Jose Mourinho says the roughly £300 million he has spent as Manchester United manager is "not enough" to compete with Manchester City. It was a well-timed assessment, too, coming just a few minutes after his team had drawn 2-2 with Burnley at Old Trafford to drop more points in the title race. His words ensured the debate afterwards was not about United's performance against Burnley, but rather whether or not he has been given the tools to adequately challenge Pep Guardiola's runaway leaders.

Many United fans feel Mourinho has a point. His declaration that they do not currently have a "big team" befitting a club of United's size struck a chord with a lot of supporters. So too did his observation that he is still trying to rebuild United after three years of David Moyes and Louis van Gaal.

Mourinho vs. Guardiola
The key line from Mourinho's post-Burnley press conference was that the money he has spent on his United team is "not enough" to properly challenge City. It seems like a strange thing to say given that almost every other manager would love to have United's budget to splurge on players. Still, Mourinho is only talking about United vs. City and in that context, he is right that Guardiola has spent more.

Since taking over at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, Guardiola has spent £361.1m on 12 players. Over the same span, Mourinho has spent £286.3m on seven players. It would have been eight had he signed Ivan Perisic in the summer like he wanted.

United broke the world record when they signed Paul Pogba for £89.3m in 2016 and splashed £75m on Romelu Lukaku last summer. The rest, though, have all been around the £30m mark while Zlatan Ibrahimovic was free (at least in terms of transfer fees).... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

Chelsea won their sixth Premier League game in a row at Stamford Bridge, edging past Brighton 2-0 on Boxing Day.

After failing to break down Everton on Saturday, Chelsea regained their killer-instinct with second-half goals from Alvaro Morata (46) and Marcos Alonso (59).

The result keeps Chelsea in third, but they are still 13 points behind runaway league leaders Manchester City while Brighton sit 12th, four points above the drop.... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

Harry Kane broke Alan Shearer's Premier League record for goals in a calendar year in putting Tottenham in front against Southampton.

His brace has also seen him move ahead of Barcelona forward Lionel Messi for the most goals for club and country by any player in Europe's major leagues in 2017.

Kane has now hit 38 league goals in 2017 and 55 goals for Spurs and England -- Messi hit 54 for Barca and Argentina.

Alan Shearer sent Kane a message of congratulation from his official Twitter account. saying: "You've had a magnificent 2017 @HKane. You deserve to hold the record of most @premierleague goals in a calendar year. Well done and keep up the good work."... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

Burton Albion are England's most successful team on Boxing Day...

The Brewers have won four of their five fixtures on December 26 since breaking into the top four tiers for the first time in 2009, equating to a league-high 80 per cent win rate - bad news for Leeds who travel to the Pirelli Stadium live on Sky Sports.

We checked every Boxing Day result in the top four tiers since 1888 for the current 92 clubs to discover which team reigns supreme on football's most festive matchday.

Only Forest Green failed to make the table, having never played a professional Boxing Day fixture, and will travel to Exeter for their maiden outing this year.... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

Graeme Souness picks his best Premier League players of 2017 before settling on one star man of the year.

Souness was given the tough task of deciding which Premier League players have had the best calendar year. And once he'd done that, the Sky Sports pundit had to narrow his four best players down to just one name.

Read on to see Souness' verdict on some of the Premier League's stars and find out who he thinks has had the best 2017.
De Gea has been Manchester United's player of the year. He's a man who sometimes you think that was a bit of luck but then he keeps doing these things. He keeps the ball out of his net by maybe the ball striking his feet, his knee… he makes saves a goalkeeper shouldn't.

That's the mark of a great goalkeeper and there's a real argument for him to be regarded as the best around in this moment in time. You look back to that game against Arsenal and he single-handedly won them the points that day. He has to make lots of saves playing for United right now.

For a top team, he's asked to contribute to the cause maybe more than he should, but there's an argument for him being number one in this competition.... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

It has been a year of highs and lows, the good, the bad and the ugly, but what have been football's best and worst moments of 2017?

