United in training as they aim to end run of three losses after Van Gaal admits he was 'forced' to sign Depay early to head off PS

Louis van Gaal says he was 'forced' into signing Memphis Depay.

The Manchester United manager landed the PSV Eindhoven forward, 21, on Thursday in a deal thought to be worth £25million.

Speaking ahead of his side's trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday he revealed he would have rather have waited until the end of the season but had to act quickly to stop the player from joining Paris Saint-Germain.

PSV winger Memphis Depay (centre) has agreed to join Manchester United in a £25million deal this summer

Juan Mata, Antonio Valencia and Wayne Rooney (L-R) race each other in training on Friday afternoon

Manchester United duo Radamel Falcao (left) and Robin van Persie prepare to face Crystal Palace

'I have been forced to sign him,' said Van Gaal. 'I don't want to sign him before the end of the season because we have to focus on our games and when you sign a player you disturb the focus of your present group.

'The coming matches are very important for Manchester United and for all of the players, but because of the market I must handle (it now), because otherwise he had signed for Paris St Germain and that's why I signed Memphis Depay. 

But we have to speak about Crystal Palace and not about Memphis Depay or (David) De Gea or something like that.'

Van Gaal, who revealed a virus has been sweeping the club, added that his own personal intervention prevented Depay, the Dutch league's top scorer, from heading to France.

'I don't want to speak with players before the season has ended,' he said. 'I have also a feeling to my players, but now because of the close relationship with the management of PSV I could handle it.'

Van Gaal also congratulated champions Chelsea and added that he was not disappointed that old friend Jose Mourinho had given his side four days off before they play Liverpool, United's rivals for a top-four spot.

'I have sent him a message but I don't know if the message has arrived because I know he changes (phone) number a lot,' he said.

'It was well deserved, I think, when you see the statistics you cannot doubt they are the real champions.'

Michael Carrick will not play again this season after suffering a calf injury at Old Trafford last month

Van Gaal also revealed that Michael Carrick was out for the season and that Marcus Rojo was not likely to make the squad for Saturday's trip to Selhurst Park. 

He added that Jonny Evans may take a place on the bench and that James Wilson had been suffering from the virus.

Liverpool put through their paces ahead of clash with Chelsea as Brendan Rodgers denies Memphis Depay transfer interest

Liverpool seemed in high spirits during training ahead of their clash with Premier League champions Chelsea on Sunday despite news Daniel Sturridge could be out until September.

The Sturridge blow came soon after it was announced Manchester United had signed PSV winger Memphis Depay, who had been previously linked with a move to Liverpool.

But Reds manager Brendan Rodgers rejected speculation that United beat his side to Depay's signature at a press conference on Friday.

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli was pictured in high spirits during a training session on Friday 

The Italy international returned to training after recovering from a foot injury to take part in the sessions 

'It was not something that we were interested in,' Rodgers said. 

'He is a young, talented player but we already have four wingers at the club: Raheem Sterling, Jordon Ibe, Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic.

'We have other priorities we are looking at through the course of the summer but with the players we have in those positions, particularly on the left side, we are quite well stocked.

'It is not something to talk about today. There will be enough activity over the course of the summer.

Rodgers (middle) talks to attacker Raheem Sterling during training ahead of Sunday's clash with Chelsea

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who is leaving the club at the end of the season, practises his shooting

And it seemed that Rodgers' confident mood had rubbed off on his players as they were put through their paces during Friday's training session.

Mario Balotelli was pictured laughing and joking around at Melwood Training Ground and the Italy international will be hoping he'll have more to smile about when Liverpool meet Chelsea on Sunday.

Balotelli, who has been linked with a summer move away from Anfield after a disappointing debut season at Liverpool, was returning to training after a foot injury.

Liverpool's attack has been hindered by injuries throughout the season, with Balotelli's team-mate Sturridge suffering another setback.

Balotelli has a chat with defenders Dejan Lovren (left) and Kolo Toure (right) as they stretch their legs

The Liverpool striker had surgery on his left hip on Tuesday in New York but the severity of the problem means the 25-year-old will not be able to resume full training for four months. 

Rodgers expects Sturridge to return to training in September but accepts it may be a while before he is ready to lead the line again in competitive action. 

'We hope he is available to train in September and then it is about getting his fitness in,' he added.

'It is not just about fitness but football fitness and that takes a bit of time. Obviously it is a long period of time out but we hope the problem and issues have been resolved with the operation.

