Fans of Manchester United have responded to criticism by the manager, Jose Mourinho about the subdued atmosphere at Old Trafford.

Mourinho had said that United’s supporters were “quiet” during Saturday’s 2-0 home win over Huddersfield Town in the Premier League.

The Portuguese had said, “Old Trafford, in spite of being a quiet stadium, the pitch is big, the grass is nice and obviously the players feel very comfortable playing here.” When then asked to explain his comments, Mourinho replied, “It’s not Portsmouth.

“I remember Portsmouth – such a small stadium, the atmosphere was absolutely incredible. In here, the atmosphere is a bit quiet and there is not very (much enthusiasm). But the players like to play at home.”

The manager had earlier this season, said United supporters were “very quiet” during the 2-0 win over Leicester in August.

But reacting in a statement, the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust said, “We note our manager’s further comments regarding the poor atmosphere within Old Trafford following the Huddersfield home game.
“The decline in the atmosphere is by no means limited to Old Trafford. It’s an issue affecting clubs throughout the country.

“And it’s certainly not an issue specific to Manchester United supporters – our away support is widely acknowledged, by fair-minded fans, as the best in the country.

“We believe that atmosphere is primarily dependent on the perceived relationship between fans and club – including the degree of supporter ownership and engagement.

“In the absence of any imminent changes in the former, we, therefore, concentrate on other areas where we can have an impact in the short to medium term.”

Chelsea has been given a boost ahead of their Premier League clash at Watford tonight with two key players back in training after injury.

Willian and David Luiz have both been training with the club's fitness coach, while new signings Olivier Giroud and Emerson Palmieri were also with the two players.


The Blues were dealt a big blow in their 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth as Andreas Christensen had to come off with a hamstring injury that could keep him out of the game.

So the fact that Luiz is back training and running after his ankle news is good timing for if the Blues are going to have to replace him for the clash with the Hornets.

Gary Cahill was horribly exposed by the pace of Callum Wilson when he slotted into the middle of the back three, which means that Antonio Conte will most likely want to have the Brazilian back in his place.

Alvaro Morata has been back training with the squad as well and will be hoping to keep his place in the side if Giroud is in the squad for the game.
Will Chelsea win at Watford tonight? Let us know in the comments section below.

Chelsea will try to bounce back from their shock defeat at the hands of Bournemouth when they face Watford in the Premier League on Monday.


The Blues have just one win in their last four outings in the league but still sit in the top four, two points ahead of rivals Tottenham Hotspur. After a productive January transfer window, fans hope the defending champions can halt the slide and start winning again.

Here's a look at Monday's fixture:

     

Date: Monday, February 5

Time: 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET

Venue: Vicarage Road, Watford

TV Info: Sky Sports (UK), NBC (U.S.)
Live Stream: Sky Go (UK), NBC Live (U.S.)     

Team News

Blues manager Antonio Conte provided an injury update ahead of the match:
Conte reports that Morata remains out injured and that the first examination of Christensen's injury was positive, but he will miss Watford. He must check a couple of other players before that game.
Per WhoScored.com, Olivier Giroud could make his debut on Monday, although his lack of starts for Arsenal in the last few months indicates he needs to build up his fitness before he can play the full 90 minutes.

Watford enters the clash with a lengthy list of absentees due to injury―Tommie Hoban, Craig Cathcart, Nathaniel Chalobah, Heurelho Gomes, Younes Kaboul, Kiko Femina, Will Hughes, Miguel Britos and Molla Wague have all been ruled out, per WhoScored―and Didier Ndong is suspended.
       

Preview

Conte's future has been a hot topic during Chelsea's difficult spell, and with the conclusion of the January, transfer deadline day came renewed questions about his commitment to the club.

The Italian made it clear he wants to continue with the Blues, per football writer Nizaar Kinsella:

Conte on his job: "From the start of the season, there is a lot of speculation and rumors around me. I think this. I still have an 18-month contract at Chelsea, my desire is to stay here"

The former Juventus boss was hugely popular during his first season in west London when he guided the team to a title, but his star has faded quite a bit since then. Chelsea hasn't played the most inspiring football this season, with an over-reliance on Eden Hazard and a general lack of creativity leading to a number of dull contests.


Chelsea can struggle against defensive teams digging in their heels, and they'll likely face exactly that on Monday. Watford sits in the middle of the standings but is winless in their last four league matches, and there's a reason for that.

The Blues will need the creativity of Hazard and Cesc Fabregas to break through Watford's defense, especially if Giroud isn't fit to start. The Frenchman can be an excellent target for crosses, and in Marcos Alonso, Chelsea has an excellent provider from the wing who quickly built a connection with Alvaro Morata earlier this season.

Prediction: Watford 0-1 Chelsea

The Algerian angered them by failing to turn up for training the day before their league clash at Everton when he became aware Leicester were knocking back big-money bids from Manchester City.