Best game: Manchester City 5-3 Monaco

This was a match that had absolutely everything, with City emerging winners in the Champions League round of 16 first leg tie, after twice falling behind, before being eliminated in the second leg. Radamel Falcao's stunning chipped goal took the plaudits, but it was also the night that Kylian Mbappe announced himself on the big stage.

Best team performance: Barcelona 6-1 PSG
This was supposed to be the night when the end of an era came to Barcelona. Trailing 4-0 from a first-leg hammering in Paris in the Champions League round of 16, Barca had to create history to overturn the deficit. But PSG simply collapsed in the Nou Camp, with Barcelona scoring six to book their place in the quarterfinals with three goals in the final seven minutes.

Best goal: Wayne Rooney -- Everton vs. West Ham

There have been some spectacular goals, including Olivier Giroud's scorpion kick for Arsenal against Crystal Palace (which won the FIFA Puskas Award), Andy Carroll's scissor kick against the same opponents and Emre Can's volley against Watford, but Wayne Rooney's hat trick strike against West Ham, a pinpoint effort from inside his own half, was a real "wow" moment and the best of the lot.... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

During 2017, several African players have taken their game to a new level and emerged as genuine breakout stars in the world game.

Who are the players who could follow in their footsteps in 2018?

Here are five talents - lesser-known names and more established stars - of whom we're expecting big things over the next 12 months, whether it be a return to prominence after an injury nightmare or a genuinely breakout campaign.

Ola Aina has faced several challenges over the last few months as he's already enjoyed a shift in status both at club and international level.

Things haven't always been easy, but the versatile defender has done enough to suggest that he is destined for a career at the top of the level.

A loan move from Chelsea to Hull City has seen the full-back feature regularly in the testing environs of the Championship, and while he has made a few mistakes during the Tigers' troubled campaign to date, he's largely risen to the challenge of first-team football.

The leggy defender offers speed and vertical movement out wide, and has already started matches for Hull in both full-back positions, as a left wing-back and in a more advanced left-wing role.

After making his Nigeria debut towards the end of 2017 - after switching from England - he looks primed for the World Cup squad, and may even secure a starting spot, with Elderson Echiejile still to truly convince on the left.... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

Harry Kane scored his seventh hat-trick of 2017 as Tottenham moved above Burnley into fifth with a 3-0 victory at Turf Moor.

Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot on six minutes after Dele Alli, who was lucky to avoid a red card for a wild early challenge on Charlie Taylor, went down in the box.

Spurs dominated from that moment on and should have been further ahead by the time Kane netted two second-half goals to take his tally of goals for club and country in 2017 to 53 goals.

The 24-year-old's treble also sees him equal Alan Shearer's record of 36 Premier League goals in a calendar year.

The result ends a run of five games without an away win for Spurs, who also move above Arsenal and to within one point of Liverpool in fourth.... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

1. Barca extinguish Madrid's title chances


Goals from Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Aleix Vidal brought Barcelona a 3-0 Clasico win over Real Madrid, more or less killing off La Liga's title race with less than half the season played and opening up huge questions about Zinedine Zidane's long term future as Madrid coach.
A lunchtime kickoff meant a muted atmosphere, and this Clasico took a long time to get going. Madrid had the better of the first half, but could not make their domination pay.
Barca, by contrast, showed ruthless efficiency when they got on top, with Suarez finishing emphatically when the home defence was opened up remarkably easily, and Messi then thumping in the penalty after Dani Carvajal was red carded for handling Paulinho's header on the line.
Vidal's goal in added time led to a mass exodus from a shocked Bernabeu, for a conclusion which seemed unlikely during the opening stages. Zidane's surprise choice of Mateo Kovacic over Isco in midfield worked very well to begin with, with the extra midfielder helping his team to dominate both possession and territory.
The home side made chances too, as Cristiano Ronaldo had a goal correctly disallowed for offside on two minutes, before the Portugal captain was guilty of an embarrassing air-kick when teed up 15 yards out after Marcelo and Toni Kroos opened up the right of Barca's defence.... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

