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Manchester United | 2019/20 Season

The reality is that Manchester United have an average team and the board didn’t spend nearly enough in the summer. But this team should still be good enough to beat Crystal Palace at home, beat a very poor Southampton side, beat West Ham, comfortably beat Astana and Rochdale but we are struggling badly. The blame lies on Ole’s shoulders. He is a tactically inept manager who only got the job because he scored the winning goal in the champions league final in the treble winning season. I loved Ole as a player but it’s obvious as night and day that he is a horrendous manager/coach. His tactics are wrong, his team selections are all wrong, his in game management is even worse.

But the thing is that I don’t even want Ole sacked, because I don’t trust that idiot Ed Woodward to make another manger sacking and appointment. That’s four managers in a row. Moyes wasn’t good enough, Van Gaal would have been good 10 years earlier but he was past it when we appointed him, Mourinho wasn’t the right fit and Ole isn’t good enough either. When is this idiot going to pay for four failed managerial appointments?

If we are sacking Ole and getting Poch or Allegri, then I’m all for sacking Ole right now. But the likelihood is that idiot Ed will appoint Michael Carrick or Mike Phelan as the next manager and I don’t want that.

This club is a mess and nothing will change as long as the Glazars and Ed Woodward is at the helm.
 
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says his young squad is "improving and evolving" in response to their indifferent start to the season.

United have won once in their last five Premier League matches and needed penalties to beat League One Rochdale in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

"I never said it was going to be easy this season," said the United manager.

"There are going to be ups and downs. When we lose a game we have to trust ourselves and what we're doing."

Solskjaer's side, who were beaten 2-0 by West Ham last weekend, host Arsenal at Old Trafford on Monday night.

"The culture is there, there are no issues with attitude, work-rate or desire," he added.

"You can see against Astana and Rochdale they want to impress and do well, and maybe they rush their finishing at times."

On Tuesday, the club announced record revenues of £627m for the year to July but, after a promising 4-0 victory over Chelsea to begin Solskjaer's first full season in charge, they sit eighth in the league and trail leaders Liverpool by 10 points after six games.

"Any game in the Premier League is winnable but also losable. It's fine margins," Solskjaer, 46, said.

"Sometimes you stand there smiling happy to have won a game, sometimes you are angry because you've lost. You've got to portray the right image.

"You can see how much we've improved defensively, that's where we put the big money in with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire. We don't concede many chances or concede too many goals.

"Going forward is where we've struggled with injuries. Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford - we've had some bad luck in that respect. It doesn't help when you lose players - these boys need to get the pattern of play."

Solskjaer thanked the fans, who have seen their side finish in the top three of the Premier League once in the past six seasons, for remaining "very, very positive" - and called on the club's support to "keep going", despite what may be said about his side in the media.

"I've been amazed again by our supporters, to listen to the crowd at Old Trafford, they're amazing," he said.

"Keep supporting us, we are going through a leaner patch trophy wise and in results the last few games.

"I don't worry about what the press write because we are focused on what we have to do - and that is to keep improving."

Injury problems continue
Teenager Mason Greenwood scored in his second successive appearance for United against Rochdale in midweek in the absence of forwards Rashford and Martial.

Solskjaer said he "wouldn't put my life" on a return for the injured pair against Arsenal, while midfielder Pogba is "in a race" to be ready for Monday following an ankle knock.

Despite a lack of options, Solskjaer is wary of throwing Greenwood, 17 in at "the deep end".

"He's proven when you get him in the box he's dangerous," Solskjaer said.

"What's pleased me about him is he doesn't turn down chances to finish, so I'm not worried about him at all.

"We've managed him, we can't just throw him in the deep end all the time, he's proved in those games he's ready for it. In the Premier League, I'll have the weekend to think about it."

Meanwhile, Luke Shaw is back in training and Solskjaer is hopeful the left-back will return before the next international break in October.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49852283
 
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Manchester United face a "steep learning curve" after they failed to hold on to another lead in their 1-1 draw with Arsenal.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's equaliser means United have now failed to win three league games this season in which they have led 1-0 at half-time.

United are enduring their worst league start in 30 years.

"I thought: How many times have we been 1-0 up and not got the second goal?" said United manager Solskjaer.

"This is a steep learning curve for us and we'll keep working hard and with more experience, we'll make the right decisions."

Solskjaer, whose team led at half-time through Scott McTominay's long-range strike, added: "I felt we could get a goal at the end and we sent men forward.

"I've been in that situation as a player when you come off and think you could have got more out of a game, but we'll learn from this."

Arsenal equalised after 58 minutes when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored his seventh goal of the season. The strike was initially ruled out for offside, a decision overturned by the video assistant referee.

The draw means Solskjaer has amassed 49 points from 28 games in charge, two fewer than collected by predecessor Jose Mourinho in his final 28 matches - form which led to the Portuguese's sacking.

But former Manchester United captain Roy Keane said Solskjaer needs to be given time to improve results.

"We're all very impatient, we want success yesterday, but you have to give the man time," Keane told Sky Sports. "He is frustrated, under pressure, but dealing with it. He's a classy guy but no doubt he will be disappointed at not winning enough games.

"They have given him the job. Support him in a couple of transfer windows. Are there more tough days ahead? You bet your life, but you need to stick with it. Give these boys time."

Keane added that "neither Manchester United nor Arsenal will be in the top four" and his former Old Trafford team-mate Darren Fletcher told BBC Radio 5 Live he was "trying to figure out what these teams are trying to do".

