Sparky

Re: GC34 match reports and transfers

FC Internazionale Milano


Just a few days ago, Italian champions Inter Milan gave former GC28 Juventus manager Mitu Ahmed another chance in Italy after his quick departure. Ahmed returns after having a successful spell at the club just three years ago in GC16 where he said he had his best season as a manager. Ahmed, also known as Sparky, will now work alongside Massimo Moratti once again.
Former boss Jose Mourinho decided to step down as Internazionale coach but wanted to work alongside Sparky, and therefore was appointed as Internazionale's new assistant manager. The Special One was assured that he will play a massive role in the team selections and transfers.


The Special One Is Number Two In Italy


Sparky was then later interviewed by SMTV where told said:




When asked about new assistant boss Jose Mourinho he said:




Internazionale Transfer News

The Italian giants have sold Esteban Cambiasso to English club Chelsea as new boss Sparky gets his transfer plans into action.

Argentine playmaker Cambiasso headed to West London and coming in return was Deco and winger Joe Cole. Sparky claimed that the deal was proposed by his new assistant manager which he had agreed to straight away. He told SMTV: "Jose and Deco have worked together at Porto, and I am relishing to see the duo back in action. I am glad with the deal as with Deco and Cole we see two brilliant players with great attributes come in. It will be sad to see Cambiasso leave...But I can assure the Inter fans that we are looking for a replacement"


Cambiasso Heads To Chelsea

Deco and Joe Cole Arrive In Return


And in other transfer news, Inter Milan also managed to snap up upcoming attacking midfielder Steven Defour from Belgian champions Standard Liege for a whopping £26,000,000. Defour will head straight to the first team and will appear in more games than just the odd cup and shield games.


£26,000,000 Signing Defour


New man Mitu Ahmed has also stated that striker Ibrahimovic will be available alongside Mancini and Vieira.

SMFA Cup Group C


Arsenal VS Internazionale VS Boca Juniors VS New England Revolution


Internazionale's main threat in SMFA Champions Cup Group C comes from Arsenal. And on paper, the giants should qualify. Internazionale manager Mitu Ahmed, who has already won the prestigious trophy twice, has said that fellow group rivals Boca Juniors should not be underestimated and that he will not be surprised if there is a shock in the group.
The SMFA Cup is a trophy which chairman Moratti wants at the Giuseppe Meazza, and believes that Ahmed is the man to give them exactly that...Maybe not in the first season but in the fey years to come.


Serie A Fixtures


Internazionale VS Fiorentina


An extremely difficult fixture for Internazionale in their opening game as they go against title rivals Fiorentina. La Viola remain unchanged with no transfers incoming and outgoing and therefore keep their team's solid base.
Internazionale will give starts to Deco, Quaresma, Ibrahimovic, and Joe Cole. Manager Sparky hopes to get his return at Inter off to a flyer, but with a difficult fixture, he will be content with a draw.

Re: Gold Championship 34

Toggs Arrives @ Dutch Champions
Toggs today touched down at Eindoven airport to agree terms that would see him become the new manager at last seasons Dutch champions, PSV. He had to say on the appointment, 'Im happy at being able to have the oppourtunity at such a big club. We are in four compertitions and i believe we have the ability to do well in all of them. Im happy with the squad, and oviously, Affelay wont be going anywhere. I do want to make a few changes though and i am looking to bring some more talent to the club.'
Toggs immediatly named what his intentions were. PSV are currently in no less then 4 compertitions. They include the Dutch League/Cup/Shield & the prestigious Champs Cup. Toggs thinks the side has the ability to do well in all of the compertitions. He did say the Shield & Cup was a chance for young improving talents to claim a place in the starting line-up. Toggs says hes a fan of neturing young talents.
Fans are oviously looking towards the Group Stages of the Champs Cup, which all kicks off on the 31'st October, away to Madrid. Toggs says it is possible to get through the group, but it will without a doubt test the players. Zenit provide a tricky encounter away from home and Toggs says he wont be under-estimating them or America.
'Oviously we are best placed with Madrid to qualify, but i believe Zenit are just as good as us and we will have too show our class to qualify from such a challenging group.

Toggs understands it will be a tricky group to get through.