Former Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs says he told the club to sign Kylian Mbappe and Gabriel Jesus years before they became breakout stars.
Giggs, who spent time as former United's assistant manager alongside former boss Louis van Gaal between 2014-16, admits he clashed with the Dutch coach over the club's transfer policy.
The Welshman claims he scouted young stars Mbappe and Jesus under Van Gaal and advised the club to move for the pair before they proved to be among the world's leading talents.
Mbappe, 19, joined PSG on loan from Monaco in August with the option for a permanent move for £166m in the summer after a standout season in 2016-17.... <<< read more >> @ www.galatixnews.com

Ivan Rakitic says Barcelona's players would be delighted if Philippe Coutinho were to join them from Liverpool, insisting their "doors are open to good players".

Coutinho has been heavily linked with a move to the Nou Camp, though Liverpool resisted Barcelona's advances in the summer, turning down a £113m bid for the Brazilian.

The midfielder's future remains uncertain, and Liverpool have not given their price for the 25-year-old, despite reports in the Catalan press.... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson pick their best combined XI from Arsenal and Liverpool ahead of the Friday Night Football clash.

The two sides meet live on Sky Sports with just a point separating them in the Premier League, as fifth-placed Arsenal look to leapfrog their visitors with a victory at the Emirates.

Arsenal legend Nicholas has gone for a slight majority from his former club, but Thommo is clearly confident Jurgen Klopp boasts the best crop of players.
Here is who they have gone for and their justifications... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

Supporters will be hoping their team makes a big, season-changing signing this January - but who could be on the move in the Premier League during the transfer window?
Alexis Sanchez

After a summer of transfer speculation, it all begins again for Alexis Sanchez this January with even less time running on the Chilean's contract at Arsenal. He was odds-on to move for much of the previous transfer window as Arsenal resisted Manchester City's advances, but will they say no again in what is seemingly their final chance to cash in before he could become a free agent this summer? City are 11/10 to secure his services, with PSG 10/1 to gatecrash the potential deal.

Most likely destination: Joins Man City.. << read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

Manchester United crashed out of the Carabao Cup in a 2-1 defeat to Bristol City as Korey Smith scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to send the Championship side into the last four.

Despite naming a strong line-up that included Paul Pogba, Jose Mourinho saw his team fall behind to a spectacular opening goal by Joe Bryan before Zlatan Ibrahimovic fired home an equaliser.

Substitute Romelu Lukaku had chances to win it for United but with extra-time looming, Smith struck the decisive blow with the last kick of the game to land them a semi-final tie with Manchester City.... <<< read more>>> @ www.galatixnews.com

Arsenal edged into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup as Danny Welbeck's goal secured a 1-0 win over West Ham at the Emirates on Tuesday.
With both sides fielding almost entirely different starting line-ups from their goalless Premier League meeting less than a week ago, a largely uneventful encounter was decided by Welbeck's close-range finish in the 42nd minute.
The goal was the first that West Ham had conceded in 319 minutes and they could not muster any sort of response, failing to have a shot on target despite the introductions of Andy Carroll and Marko Arnautovic.
The win sees Arsenal, who lost Olivier Giroud to injury in the second half, move into the semi-finals for the first time since 2010/11 and they will learn their opponents in the draw on Wednesday evening... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

MAN UNITED PLOT BUMPER SWAP DEAL TO SIGN ALEX SANDRO
Manchester United are plotting an extravagant deal to bring Juventus star Alex Sandro to Old Trafford next month. The Red Devils aim to edge rivals Chelsea by offering a player in exchange, but the Sun believes the Old Lady are not keen at present.
Jose Mourinho has given up on Henrikh Mkhitaryan after rowing over his positional game recently, meaning the Red Devils will sanction his departure.
But the Serie A champions do not want the Armenian in return for Sandro; instead, they will demand Daley Blind and cash to part with the Brazil international.
Chelsea will also attempt to engage in negotiations after making an extensive effort to pry Alex away from Turin last summer, with Juve likely more willing to sell due to the former Porto star's refusal to extend his deal and inconsistent form.
ALLARDYCE TO OFFER WALCOTT JANUARY ESCAPE


Sam Allardyce is keen to take Theo Walcott to Everton next month to continue the revival he has started after replacing Ronald Koeman.... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

Guillem Balague picks out six players who could make a big impact in Saturday's Clasico, live on Sky Sports.

