Sport

People arriving into Manchester are being welcomed with open arms by Louis van Gaal, as a new billboard mocks rivals Manchester City.

Rather than rest on his laurels, Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini kicked off the summer transfer rush by adding former Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna to his squad.

Manchester City and Arsenal fans will come together as one at this weekend’s Community Shield match, as they remember former player and manager Joe Mercer.

After two league titles in three seasons it is time for the Premier League champions to focus on making a name for themselves in Europe.

Trotters fans will be hoping for a stronger start than last season which saw them lose four of their first six games, and saw them eventually limp home to finish in a lacklustre 14th place, and a relatively poor showing in both domestic cup competitions.

The ex-Chelsea midfielder joined the Sky Blues on loan from New York City FC last week after signing with the MLS outfit on a free transfer in July.

The Latics endured a terrible start to last season, despite winning their first match, and only won twice in their opening 10 matches.

Wigan kick off their championship season against former Premier League opponents Reading, as Rosler hopes to banish the gloom after May’s play-off heartache.

The Dutchman has overseen a perfect pre-season record in the aftermath of last season’s disastrous campaign under David Moyes that saw the club finish seventh in the league

The Shakers face Cheltenham at home on Saturday for their opening game, Bury’s 4-1 victory the last time the teams met in August 2013 still fresh in the mind.

Prodigy Wilson netted four goals in last night’s Manchester Senior Cup final, including a solo wonder strike that helped the Red Devils thrash rivals City 4-1.