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed permanent manager in March 2019
"What pattern are they trying to play? It was almost destined to be a draw," ex-United captain Fletcher said. "I don't think either side did enough to win the game. There was just not enough quality, not enough cutting edge, they just couldn't break each other down.

"It was a draw and probably a fair result."

Former United striker Dion Dublin said there "wasn't a spark" and claimed both teams "were lacking in ideas".

"I've not seen an identity from Arsenal or Manchester United yet this season," he added.

Emery wants more from Arsenal
Despite recording more shots on target (five) than Manchester United (four) in a Premier League game at Old Trafford for the first time since May 2009, Arsenal manager Unai Emery insisted he "wanted more" from the result and the performance.

It is also the first time since January 2000 that Arsenal have avoided defeat in consecutive league games at Old Trafford.

"We are progressing. We were competitive but we can do better," Emery told BBC Sport. "We can control moments with the ball better and take more chances in the box.

"We have young players who can take confidence. This is not the best in terms of points but one point can be good if we win next Sunday against Bournemouth."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49885424
 
Matty Longstaff capped an impressive Premier League debut with the winning goal as Newcastle moved out of the relegation zone and continued Manchester United's troublesome season.

Longstaff, 19, drilled home a lovely, low finish from outside the box to leave the Red Devils just two points above the bottom three and with two wins this season.

Longstaff, playing in midfield alongside brother Sean, could have scored in the first half but rattled the crossbar with a thunderous 25-yard drive, while Fabian Schar flicked a header narrowly over from a corner.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side looked bereft of ideas in front of goal: Andreas Pereira's curling strike was comfortable for Martin Dubravka, while Harry Maguire nodded a free header wide from four yards.

The visitors' tally of nine points after eight games is their lowest since the 1989-90 season, when they were a point worse off.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49868087
 
Slog said:
We’ve wasted De Geas career
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He hasn’t been the same for two years now, and anyway it is his fault for not showing enough ambition. Courtois will probably be booted out in the summer so perhaps Madrid might be in for him again. Surely he will push for a move this time.
 
Mamoon said:
He hasn’t been the same for two years now, and anyway it is his fault for not showing enough ambition. Courtois will probably be booted out in the summer so perhaps Madrid might be in for him again. Surely he will push for a move this time.
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Silly post. De Gea has JUST signed a new contract making him the worlds highest paid keeper. Madrid arent stupid enough to pay over a £100 million for a keeper who has lost his place in the national team.
 
KingKhanWC said:
Silly post. De Gea has JUST signed a new contract making him the worlds highest paid keeper. Madrid arent stupid enough to pay over a £100 million for a keeper who has lost his place in the national team.
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Madrid doesn’t do sensible transfers. If they want a player they will end up overpaying if it comes to that. They shot themselves in the foot by getting rid of Navas, and Zidane has completely lost faith in Courtois who has been terrible at Madrid.

De Gea has lost his place for now but he is still more likely than Kepa to play in the Euros. United also need to rebuild their squad and they can buy a lot of players with selling De Gea.

De Gea is still among the top 5 keepers in the world, and he is the only one in that list that Madrid can realistically target next summer.
 
Mamoon said:
Madrid doesn’t do sensible transfers. If they want a player they will end up overpaying if it comes to that. They shot themselves in the foot by getting rid of Navas, and Zidane has completely lost faith in Courtois who has been terrible at Madrid.

De Gea has lost his place for now but he is still more likely than Kepa to play in the Euros. United also need to rebuild their squad and they can buy a lot of players with selling De Gea.

De Gea is still among the top 5 keepers in the world, and he is the only one in that list that Madrid can realistically target next summer.
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Kepa is in incredible form both for Chelsea and Spain, some of his recent saves have been out of this world. Madrid have moved on from De Gea which is why he has signed this huge contract to stay at Utd. Besides Madrid has many other areas which need improving esp with Ramos getting old.
 
I never imagine a situation where folk would even entertain MUFC being relegated, I think they are safe but to even think of such a scenario shows you how low they have fallen. Didn't expect Villa to be a few points behind them either at this point.
 
The comedy called Man Utd continues.Not scoring any goals means they could be sucked in to the relegation dogfight later in the season. Other then the very average Rashford I can't think of any other genuine forward they have despite having spent heavily in the summer. No chance of a top four finish either, forget it.
 
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea said the team's performances this season have been "unacceptable" and this is the "most difficult" period he has experienced since joining the club.

The Red Devils lost 1-0 at Newcastle on Sunday to extend their worst start to a league season for 30 years.

The club are now 12th in the Premier League, two points above the drop zone.

"The game isn't acceptable," said De Gea. "The whole season [so far] isn't acceptable for us."

Speaking to Sky Sports, De Gea added: "We didn't create any proper chances. We have a lot to improve. I don't know what to say. We need to step up.

"We have injuries but it's not an excuse. We are Manchester United, we need to train hard to keep fighting and to get back to winning games."

'I don't know what is happening'
Midfielder Matty Longstaff scored the only goal on his Premier League debut to secure the points for Newcastle at St James' Park.

It extends Manchester United's winless away run in the Premier League to eight matches stretching back to a 3-1 victory at Crystal Palace on 27 February, their worst run on the road since September 1989.

Next up for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side after the international break is a trip to leaders Liverpool at Anfield on 20 October.

For De Gea, it is the most difficult spell he has endured at Old Trafford since joining the club from Atletico Madrid in 2011.

The Spaniard won the Premier League in Sir Alex Ferguson's final season in 2012-13, but the club has struggled to launch a sustained title challenge since.