The 26-year-old tried to force the issue by submitting a transfer request only to see a final deadline-day bid of around £60m fail to shift the Midlands club.

Mahrez now faces a massive climbdown after angering team-mates, fans and the club’s owners.

Manager Claude Puel will have talks with the player today and is expected to fine him two weeks’ wages for missing training and being unavailable for the 2-1 defeat at Goodison Park.
The manager is also expected to spell out to Mahrez that he might be well advised to make a few apologies – starting with his team-mates.

The club is also believed to be unhappy with comments attributed to a ‘close friend’ which revealed Mahrez was feeling ‘very low’ and could not understand why the club had behaved the way they had.

Winger Raheem Sterling claims his Manchester City team-mates are being "butchered" by bad tackles.

His comments follow those of manager Pep Guardiola, who believes the players need more protection from referees.

Late tackles on Brahim Diaz and Kevin de Bruyne during the 3-0 win over West Brom further provoked Guardiola's ire.

Sterling said: "Some tackles have been awful. It's not what I expect in a top-flight match, especially when teams are losing and go out to kick players."

The 23-year-old added: "There are going to be challenges that are badly timed and probably not all of them are intentional.

"But at the same time if it's a dangerous tackle, it's a dangerous tackle and I think the referees and officials need to cut these tackles out because some of the players are getting butchered, butchered out there and it's sad to see."

The England international also fears that one of these challenges could result in a City player missing out on the chance to play at Russia 2018.
He said: "I do think we need to cut down on that because we've got a World Cup at the end of the year.

"The majority of the players in the top flight, and in our team, will be playing in it and it would be sad to see someone miss the tournament due to a silly tackle and someone gets away with it."

His German team-mate Leroy Sane is out for seven weeks with ankle ligament damage after a tackle by Cardiff's Joe Bennett last weekend, while both Diaz and De Bruyne were fortunate to avoid injuries following challenges by Baggies pair Matt Phillips and James McClean.

Belgium midfielder De Bruyne said after that match: "A lot of teams are making a lot of fouls against us. We make a foul, we get a yellow card, I don't know how it's possible sometimes."

Barcelona has been handed a massive injury boost ahead of this month's Champions League round of 16 clashes first leg against Chelsea.


Ousmane Dembele, who signed for the Catalan giants last summer from Borussia Dortmund, has endured a frustrating start to life at the Camp Nou as he's made just eight appearances across all competitions so far this season.


On only his third outing for the club against Getafe back in September, he sustained a thigh muscle injury which kept him out of action for four months. Upon returning to action during a Copa Del Rey clash against Celta Vigo a few weeks ago the youngster suffered another setback just four games later.

A thigh injury picked up in their 4-2 win over Real Sociedad last month had placed his involvement at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, February 20 in serious doubt as it was announced by the La Liga leaders that he was set to be out of action for up to a month.
However, as reported by Spanish media outlet Onda Cero Radio, Dembele is back in full training and the aim is to be available for selection for the trip to West London.

Barca will be without their January transfer window signing Philippe Coutinho for both legs due to his involvement in the competition for Liverpool during the first half of the season.

The Blues' trio of signings last month in Ross Barkley, Emerson Palmieri, and Olivier Giroud are all eligible having been registered before the deadline earlier in the week.
In terms of form, both sides will go into the first-leg on the back of contrasting results. Barcelona is running away in the La Liga title race, while the Blues suffered a 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth last time out and have a fight on their hands to finish in the top four.

Although there is still plenty of time for things to change before February 20.

Chelsea news live updates: all the latest from Stamford Bridge


Saturday, February 3

Chelsea target Umtiti
14.55: Chelsea is one of three clubs chasing Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti, according to reports in Spain.

The Blues, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are all said to be tracking the 24-year-old who has a cut-price £53m release clause.

The three clubs reportedly made contact with the France international’s representatives during the January transfer window.

And Barca is aware of their interest and are now desperate to tie the center-half down to a new deal with an increased buy-out clause.

Conte Italy talks
13.15: Alessandro Costacurta has admitted he will soon meet with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte to discuss his potential return to managing Italy.

“I’ll go to London to talk to Antonio Conte and Carlo Ancelotti, we won’t have to wait too long,” he told Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera.

“We have the best researchers, best chiefs and also the best coaches in the world.

“We can’t make mistakes. I think I’ll have to move quickly. I’ll go to London to talk to Conte. Ancelotti’s also there.”

Simeone snubs Blues
11.45: Diego Simeone has rejected a move to Chelsea but would consider taking charge at Manchester United, according to reports.

The Times claim Simeone is Roman Abramovich’s No 1 target to replace Antonio Conte but he does not want to come to Stamford Bridge.

