Collection of crumbs: Monday links from around our soccer world

With the European season quickly approaching, we’re entering into “so much news, so little time” ground.” Besides, Steve and I can’t get into the International Union of Soccer Bloggers (a.k.a., the Illuminati) without link posts.

• Manchester United have signed a new shirt sponsorship with Chevrolet that will put $5.6 $39 million per year in the Red Devil coffers through 2011 (starting with the 2014-15 season). GM has since fired its global marketing chief for failing to report financial details.
• Last week, we talked up the significant of Carles Puyol’s return to Barcelona training. Today, he got the all-clear to resume full workouts.
• Yesterday: Sporting director. Today: Youth coach. Tomorrow: Zinedine Zidane could have Didier Deschamps’ job with France. He’s on his way.
• Robert Lewandowski is looking to cash in on his second year with Borussia Dortmund, which has always been the plan.
• Former WPS star Alex Scott talks about seeing her birthplace transformed to host the summer Olympics.
• Luc Castaignos is moving back to the Netherlands after a shot stay with Inter Milan. The former Feyenoord striker is going to Twente. Initial price: €6 million.
• Following up on our review of Mexico’s second round, the league captures the color of this weekend’s action.
• And Women United FC was at Steven Lenhart tribute night. Enjoy your nightmares.
• South America expert Joel Richards tweets on the shell game going on in Argentina. An ex-Everton man moves to San Lorenzo while a former Boca man may move to River. Or France. Who knows.
• And a reminder that Rio Ferdinand, scourge of English Football Association decency, was once and still is very good at playing soccer.