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Quote:The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has published changes to the laws of the game for the 2016/17 season, the most notable altering sending-off and cautionable offences inside the penalty area.

The previous 'triple-punishment' rule meant that a player who denied a goal-scoring opportunity was automatically red-carded and handed a suspension, as well as giving away a penalty.

However, the law has now changed so that players committing accidental fouls, that deny a goal-scoring opportunity, are not automatically sent-off, but cautioned instead.

Players will still be sent-off for holding, pulling or pushing, not playing the ball or having no possibility to play the ball, serious foul play, violent conduct or deliberate handball.

Referees' powers have also been extended so that they can send-off a player before kick-off, from the official's pre-match pitch inspection onwards.

Announced on Thursday, the new laws also state the ball will also be able to move in any direction from kick-off, rather than only move forward.

Players who are injured by a challenge punishable by a yellow or red card can now have quick treatment on the field, rather than having to leave, which previously gave the offending team temporary numerical advantage.

IFAB announced last month their intentions to change the laws following a comprehensive, 18-month review, led by former English Premier League referee David Elleray.

The IFAB unanimously approved the revision, which they identified as a 'once in a generation' opportunity to address anomalies and inconsistences in the laws.

The IFAB, the game's law-making body, also approved a two-year trial period of video technology to assist referees, to be used in four cases: to determine if a goal has been scored, red cards, penalties and mistaken identity.

Some better news over the last couple of weeks, with more players returning from injury.

Ashley Young was the latest to return to the matchday squad against Everton, although he only made the bench. Antonio Valencia has featured in the last couple of matches.

It has been reported that Rooney could make his return against Villa, although it is suspected that this could be a week later.

And really good news is that Luke Shaw is back in training, following the double leg break last year.



Read more at:
http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Featur...B3841356B2

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Quote:Former Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic, 34, has announced his retirement from professional football.

The Serb, who won five Premier League titles and the Champions League in his eight-year spell at Old Trafford, says injuries have forced his retirement.

Vidic left Inter Milan by mutual consent at the beginning of January after failing to make an appearance for the Serie A side this season.

"The time has come for me to hang up my boots," he told ManUtd.com.

"The injuries I have had in the last few years have taken their toll.

"I would like to thank all the players I have played with, all the managers and staff I have worked with, and say a big 'thank you' to the fans for their support over the years."

Vidic joined Inter Milan on a free transfer in July 2014 and made 28 appearances for Roberto Mancini's side in his first season, but did not feature for the Nerazzurri this campaign following surgery on a hernia in August.

Victor Valdes is delighted to have left Manchester United to sign for Belgian side Standard Liege on loan.

Manchester United announced yesterday that they had agreed a deal with Standard Liege for Valdes to join up with the Belgian club for the remainder of the season.


And the move has quickly been pushed through, with Valdes taking to social media to express his pleasure at now being at Standard Liege.

The Spanish goalkeeper posted a photograph of himself at what is now his new home ground.