man.

They have shown Liverpool can offer a different type of threat this season - and manager Brendan Rodgers will face an intriguing conundrum when Sturridge finally declares himself fit.

Will either of these teams be title contenders?

 Top four is more realistic for both and they don't look like threatening Manchester City on this very early evidence.

Liverpool, however, will be delighted at maintaining their recovery from the trauma of last season, with a third successive clean sheet and more signs that confidence is slowly returning.

BBC Sport pundit Steve Claridge said Arsenal were lop-sided in commentary and, with the direction of play from right to left, this heatmap shows their main threat was from the left flank

Arsenal showed great spirit to recover from a first half in which their defending was horrendous to have the better of the second.

It should be placed in context by the fact they were robbed of their first-choice central defensive partnership of Per Mertesacker through illness and Laurent Koscielny with a back injury.

Man of the match: Petr Cech

A magnificent performance from a goalkeeper who remains world class - he made eight saves and constantly rescued a weakened Arsenal defence.

Post-match reaction:

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:

"We scored a regular goal that was disallowed, I don't believe I can do something about it. At the end of the day, the referee cancelled out a regular goal. Like it or don't like it, it is a fact.

"We had chances, but we couldn't finish them off. When you play at home and don't win, people always find problems.

"It is not the result or the complete performance, but we came back in the second half."

Arsenal keeper Petr Cech:

"It is a shame we couldn't snatch the three points, but the game was so crazy - 0-0 we can take. First half, we scored a goal and it was ruled out for offside. That could have changed the game.

"We could have won the game, we could have been losing after the first half."

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers:

"I thought we were very good. First half, Petr Cech was the man of the match.

"Second half, we were always a threat going forward. The players worked ever so hard."

The stats you need to know

• This game was the first time both Mertesacker and Koscielny have missed a Premier League game for Arsenal since April 2012 versus Wigan
• Liverpool are the fifth team to start a Premier League game with three or more Brazilians in their XI, after Middlesbrough, Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea
• Cech kept only one clean sheet in his final nine Premier League appearances against Liverpool for Chelsea
• Liverpool's possession figure of 34% is the lowest they have recorded in the top flight under Rodgers
• Arsenal have failed to score in five of their last six Premier League home games
• Arsenal have failed to score in their opening two league home games for the first time since August 1979

Pundit analysis

BBC Radio 5 live's Steve Claridge: "What you can take from this is that if Arsenal are expecting to get into top four then why can't Liverpool, because both teams were equally as good as each other.

"Mesut Ozil is the weakest link for Arsenal. He doesn't do enough on the ball and he doesn't do anything defensively. (source : http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/)

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Coming To MU VS Newcastle United

TEAM NEWS

Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini completes a ban while Phil Jones remains absent with thrombosis.

Bastian Schweinsteiger could make his first start for the Red Devils but Marcos Rojo is still not match fit.

Newcastle could give a debut to new winger Florian Thauvin but defender Daryl Janmaat is banned after being sent off at Swansea last weekend.

Midfielder Moussa Sissoko was substituted in that game with a groin injury but he could still play.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

Steve Bower: "The midweek European win will have put an extra spring in the Manchester United step because, despite two victories, it has been an underwhelming start to their league season.

"Their challenge now is to build on it against Newcastle and try to find some momentum.

"Newcastle will have to click quickly if they are to make it a happy return to Old Trafford for Steve McClaren.

"His task on Tyneside will take time, and one area that will need drastic improvement is their awful away record. He'll need his team to be disciplined and organised to try to change recent fortunes in Manchester."

Twitter: @SteveBowercomm

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal on recent criticism of executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward over transfer dealings: "I have the idea you want to separate Ed Woodward with me. Never. Never.

"Every day I am updated by him and I trust him. I don't think they (the critics) have to doubt Ed Woodward because he has proven already for many, many years he is the right person.

"When you ask me, 'Is Pedro fitting the profile?', I cannot lie, I said 'Yes'. But I do not say that I'm interested in the player. That is the difference. I have said before what we are doing is guiding a process and in that process we make decisions."

Newcastle boss Steve McClaren on the club's transfer dealings: "I'm very pleased with what we have got, very pleased. I think that's it for now - we are not expecting, we are not chasing anything. We are not trying to make things happen.

"There comes a point where we just have to sit down and stop and say, 'You know what, this is what we have, and now we have to work and develop them, and try to make them into a team that is hard to beat and no one wants to play against'."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Both these teams are a work in progress but the difference is that, defensively, Newcastle do not look convincing at the moment. Lawro's full predictions v comedian Jack Whitehall
 

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• The Red Devils have won their last three meetings with the Magpies, scoring eight goals and conceding just one.
• Newcastle's only Premier League victory at Old Trafford was by a 1-0 scoreline in December 2013 (D7, L13).
• Newcastle have lost 25 Premier League games against Manchester United, more than they have against any other side.