It's a must-win game for Real Madrid, who are 11 points behind their arch-rivals, but Barcelona are undefeated in La Liga and they will be desperate to keep it that way.

Which players could make the difference? From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Luka Modric and Karim Benzema, Balague gives his verdict.



Lionel Messi
Barcelona's third goal against Deportivo on Sunday started very deep, with lots of passes and movement off the ball, and Messi was at the heart of it. It was a glimpse of what he might be like in a few years, when the pace is gone but he still has the vision. Right now, though, he still has both.

Ernesto Valverde agreed to play him in the centre soon after his arrival at the club. It has affected Luis Suarez, who can't find as much space as in previous seasons, but it has allowed Messi to be even more influential, switching between playing as an attacking midfielder or as a forward.... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

1. Title on the line
The season's first Clasico is a must win for Madrid, as even a draw would leave them 11 points off the top (albeit with one game in hand) and likely focusing on cup competitions after the winter break.
Zidane's side have not been at their best this season, especially in front of their own fans. At the Bernabeu they have struggled to convert possession into goals all through the autumn, and points have been dropped against Valencia, Levante and Real Betis.
But when they do hit form, often on the biggest occasions, they are more than capable of beating anyone. The 5-1 aggregate hammering of Barca in last August's Spanish Super Cup showed their potential.
They need something similar on Saturday or any chances of retaining their title will be over before Christmas.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo's future
The aftermath of Sunday's World Club Cup final was understandably focused around Cristiano Ronaldo, after the match-winner used the spotlight to again throw doubt on his long-term future.... <<< read more>>> @ www.galatixnews.com

Louis van Gaal claims he would only return to management if he was offered the job at a big English club - so he could "get one over" Manchester United.

Van Gaal was in charge at Old Trafford for two years, but was sacked in the summer of 2016 despite winning the FA Cup in his final game in charge.

The 66-year-old has not managed since, and when asked by The Mirror if he would return to management, said: "I will probably not manage a club anymore... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

MANCHESTER UNITED MULL MAJOR MOVE FOR MALCOM
Earlier this year, Liverpool were linked with Bordeaux forward Malcom, but the Sun says Manchester United are now at the front of the queue, despite the French club's determination to keep their star.
It reports that Jose Mourinho "is lining up a £30 million swoop" for the Brazil Under-23 international, as he looks to add more wide options to his squad.
With Mourinho "set to be handed a whopping £80m kitty in January," Malcom is a key target, with the 20-year-old's ability to fill a variety of attacking roles a major attraction.
The Sun says his arrival would mean the United manager could use Anthony Martial or Marcus Rashford centrally, rather than deploying them on the left.
But the Mail suggests he will need to be patient, reporting that Bordeaux "would be open to selling Malcom if their valuation can be met but may be unwilling to negotiate until the summer."
Meanwhile, the Mirror reports that United "have been given the green light to make a January move for Alex Sandro."... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

Home / International / Former Brazil midfielder Kaka announces retirement from football
Former Brazil midfielder Kaka announces retirement from football
by JC DB on 17 December in International

Kaka won the Champions League and Serie A with AC Milan
Former Brazil, AC Milan and Real Madrid midfielder Kaka has retired from football at the age of 35.
The 2007 Ballon d'Or winner had been weighing up whether to continue playing at a new club after confirming he would not renew his contract at MLS side Orlando City in October.
Kaka posted a prayer on Twitter to announce his decision to hang up his boots, writing that he is "ready for the next journey".
He also indicated he could continue his post-playing career in football.
"I am preparing to continue in football and to have a different role, but I will no longer be a professional player, an athlete," he told Globo television.
"I would like to take part in a club in a role more like... a manager, a sporting director - someone between the field and the club."
Kaka began his career at Sao Paolo before earning a move to AC Milan where he won the Serie A title and the 2007 Champions League.... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

