Names In The News

ManU Manager LOUIS VAN GAAL has just two seasons remaining at the club, "revealing that he will not extend his contract beyond the three-year deal he signed last summer." The Dutchman explained to reporters "that he had made a promise to his wife about retiring" and that he plans to honor it. When asked for clarification, he said, "Yes. I promised that to my wife. We have not many years together any more. That is the reason" (London INDEPENDENT, 7/27). ... ManU player MARCOS ROJO is "set to be fined two weeks' wages" after he failed to join up with the squad on its preseason tour of North America. The defender was "due to link up" with his teammates in the U.S. on Saturday night "but was not allowed to board the flight because of passport issues." He is now set to be £140,000 ($217,800) out of pocket for his error, which left Van Gaal "fuming" as the club continues its preparations for start of the Premier League season on Aug. 8 (DAILY MAIL, 7/27).