'The important thing will be to let him recover, work hard in his rehab and we have great support from our owners in that he is able to go to the world's leading specialists in America.' 

Manchester City WILL give Yaya Toure birthday cake this year as Manuel Pellegrini refuses to talk about the midfielder's future

• Man City were accused of disrespecting Yaya Toure on his 31st birthday
• The midfielder's agent Dimitri Seluk made the claims last year
• Toure, who has been linked with a move to Inter Milan, turns 32 on May 13 
• Manuel Pellegrini joked there won't be a repeat of cake-gate this season

Manuel Pellegrini has played down a potential feud with Yaya Toure by joking he will present the unsettled Manchester City star with a birthday cake this week.

Toure turns 32 on Wednesday, a year after he was reportedly upset that the club failed to present him with a celebratory cake.

Toure’s controversial agent Dimitri Seluk seemed to fan the flames of a dispute between club and player this week when he claimed his client was '90 per cent' certain to leave the Etihad this summer.

Manchester City were accused of disrespecting midfielder Yaya Toure on his 31st birthday last year 

But while Pellegrini refused to be drawn into a war of words with Seluk, he did guarantee there will be no cake-gate mistake on Wednesday.

Pellegrini joked: 'Are you sure his birthday is next week?

'We will have to see what the best thing to do is because I think it it important to learn from your mistakes in the past.

'We will talk about next season in the right moment.

'Everyone at this moment can say what they want about rumours. I have never answered to Yaya’s agent so I will not do it now.

'Yaya has a contract here for two years more so in this moment we are only thinking about the best way to finish the season then we will see what happens next season.

City boss Manuel Pellegrini has joked there won't be a repeat of cake-gate this year when Toure turns 32

'I’m not disappointed because everyone can talk about what we think is better for him but we’re all focusing on our team and what the agent thinks is not my problem.'

City face QPR on Sunday without Samir Nasri whose groin injury has ruled him out for the season but with skipper Vincent Kompany back after injury, Pellegrini is banking on the Belgian defender helping to secure a second-placed finish.

He said: 'Vincent is just coming back from a muscle injury. I think for him it’ s important for him to try to recover his normal performance. We will see what happens between now and the end of the season.

'It is important to finish well. We have won three games in a row and we have three games more. It’s important for our team to try to win all the games.

'But it doesn’t just depend on our team if we’re going to finish second or not. If Arsenal win all their games, they are going to finish second.' 

Last year, Seluk accused City of making Toure 'very upset' on his 31st birthday and suggested the midfielder was seeking a move away from the Premier League club.

‘There is a big possibility that Yaya will leave this summer,’ he said in May 2014. ‘He is very upset. What happened at his birthday means the club don’t care about him. It was proof. 

The former Real Madrid manager refused to talk about unsettled Toure's future at the club

‘In a normal team, his team-mates and club would at least give him good wishes. But when you have a big party to celebrate the title and no one comes to Yaya to say happy birthday, what more do you want?

‘He got a cake but when it was Roberto Carlos’s birthday, the president of Anzhi gave him a Bugatti.

‘The club’s owners ate a 100kg cake after winning the Premier League but when they and the players were all together, none of them shook his hand on his birthday. It shows they don’t care about him. This isn’t about a new contract — it’s about human relationships and City have shown they don’t respect him.'

Manchester United target Edinson Cavani reveals he could leave PSG in summer after admitting ‘I want to play as a striker'

• Edinson Cavani has been linked with a move to Man United and Juventus
• The Uruguayan arrived at PSG from Serie A side Napoli in 2013
• Cavani has played out wide for much of the season under Laurent Blanc
• Former Palermo striker hints at move by revealing 'I might leave'

Edinson Cavani has admitted he might leave Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season in developments likely to stir those at Manchester United.

Louis van Gaal’s side are willing to spend big this summer and have already captured Holland forward Memphis Depay for £25million.

Cavani has operated out wide for much of the campaign under Laurent Blanc, something to come as a source of frustration for the Uruguayan.

PSG striker Edinson Cavani arrived at the club from Napoli in 2013 but has been deployed as a winger 

And he has added fuel to talk that United, or Serie A champions Juventus, could swoop.

‘I don't know whether I will stay at PSG. I might stay, I might leave... You never know what will happen in football,’ Cavani told GQ.

‘When I arrived at PSG, I was forced to play on the wing. People don't understand how much that has influenced my performances. I would score a lot more if I was played as a striker.