The Atletico boss is said to have told intermediaries in contact with Chelsea that he sees no future with the Blues and will not come to the UK unless to join United.

He has held talks with the Red Devils in the past and met with the club in 2014 about replacing David Moyes but deciding against leaving Atletico midseason.

Batshuayi debut
09:25: Michy Batshuayi had a debut to remember as his two goals helped Borussia Dortmund t oa 3-2 win over Cologne last night.

The Belgian, who played the full 90 minutes, said: “I am very happy with my two goals but of course the most important thing today is the win.

“It was the first game, it was not easy. I’m just happy about these three points.

“We want to climb as high as possible on the table and try to win every match.”

Marco Asensio swap
07.15: Real Madrid is expected to up their interest in Chelsea star Eden Hazard in the summer.

And one of Real Madrid’s most promising young players has reportedly said he would like to be involved in the deal so that he can move to Chelsea.

That player is Marco Asensio, who has found game time limited at the Bernabeu.

Spanish outlet Diario Gol claims that Asensio has spoken to club president Florentino Perez about the possibility of a move to Stamford Bridge.

And the Real chief is considering using the youngster as a makeweight to land his Belgian target.

Chelsea plays last this weekend, which is good in that it gives Conte & Co a couple extra days to rest, recover, and figure out some new solutions in training, but is bad in that we could very well be out of the top four by the time kick-off arrives. Liverpool, currently third, play Spurs, currently fifth, at Anfield on Sunday, with Chelsea the Arsenal-esque sandwich in the middle, just two points ahead of the latter and level on points with the former (but with a goal difference two worse).

Continuing to complicate Conte’s task is the squad’s not-insignificant injury list, though Willian and possibly David Luiz, to are both expected to be back. New signings Olivier Giroud and Emerson may not match fit yet, however, with Conte not expecting to hand either of them a start just yet. Meanwhile, Morata (back) and Christensen (hamstring) are out.

Chelsea’s schedule has eased up a bit, with only 4 games in the next few weeks leading into the Barcelona clash in the Champions League. The Blues will even have a full week to recover from this game, a luxury we haven’t seen almost all season.

Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger, has defended the club’s decision to shatter the club’s wage structure to keep Mesut Ozil, calling it “the cheapest option”.

Ozil signed a new three-and-a-half year contract worth £300,000 a week, making him the Premier League’s second-highest paid player behind Alexis Sanchez , who left Arsenal for Manchester United in January.
Before now, Sanchez and Ozil were the best-paid players on around £140,000 a week last season.

“First of all, when we let a player go we have to buy somebody of the same calibre. And if you add the transfer needed – the wages [for the new player] will be similar, but on top of that we have to pay a transfer [fee]. So overall, Ozil was for us the cheapest option,” Wenger said.

New boys Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan both signed deals reportedly worth £180,000 a week, which was an Arsenal record until Ozil penned his new deal. But Wenger insisted that he had no problem with paying such high salaries, as long as it is within the club’s means.

“I never put a limit on that. I just think that at the end of the day, what I never wanted to do was spend 12 when we earn 10. As long as we earn what we can pay, it’s not a problem.
“I did fight my whole life to pay the players good wages. So I’m not against that. I just am against the fact that you live on credit,” the Frenchman stated.

Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho has said that Chelsea and Arsenal did better than other teams in the just concluded January transfer window.

He said the two teams will be significantly stronger than they were before.
Mourinho made the biggest buy of the transfer window, taking Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal in a swap deal which saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan move in the opposite direction.

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger also added Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to his forward line in a club-record £56million transfer.

However, Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, ended up with a far more balanced squad having added Ross Barkley, Emerson Palmieri and Olivier Giroud.

Speaking about the race for the Premier League top four, Mourinho said, “Chelsea is champions again, fantastic market, Liverpool is a great team, Arsenal improved a lot in the market.
“Tottenham is a fantastic team and they are five points behind us, so we are doing quite well, with some negative moments, Wednesday was one.

“It Is very important to do better than last season and try to win something, and if not do better.”

Chelsea has released a new Champions League squad.


Manager Antonio Conte included new signings, Emerson Palmieri, Ross Barkley and Olivier Giroud in Chelsea’s updated squad.
Chelsea has released a new Champions League squad.

Manager Antonio Conte included new signings, Emerson Palmieri, Ross Barkley and Olivier Giroud in Chelsea’s updated squad.
Defenders: Antonio Rudiger, Marcos Alonso, Davide Zappacosta, Gary Cahill, Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Victor Moses, Dujon Sterling, Emerson Palmieri

Midfielders: Cesc Fabregas, Danny Drinkwater, N’Golo Kante, Ross Barkley, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Kyle Scott, Callum Hudson-Odoi Attackers: Eden Hazard, Pedro, Olivier Giroud, Alvaro Morata, Willian.