TheSportsCampus

The biggest news coming out of England today is the confirmation of Jose Mourinho as the next Manchester United boss. The self professed 'Special One', who is currently in charge of Real Madrid, is apparently unhappy and looking for a move out of Spain after having a breakdown in his relationship with Real Madrid general director Jorge Valdano. His preferred destination was always England, having reiterated his desire to return to the country which propelled him to super-stardom, and the Red Devils have been quick to seize on the opportunity, and have offered the former Chelsea boss an opportunity of a lifetime to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson after the Scotsman's 25 years at the helm of the Manchester club.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has plans in place in case he doesn't win his election to earn another term as the ruling man of world football. The 75-year old is in the running to win another term as the president of FIFA, and has decided that as a back-up plan, he will answer his detractors once and for all by seeking a role in football management. One can't help but wonder if there will be any takers for a senior citizen who has never kicked a ball in anger.

Trying hard to get everyone's mind off the sweltering heat in the region, Qatar has decided to make closed stadiums for the 2022 edition of the World Cup, which will be able to simulate various weather conditions. The plan, which has been put to action already, will see every stadium completely sealed with air conditioning, and will be able to recreate a sunny Spanish day, a typically rainy English evening, even the snowy conditions of a late December night. Organisers say that this move, though costing billions, will see an increase of interest among the global public, after the decision to give the country rights to host the event has come under major scrutiny.

Real Madrid have recently made Manchester United their hotspot for buying world-class talent, and are at it again, reportedly putting together a mammoth £100 million summer bid for troubled striker Wayne Rooney. The England international was on the brink of leaving the club earlier in the season when he came out and expressed his desire to move after the club's reluctancy to buy world-class talent. He made a swift U-turn soon afterwards, signing a long-term contract, but many say that the move was a pre-decided one to increase his transfer value and bring Manchester United higher returns when they eventually sold him. With Real Madrid short on strikers, Rooney is likely to end up on Spanish shores before the start of the next season to join forces with ex-teammate and friend Cristiano Ronaldo.

Staying on the topic of Manchester United, the Red Devils are starting to become desperate to find a solution to Edwin Van der Sar's imminent retirement. The 40-year old is set to leave the club at the end of the season, and United have been unsuccessful in closing a deal for a top-class keeper. The name Schmeichel has been doing the rounds in Manchester in recent weeks, and after Arsenal re-signing Jens Lehmann, some of Manchester United's ageing fans were worried that Sir Alex was going to do a Wenger by brining old man Peter out of retirement. Fortunately that rumour has been quashed and it is the legend's 24-year old son Kasper, formerly of Manchester City who is instead a contender for the goalkeeping no.1 jersey. The move has the backing of the Glazers, who would be delighted to save the cash.

Barcelona, not to be outdone by Real Madrid's latest big money bid, have finally decided to give up their pursuit of Cesc Fabregas and instead switch their attention to young England international Jack Wilshere. The Catalan club, who have been relentlessly chasing Arsenal captain Fabregas for years, have done a quick turnaround with Pep Guardiola reportedly claiming that Wilshere and not Fabregas is the next biggest thing to come out of Arsenal. Arsene Wenger has reportedly balked Barcelona's interest in Wilshere by once again threatening to make a bid for Lionel Messi in retaliation. Yes Arsene you wish! Meanwhile, agents of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Miroslav Klose, both of whom will be available for free in the summer, have attempted to contact the Arsenal boss who as everyone knows loves a bargain.

Sticking with the Gunners, Jens Lehmann may have been happy to jump out of retirement to come to Arsenal's rescue, but the fans were in for a rude shock when they saw him turn out for the Reserves in his first game back. The fans were left wondering if Lehmann will join Lukasz Fabianski and Wojciech Szczesny on the injured list ahead of this weekend's game against Blackburn. The medical prognosis was that the 41-year looked 'old and slow'!

Ashley Cole has never in his life been controversy-shy, and was at it again yesterday, when he brought a pea shooter to the club's Cobham training ground and fired a shot at team fitness coach Glen Driscoll. The ludicrous act prompted a major daily aptly calling its backpage piece "Once a Gunner always a Gunner."

Roberto Mancini has confirmed that Mario Balotelli is checking into a rehab clinic in Manchester to work on his anger-management problem. The fiery Italian, who recently had luggage thrown at him by manager Mancini after a silly red card, and was reprimanded for throwing darts at youth team players, has been told that he either has to check in to help keep his temper under control or check out of the club. On hearing the news, fans of rivals Manchester United have reportedly sent Balotelli DVDs of the Adam Sandler - Jack Nicholson starrer 'Anger Management'.

It indeed was a busy day in the world of football, with many breathtaking stories popping up. Just as a note, If you are stunned by how so much happened in the space of 24 hours, do not worry. It didn't. Have a happy April Fools' Day .

Disclaimer: We undertake that no footballers, their managers, retired goalkeepers, the world's leading administrators or senior citizens are intended to be hurt by this article.

File Photograph·Copyright:·Steindy