Manchester United

• United are looking for a third consecutive league win - they are one of four Premier League teams with maximum points after the first two games.
• They have kept clean sheets in their opening two games for the first time since 2005-06 - and have not conceded a goal in the four Premier League games that David De Gea has missed since the start of 2013-14.
• Louis van Gaal's side have scored more than once in just one of their last eight league matches.
• They have won 15 of their last 19 Premier League games at Old Trafford.

Newcastle

• Newcastle have lost seven consecutive Premier League away games. They haven't lost eight league fixtures in a row since a run of nine defeats in October 1977.
• The Magpies have lost 10 of their last 13 league games (W1, D2).
• Newcastle have been shown a league-high eight red cards since the start of last season.
• Head coach Steve McClaren spent two-and-a-half years as assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United from 1999 to 2001, winning three Premier League titles, the Champions League and the FA Cup - when they beat Newcastle in the final.

  (Source:http://www.bbc.com/sport)

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Aguero can do even better this season, says Pellegrini

Manuel Pellegrini believes that Sergio Aguero can do better than last season after the Manchester City striker opened the scoring in his side's 3-0 victory over Chelsea.

Aguero won the 2014/15 Barclays Golden Boot with 26 goals but this total was limited by injury, as it has in seasons before, which restricted him to 30 league starts over the campaign. But his manager believes that the Argentinian will not be so hampered this campaign as he marked his first start in the Barclays Premier League this season with a goal, and could have had more during the first half but for the excellence of Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

"Aguero is in the best moment of his career," Pellegrini said. "This season, he can be even better than before. He has matured and his work ethic is good. He is improving a lot of things.

"That's why he started the game. In the pre-match press conference, I was asked whether he was 100% fit and you could see that. Three important saves denied him from scoring three or four goals today.

"I don't think he will suffer any injuries. Last season, he had no muscle injuries. He can be a top player for us this season."

Pellegrini felt the scoreline reflected his team’s first-half dominance, even if the match was more even after the break.

"It is very satisfying because it's not easy to beat the champions," he said. "We played very well without conceding chances for Chelsea to score and it was only a great performance from Asmir Begovic that meant we couldn't score more goals.

"Yes, the second half was more equal - Chelsea played better - but I only remember one chance which Joe [Hart] saved. We played better and 3-0 is the minimum we deserved."


Jose Mourinho disagreed with Pellegrini over whether the scoreline reflected the match; he felt it flattered the winners.

At half-time the Chelsea manager substituted John Terry for Kurt Zouma, the first time he has taken off the Chelsea captain, who had played in every minute of the Blues' title-winning campaign last season. The manager said the decision was tactical and that it was justified by the side's improved second-half performance.

"I had to decide on John or Cahill because Zouma is the fastest player we have in our defensive line," Mourinho said, deflecting a subsequent question as to why he picked Terry. "When you are going to play with a high block and you are asking your players to do that, the fastest player has to be on the pitch."

Mourinho's defensive options Say

Mourinho's defensive options are set to be improved by the agreement to sign Baba Rahman, the 21-year-old Ghana left-back, from Augsburg, in Germany, which was confirmed shortly after full-time. Rahman will replace Filipe Luis, who returned to Atletico Madrid in the summer.

"It's important because he is a left-back and he can compete with [Cesar] Azpilicueta," Mourinho said. "At the same time, by being a left-back, Azpilicueta can compete with [Branislav] Ivanovic for the right-back position.

"This player replaces Filipe Luis in the balance of the squad. He is a player that we need for that balance."
(Source : http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news)

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Premier League: Chelsea's Jose Mourinho predicts tougher season

Premier League: Chelsea's Jose Mourinho 

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says this term's Premier League will be the most competitive he has experienced - with even newly promoted Bournemouth buying players good enough for his side.

Mourinho's Chelsea eased to the title last season, finishing eight points clear of runners-up Manchester City.
But the Portuguese cited Bournemouth's signing of Max Gradel as evidence this season will be tougher.

"Gradel could play for Chelsea," Mourinho said.

Top-flight clubs have spent more than £500m so far in the transfer window, partly fuelled by a new £5bn Premier League TV rights deal.

Mourinho has also been impressed by Yohan Cabaye's £10m move from PSG to Crystal Palace and Newcastle's capture of £14.75m Georginio Wijnaldum from PSV as well as Gradel's arrival for a reported £7m.

 

And the Chelsea boss, whose side were beaten 1-0 by Italy's Fiorentina in a pre-season friendly at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, said the strength in depth across the league means fewer points will be needed to win the 2016 title.