He has also worked with four permanent managers and two caretakers during that time including Solskjaer, who was awarded the permanent role in March after a successful spell in temporary charge.

When asked what the team needed to do to improve, De Gea said: "Everything. A lot of things to improve.

"Keep trying, keep trying, keep fighting every day. It's a hard moment for us but we are United and we need to keep fighting.

"It's probably the most difficult time since I've been here. I don't know what is happening. We cannot score even one goal in two games. Sorry to the fans. We will keep fighting for sure. We will come back but at the moment we're in a difficult situation.

"We defend quite well. It's true that they had good chances but come on, we conceded a goal from a corner. That cannot happen. It's not acceptable. Not just this game, the whole season is not good."

Speaking last month, Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said "it is important we are patient" in order to give Solskjaer the time to turn things around.

When asked how long that will take and whether everyone at the club is still behind him, Solskjaer said: "It will take however long it will have to take.

"It's a journey we've started on and the culture is getting there. I can't give you any time but we're getting there. We've given ourselves a big, big uphill challenge to get among the top four but it's tight and we need to get a run together.

"We've come together and discussed the direction we're going. If you only work on sunny days you'll never get to your destination. We'll have these days but we know where we want to get to."

The former Molde and Cardiff boss said the two-week gap between now and their trip to Anfield has come at a good time as it gives him the chance to "sort the players' heads out".

"Luckily for us it's now the international break. We get time to evaluate what's gone on over these eight games," the Norwegian told Sky Sports.

"We will sit down, hopefully we'll get a few players back. It's my responsibility. I need to sort their heads out. Young boys lacking confidence - they need some help from experienced players and staff.

"They're human and they want to do well. They need to see the results of their hard work and we're not getting those results so that's going to affect them."

Speaking to BBC Sport, he added: "That [Liverpool away] is a perfect game for us. It doesn't help having a meeting tomorrow. They will go away with their national teams, meet their team-mates and come back fresh."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49954749
 
This isn’t 15 years ago when Arsenal went through the same phase of ‘rebuilding’ with youth and still managed top 4 season after season.

Solskjær is a overconfident glory hunter manager who doesn’t know how to fight out of a real desperate situation. Man U should sack him and sign either Mourinho or Wenger until the End of the season
 
KingKhanWC said:
Kepa is in incredible form both for Chelsea and Spain, some of his recent saves have been out of this world. Madrid have moved on from De Gea which is why he has signed this huge contract to stay at Utd. Besides Madrid has many other areas which need improving esp with Ramos getting old.
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Kepa is excellent no doubt, but in tournaments the experienced keeper is often preferred. Casillas was past his prime in 2014, but he still played at the World Cup ahead of De Gea.

Ter Stegen has been better than Neuer for a while now, but the latter was preferred for the World Cup last year.

In my opinion, De Gea is still the favorite to be in goal for the Euro next year.
 
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Rana said:
This isn’t 15 years ago when Arsenal went through the same phase of ‘rebuilding’ with youth and still managed top 4 season after season.

Solskjær is a overconfident glory hunter manager who doesn’t know how to fight out of a real desperate situation. Man U should sack him and sign either Mourinho or Wenger until the End of the season
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15 years ago is different? they were competing with MU only maybe to some extent chelsea, everyone else was rubbish. today we have a strong top 6 and even this seasons leicter are better then most of the top 4 from 15 years ago.

As for mourihno or wenger then you have lost the plot completely, what mu need is not a new manager but a DoF to take footballing duties away from ed.
 
Goalkeeper David de Gea is a doubt for Manchester United's Premier League game against Liverpool on Sunday after coming off injured on Spain duty.

The 28-year-old appeared to hurt his hamstring during his country's Euro 2020 qualifier in Sweden.

He was replaced by Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga after an hour in Stockholm with his side trailing 1-0.

An injury-time Rodrigo equaliser earned a 1-1 draw and secured Spain's spot at the Euros.

De Gea's injury came in innocuous circumstances - he immediately grabbed the back of his leg after clearing a backpass from his own player.

He sat on the ground in his six-yard box before making his way off the pitch alongside the physios.

United are 12th in the Premier League and have not won in their past three top-flight games.

They will face a Liverpool side aiming for an 18th consecutive Premier League win, a total that would equal the record held by Manchester City.

De Gea was critical of his side's performances this season after their last match - a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle - saying: "The whole season isn't acceptable for us.

"We have injuries but it's not an excuse. We are Manchester United. We need to train hard to keep fighting and to get back to winning games."

If De Gea is unable to feature at Old Trafford at the weekend, Argentine Sergio Romero - who has featured in the Europa League and Carabao Cup this season - is likely to replace him.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50064128
 
BREAKING: Manchester United duo Paul Pogba and David de Gea have been ruled out of Sunday's match against Liverpool.
 
The Viper said:
BREAKING: Manchester United duo Paul Pogba and David de Gea have been ruled out of Sunday's match against Liverpool.
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I dont think they would have made much of a difference.

I will be very dissapointed if Liverpool dont walk away with all 3 points from this match.
 
Ole could be sacked if we defeat Man Utd on Sunday. I see him walking if we tank them by a large margin.
 
Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood has signed a new contract that will keep him at the club until June 2023.

The 18-year-old England Under-21 international, a product of United's academy, made his first Premier League start against Cardiff in May.

The deal has the option to be extended by a year.

"Having grown up as a Manchester United fan, playing for the first team is a real dream come true," said Greenwood.