Toggs told fans they can expect some changes at Eindoven, with players going in and out. He has outlined who he is after though. They include german Left Back Christian Pander. Toggs has reportaby offered both a 89 & 88 for the services of him. Enzo Maresca, the 28 year old Italian has caught Toggs'es eye. Bakkal & Culina could leave the Phillips Stadion in the deal. Also Sinama-Pongolle is in talks with PSV after a deal was agreed Via PM that sees both Danny Kovermans & Nordin Ambarat head to the Vicente Calderon, providing there is no chairman intervention. Toggs has also placed his intrest in Hull's Geovanni & Kharkiv's Ryykun.


Toggs is desprate for the signatures of these three.

Re: Gold Championship 8 - Transfers, Rumors & Match Reports
Baldo stunned by poor end of season form...
Last nights game against Inter highlighted some serious worries for Juventus boss Tony Baldo as the league leaders finally begin to crack under pressure. Juve were hoping to rediscover some form coming into the Derby D'Italia, especially with Henry back fit but failed to do so. The club had found the previous two fixtures before this difficult as well, stumbling past Genoa 3-2 winners after going 2-0 down, with a disappointing 0-0 draw away to Palermo followed.
Tony had this to say, "Looking at how the entire game was played, perhaps the majority of people watching the game will say I should be pleased with just the point but I definitely can't be. We should never put ourselves in a position where we are forced to come back from so behind and unlike the Genoa game we couldn't respond to their two goals by returning 3 of our own. This 2-2 draw now puts Fiorentina within 3 points of us, which'll give them a lot of hope. The disappointing thing now is that my preparation time with the squad has come short due to the International fixtures on Tuesday, my thoughts now have to be with the Sweden National Team until I return back to Turin."

Re: Player Contracts
At the moment players become free agents regardless of rating or how important they are to club. If a manager doesn't renew then he risks losing his players.
An unmanaged club's players will be offered a new contract automatically as it would be stupid to see a team who is controlled by the chairman to lose all its star players...
I think that one factor which can cost a club and its players is a manager's inactiveness as managers may go on holiday or some unloyal manager's won't just care. This is when the team will lose its players as someone is in charge.
Maybe a chairman, like mentioned, should automatically renew the contract of his 2-3 most valuable players. You wouldn't have Barcelona letting go of Messi because their manager irresponsibly 'forgot' to renew arguably the world's best player's contract...
Chairman intervention regarding contracts would come in handy and keep a team's value. Using the example above, the chairman should only renew the likes of Iniesta, Messi, Eto'o, Xavi and Puyol. And maybe let go of Gudjohnson, Jorquera etc.
But I have been ranting on about player contracts on several threads as to why contracts have such a positive affect on a player's morale despite hm not being.
I really cannot wait for player interactions - If that is on SM's mega long list of future/potential implementations.

Re: Gold Championship 31 discussion/match report's

Henry Finally Leaves Barca

Early hours this morning, Barca reject Thierry Henry finally ended his nightmare at the club and moved to former club rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, The deal including Giovani Dos Santos returning to Barca along with croation play maker Luca Modric, with a small fee of £2m

Barca's Two New Stars


EDIT:
Sylvinho (88) can go for cash
Jarquera can also go for cash
And so can pinto (ill recall him if anyones intrested)
Also Abidal should be leaving before wednesday with two unknown stars coming to barca

Re: Gold Championship 31 discussion/match report's


United Start Off Well
Hull 1 - 3 United
Ronaldo
Halmosi
Messi
Rooney




The RMR strike force proved to be working yesterday as all 3 got a goal. Ronaldo scored first with a beutiful shot into the bottom corner.
After half time, Halmosi eaqulised. But then Messi scored his debut goal with a beutiful curler.
The 3rd goal was quite lucky. Rooney attempted a chip,which should have been easily saved, but the keeper let it go through his hands!!
Armand Derri is the New Cyprus Manager
Armand Derri took the role of being the Cyprus manager a few minutes ago. He had this to say :





Transfer News:
Right Back Marcos Camozatto has signed for United from Standard Liege for a fee of 7 million. He will play in Cup matches and will be used in case of injuries.
Young Left Back Lazlo Sepsi signed for 8 mil from Racing Santander. He will be Patrice Evra's cover.
And Finally Walten Payer has signed for 10k

Re: Gold Championship 31 discussion/match report's
The Plymouth Paper!!