"There will be more times when the non-title contenders win matches against the title contenders," he said.

"It's also difficult because they have players who could play in our teams - Cabaye could play for Chelsea, Wijnaldum could play for Chelsea, Gradel could play for Chelsea.

"You have a minimum of five title contenders and the other teams get stronger and stronger."

 Favourites Chelsea have so far only signed £8m goalkeeper Asmir Begovic to replace Arsenal signing Petr Cech and brought in Monaco striker Radamel Falcao on loan.

By contrast, title rivals Manchester City broke their transfer record to sign £49m Raheem Sterling from Liverpool - while the Merseyside club have signed £32.5m Christian Benteke and £29m Roberto Firmino. Similarly, Manchester United have spent £83m so far, including £31m on Netherlands winger Memphis Depay.

Lower down the table, Crystal Palace broke their transfer record to bring in Cabaye while Stoke's eight summer signings include two Barcelona players.

Both Watford and Bournemouth were promoted to the Premier League from the Championship, along with Norwich City.


 But with two of last season's promoted clubs, Burnley and Queens Park Rangers, relegated after just one season, the Championship champions and runners-up have so far signed 19 players between them.

"I think nobody can complain because everyone is investing - you go to Watford, you go to Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Stoke, every club," Mourinho said.

"Every club has very good players so I think it's difficult for the top teams in England because of the competitive nature."

Chelsea start their title defence at home to Swansea on Saturday.
Read more about :Wayne Rooney says Everton return was 'weird' as England striker stars alongside Duncan Ferguson in testimonial match

Source : http://www.bbc.com/sport/

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Wayne Rooney And Everton

Wayne Rooney says Everton return was 'weird' as England striker stars alongside Duncan Ferguson in testimonial match

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney says it felt 'weird' to pull on an Everton shirt 11 years since leaving Goodison Park after appearing in Duncan Ferguson's testimonial.

The 29-year-old, who once famously branded himself 'once a blue, always a blue', made a cameo appearance as Roberto Martinez's men fell to a 2-1 defeat against Spanish side Villarreal.

Rooney admitted afterwards that he wasn't sure what kind of reception he would receive from the Everton faithful, who have booed him in the past, but was delighted with the positive atmostphere.

"It's nice to come back here and the fans gave me a great reception, which obviously I was delighted with," Rooney told EvertonTV.

"Most importantly it was a big day for Duncan and he really enioyed the game and it was nice to see him back on the pitch again.

"It was a bit different today, going into the home dressing room again. It was a bit weird at first but as I say didn't know what to expect with the reception but it was a great reception.

"I was delighted with the fans' reaction. You never know what to expect but it was great for me, my kids and Coleen as well today and for them to see me in an Everton shirt."

Rooney is expected to be United's sole striker as Louis van Gaal's men take on Tottenham Hotspur this weekend in the Premier League's curtain-raiser at Old Trafford.

Source : http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football

The Manchester United and England captain is a lifelong Everton supporter and came up through the ranks with the Toffees before leaving for Old Trafford in 2004.

He has since gone on to win five Premier League titles and the Champions League - but he was often subject to jeers and negative chants when returning to his former club with United.

On Sunday he turned out for Duncan Ferguson's testimonial match against Villarreal, playing the final 15 minutes alongside the retired forward who he idolised.

"'It was a bit different today, going into the home dressing room again," said Rooney.

"It was a bit weird at first but as I say didn't know what to expect with the reception but it was a great reception."


 "I was delighted with the fans' reaction," Rooney added after the game.

"I didn't know what to expect but it was great for me and my kids, to see me once in an Everton shirt. It brought back some good old memories.

"I enjoyed it. It is nice to come back here and the fans gave me a great reception which obviously I was delighted with.

"Most importantly it was a big day for Duncan and he really enioyed the game and it was nice to see him back on the pitch again."

There was to be no grand return for either Rooney or Ferguson as goals from Gerard and Nahuel put Villarreal two goals up before young defender Ty Browning scored a late consolation as the visitors won 2-1.

Rooney struck a marvellous effort as he looked to mark his emotional homecoming with a goal - but the 29-year-old was more bothered about the memorable day for Ferguson.

"It was nice to get some minutes on the pitch alongside Duncan," Rooney added.

"I saw a bit of space and thought I would try my luck, unfortunately it didn't go in but it was a great occasion and great to get out on the pitch with Duncan again.

"Most importantly it was a big day for Duncan and he really enjoyed the game and it was good to see him back on the pitch.

"Of course, it was a bit different today. Going into the home dressing room again was a bit weird at first. I didn't know what to expect with the reception but it was great and I really appreciate it."

(Source:http://asia.eurosport.com/football)

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