Moyes proud of United fighting spirit

David Moyes has praised the courage of his players after they bounced back from Manchester derby defeat to beat Liverpool on Wednesday.

The Scot made a number of changes from United's 4-1 loss at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with the likes of Shinji Kagawa, Nani and Javier Hernandez all given a chance to impress.
And Hernandez in particular did just that, finishing up as the match-winner for United after volleying home a left-wing corner early in the second half.
After such a disappointing result against local rivals City, Moyes was glad to see his players show some fight on their way to a 1-0 victory.
"We had to try and come out and show something a bit better than we had done (against City)," he told Sky Sports.
"We had to bounce back and I thought it was a good result tonight. It's given me a chance to see some players I haven't seen much and it's given me food for thought.
Moyes was particularly impressed with Hernandez, and praised the 25-year-old's movement in the lead up to his winning goal.

"The movement is great for the goal," he added. "That's what Chicharito is all about. He finds space so well."

No deal with Bayern, says Lewandowski

Borussia Dortmund star Robert Lewandowski has moved to quell speculation that he will definitely agree a deal with Bayern Munich in January.
The Poland international striker was heavily linked with Bayern in the close-season, following a goal-laden campaign that saw him help Dortmund to the UEFA Champions League final - where they were beaten 2-1 by the Bavarian club.
Lewandowski intimated earlier this week that he would sign a pre-contract agreement with the German treble winners in January, but has now backtracked on those claims.
"I was a bit shocked after I saw the video of Tuesday's interview. I only wanted to make clear that I cannot sign a contract anywhere until January," he told Bild.
"My only intention was to answer the question about when I would clarify my future.
"Like I've already said before, I intend to leave BVB in the summer. I cannot say anything else about it until January."
Lewandowski made an instant impact at Dortmund after joining from Lech Poznan in 2010, helping Jurgen Klopp's men to consecutive Bundesliga titles.
The 25-year-old's contract at Signal Iduna Park expires in June 2014, though, allowing him to speak to other clubs with a view to a move in January.

Lewandowski has scored 72 goals in his Dortmund career thus far.

Rooney grateful to Hodgson

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has thanked England manager Roy Hodgson for his inclusion in the squad to face Scotland on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old is yet to make an appearance for United's first team in pre-season after suffering a hamstring injury just days into their tour of Asia and then damaging his shoulder in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Real Betis last week.
However, he has been selected regardless for the Wembley clash, and insists he is looking forward to playing.
Rooney posted a message on his official Facebook page before Rio Ferdinand's testimonial on Friday evening, which the striker was not involved in, and did not attend.
Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move for the England international, who has less than two years to run on his current Old Trafford deal.
Former United boss Alex Ferguson revealed Rooney had asked to leave the club at the end of last term, and Jose Mourinho's side have already seen bids rejected, reportedly against the forward's wishes.
"Can't wait to join up with the England squad and hopefully play in a competitive match, they always are against Scotland," he wrote.
"Big thanks to Roy Hodgson for selecting me and showing his faith and support, appreciate it."
Rooney scored 16 goals in 37 games last season for United, but found his opportunities limited by the arrival of Robin van Persie, who has firmly established himself as United's first-choice striker.

Moyes has already confirmed the Dutchman will be his main attacker in his first season in the Old Trafford dug-out, which is thought to have only cemented Rooney's desire to depart.

Balotelli given all clear on calf injury

The calf injury sustained by Mario Balotelli during the pre-season clash with LA Galaxy is not as bad as first feared, Milan have confirmed.
Balotelli, playing in only his second game of pre-season, opened the scoring in the 17th minute of the International Champions Cup clash against the MLS side, before being replaced with 10 minutes to play with a problem in his right calf.
Milan have since revealed that upon his arrival back in Italy the striker underwent scans to ascertain the extent of the injury. However, the results have proved positive.
A statement on the club's official website read: "AC Milan report that the tests carried out on Mario Balotelli's calf this morning produced no negative results."
With Italy's friendly against Argentina just five days away, it is still unclear whether Balotelli will be involved for Cesare Prandelli's side, although he is expected to be ready for Milan's Serie A opener with Verona on August 24.

The 22-year-old, who has 25 international caps, scored 12 goals in 13 Serie A appearances for Milan last season.

