Robin van Persie to be dropped against Hull City

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is set to axe striker Robin van Persie for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Hull City.
The Netherlands international will be dropped down to the substitutes’ bench in favour of on-loan forward Radamel Falcao, provided he is fully fit, or 18-year-old starlet James Wilson.

This is according to The Sun, who report that Van Persie’s future at Old Trafford is in serious doubt following a disappointing start to the season.

Paul Scholes rips into Liverpool's form and transfer business

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has pulled no punches in his assessment of Liverpool's start to the season, insisting that Brendan Rodgers has failed to build on the momentum of last season and now looks more stressed than any other time in his managerial career.
Liverpool are under fire after an underwhelming opening that has seen them suffer six defeats in just 12 Premier League games, the same number of times the Reds lost in the whole of last season.

Scholes has found his voice since retiring and was scathing of Liverpool's efforts to improve through a spate of summer spending, with under-fire defender Dejan Lovren in particular coming in for some stinging criticism

Van Persie had a 'very bad game' at Arsenal - Van Gaal

Van Persie struggled on his return to Arsenal

It could be unlucky 13 for Robin van Persie after his personal stats nightmare at Arsenal.
The United striker had just 13 touches in the game against the Gunners before suffering the indignity of being hauled off at his old manor by Reds boss Louis van Gaal – much to the delight of his one-time fans.
It was another sorry chapter this term in a campaign that is developing into a battle for confidence for United’s 2013 Golden Boot winner.
Radamel Falcao is on the verge of being match fit after missing out on the last four matches due to a calf injury.

Manchester United set to welcome back Radamel Falcao and Marcos Rojo for Hull clash

Return: Falcao and Rojo could feature this weekend

Radamel Falcao and Marcos Rojo are set to return tomorrow for Manchester United to ease Louis van Gaal's injury crisis.
Striker Falcao has been out with a calf problem and Rojo a dislocated shoulder and van Gaal says they could both be included in the squad for tomorrow's game against Hull.
"We have to wait and see in the last training session," said the United boss. "Of course, it's always difficult to say, but we have good news, yes.
"I have to take the last training session and I live day by day at this moment. Maybe Falcao can come into the 18 and maybe Rojo can come into the 18. That's it, I think."
Van Gaal also reported that Luke Shaw would be out for the next few weeks with his ankle injury.

Ben Pearson closing in on Preston North End move

Manchester United youngster Ben Pearson could complete a loan move to League One outfit Preston North End later today, according to the Daily Mail.
The loan deadline is coming to an end and it appears that Pearson is closing in on a temporary move away from Old Trafford, with the report revealing that talks between the two clubs opened earlier on this week.

Future 

Pearson, who has starred for England at youth level, looks set for a bright future in the game, and will now be desperate to prove his credentials in the first-team setup at Preston. A central-midfielder by trade, he will certainly add quality to the League One side's midfield as they look to improve their chances of securing automatic promotion in this campaign.

Lionel Messi is already preparing for his transfer to… Chelsea!

Lionel Messi is not happy at Barcelona.

This we have been told on numerous occasions over the past few weeks, despite Messi’s record breaking feats in both La Liga and the Champions League.

The Barcelona board want to sell Messi. Or, the diminutive Argentine is not happy at the Nou Camp. One way or another, these rumours are only growing at a rapid rate.

On Thursday, Argentine website Direct TV have claimed Lionel Messi is preparing for a mega transfer to Premier League giants Chelsea – see this report via Madrid-based newspaper AS.

Direct TV have listed a number of reasons why Lionel Messi is preparing to join Chelsea.

Luke Shaw blow for Manchester United as former Southampton defender is ruled out for between four and six weeks

Manchester United have suffered yet another injury blow after learning that Luke Shaw could be out for between four and six weeks with ankle ligament damage.

It was initially thought that Shaw might be sidelined for three weeks with the injury he suffered in the first half of last weekend's victory at Arsenal, but scans that had been delayed to allow the swelling on his left ankle to go down yesterday revealed that it could be up to twice as long.

The England defender now stands to miss up to eight Premier League games and an FA Cup third round tie, handing Louis van Gaal yet more problems with his injury-hit defence.

Luke Shaw (right) collides with Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere in the penalty area last Saturday

Thomas Vermaelen: Ex-Arsenal defender out for up to five months

Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen is to undergo surgery on a thigh injury that could rule him out for up to five months.

The 29-year-old Belgium international, who is yet to make his competitive debut since joining from Arsenal in the summer, injured his leg playing against Russia at the World Cup in June.

Barcelona say recovery time from surgery is "four to five months".

That means he may not make his debut for the La Liga side until next April.

Bakary Sako set to sparkle this weekend as Wolves midfielder celebrates 100 games for the club with crystal covered boots

Wolves star Bakary Sako is aiming to shine in his 100th game for the Championship club this weekend in his customised crystal boots.

The 26-year-old has had bespoke boots made with the club’s colours and wolf symbol to mark the special occasion.

The sparkling footwear is covered in Swarovski crystal, raising the question of whether Sako will be played at the tip of a midfield diamond for Wolves against Brentford on Saturday.

Wolves midfielder Bakary Sako will wear these eye-catching boots to mark his 100th game for the club