Jose Mourinho believes Romelu Lukaku's "love" for West Brom was the reason behind his muted celebration during Manchester United's 2-1 win at The Hawthorns.
It was a hard-fought victory for United as Gareth Barry's 77th-minute tap-in made for a frantic finish after first-half goals from Lukaku and Jesse Lingard.
Lukaku's brilliant header sent United on their way, though the Belgian's celebration was similar to his reaction after scoring the winner against Bournemouth in midweek.
However, Mourinho said it was down to the fact that Lukaku enjoyed an impressive 2012-13 campaign with the Baggies on loan from Chelsea, while the United boss also put his own lack of enthusiasm after the opener down to maturity... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

Mesut Ozil's stunning volley fired Arsenal up to fourth in the Premier League with an unconvincing 1-0 victory over struggling Newcastle.
The Germany international's thunderous 23rd-minute effort proved enough for the Gunners who limped to their first league win in their last four outings.
Arsenal's profligacy inspired a spirited Newcastle display, but it was not enough to halt their alarming winless run which extends to nine games.
To make matters worse, the defeat sees Newcastle drop into the relegation zone while Arsenal leapfrog Burnley - who drew at Brighton - into the top four.... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

For the first time since Mauricio Pochettino took charge of Tottenham in 2014, the club is enduring something of a slump. Their Champions League performances this season have been superb -- they have more points than any other in the competition -- but their league results have been underwhelming.
Progress under the Argentine had, until now, been constant. From fifth in his first season, to third in his second season, to second last season, Spurs have been travelling in the right direction in terms of style and results. But now they find themselves challenging for the Champions League places rather than the title -- mainly because they're failing to take points from their direct rivals.
Spurs lost 2-1 to Chelsea, 1-0 to Manchester United and, most surprisingly, 2-0 to Arsenal when many expected them to dominate at the Emirates. None of these results are disgraceful on paper, but Spurs are no longer underdogs in these top fixtures. Their 4-1 victory over Liverpool shows Tottenham still have an appetite for the big occasion... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

1. Liverpool let Everton off the hook
Christmas may be a time for giving, but there are limits. Liverpool dominated a Merseyside derby played out in seasonally appropriate snowfall, but squandered a lead they should have quadrupled long before Wayne Rooney's 77th-minute penalty saw the points shared.
No matter how soft the challenge, there was no need for Dejan Lovren to push Dominic Calvert-Lewin; the young English striker was heading away from goal. But Lovren's clumsiness was punished by referee Craig Pawson and the Liverpool man may wish to steer clear of social media for a few days.
Sam Allardyce will know that his team struck it lucky, but that won't hamper his enjoyment. He and Jurgen Klopp have clashed repeatedly since the German's arrival in the Premier League; Allardyce relishes results like this.
He rested the entire team -- himself included -- for their final Europa League game in midweek, but for much of this game his ploy offered no discernible benefit. Liverpool, meanwhile, were so confident that Klopp rested Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino and were never seriously troubled.
The hosts could have taken the lead long before Mohamed Salah's exceptional goal three minutes before half-time and they could have been three goals to the good before the break. The gap in quality between the two clubs has rarely looked so vast. And yet it meant nothing in the end.
Everton haven't won at Anfield since 1999 and Liverpool soon took control, pulling their guests out of shape with darting sorties all over the final third. Sadio Mane might have opened the scoring on nine minutes but slipped in the penalty area as he prepared to shoot. Joe Gomez, who was excellent throughout, powered down the right moments later and fed Salah. He lofted a perfect cross for Milner, whose explosive shot was charged down.... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