"I know that, when I play for this club, I represent the whole academy and I want to repay the faith that my coaches have shown in me with my performances on the pitch.

"I am learning all the time from the manager and his coaching staff and I know that this is the perfect club to help me reach my potential."

Greenwood is one of 12 academy products to feature in manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's matchday squads this season.

He signed his first professional contract at United in October 2018.

"Mason has progressed through our outstanding academy and we are delighted with the progress he has made," said Solskjaer.

"At such a young age, he already has great pace and intelligence and he is such a natural finisher.

"Since he came into the first team, he has really impressed everyone with his drive and attitude. He has all the attributes to become a top player.

"Mason is learning every day in training and, with his work ethic, there is no doubt that he has an excellent future ahead of him."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50102426
 
Big match tomorrow.

Another defeat and it'll be even more pressure on Solskjaer.

Can't see how he will last this season as manager if results continue.
 
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has backed Fred and Andreas Pereira to fill the midfield void created by Paul Pogba's injury.

Pogba has not played since 30 September and is likely to be out until December because of an ankle problem.

"Fred and Andreas - they are going to be important for us," said Solskjaer in the build-up to his side's Carabao Cup game against Chelsea on Wednesday.

"Fred will probably take Paul's position for a while now."

Solskjaer added: "That's been brilliant for us, but Andreas has grown in the last few games."

Brazilians Fred and Pereira have started United's last three league games, which have seen the side lose to Newcastle United, draw with Liverpool and beat Norwich City.

"There's no use talking about who's not going to be here for a long, long time because he's not going to come on the pitch and help us until he's fit," added Solskjaer.

"Paul's been brilliant and he is a creative midfielder that we need, but then it is up to the others to step up."



https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50222915
 
Win out next 3 prem games and all will look fine again.
First eleven is good enough for top 4, then we just need injuries to stop


De gea
Wan bissaka lindelof/tuanzebe maguire Shaw

James mactominay Fred rasjford

Perrera

Martial

Fred cAn be replaced by pogba and perrera will have to play deeper

We haven't got our first 11 out on the pitch much tbf
 
Manchester United are "cooperating fully" with a review into historical sex abuse, after allegations were made against a former club employee.

A former caretaker was the subject of internal disciplinary action in the 1980s.

The employee, who died in 2009, worked at United's former training ground, The Cliff.

United are working with the Football Association's independent review into child sexual abuse in football.

Known as the Sheldon Review and led by Clive Sheldon QC, it was set up in 2016 to look into historical sexual abuse in the sport, following a series of allegations by former players.

The allegations were first reported by The Athletic, which claimed the former employee was redeployed after United's investigation.

"We have cooperated fully with the Sheldon Review in an effort to make sure we were as comprehensive on this important matter as we could be," a United spokesperson said.

"This involved conducting multiple interviews as part of our wide-ranging enquiries pursuant to the review.

"These included a former employee who had conducted the disciplinary process against the former caretaker in the 1980s and other current and former employees who worked at the club in the 70s and 80s.

"All interviewees provided their full cooperation and information relating to the former caretaker has been included in United's submissions to the review.

"Identifying facts from historical allegations is never an easy process and their report will include any issues relating to United that are considered relevant by the review team."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50255173
 
Manchester - Manchester United's hopes of a fourth successive away win may hinge on in-form forward Marcus Rashford passing a fitness test after manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed he had hurt his knee.

Rashford, who injured his knee celebrating his stunning second goal in Wednesday's 2-1 League Cup win over Chelsea, is one of three key players who face late fitness tests on the eve of the match with Bournemouth on Saturday.

Rashford, who turned 22 on Thursday, is a doubt along with defenders Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, who picked up knocks late on in the Chelsea clash.

"It's still early," said Solskjaer at his eve of match press conference.

"Hopefully we can get them back on the pitch tomorrow (Saturday).

"They had some treatment yesterday (Thursday) and they need a little more treatment today and a light session."

Rashford has been a pivotal figure in United's upturn in fortunes.

He has scored five goals in his last five games, with four for United and one for England in the 6-0 win over Bulgaria in the Euro 2020 qualifier last month.

His goals have helped United to an unbeaten run of four matches, a win and a draw in the Premier League plus wins in the Europa League and League Cup.

Rashford has been a different figure to the player who had managed one goal in his previous 12 games for club and country.

Solskjaer has credited the return from injury of Anthony Martial who has served as an important support to Rashford in attack.

"Since Anthony has come back, Marcus has flourished as well," said Solskjaer.

"He is happier, facing goal, driving at people, taking players on instead of being that target man with his back to goal.

"But Marcus wants to master all the skills in the end. But he has only just turned 22 so I am sure we will see him up front as a number nine.

"It may be as a two with Anthony or as part of a three like we did at Norwich or out wide as we did at Chelsea.

"There are different ways of playing with Marcus."

After successive away wins at Partizan Belgrade in the Europa League, Norwich in the Premier League and then Chelsea, United hope to round off a run of four successive games on the road with another victory.

The uptick in form has changed the mood around Old Trafford, and Solskjaer believes the 1-1 draw with rivals Liverpool two weeks ago - United are the only team to take points off the leaders thusfar this term - marked a line in the sand.

"The international break came at a great time for us," said the Norwegian.

"We prepared for the Liverpool game and when you get a decent performance and result against the league leaders, it gives you a bit more energy.