‘I want to play as a striker. I would without a doubt do much better in my own position.’

Meanwhile, Blanc has expressed his interest of moving overseas - with Spain as his first destination.

‘I am happy in Paris, but yes, I am interest by other leagues in Europe,’ Blanc admitted.

‘In terms of football, I watch quite a lot games from the Spanish League.’

United have already captured Holland forward Memphis Depay and could add Cavani to their ranks

Floyd Mayweather brands Manny Pacquiao a 'coward' and rules out a rematch

• Floyd Mayweather has branded Manny Pacquiao a 'coward' following their 'fight of the century' in Las Vegas last weekend
• The American beat Pacquiao by a wide unanimous decision
• In the aftermath of the fight, Pacquiao revealed a shoulder injury
• Mayweather feels that the injury is little more than an excuse for losing
• He had initially indicated that he would fight Pacquiao again to an ESPN journalist, but has since changed his mind

Floyd Mayweather has branded Manny Pacquiao 'a coward' and ruled out a rematch with his great rival.

Mayweather was a convincing winner of their $300million 'Fight of the Century' in Las Vegas last weekend.

Pacquiao later revealed he had suffered a shoulder injury in training and underwent successful surgery on Wednesday.

Manny Pacquiao revealed a shoulder injury in the aftermath of his fight with Floyd Mayweather

 Mayweather defeated Pacquiao in the 'fight of the century' at the MGM Grand Garden Arena last weekend

Mayweather extended his undefeated record to 48-0 after triumphing over Pacquiao in Last Vegas

But Mayweather claims he has lost respect for the Filipino after his admission.

In an interview to be broadcast by Showtime on Saturday, he says: 'Excuses, excuses, excuses.

'He was fast. His left hand was fast. His right hand was fast and he was throwing them both fast and strong.

'I'm not going to buy into the bulls*** and I don't want the public to buy into the bulls***. He lost. He knows he lost. I lost a lot of respect for him after all of this.'

After the fight, Mayweather texted an ESPN presenter that he would be prepared to offer Pacquiao a rematch when he recovers from his injury.

But he has now ruled that out as he eyes a September swansong in what will be his 49th fight.

'Did I text Stephen A Smith and say I will fight him again? Yeah, but I change my mind,' he added. 

'At this particular time, no, because he's a sore loser and he's a coward. If you lost, accept the loss and say, 'Mayweather, you were the better fighter'.' 

Arsenal do not want to sell Theo Walcott or Carl Jenkinson this summer, confirms Gunners boss Arsene Wenger

• Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson has impressed on loan with West Ham
• The Hammers are keen to sign the defender on a permanent deal
• Arsene Wenger will only consider sending Jenkinson out on loan again
• Wenger believes winger Theo Walcott wants new contract at Arsenal
• Arsenal winger has just over 12 months remaining on his current deal

Arsene Wenger says he wants to keep Carl Jenkinson and Theo Walcott at Arsenal next season after holding talks with both players.

Right back Jenkinson has impressed on a loan spell for West Ham, who are keen on taking him on a permanent deal next season.

With Mathieu Debuchy, Hector Bellerin and Calum Chambers all at the club, Jenkinson's chances of first-team football seem slim.

Defender Carl Jenkinson (left) has impressed during a loan spell with West Ham this season

Arsenal boss Wenger will consider sending Jenkinson on another season-long loan deal next term

But Wenger insists he wants to keep the defender and will only consider another loan deal for the defender next season.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Monday's game with Swansea, Wenger said: 'The decision is now whether to bring him back now or give him one more year on loan.'

Wenger also confirmed that Walcott is part of his plans next season, even if he fails to sign a new contract at the Emirates.

The England winger, who has just over 12 months remaining on his current £90,000-a-week deal, has been in talks over extending his stay in north London.

On the possibility of the 26-year-old putting pen to paper, Wenger said: 'There's no [update]. Yes we are already talking to him.

'Today I'm not in that kind of mode of thinking because I just want him to stay. We're keen to do it, he's keen to do it.' 

Wenger says Theo Walcott is keen to sign a new contract with Arsenal despite a lack of playing time

The FA Cup final against Aston Villa would appear to be the Gunners' priority after Chelsea clinched the Premier League title on Sunday but Wenger is keen to finish the season in second place. 

He added: 'We feel we have made progress in our consistency, quality and stability. It's important that we finish close to Chelsea.'