Plymouth 1-0 Reading


A dream start for Plymouth Argyle and there new manager Sam Pooley as they defeated one of the top teams in the division. The other teams that Sam Pooley fears are Birmingham City and Watford.
Onto the game and both sides played a 4-4-2 formation, two out of the three new signings for Plymouth started and finished the game with the other coming on as a sub in the 60th minute. It didn't take very long for the deadlock to be broken with Emile Mpenza scoring in the 20th minute of the game. A long ball from the Larrieu was casually taken down and slotted around the goalkeeper by the experienced striker, despite it being a great finish the goal can only be put down as a defensive error. Although two minutes later Reading should have equalized but James Henry missed the open goal from about 5 yards out!! From then on the game was pretty even with neither side getting many chances. The next best chance of the game was created by the goalscorer Emile Mpenza as he lost his marker on the edge of the box and forced the Reading goalkeeper into a good save.
After the game Sam Pooley had this to say "I am very pleased with my players, the fans were fully behind us but they never really arrived expecting such a comfortable win. I mean it wasn't as if we were dominating but Reading gave nothing while going forward, it was an easy night for our defenders really. Three points is a great start for us although we have another tough game on Wednesday against Watford, away from home."



Edition #4

Re: Gold Championship 29 Match reports/News/Transfers Thread

Latest from Milan
Many players have come and left at San Siro since new manager Mark Wallis took over just 2 weeks ago . The main 1 in Ronaldinho as the word is he failed to report for training after the opening day fallout seemed to continue .



Wallis got an offer he couldnt refuse as Ronaldihno heads for Spains Atletico Madrid with Diego Forlan and Sabrosa Simao coming to Milan

Forlan will partner Huntelaar upfront while Simao will battle for places on the wing along with Joe Cole and Seedorf . Forlan is already out for 7 days so Pato will start against Vasco De Gama tonight in a friendly and we will see how he does before we make a decision on the Derby on Saturday.

Players in Micah Richards , Barbosa Richarylson , Joe Cole , Sabrosa Simao , Diego Forlan and Klaas Jan Huntelaar
Players out Andriy Shevchenko , Jankulovski , Emerson , Zambrotta , Inzaghi , Borrielo and Ambrosini

Many players are still available at p/e including the likes of Nesta , Gattuso , Pirlo and superstar Kaka

Re: Gold Championship 29 Match reports/News/Transfers Thread
Are You Ready?
For The Biggest Match Of The Year
In Serie A?
Its the Big One.
The One which we all Look forward Too.
The Match, Which Lives are Put on the Line.
And it Kicks off
TONIGHT!



VS


Thats right! Its the first Derby Della Madonnina of the season with only 2 games played! This game could decide who makes, and who breaks this season!
Managers Sam Warren of Inter Milan and Mark Wallis of AC Milan, know that this is a massive game today, as this could possibly decide who wins the title this year.
Both teams are unbeaten this year, and with Inter top on goal difference, both teams will be going out and giving their all, just like in past matches.




TEAM NEWS
MILAN



After a nerve wracking 4-3 win over a determined Cagilari, Milan Manager Mark Wallis is expected to aim to keep his defence tight at the back, becuase he knows that Inter have the fire power to get inside them.
Wallis is exepected to make changes, after selling Brazilian star Ronaldinho for Diego Forlan and Sabrosa Simao. Simao is expected to start, but Diego won't start, as he is currently recovering from a strained neck.




Simao expected to start.


MAN TO WATCH: Ricardo Kaka




This is the Man which will run Milan's engine. Inter have been linked with the World Player of the Year lately, and no suprise, this man is a match winner, and could win it for Milan today at 8:00pm.
INTER



Inter are set to have an unchanged side after a wonderful 3-0 win over strugglers Chievo. Warren knows this is the match which can decide everything, and he also knows that all his players must be at their very best.
As far as we no, no changes to the Intr side, but we do know that Diego Ribas is pusing for a start, after passing a late fitness test. Diego could be a huge part of the Inter midfield tonight.
MAN TO WATCH: Sergio Aguero




If Aguero is up for it tonight, then god help Milan's defence. Aguero has made a perfect start to his Inter career, with 2 goals in 2 games for the Little 20 year old Argentinian Wonderkid. Him and Ibrahimovic could be key for Inter today, because Inter will need to take their chances.





Ibrahimovic could be key with Aguero tonight.