"From then on, the boys were happy with the work we did."

https://www.sport24.co.za/Soccer/En...ness-test-ahead-of-bournemouth-clash-20191101
 
Anthony is a vital player for us. He's got different attributes - when he's in a good mood, it affects other people."

Thursday's Europa League tie with Partizan Belgrade, and in terms of impact this season, he has warranted his manager's praise.

The 23-year-old Frenchman boasts a goal involvement every 105 minutes in 2019-20, one of the best rates in Europe.

But just how important is he?

United have played 16 games so far this season, of which Martial has featured in just eight because of injury.

In those games, they have double the number of wins than when he is absent, averaging exactly one goal per game more.

Indeed, Martial's presence in past weeks has helped others, with the manager lauding his ability to improve the effectiveness of strike partner Marcus Rashford.

"Since Anthony has come back, Marcus has flourished." Solksjaer said before Saturday's 1-0 loss at Bournemouth.

"He's probably happier facing goal and being direct, driving at people, taking players on rather than being a target man with his back to goal."


In the 18 games in which Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have started together under Ole Gunnar Solksjear, there have been 11 wins for United

The 22-year-old Englishman has flourished playing under the Norwegian, increasing his chances created per game from 0.76 to 1.14.

In matches where Martial has appeared alongside him, their joint improvement has been even more stark.

Under Mourinho's guidance, United statistically gained better results when one or both of the two was sidelined.

In contrast, under Solskjaer the team has performed far better when the pair have been available, as well as averaging 0.6 more goals per game.

Plagued by inconsistency of form and fitness since he arrived at Old Trafford, Martial seems to have found his feet during his fifth season with the club.

Explaining his recent hamstring injury, Solksjaer said: "He was working too hard early on, which made him re-hurt his injury."

Since his return to fitness, he has scored at Partizan Belgrade in the Europa League and in a 3-1 league victory over Norwich City.

Martial's impact in the Premier League has been particularly impressive.

He has nearly tripled United's chances of winning in the 14 games he's featured in since Solskjaer took charge last December, compared to the 18 he's missed.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50260287
 
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said his side provided a "template" for how they should play this season as they beat Partizan Belgrade to reach the Europa League last 32.

First-half goals from Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial were followed by a powerful finish from Marcus Rashford after the break to complete United's biggest home win since August, with Solskjaer describing the performance of his front three as "high class".

The result keeps Solskjaer's men top of Group L. Victory in their final match against AZ Alkmaar on 12 December will ensure a top seeding in the last 32, no matter what happens when they go to Kazakhstan to play Astana in three weeks.

"Too many times we're 1-0 up and haven't got the second but these boys are learning and this will give them loads of pointers of how we play when performing well," said Solskjaer.

"The opposition is not the same as in the Premier League but these are still good principles."

Manchester United are the only side in the competition not to concede a goal this season. It also extended their unbeaten run in the Europa League to 15 matches, three short of Chelsea's tournament record of 18.

It wasn't all good news for United, though. Scott McTominay hurt the inside of his right foot in an innocuous challenge and although the Scotland midfielder tried to continue, he had to be replaced by Jesse Lingard 15 minutes from time.

Hosts find their shooting boots
Manchester United's Europa League group campaign could hardly be described as exciting as it passed its halfway point.

They had scored two goals in their first three games and not had a shot on target in open play since a left-footed effort from Jesse Lingard in the final minute of the first match against Astana at Old Trafford on 19 September.

A crowd bolstered by nearly 1,000 noisy Serbs only had to wait eight minutes for that run to come to an end as Juan Mata found Rashford with a short pass, only for Vladimir Stojkovic to make a close-range save.

By that point, both sides had been denied a goal by an offside flag, which would have been a relief for Harry Maguire given it was his attempted clearance that looped over Sergio Romero off Umar Sadiq.

United's eventual seven shots on target was a figure they have exceeded only three times in all competitions this season.

Greenwood demonstrating his potential
A month before the season had even started, Solskjaer spoke of his belief that Greenwood would score plenty of goals this season.

It has subsequently transpired that United were asking rather a lot of a player who did not even turn 18 until 1 October.

This was his 12th appearance out of 17 games in a campaign where he has also been an unused substitute on three occasions. The manner in which he took his 21st-minute goal, stepping inside after receiving an excellent pass with the outside of his foot from Rashford, then sliding a shot under Stojkovic, hinted at a maturity beyond his years.

It was his third goal of the season, a number bettered only by Rashford and Martial at United this season, and it is worth noting that he is doing so at an age when Rashford, a teenage England international, had not even made his senior debut.

Martial's mixed bag
If Greenwood's contribution needs to be accepted as a bonus at Old Trafford this season, Martial has to be a central figure.

In Wednesday's pre-match news conference, Solskjaer raised an eyebrow when he said there were two sides to the France forward and that when he was in a good mood his presence on the training ground was great but horrible when he was in a bad one.

The same could be said about his on-field contribution, which was neatly encapsulated in the space of a couple of minutes here.

Martial's brilliant first touch to get the ball under control on the edge of the box, then the balance that took him past Strahinja Pavlovic and Bojan Ostojic inside it, were sublime. The right-footed finish was exactly what such skill deserved.

Yet, on United's next attack, Martial sprinted clear of the Partizan defence and faced with a stranded Stojkovic way off his line, sent his chip sailing into the stand behind the goal.

In the context of this game, the failure meant nothing, but it is precisely the type of bread-and-butter chance Solskjaer has been working on with Martial since he arrived at the club last December.

Solskjaer labelled Martial's goal as the "skill of the night" and the Frenchman was a pivotal part of a comprehensive victory.