'Defensively we have been much stronger in the second half of the season but we still have room for improvement there.

'It's not easy to produce quality every year. We had to sell our best players for years but we have got over that hurdle.

'We have a squad of top quality. If we can strengthen our squad then of course we will do it.'

Real Madrid trio Cristiano Ronaldo, Toni Kroos and Pepe put Juventus loss behind them by watching Rafael Nadal sweep Simone Bolelli aside at the Madrid Open

• Cristiano Ronaldo watched Rafael Nadal's victory over Simone Bolelli
• Nadal beat the Italian in straight sets to secure a quarter-final place
• Ronaldo was joined by Real Madrid team-mates Toni Kroos and Pepe

Cristiano Ronaldo took time away from the end-of-season run-in to enjoy some of the tennis at the Madrid Open in Spain on Thursday.

Ronaldo made the time to pose with numerous fans at the Madrid Open on Thursday

Two days after Real Madrid were beaten 2-1 in the first-leg of the Champions League semi-final against Juventus, the Portugal star took a seat to watch Rafael Nadal in action on the clay.

Ronaldo was joined by team-mates Toni Kroos and Pepe to watch the Spaniard ease past Simone Bolelli of Italy in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2. 

Ronaldo was joined at the tennis by Madrid team-mates Pepe (centre) and Toni Kroos ( left)

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Nadal booked his place in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open after beating Bolelli 6-2, 6-2

Nadal, a four-time winner of the competition, will meet Grigor Dimitrov in the quarter-finals on Friday.

Ronaldo appeared to enjoy his time at the tennis, even posing with fans for a selfie as Nadal stormed to victory.

Madrid are back in action on Saturday when they host fourth-placed Valencia in La Liga.

Ronaldo's side trail leaders Barcelona by two points with three games in the league remaining. 

Gareth Bale is a great player and he must learn to deal with the criticism at Real Madrid, warns Barca rival Neymar

Gareth Bale has endured a torrid second season at Real Madrid

The £86m forward came under fire after Tuesday's defeat by Juventus

 Neymar says situation comes with the territory of being a top class talent

Under-fire Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has been told he must live with the criticism coming his way by Barcelona counterpart Neymar.

The record £86million signing has endured a torrid second season at the Bernabeu, with Tuesday night's anonymous showing at Juventus a new nadir in the opinion of fans and Madrid media.

But Neymar, who netted the third in Barcelona's thrilling triumph over Bayern Munich on Wednesday, admits Bale's current situation comes with the territory of being a top class talent.

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Neymar (right) has told Gareth Bale he must learn to live with the pressure and criticism in Spain

Asked about Bale, the Brazilian said: 'Criticism and pressure is something very usual in football.

'We all face it from time to time. You have to learn live with it.

'What isn't in doubt is that Gareth Bale is a great player.'

Bale's drop in form and popularity at the Bernabeu has seen him linked with a return to the Premier League with Chelsea or Manchester United.

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Bale, the club's record signing, has struggled to reproduce his best form at Real Madrid this season

Both clubs, as well as Manchester City, also retain an interest in Juventus' former United youngster Paul Pogba.

But the Premier League trio face a fight for the Frenchman's signature from Real and Barcelona. And Neymar says the Catalan giants would roll out the red carpet for the dynamic midfielder.

'We would open the gates for him. 

'He’s a fantastic player, he’s younger than me and he’s already reached the top level. He’d do well at Barcelona,' he said.

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Bale is sent flying by the Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci during Tuesday's Champions League defeat

Neymar, too, was touted as a future superstar of the English game before signing for Barcelona but the Brazilian says he still keeps his eye on the Premier League.

'It's a league I love to watch,' he said.'There are great teams and great players but I'm very comfortable at Barcelona and I love watching the Spanish league too.'

The 23-year-old is understandably confident about reaching the Champions League final ahead of former Barca boss Pep Guardiola's Bayern.

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Lionel Messi was with the rest of the Barcelona squad for training on Thursday afternoon

Lionel Messi's terrific double was topped off by Neymar in a 3-0 win that puts the Catalan giants in touching distance of the Champions League final in Berlin.

'It was a great game for football lovers,' Neymar said.

'To reach the final is our dream. We are one step ahead thanks to the first leg but we must be humble.

+6

The 23-year-old Brazil star is used to handling the pressure in both Spain and his homeland

'It is a very difficult place to go and we will do everything we can to be in Berlin.