INTER WANT IT
MILAN WANT IT
BUT WHO WANTS IT MORE?
LET BATTLE COMMENCE! 11-10-08 8:00PM

Re: Gold Championship 2



News From The Bernabeau
Off And Running
Real Madrid hosted division rivals Real Betis in front of sell out home crowd and came away with 1-0 victory with the loan goal going to Fernando Torres whom also picked up the Man Of The Match
Real Madrid are currently sitting 4th in La Liga witht he top 5teams being undefeated and looking to it is going to be a very interesting season in Spain and will have to travel to face Real Murcia next
Transfers
Ricardo Kaka arrived at The Bernabeau this week and was all smiles to get the chance to play for the Los Blancos and join the all star line up
Kaka makes it the third player to join the team this season along with Kolo Toure and Luis Fernandinho
International News
With Jason Malo getting the nod to manage Spain, he has been busy talking with players and has now got his starting XI
Casillas
Puyol
Segio Ramos
Albiol
Fabregas
Iniesta
Xavi
Silva
Villa
Raul
Torres
Avg Age 26 Avg rating of 95
The teams first match will be a friendly on the road against Macedonia on Oct 14th
Notes: Only me Cally and Leamy Steve from the forum got calls to manage International teams?If you are managing a team please make a post

PSV



06th OCT 08 Holland & Belgium Shield Round 2
1 - 0 Dagoberto (82) ;
Dagoberto rounds off superb display with a late goal to send PSV through.
Holland & Belgium Cup Quarter Final - drawn away to Germinal Beerschot
Joe Ledley receives a one point increase to 86. The welsh midfielder has made only one start for PSV.
08th OCT 08
3 - 0 Guerrero (47) Ledley (49) Llama (62) ;
A much changed side keeps PSV on the winning track with a great second half display.
LEAGUE POS: 1st
10th OCT 08 SMFA Champions Cup Group A
0 - 2 ; Torbinsky (19)(36)
First eleven are brought back to the side for this european encounter in which PSV continue to win.
GROUP POS: 2nd
Not all good news for PSV as Daniele De Rossi is sidelined for 2weeks with a foot injury. That makes him unavailable for at least ten games including two domestic trophy quarter finals and two champs cup games.

Re: Gold Championship 22 Match Report / Transfers Thread



Reserves Thrash America!


Real Madrid 6-1 America

José María GUTI (8) 1-0 America
Real Madrid 1-1 Juan Carlos MOSQUEDA (9)
Mohammed ZIDAN (21) 2-1 America
Mohammed ZIDAN (22) 3-1 America
Mohammed ZIDAN (41) 4-1 America
Fernando GAGO (59) 5-1 America
José María GUTI (79) 6-1 America

No contest in the end for Spanish champions Real Madrid as they start their SMFA campaign to a flyer after winning two games out of two. Before the match' date=' America boss George had warned that his team will not be an easy side to defeat, and with players out with injury and NMF, Real Madrid had it all to do.
But a shocking match result saw Los Merengues demolish America at home leaving the Mexicans somewhat surprised by this defeat. Hopefully it will not affect America in the long run.
A reserves filled side saw Guti, Gago and Zidan come in. ANd Zidan was in top form as the former Hamburg man grabbed a sensational hattrick making his mark in the first team squad.
Guti struck twice whilst Argentinian Gago also scored.
Sparky was not surprised by his win as he told SMFATV: [/center']
"No, it's not surprising, we were the better team on paper and we proved it. I have full faith in my reserves and that's why I gave them a chance to prove themselves. I'm surprised that we didn't score 7 or 8 or 9. This match was one of those great European nights for us. I just wanted to see what the outcome would have been if we fielded our star filled line up! :D"

Hattrick Hero - Zidan


Los Merengues sit comfortably on top of Group B with PSV 3 points behind as they grabbed their first win. Real Madrid will now face Sporting Gijon in the league.

