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Martinez's squad has barely changed - his two major signings, Lukaku and Gareth Barry, were both there on loan last season - but there's still a sense of optimism.

This will be the first time in 19 years that Manchester United will be involved in the second round of the competition.

Ribery, who was Europe's player of the year in 2013, said he wanted to make way for a younger generation of players.

Djordjic joined United in 1999 and stayed at the club till 2004. But, he made only two appearances for the Premier League club.

For nine torturous years the absence of a trophy eluded Arsene Wenger but that burden was lifted when Arsenal lifted the FA Cup in May.

Under new manager Louis van Gaal, the mood at Manchester United has shifted dramatically heading into the new Premier League season.

Bayern said Reina is joining as a backup to first-choice goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Reina passed a medical on Thursday evening.

Southampton said they have signed Algeria midfielder Saphir Taider on a season-long loan from Inter Milan, with striker Pablo Osvaldo moving to the Milan club.

"He is due to come to Munich in the next few days for a medical and to sign his contract," Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.

Van Persie is set to miss Manchester United's opening match against Swansea City after being given an extended break after the World Cup.

Crystal Palace have signed former Fulham captain Brede Hangeland for the new English Premier League season.

Guus Hiddink vowed on his first day as the Netherlands coach to put together a team that will play attractive but practical football.

The 22-year-old joined Arsenal from Charlton Athletic in 2011, making 57 appearances as back-up to first-choice right back Bacary Sagna.

The Glazers, who bought United for 790 million pounds are selling 8 million of their shares in the club which amounts to a stake of about five percent.

Ancelotti tried to put up a brave face after a 0-1 defeat to AS Roma that saw his side eliminated from the Guinness International Champions Cup.

An excited Drogba is back at Chelsea to try to help the former European champions end a five-year wait to land the Premier League title, he said on Tuesday.