As the man earmarked by Solskjaer at the start of the season to fill the number nine role, Martial's presence provides United with balance and allows Rashford to attack from wider positions, where he was a particular threat in this match.

Cups 4, league 3
It has not been a bad run of results for United since the last international break but only one of their four victories has come in the Premier League.

Indeed, they have now won four times in six cup games this season compared to three triumphs in 11 league fixtures, underlining why they go into Sunday's game against Brighton in 10th spot, two points behind their visitors and an incredible 18 adrift of leaders Liverpool.

Man of the match - Anthony Martial (Man Utd)
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50322325.
 
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is prepared for the "circus" that will accompany Jose Mourinho's return to the Premier League.

Eleven months after being sacked by United, Mourinho returns to the dugout at the London Stadium on Saturday when his new Tottenham side play West Ham.

Spurs limited access to Mourinho's first news conference on Thursday and turned away scores of journalists.

"Jose coming back is going to be a spectacle," said Solskjaer.

The Norwegian had a glimpse of what was coming when he saw a television broadcast before Friday's news conference to preview Sunday's trip to Sheffield United, where it was made clear journalists would be asking about Mourinho, and the availability of the man he replaced at Spurs, Mauricio Pochettino, who has long-been viewed as a potential United boss.

Solskjaer tried to take command of the situation before he was even asked a question.

"Sorry to disappoint you but it is not going to be about Jose or Mauricio," he said.

Nevertheless, three of Solskjaer's first six answers were about those two, with a further question at the end about midfielder Nemanja Matic liking a social media post which suggested a further reunion with Mourinho - who has previously bought the Serbian when he was in charge at Chelsea and United.

"It's good to have Jose back, especially for you guys," said Solskjaer. "Maybe for me as well because you can talk and write about everything else."

Tottenham's trip to Old Trafford for a Premier League game on 4 December will provide an unavoidable link between Solskjaer and the man he replaced, initially on a temporary basis, in the middle of last season.

Pochettino's name will be a longer lasting distraction.

The Argentine is favourite to be the next United boss and while club sources have repeatedly stressed how they view Solskjaer as a long-term appointment, any negative result is bound to be followed by suggestions the man who took Tottenham to last season's Champions League final should be appointed in the Norwegian's place.

Yet Solskjaer said: "It doesn't bother me at all because I've got the best job in the world.

"I am sure if you are in or out of a job and you are a manager, you would want this job, so it doesn't really matter whatever happens around it.

"I've got to focus on my job at Manchester United and do it as well as I can. I speak with Ed (Woodward) and the owners all the time about how we are going to move the club forward.

"That doesn't change if some other clubs change their managers."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50513468
 
For 70 minutes United were utter garbage today. Had a few good minutes, scored 3 and then messed it up at the end.

Awful team, terrible tactics, majority of very ordinary players.
 
Rubbish team much closer to the relegation fight then the top sides. Good to see Man Utd humiliated though and see them 20 points behind the mighty Liverpool:yk2 The signings they made in the summer have not helped them much, James has done well though. They should worry more about their own team instead of laughing at Jose when Ole is hardly any better:djb
 
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Sheffield United scored a dramatic late equaliser to salvage a point against Manchester United, after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side had recovered from two goals down to lead at Bramall Lane.

Oliver McBurnie's 90th-minute strike was awarded following a nervous wait as the video assistant referee reviewed the goal for a potential handball as the forward controlled Callum Robinson's cross.

Three goals in a blistering seven minutes appeared to have rescued Solskjaer's largely lacklustre side, who looked all but beaten after Lys Mousset added to John Fleck's opener for Chris Wilder's side seven minutes after the interval.

But 19-year-old left-back Brandon Williams' goal after 72 minutes sparked the visitors into life, before substitute Mason Greenwood levelled and Marcus Rashford sent the visitors ahead.

That was not enough to see off a resilient Sheffield United, however, with Manchester United ninth in the standings after McBurnie's late equaliser.

In a remarkable game, the Blades dominated their opponents for long periods and looked set for a first league win over Manchester United since 1992.

David de Gea had already produced fine saves to keep out John Lundstram and David McGoldrick when Mousset robbed Phil Jones in the build-up to the opener.

Mousset teed up Lundstram - whose shot was saved by De Gea before Fleck bundled home the rebound.

It went from bad to worse for Solskjaer's side as Mousset beat De Gea with a sumptuous drilled finish from outside the penalty area.

However, the visitors turned the game on its head, as Williams produced a clever first-time finish before Greenwood scored from close range.

England forward Rashford thought he had won it 11 minutes from time after rounding off a fine move by tucking home from eight yards, only for McBurnie to level - after a lengthy check by the video assistant referee to see if the Scotland striker had handled before scoring.

Uncomfortable afternoon for Solskjaer

Manchester United had won five of their previous six games in all competitions to leave manager Solskjaer optimistic about the future after a difficult start to the season.

Yet this was an uncomfortable watch for long spells as his players were bullied by the newly promoted Blades - days after Mauricio Pochettino, linked with a move to Old Trafford last season, became available after being sacked by Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite their late comeback, United have won just one of their past 11 Premier League away games. They have also failed to keep a clean sheet in their past 12 top-flight away games, their worst streak since a run of 15 in 1985-86.

With more points dropped, Manchester United sit nine points adrift of the top four Champions League qualification spots.

They managed just one shot on target during a woeful first-half showing - Anthony Martial testing goalkeeper Simon Moore, who was making his first Premier League start, in the 29th minute.

