Wayne Rooney names reason Angel di Maria flopped at Manchester United

United winger manages James in the Welsh national team and gave a positive report on the 22-year-old's two performances in recent Nations League victories over Finland and Bulgaria.James provided a crucial assist for Cardiff City striker Kieffer Moore in the 1-0 win over Finland and, following a difficult second half to his debut campaign at United, Giggs has backed the former Swansea winger to come good again at Old Trafford."He was excellent, especially in the first game.

Brooks at international level for Wales and addressed the recent transfer speculation surrounding him. The 23-year-old is a United target, MEN Sport understands, though Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are prioritising a move for Jadon Sancho.

straight to your inboxWhen Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt stood behind the goal at Moor Lane in March 2014 and watched Salford City lose 2-0 at home to Curzon Ashton the first thought that flashed through their heads was: "What are we getting ourselves into here?"The Class of 92 were about to invest in the Ammies, then marooned in the Evo-Stik First Division North, but in the team and at a tired Moor Lane there was work to do.Six years later and Salford City are about to

straight to your inboxManchester United fans believe Mason Greenwood's switch to the No.11 shirt number means Jadon Sancho will be the club's new No.7.United announced that both Greenwood and Brandon Williams will wear new squad numbers for the 2020/21 campaign.Greenwood, 18, was handed the No.11 jersey previously worn by United legends Ryan Giggs, George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton.

straight to your inboxMason Greenwood believes Manchester United teammate Marcus Rashford has had the biggest influence on his career so far.The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, netting 18 goals in all competitions to help United secure a return to the Champions League.Greenwood's impressive form led to praise from legendary England forwards Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney with Gareth Southgate rewarding his efforts with a debut call-up to the senior England

straight to your inboxWales manager Ryan Giggs has urged Daniel James to use the international break as an opportunity to remind Manchester United exactly what he can offer.James burst onto the scene last season for United netting three goals in his opening four matches for the club, before slowly seeing his form dip as the campaign went on.The 22-year-old quickly became a key player in the first-team under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but saw his performance level lower as the club become more reliant

straight to your inboxManchester United youngster Dylan Levitt is in line to make his senior international debut for Wales this week.The 19-year-old has been named in Ryan Giggs' squad for the Nations League double-header in early September and is in with a good chance of making his first appearance following a string of withdrawals.United midfielder Levitt has featured regularly in the senior set-up under Giggs but is yet to make it onto the pitch at international level.However, that seems like

straight to your inboxHere are the Manchester United evening headlines for Sunday August 30.United legend Wayne Rooney has praised Mason Greenwood’s “rare” knack for scoring goals – but says Marcus Rashford is not a natural goalscorer.18-year-old Greenwood finished 2019/20 with ten Premier League goals, only the third player to reach that milestone when 18 or younger, and even broke into the senior England squad.“He is probably the best finisher at United already at the age of 18 and in

straight to your inboxWayne Rooney believes England manager Gareth Southgate made the wrong decision by initially selecting Manchester United defender Harry Maguire in his Nations League squad.The United captain was arrested and then found guilty of charges including resisting arrest, aggravated assault and bribery after a disturbance on the Greek island of Mykonos, though after being sentenced his legal team lodged an appeal on Wednesday, nullifying the conviction in accordance with Greek

straight to your inboxWayne Rooney would not select Phil Foden for the England squad if the European Championship tournament started tomorrow following his first call up to the senior England squad.Foden impressed for Manchester City last season but still found game time limited under Pep Guardiola.However, following the departure of David Silva to Real Sociedad, the youngster is expected to take on more responsibility in the first-team squad.

straight to your inboxWayne Rooney believes Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is not a natural goalscorer, unlike his teammate Mason Greenwood who has a "rare" knack for scoring goals.Both players were crucial for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last season with Greenwood making a huge impact in his breakthrough campaign for the Reds.The 18-year-old ended the season with ten Premier League goals, becoming only the third player to reach such a tally aged 18 or under.As a result of his impressive

MEN Sport reported back in May that Swansea were braced for approaches for Rodon, who they price at around £20million. Centre-back is not a current transfer priority for United but they have shown an interest in the Welshman, who is learning under Ryan Giggs' tutelage for his national team.

MEN Sport understands United do not plan to strip Maguire of the captaincy right now, and the 27-year-old has explained how supportive the Old Trafford club have been. In an interview with BBC Sport editor Dan Roan, Maguire went through the incident in full and reiterated his belief that he is innocent of all charges.

Brooks is braced for a big transfer.Blake explained to MEN Sport why Brooks' versatility makes him one of Wales' most important players under Giggs right now. United are monitoring the 23-year-old ahead of a possible transfer this summer, though their top target remains Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho."I think he's a great player, he's got great game intelligence," said Blake.

United great Ryan Giggs this week.Blake, a former Wales star himself, believes a loan exit from Old Trafford is the next logical step in Levitt's development.

Maguire was found guilty in a Greek court in Syros on Tuesday of aggravated assault, resisting arrest and attempts of bribery and was handed a 21-month suspended sentence after a 'disturbance' last Thursday night. United confirmed Maguire's legal team had lodged an appeal on Wednesday morning, which immediately overturned the guilty verdict.Maguire and his legal team remain convinced that Maguire will ultimately be found not guilty.

straight to your inboxLouis van Gaal said he was touched by Wayne Rooney's claims that he was the best coach the former Manchester United captain played under.Rooney and Van Gaal worked together for two years between 2014 and 2016, with the Dutchman appointing Rooney club captain before the start of the his first season in charge.Speaking in 2019, Rooney said: "Van Gaal is by far the best coach I have worked with - one hundred percent.

straight to your inboxWayne Rooney says he would love to see Thiago Alcantara playing in the Premier League - just not for Manchester United's fierce rivals Liverpool.Derby County midfielder Rooney almost became teammates with Thiago at United but former manager David Moyes passed on signing him in the summer of 2013.Instead the Spanish midfielder secured a move to Bayern Munich that summer and has established himself as one of the most exciting players in European football.The 29-year-old is