Weekly Football News, August 12 2013
Van Persie must be handled with care: Moyes
David Moyes has hinted that talismanic striker Robin van Persie may be used sparingly this season after the Dutchman opened his goalscoring account for the new campaign with a brace in Manchester United's 2-0 win over Wigan in the Community Shield.
Van Persie scored 30 times for United in his first season with the English champions following his switch from Arsenal.
However, Moyes is aware not only of the striker’s importance to United given the ongoing uncertainty over the future of Wayne Rooney but also his previous injury troubles while at Arsenal.
“He’s so important, we have to look after him and we will do at the right times,” said Moyes. “It just showed you today, he came up with the goods again with his goals.
"We have to be aware how often we can use him and I'll try and make sure I do that to the best of my ability."
Aubameyang hits hat-trick in league opener
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Borussia Dortmund’s €13 million summer signing from French Cup winners Saint-Etienne, smashed a hat-trick on his Bundesliga debut as the Champions League finalists registered a 4-0 win at Augsburg on Saturday.
The 24-year-old Gabon forward was an unexpected starter for Dortmund in his league opener, but made an instant impact with goals on 24, 66 and 79 minutes. Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty in the dying stages.
“Aubameyang was put to great use today," said manager Jurgen Klopp, who led his side to runners-up spot in Germany last season. “I’m not surprised about what he offers.”
Defending champions Bayern Munich under new coach Pep Guardiola beat Borussia Monchengladbach 3-1 on Friday.
McKay returns to Brisbane
MAustralia international midfielder Matt McKay has rejoined A-League side Brisbane Roar after two years away from Queensland's capital.
The 30-year-old was released by Chinese Super League outfit Changchun Yatai last month, after just six months at the club, following spells with K-League club Busan I'Park and Rangers in the Scottish Premier League.
"I'm very happy to be back in Brisbane and back at the Roar," McKay said. "This club and this city are so close to my heart and I'm really looking forward to that moment when I pull on the orange jersey again and walk out onto Suncorp Stadium."
The diminutive midfielder was a key component of Brisbane (then Queensland) Roar's side before his international adventure, playing 131 A-League games.
Verdenik ousted despite record-breaking run
FA run of five defeats - the latter a 3-0 home loss to Cerezo Osaka on Saturday - has heralded the end of manager Zdenko Verdenik’s reign at J-League side Omiya Ardija - even though the Slovenian coach led his side to an unexpected new league record of 21 unbeaten matches earlier this season.
Omiya's poor recent form has seen then slide from top spot to fourth place in the first division table in Japan.
However, the minnows have has never finished in the top half of the 18-team league and Verdenik's sacking comes as somewhat of a surprise given his team’s record run, which included seven straight victories in spring.
General manager Takeyuki Okamoto has taken over as caretaker coach in the interim.
Compiled by Marc Fox
2013 World Soccer News
Alcantara to Hollywood - 15 July Football News - Fulham has a new owner as Alcantara joins Bayern.
Confed Cup - 1 July Football News - Brazil beat Spain 3-0 to win Confederations Cup.
Pirlo Masterclass - 17 June Football News - Pirlo is in regal form as Italy defeat Mexico at the Confederations Cup.
Champions League - 27 May Football News - Bayern beat Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final.
Sir Alex To Leave - 13 May Football News - Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini both leaving as managers of the Manchester clubs.
Luis Suarez - 22 April Football News - Luis Suarez in the news for all the wrong reasons.
Rafa's Return - 11 April Football News - Rafa wants to return to Liverpool one day.
Manchester City Plan B - 8 April Football News - Manchester City lack a plan B according to Gary Neville.
World Cup Qualifying - 27 March Soccer News - A round up of all the World Cup Qualifying matches in Europe and South America.
Champions League - 4 March Soccer News - Real and Manchester United in Champions League showdown.
FA Cup Shocks - 18 February Soccer News - FA Cup springs more surprises.
Liverpool and Spurs Lose in FA Cup - 28 January Soccer News - Liverpool and Spurs are knocked out of the FA Cup by lower league opposition.
League Cup - 23 January Soccer News - Bradford City are through to the League Cup Final after beating Aston Villa over two legs.
Manchester Title Race - 14 January Soccer News - the Manchester title race and Newcastle's new striker.
Theo Walcott - 10 January Soccer News - Theo Walcott edges closer to new contract at Arsenal.
Kevin-Prince Boateng - 7 January Soccer News - Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng walks off after racist abuse.
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