Re: SM Name Creator

Re: Gold Championship 24 Match Reports/Transfer News etc


0-1 Huddersfield Shock City!
Huddersfield have stunned the most expensive club in football in the first round of the shield. In a close game where both teams had chances, Division 4 Huddersfield came out on top to knock out cm.9's Manchester City. Iliev scored the only goal of the game a minute from Half Time, and despite numerous opportunities for City in the 2nd half, Huddersfield - and particularly Bossut - held strong to provide an early contender for shock of the tournament.
Man City 0-1 Huddersfield - Dimitar ILIEV (44)
Huddersfield will host Exeter in the next round - a much easier encounter than Manchester City but Sefton claims he is weary of the lower league opposition, as it is a lot harder being the favourites rather than the underdogs with nothing to lose.
As for his comment on the win, he had this to say - "If I were cm.9 I would hide my head in shame, this is an embarrasment for football. Richest club in the world? Ha! They need a new manager!" *


*(Only joking mate, I think we got a bit lucky there )

Re: Gold Championship 31 discussion/match report's

Re: Gold Championship 28 Match Reports/Transfers Thread
AC Milan unbeaten in 3 games and havn't conceded a goal yet either.
SoP said "managing to beat Inter was a massive step for us because at the time they were unbeaten and going well, as well. We will carry on taking it a game at a time and try to make sure we are back in Europe next season, but overall a great start to the campaign."

Re: Gold Championship 24 Match Reports/Transfer News etc

Youngsters Do it Again...!

Birmingham City 3-4 Arsenal
Sebastian LARSSON (8) 1-0 Arsenal
Birmingham City 1-1 Gabriel TORJE (10)
Birmingham City 1-2 Carlos VELA (15)
Gary MCSHEFFREY (36) 2-2 Arsenal
Birmingham City 2-3 Robert ACQUAFRESCA (40)
Gary MCSHEFFREY (49) 3-3 Arsenal
Birmingham City 3-4 Valeri BOJINOV (76)


Arsenal had to take the lead four times to come away with the win as the North London youngsters came away with another breathtaking win. Despite not being their most prestigious competition, manager Sparky has said that his team will go for every competition, whether it be the Carling Cup or SMFA Cup.
Robert Acquafresca was a player who managed to shine as the Italian superstar bids to engrave his name on the Arsenal team sheet. The Italian came close numerously, teasing and tormenting defenders, and he was rewarded when he came away with a goal in the 40 minute.


Acquafresca Impresses



Arsenal are at home next against West Bromwich Albion

Re: Gold Championship 24 Match Reports/Transfer News etc

Youngsters Do it Again...!

Birmingham City 3-4 Arsenal
Sebastian LARSSON (8) 1-0 Arsenal
Birmingham City 1-1 Gabriel TORJE (10)
Birmingham City 1-2 Carlos VELA (15)
Gary MCSHEFFREY (36) 2-2 Arsenal
Birmingham City 2-3 Robert ACQUAFRESCA (40)
Gary MCSHEFFREY (49) 3-3 Arsenal
Birmingham City 3-4 Valeri BOJINOV (76)


Arsenal had to take the lead four times to come away with the win as the North London youngsters came away with another breathtaking win. Despite not being their most prestigious competition, manager Sparky has said that his team will go for every competition, whether it be the Carling Cup or SMFA Cup.
Robert Acquafresca was a player who managed to shine as the Italian superstar bids to engrave his name on the Arsenal team sheet. The Italian came close numerously, teasing and tormenting defenders, and he was rewarded when he came away with a goal in the 40 minute.


Acquafresca Impresses



Arsenal are at home next against West Bromwich Albion

Re: Gold Championship 16- Match Report/Transfers...etc

Dominant Inter Edge Past Newcomers

Internazionale 1-0 Messina


The scoreline didn't do Internazionale justice as the Italian giants dominated new boys Messina. Internazionale boss Sparky revealed his disappointment about last season's outcome and has said that if his team are to progress, then games like these are vital.
The Internazionale team sheet saw numerous changes. Argentine defender Demichelis started ahead of Chivu, new boy Xabi Alonso took Vieira's place in midfield and new young starlet Kun Aguero partnered Diego Forlan.
And the Coppa Nazionale winners started like they meant business as new defender Demichelis finished off after some clever passing. The Ex Bayern man getting his first of the season.
Inter pushed and pushed and came close several times as Aguero, Forlan and Cambiasso missed some great chances.
Messina did come close but goalkeeper Julio Cesar keen to make an impression as the Brazilian took last year's last day defeat on his shoulders.
Internazionale won the match comfortably with a shaky scoreline and will want to continue as they face new table toppers Chievo in their secodn game.


