West ham v manchester united

Manuel Pellegrini is expected to still be in charge of West Ham when they face Crystal Palace on Boxing Day after victory over Southampton ended a rotten run of results and bought the under-pressure manager some time. Sébastien Haller scored the only goal of the game as Pellegrini’s side picked up their second win since September and the forward Michail Antonio said the team’s performance proved the manager “has not lost the dressing room”. The club’s hierarchy have been considering Pellegrini’s position for several weeks and were minded to sack the Chilean in the event of defeat on Saturday, but a dominant display has eased the pressure on the manager, whose side moved four points above the relegation zone. West Ham have sounded out potential successors to Pellegrini in recent weeks, including David Moyes and Chris Hughton, but a second win in 12 matches has earned the manager some respite. “We showed that we are behind the manager … [Read more...] about West Ham’s Manuel Pellegrini to remain in charge over Christmas after win

Newcastle United are yet to make contact with any of their managerial targets but have drawn up a shortlist headed by Patrick Vieira, Steven Gerrard and Mikel Arteta. They are also keen on Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, but are not confident they will be able to persuade him to move to the North East, with Sean Dyche and Steve Bruce seen as fallback options at this stage. As revealed by Telegraph Sport, Newcastle are keen to look at younger coaches in their search to replace Rafael Benitez, who will officially leave the club when his contract expires on June 30 after the club confirmed they had failed to reach an agreement to extend it. All four have their appeal, although it remains to be seen if any are interested in the job given all are already in employment. Vieira has done decent job at Nice in his first year in the south of France, Gerrard has insisted he wants to continue at Rangers after a solid first season in Scotland and Arteta is assistant manager to Pep Guardiola at … [Read more...] about Exclusive: Patrick Vieira and Steven Gerrard on shortlist to replace Rafael Benitez at Newcastle United

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is preparing some major January business with Argentinian stars Lautaro Martinez and Leandro Paredes reportedly on his radar. Manchester United are ready to give the Norwegian major funds to continue renewing the team with both the Argentines fitting the bill for a switch. According to Daily Mirror, Martinez has had his head turned amid interest from the Red Devils and Barcelona. Aware of United's desire for a new forward, the Inter Milan star is said to fancy a big pay increase having helped his side make an early bid for the Scudetto with 13 goals in all competitions. Together with Paredes, the pair would cost around £120million. Inter hold a £96m release clause on 22-year-old forward Martinez that they want to increase in a double-your-money new contract being discussed.Over in Paris, Thomas Tuchel's side would likely have a much lower valuation of playmaker Paredes. Rotated in and out the side since arriving from Zenit Saint Petersburg in January, the … [Read more...] about Man Utd looking at £120m double swoop for Argentine duo Lautaro Martinez and Leandro Paredes from Inter and PSG

The last time Bayern Munich met Chelsea in the Champions League, Frank Lampard was playing for the English club as they lifted their first and only title. Lampard is now coaching the west London club while Thomas Müller and Jerome Boateng are the only Bavarian survivors from the 2012 final, which Bayern lost on penalties before bouncing back to win the competition at Wembley the following year.  The sides will meet again in February, with the first leg in London, after they were drawn together in the last 16 in Nyon, Switzerland on Monday. "We're excited to go to London, we have some good memories there," said Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer after the draw. "Chelsea are a dangerous team, we need to take them seriously and with focus. Of course, we want to go through to the next round." If Borussia Dortmund are to progress, they will have to get past their former coach Thomas Tuchel, now in charge of Paris Saint-Germain. BVB will host the French club before travelling to the … [Read more...] about Champions League draw: Bayern Munich get Chelsea in 2012 final rematch

Okehampton to Brent Tor Distance 32 miles/51kmTotal climbing 2,546ft/776mModerate. Mostly on traffic-free former railway path with a loop on hilly lanesStart/finish OkehamptonGranite Way from Okehampton to Lydford is a spectacular rails-to-trails cycleway that passes within three miles of High Willhays, the highest point in Dartmoor and the highest place in England south of the Peak District. There are fine views not least from its magnificent Victorian viaducts. This ride adds to the pleasures of the Granite Way with a loop of lovely (and hilly) lanes taking in Brent Tor, one of western Dartmoor’s most iconic landmarks. A mile out of Okehampton is the Meldon Viaduct, a gently curved, tottering Victorian lattice of wrought and cast iron 150ft above the West Okement river. A few miles on is Lake Viaduct with its stately granite arches. The rail trail ends at Lydford, a pretty Dartmoor village that was an important seat of power in Saxon and Norman times. Its castle and … [Read more...] about Five of the best scenic bike rides in Devon