Their second shot on target started the comeback - Williams' shot nestling in the corner before Greenwood's equaliser after good work by Rashford, who converted the third from Daniel James' cut-back.

Spirited Blades battle to the end
Wilder did not know whether to laugh or cry at the final whistle after a game which provoked an incredible roller-coaster of emotions.

Despite missing first-choice keeper Dean Henderson - on loan from Manchester United and ineligible to play against them - as well as ever-present defender John Egan, the Blades turned on the style.

Mousset is proving one of the bargain buys of the season. Since joining from Bournemouth for £10m in the summer, the French forward has four Premier League goals and three assists.

He was heavily involved in his side's first before producing a sublime finish to double the lead.

Wilder will be concerned at the way his defence capitulated but Sheffield United's never-say-die spirit was once again evident.

This was the fifth time this season they have come from behind to salvage a point in the Premier League.

'I would have been disappointed if we came away with nothing' - reaction
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder:

"Can we forget about that period, please? We just dropped off our energy levels. The old saying '2-0 is a dangerous scoreline' turned into 'oops, we're 3-2 down'.

"And you've got to give them credit, just as you have us with the way we fought back at the death to get something out of the game.

"I would have been really disappointed had we not got anything from this game because for the majority of the time we were right up there in terms of the performance levels."

Man of the match - Lys Mousset (Sheffield United)
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50449170.
 
Manchester United defender Max Taylor has received his first senior call-up, 12 months after having chemotherapy treatment for testicular cancer.

The 19-year-old has been named in a youthful squad for United's Europa League group game against Astana in Kazakhstan on Thursday.

Taylor only returned to training in September after getting the all-clear from medical staff.

United have already qualified for the knockout phase.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left most of his senior players in Manchester with James Garner, 18, Mason Greenwood, 18, and Dylan Levitt, 19, understood to be part of the United squad.

First-team coaches Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna have also been excused the six-hour flight and will work with Solskjaer's squad before Sunday's Premier League encounter with Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

Nicky Butt, United's head of first-team development, will join Solskjaer on the trip to Astana.



https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50562983
 
One name stands out in Manchester United's squad for their Europa League trip to Astana on Thursday.

Defender Max Taylor has never played a first-team game for United. The local-born 19-year-old is another example of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's commitment to the club's youth.

Yet for Taylor, it is the latest stage in a remarkable story of resilience and mental fortitude after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in November 2018.

"If anything, it has increased my ambition," Taylor tells BBC Sport. "I take things head on. Just go for it. Don't be scared."

Taylor's world was turned upside down in June 2018, five months after he had signed his first professional contract.

"I'd been checking and felt a lump. The doctor ran a scan and thought it was a cyst, which is quite common in people my age. But when he repeated the scan, it had got bigger. He sent me to a specialist, who sent me for another scan. That's when I got told inside the area of infection next to the cyst was a tumour, most likely a form of testicular cancer."

Taylor heard the news sitting alongside his mum, Stella, and stepfather, Matthew.

"It was surreal. We just looked at each other thinking: 'Has he really just said that? That it is cancer?' The specialist said the cells inside the testicle would have to be taken off. He said removing the testicle was the first thing to happen but I would also need a CT scan to check the rest of my body and I might need chemotherapy.

"My mum broke down straight away. I was so taken aback I didn't cry. I got out of the clinic and thought: 'Oh my God.' You hear the word cancer. My mind was running 100mph. 'What will happen? What's next? Will I play football again? Will I be alive?' It repeated in my head, over and over."

United told Taylor to take a break. He was in Portugal when his phone rang.

"I knew who it was. I had told them that as soon as they had any information, I wanted to know. The specialist said he really didn't want to tell me the news over the phone but he had the biopsy back which confirmed I had primary cancer in my testicle. I was expecting it. When I came home I had another CT scan. That's when I thought: 'This is actually quite serious.'

Taylor was transferred to Manchester's leading cancer hospital, The Christie.

"The cancer had spread to the abdomen. There were also a couple of specks on my lungs that might have spread too. They told me I would need quite heavy chemotherapy; a short, but really intense, course. They said the chemotherapy was very effective but I may still need surgery. I knew the percentages but I was scared. One hundred percent I was scared. I had been unlucky enough to get cancer in the first place so when they say there is a chance it might keep spreading, it worries you.

"You're in a bubble here [at Manchester United]. It's football, football, football. Training one day. Match the next. Training again. That night, I shut my door at home and thought: 'What's next?' I knew I would have to go along with whatever they said, and I had no idea how my body would react. Everything had been taken away. Not just football - meeting new family members, having a normal Christmas. It was all so unknown."

The emotional toll on Taylor and those close to him was huge.

"I put on a brave face for my mum but she could see through it. She knew when I was down and my girlfriend, Lydia, was with me a lot of the time on the nights when I was struggling. My first thought was: 'Will I play football?' But then you get to the point when you're by yourself, you can't sleep and all you're thinking is: 'This could end my life.'

"Realistically, the chances of that actually happening were tiny - but you overthink everything. 'What if the chemo doesn't work? This could go further than anyone expects.'"

Taylor had his chemotherapy treatment outlined. Three lots of three-week hits. The cycle began on 21 November 2018.

Max Taylor
Max Taylor spent nine weeks travelling to The Christie cancer hospital in Manchester for chemotherapy
"The first week it was Monday: eight hours of chemo, four hours of hydration. Tuesday: six hours of chemo, four hours of hydration. Wednesday: two hours of chemo and the rest hydration. Then I would go home and come back a week later for two hours of chemo, and finally come back a week later for another two hours of chemo. I did that three times.

