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Saturday Ticker: Man United fall in preseason opener; American buys Fulham; and more

DannyWelbeck1-SinghaAllStarsManchesterUnited (AP)

David Moyes’ unofficial start as Manchester United manager didn’t go as he planned.

In the club’s first friendly match since the former Everton boss took charge on July 1, Man United fell to the Singha Thailand Premier League All-Stars, 1-0, in front of a nearly full Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Using a mixture of first-team players and reserves, Man United looked predictably a bit rusty, with Danny Welbeck in particular missing a number of chances up front. Welbeck, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs, and Rio Ferdinand were among the regulars in the starting lineup.

The lone goal of the match came just five minutes into the second half, as Man United turned the ball over in their defensive third, and a breakaway opportunity ended up at the feet of Teeratep Winothai, who finished past Man United goalkeeper Ben Amos.

Here are some more stories to get you up to date:

JAGUARS OWNER KHAN COMPLETES FULHAM PURCHASE

Following in the footsteps of Randy Lerner, Malcolm Glazer, John Henry, and more, Shahid Khan became the latest American businessman to become owner of an English Premier League club.

The Jacksonville Jaguars owner completed a purchase of Fulham FC from Mohamed Al Fayad for a reported £200 million ($302 million), making Khan the sixth American owner of a Premier League club. Al Fayed was the owner of the club for 16 years, but at age 84, decided it was time to find someone else to take ownership of the southwest London club.

“Fulham is the perfect club at the perfect time for me,” Khan said in a statement on the club’s website. “I want to be clear, I do not view myself so much as the owner of Fulham, but a custodian of the club on behalf of its fans.

“My priority is to ensure the club and Craven Cottage each have a viable and sustainable Premier League future that fans of present and future generations can be proud of.

Khan grew his fortune in the car industry, creating a new lightweight design for car bumpers that earned him millions, and helped him purchase the Flex-N-Gate corporation, one of the largest car parts manufacturers in the world.

RONALDINHO ADMITS DESIRE TO RETURN TO PSG

It’s been more than ten years since Ronaldinho graced the Parc des Princes pitch for Paris Saint-Germain, but according to reports in France, if PSG comes calling, he’d be interested in a return.

The former World Player of the Year is currently leading Atletico Mineiro in their quest for a first ever Copa Libertadores title, though his international career looks to be over at the age of 33 after being dropped by Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari for the Confederations Cup.

“I’d love to play again with PSG if they so desired,” Ronaldinho told French magazine So Foot. “Any great player would love to play for PSG today. I appreciated the fans in Paris, I miss them so much. I’ve played in popular teams like Barcelona, Milan, Gremio, and Flamengo, but playing at the Parc des Princes was…unforgettable.”

Ronaldinho returned to his native Brazil in January 2011, after struggling to find his superstar form at Milan. He moved to Mineiro in 2012, and helped lead them to a second place finish in the Brazilian Serie A, winning league MVP honors in the process.

QUICK KICKS

Liverpool FC began their preseason on the right foot with a 4-0 victory over Preston North End. (REPORT)

On his 18th birthday, highly touted left back Luke Shaw signed a new five-year contract with Southampton. (REPORT)

Asier Illarramendi completed his Real Madrid switch, signing a six-year contract with the club and being presented with the No. 24 kit. (REPORT)

Colombia Under-20 star Juan Fernando Quintero has completed a deal from Pescara in Serie B to FC Porto, signing a contract through 2017. (REPORT)

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What do you think of these reports? Surprised at Man United’s defeat? Do you see Fulham signing more American players in the next year? Do you believe Ronaldinho would be a good pickup for PSG?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

    • Hope not. The Jaguars are the worst team in the NFL by a wide margin. They are also the most poorly run team in the NFL. If a were a Fulham fan I’d be very very concerned.

      Reply

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