Thibaut Courtois says he wants to resolve the uncertainty surrounding his future at Chelsea before the end of the season, but reiterated that being apart from his children is making him contemplate a move to Spain.
Real Madrid are reportedly long-term admirers of Courtois, who will enter the final year of his Chelsea contract next summer and has made no secret of his affection for Spanish life and culture, dating back to the three years he spent on loan with Atletico Madrid.
Speculation about a potential move to Madrid intensified last month when Courtois said he wanted to delay contract talks until nearer to the end of the season... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

Chelsea's title race is already over, according to Antonio Conte after Chelsea's surprise 1-0 defeat to West Ham United on Saturday afternoon. In fact, he continued, it never really started.
"This is the fourth defeat this season in 16 games," said Conte. "When you have this start, it's impossible to think you are in the title race. From experience, if you want to stay in the title race, in the first part of the season you can lose only once or twice."
It was an understandable concession. Chelsea are 11 points behind Manchester City ahead of tomorrow's Manchester derby, and more to the point, they're not playing well enough to suggest they might overturn that deficit. But in truth, Chelsea's season has been far from disastrous.
Amassing 32 points from 16 games is perfectly respectable: two-points-per-game is usually enough to keep a side in the title hunt at this stage of the season. Unfortunately for Conte and Chelsea, Manchester City have taken 43 points from 15 matches so far this season, a figure that, if sustained, would mean a record points haul in the Premier League. The competition at the top of the league this season is fierce, and Chelsea simply don't quite have enough to properly compete.
The question, of course, is why.... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

Tottenham got back to winning ways in the Premier League as they recorded their first victory in five games with a 5-1 thrashing of Stoke at Wembley.
Tottenham took the lead in the 21st minute when Son Heung-Min's cross from the left was headed into his own net by Ryan Shawcross.
They doubled their advantage shortly after the restart through Son, who converted after being played in by Dele Alli, before Harry Kane made it three with a header from Ben Davies' cross just a minute later.
Kane bagged his second and Tottenham's fourth on 65 minutes before Christian Eriksen got in on the act nine minutes later, with Shawcross grabbing a consolation for Stoke, as Mauricio Pochettino's side moved ahead of rivals Arsenal into fifth place.... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte says N'Golo Kante would be his choice to win the Ballon d'Or but admits Eden Hazard is the Chelsea player most likely to claim the award.
Cristiano Ronaldo won the 2017 prize in Paris on Thursday to equal Lionel Messi's record of five Ballon d'Or awards.
France midfielder Kante finished eighth in the voting with Belgium playmaker Hazard 19th and Conte believes Kante is destined to always miss out.
He said: "Honestly I don't know if N'Golo Kante can win the Ballon d'Or in his life because of the characteristics of this player.
"(But) for me, he is the Ballon d'Or. For a coach, Kante has to win, for every coach."... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

The eyes of the football world will turn to a wintry corner of northwest England on Sunday when Manchester United tackle Manchester City in a mid-season Premier League title showdown.

City, the leaders, are gunning for a 14th successive league win – which would equal the all-time record in the English top flight – and can put a huge 11 points between themselves and second-place United if they prevail.

But United are seeking to set a record of their own by notching up a 41st consecutive home match without defeat and City manager Pep Guardiola is wary of his old foe Jose Mourinho's ability to roll with the punches... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com

Paris Saint-Germain will be without Neymar, Thiago Silva, Thiago Motta and Layvin Kurzawa as they seek their first win in three matches at home to Lille on Saturday.
Ligue 1 leaders welcome Les Dogues to Parc des Princes after a 2-1 defeat away at Strasbourg last weekend and a 3-1 loss away at Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday.
PSG coach Unai Emery is deprived of superstar Neymar through suspension, while captain Silva, defensive midfielder Motta and left back Kurzawa are all injured or recovering from fitness problems.
During his prematch news conference on Friday, Emery admitted the injured trio were unlikely to feature.
"Thiago [Motta] is doing better and could return to full training with the squad next week. Thiago [Silva] is having further examinations today. Layvin did not train on Thursday -- we will make a decision about him after the final training session."
PSG's squad announcement later confirmed that Kurzawa would not be available... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com