Cissokho on brink of Liverpool switch

Valencia defender Aly Cissokho is on the verge of joining Premier League side Liverpool after agreeing personal terms at Anfield.
The left-back, who joined Valencia from Lyon in 2012, has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with both Liverpool and Sunderland thought to be interested in his services.
Valencia have yet to agree to allow the 25-year-old to leave the Mestalla, but Liverpool appear to have stolen a march on other potential suitors.
"Liverpool offered me something and it's true I came to an agreement with them," Cissokho told Le10Sport.
"Now it is the clubs who must decide.
"We should know more this week. If nothing is happening, it will undoubtedly mean that I will not go to Liverpool.
Liverpool are hoping to sign Cissokho on a season-long loan deal, while Valencia are only willing to offload the Frenchman on a permanent deal.
Cissokho confirmed that a disagreement over the terms of the transfer is preventing the deal from progressing, but he stressed that he is happy to remain in Valencia.
"It is the terms of the transfer", Cissokho added.
"Liverpool would like a loan with an option (to buy) while Valencia prefer a straight transfer.

"If I don't leave, it will not be a problem. I am good in Valencia."

Prandelli plans Balotelli, El Shaaraway pairing

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has called on Mario Balotelli to form a strong partnership with fellow forward Stephan El Shaarawy.

Balotelli moved in January from Manchester City to Milan, where he will play alongside Italy team-mate El Shaarawy.

Prandelli welcomed the move ahead of Wednesday's friendly against the Netherlands in Amsterdam and believes it could be the start of something special for both Milan and Italy.

"I'm very happy that Balotelli has joined an Italian team," he said.

"He is calm, motivated and maybe we can control him better now he is playing in Milan.

"In August, we started to think about pairing Balotelli and El Shaarawy. We believed they could be an important partnership.

"El Shaarawy played against England in August when Mario wasn't playing, but in the last match against France we have seen that they have huge potential playing together.

"Right now we can't make definite choices, but this is certainly a great pairing."

El Shaarawy scored the only goal in Italy's 2-1 loss to France in November, while Balotelli played the full 90 minutes in an impressive display.

Prandelli believes Balotelli, who endured his fair share of controversies in England, can escape the spotlight in Italy with a new mindset.

"Balotelli has become a character that goes beyond his football career," he said.

"Everything that happens to him, it does not happen by chance, he is kind of a predestined guy.

"Right now everything is up to him and he should have the willingness to show only his football skills.

"He doesn't want to be a character. We have already talked about that aspect of him and tried to work on it.

"He should have the strength to make a name for himself with his performances on the pitch."

Cole to start against Brazil

England manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed Ashley Cole will win his 100th international cap by starting against Brazil on Wednesday.

The Chelsea defender, who made his debut in 2001, will mark a century of appearances for England at Wembley.

While the 32-year-old will feature in the starting 11 at Wembley, Hodgson said he would not take the captain's armband from Steven Gerrard for the game.

Hodgson also defended the controversial full-back.

"If you are an England fan and don't respect and love someone for what he's done, that's your problem," he said.

The 65-year-old also described the left-back as the 'most consistent player over last 10-12 years in our team ... he deserves to celebrate that."

Meanwhile, Hodgson is keen to see expectations surrounding midfielder Jack Wilshere lowered.

Wilshere has displayed impressive form for Arsenal in the English Premier League this season following his return from a long-term injury lay-off which saw him miss the entirety of the 2011/12 campaign.

The 21-year-old made his international comeback as a second-half substitute against Sweden in November.

Wilshere is now set for his first start for England since June 2011, leaving Hodgson wary over the expectation placed on his shoulders.

He told reporters: "Jack is a player who carries a huge weight of responsibility at a young age.

"I hope everyone is going to understand he is still a young man, he is 21 and still capable of playing in the under-21s, not that he will.

"I'm anxious in some ways and, while delighted with his form and the way he plays and sharing everyone's enthusiasm about his quality, I want to play it down a bit too."

Hodgson said his squad possessed several players that were capable of making a significant contribution to the national team's cause, and hopes that will prove to be the case.

"I wouldn't like to see him have to take a backward step because all of a sudden his name is being put forward as the saviour of the English football team. We've got other players too," he said.

"I'm hoping Jack's contribution, which will be a big contribution, will be matched by big contributions by the other players like (Wayne) Rooney, (Steven) Gerrard, (Frank) Lampard, (Ashley) Cole, (Glen) Johnson."