Demichelis grabs Only Goal

Re: Morale change
It is a good change, I must say, better than the old words:rolleyes:
Morale will still affect player's performance as SM have mentioned that Moral, as well as positioning, rating and NMF have a massive part to play.
Regarldess of the change, a subject I would like to bring up is how easily a players morale can be boosted:confused:
I think the only times a players moral should be boosted is when he is getting loads of football games or when he has moved to a new/Bigger club.
But now it seems all you have to do is offer the player a new five year contract and he is happy as a hippo again:D
A lot of things need doing but so far good implementation SM.

Re: Russian Championship no. 9. recaps, transfers, news!

Re: Russian Championship no. 9. recaps, transfers, news!
CSKA Moskva News




Tonight CSKA manager Sam Pooley had a long, long discussion with the board of directors and they have came to a conclusion. And that conclusion is a very dangerous one for Sam Pooley and in the words of CSKA chairman Evgeny Giner "You need 3 points tomorrow or your out", and that is the bread and biscuit of the situation. If CSKA Moskva do not defeat Luch-Energia Vladivostok tomorrow night Sam Pooley's job is in serious danger, and there is a large chance he will be sacked. There is certainly a lot of weight on Sam's shoulders after only having 1 point from the opening two games of the season but will he be able to ride the storm?

Re: Gold Championship 28 Match Reports/Transfers Thread

Hernan Crespo On The Move!?
There are rumour's flying out of the San Siro that Hernan Crespo could be on his was to UNAM. The offer is beleleived to be Israel Castro and Juan Carlos Cahco of UNAM for Hernan Crespo. This is what Inter's manager Marios Tofaris had to say "The rumour's are true that we have recieved an offer from UNAM for Hernan Crespo but we are still waiting to see if we can get a better offer from another."

Is this the last time we see Hernan Crespo in a Inter Milan shirt?

Re: Gold Championship 28 Match Reports/Transfers Thread
Shakhtar Donetsk News


Rubin Kazan 0 - 2 Shakhtar Donetsk


Souza LUIZ ADRIANO (70)
Rodrigues JADSON (88)

Last night Shakhtar squared off against Rubin Kazan at the Tsentralni stadium. The game was a really fiery one and totally 6 yellow cards were handed out and two red. 4 of the yellow cards were received by Shakhtar players and two were recieved by Kazan players. The two red cards were alos received by Kazan. This is what Shakhtar manger Rishabh Desai had to say after this fiery encounter:"Well, it was a very physical game. Both teams really went out there for the win and luckily for us a late performance from our players sealed the 2-0 victory for us. Surprisingly we are second in the table at the moment had we hope to do better as the season progress."




(All Yellow carded !!!)

The first half was a qutie one, only in terms of goals though. There were loads of bookings in the game. There were tackles flying in from all over the pitch and there was also a fight involving Cristian Ansaldi and Landon Donovan. It really was a miracle that none of the players were injured this game. The best chance of the half came in the 44th minute when Rubin Kazan midfielder chipped the ball over the keeper but unluckily hit the crossbar !!!
The second half started out much the same way as the first half but then along came super sub Luiz Adriano. The 21 year old brazilian came on in the 60th minute and made a huge impact on the game. Shakhtar suddenly opened out and really went for their opponents jugular. Just 10 minutes after coming on for Marcelo Moreno he scored a cracker of a goal. The ball was crossed in from the line and Adriano volleyed the ball in !!!


(Marcelo Moreno-Celebrating his goal in style !!!)
Adriano was also responsible for the next goals. Thanks to his brilliant vision and through pass, Rodrigues Jadson was one on one with the keeper and scored the winner thanks to a really calm and composed finish killing the game off once and for all.



(Rodrigues Jadson-Thrilled with his late goal !!!)


More news Later

Re: Gold Championship 28 Match Reports/Transfers Thread

United Maintain 100% Start
Aston Villa 0-2 Man United
Sánchez DAVID VILLA (26)
Karim BENZEMA (61)
Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 42,640
Referee: Herbert Fandel (Germany)
Man United continued their impressive start to the season, with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday night. The victory leaves United top of the table after just 3 games, 2 points ahead of Liverpool.
Man United dominated throughout the game, having 60% possession and 16 shots on goals compared to Villa's 5.
New signings Sánchez David Villa and Karim Benzema were the heroes on the night, both notching goals in the 26th and 61st minutes, respectively.
Next up for United is a home tie against newly promoted Hull City, who have won their previous 2 games.
Mata and Hernandez Joining

The pair will complete their moves tomorrow