'It's been our goal since the start of the season - there's only 90 minutes to go.'

Messi’s masterclass wowed fans across the world and Neymar considers it a privilege to play alongside the Argentine master.

He said: ‘I idolised him when I was younger watching football, and now I’m playing with him I idolise him even more.’

Barcelona forward Neymar is the latest sports star to sign with online poker giant PokerStars

And Messi stepped aside in Barca’s last league game to let Neymar slot home a penalty in the 8-0 romp over Cordoba.

‘It was very welcome,’ Neymar said. 

‘He’s a guy who’s the best in the world – he was about to score a hat-trick.

‘It left me speechless. I’m very grateful to him for his gesture. What he’s doing for football history is great for the game.'

The Brazil captain was speaking at his unveiling as an ambassador for PokerStars, being a big fan of the card game he says helps him relax.

He said: ‘Growing up and playing football everyday has made me a competitive person. When I'm not playing football, playing poker and competing against my team-mates on the road or in home games with friends is one of my favourite things to do.’

Manchester United's summer revolution: With £25m Depay already signed up, Van Gaal will step up pursuit of Hummels, Clyne and Gundogan... so, is this how Reds Devils will line up next season?

Manchester United have agreed to sign PSV forward Memphis Depay

He could form a front three with Wayne Rooney and Angel di Maria

Mats Hummels, targeted from Borussia Dortmund, could lead defence

Chris Smalling's speed will be important if they land the slower German

Nathaniel Clyne's arrival could see him join Luke Shaw and give United a speedy left and right combination from Southampton

With Memphis Depay locked in to add some speed and flair to their push for Premier League glory next season, Manchester United are already forming a new look for 2015-16, and it's expected Louis van Gaal will not stop there.

Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels is tipped to be brought in to shore things up at the back and his team-mate Ilkay Gundogan is also fancied for the Red Devils midfield, although there is competition from Arsenal and Bayern Munich for his services.

With Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne also strongly linked with Old Trafford, here is how Van Gaal's starting XI could look... provided they can retain the services of superb keeper David de Gea.

MANCHESTER UNITED'S POSSIBLE LINE-UP FOR 2015-16 

(3-4-1-2)

DAVID DE GEA

United are hopeful he will agree a £200,000-a-week contract to remain their No 1 come August. Has been pivotal to their season and will only get better. The lure of Real Madrid will not go away though and trophies will be key to keeping him at Old Trafford.

CHRIS SMALLING

Has improved this season and is beginning to resemble the centre-half many predicted he would become. Has been assured and confident in possession and deserved his new contract. His pace will be important alongside the slower Mats Hummels.

MATS HUMMELS

Borussia Dortmund anticipate United firming up interest in the Germany international with a formal offer over the coming days. Hummels has not had the best season but his experience and physical presence should make United more solid in defence.

MARCOS ROJO

Adds the balance to the left side of United's defence that Louis van Gaal likes and can bring the ball out to link up with midfield and the left hand flanks. Has the accustomed nasty streak of Argentine defenders and can add goals from set-pieces.

NATHANIEL CLYNE

United will add a new right back and have considered Seamus Coleman at Everton. Clyne though has shown more willingness to move to Old Trafford. He is due to make a decision on his future next week and has more defensive know-how than winger Antonio Valencia.

MICHAEL CARRICK

Absolute key to Louis van Gaal's formation and philosophy. Keeps the ball moving and provides the defence with a regular outlet. United will need to find a replacement as grows older with the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Marco Verratti and Kevin Strootman all possibles.

ILKAY GUNDOGAN

Borussia Dortmund midfielder is fancied by United although they have concerns about his fitness following a succession of injuries. He is a good all-rounder, has good vision and passing ability; He wants to leave but Bayern Munich and Arsenal also have an interest.

LUKE SHAW

His performance against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge gave Van Gaal an exciting glimpse of what he had been missing. Shaw needs to work on his fitness to play a full season but has great ability to beat a man and cross like United full backs of old.

ANGEL DI MARIA

United's huge investment means the Argentine will get another chance to shine at the start of next season and could find himself in a free role at the head of United's midfield allowing him to drift out wide and alternate with United's wing-backs and Depay.

WAYNE ROONEY

The talisman. Has grown again this season in terms of shouldering responsibility and leadership while Van Gaal has been forced to recognise his importance as a striker. United will add more competition but Rooney will lead from the front once again.