"It doesn't sound too heavy, but the chemo I was having was quite toxic. The first night was the worst. You're up, shaking and sweating, but you feel freezing cold. Then the sickness starts. That first night I realised it was going to be a hard nine weeks."

Taylor found it easier to cope with this bit. He could compare it to nerves building up before a big game and disappearing once it starts. Fellow cancer-suffering footballer Joe Thompson offered his support.

"I spoke to Joe the night before I went in. He really helped. He said when I was being sick or at the toilet to remember it was making me better. My immune system was so low I couldn't be in a room with more than six or eight people because of the risk of infection. I wasn't allowed to go and see friends - but I didn't want to. I didn't want them to see me in that state or feel sorry for me. I wanted them to see me on the other side.

"At the same time, I needed people around me. It's harder to watch someone you care about going through it, than it is to go through it yourself. My family and girlfriend were the ones seeing me look ill, lose my hair and struggle. At the start they tried to shield it. Once I became more open about it, they could talk about how I was feeling mentally, how they were feeling mentally, what they were struggling with and ask any others questions."

As at other hospitals, every cancer patient at The Christie rings a bell to signal the end of their treatment. Taylor completed this symbolic moment, knowing it did not mean his journey was over.

"Two weeks after my last treatment I went for another scan. In terms of nerves, it was worse than any game. I was with my mum and we were both shaking. The doctor said the cancer was cleared but I still needed an operation because my lymph nodes were swollen after the chemotherapy and one had attached itself to the main blood vessel.

"Around this time, it was announced publicly I was clear of cancer. Everyone was sending me messages but I still had another big hurdle to go. It was six weeks from the end of my chemo before I could get that surgery done. It was a five-and-a-half-hour operation. Waiting for that was the hardest part because I was in no man's land. My immune system was still low.

"Everyone thinks you are normal but I couldn't do anything. Mentally I did not feel normal and physically I was still feeling the side effects. I don't think I slept more than six hours a night. I was struggling quite badly mentally. The [club] doctor used to come round to the house to put my mind at ease. You need reassurance from people telling you to give it time. After the operation I spent five nights in hospital, with an epidural pump in my back and all these wires that were slowly taken out. I still felt ill. I was still bald. I would look in the mirror and think: 'I do not look good.' It was a good three months before I started to feel right."

Between Taylor first being diagnosed and his recovery, Manchester United had changed their manager. He had already been heartened by Jose Mourinho's support. He soon found Solskjaer was aware of his story as well.

"Mourinho was great. I remember walking down to the gym one day, he put his arm around my shoulder, asked me what had gone on, what was I preparing for and giving me words of support. When I came back, the first day I came in to see [coaches] Kieran McKenna and Michael Carrick. Ole took me into his office, then invited me out to watch the first team train. I was just stood there talking. It was a great way to come back - very uplifting. That was massive for me. I was thought people might not remember."

Max Taylor, Lee O'Connor and George Tanner
Max Taylor (centre) with Manchester United team-mates Lee O'Connor (left) and George Tanner (right) at the club's player of the year awards
On 22 October, Taylor returned to the pitch, as a substitute in an under-23 game at Swansea. On 22 November, he came on at Old Trafford as United Under-23s beat Sunderland 3-0. Now he is getting his first experience of first-team duty in Kazakhstan, with Solskjaer resting many regulars because they have already qualified for the Europa League knockout stages.

"There is a side to Manchester United that a lot of people don't see. It is like a family. When I came back, people who are not at the forefront of the Manchester United show - the cleaning staff, the chefs - asked me how I was getting on. It meant so much.

"Once I started training again, I just wanted to be treated the same as everyone else. I have known some of my team-mates since I was 14. They are my best friends. It took until the first nutmeg for them to take the mickey out of me. Funny as it sounds, that moment was really good. I am not going to neglect the fact I had cancer, but I don't want it to be what people remember me for. I want to be a good person, a great footballer and someone who gives back."

Last week, 12 months on from his own diagnosis, Taylor returned to The Christie cancer hospital in Manchester.

"There were a few young lads in there, football fans. Jesse [Lingard] gave me a shirt to take in for a little lad called Kieran. He is 11. His whole family has to come down from Scotland. They are spending 39 nights away from home, in a hotel. It is Christmas. Why should any child have to go through it? I know what he is going through. If I can make one day out of, in Kieran's case 40, better than the one before, he will remember it and there might not be as many lows."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50562023
 
David de Gea says Manchester United's inconsistent run of form could be down to a 'lack of quality' in the squad.

United were seconds away from securing their first back-to-back Premier League wins of the season against Sheffield United on Sunday but a late Oli McBurnie equaliser denied them a comeback win at Bramall Lane.

De Gea knows that the squad has been putting in work on the training ground, but says an improvement in performance is much needed if they want to rise up from their 9th spot in the table when they host Aston Villa on Sunday.

"The team is what it is, and results are what they have been recently," De Gea told Sky Sports News. "It's true that the first half was horrible, probably one of the worst this year.

"The reaction of the team in the second half was important, but it's not enough. We should win these type of games to be on top, we need to win four or five games in a row to be at the top, but at the moment the team is not playing so well.

"We're giving it everything, we're trying to get those big wins that can put us high up in the table, but the truth is at the moment we're not consistent enough, there's much to train and much to improve.

"I don't think it's through any lack of effort, the boys are leaving everything out on the field in training and games. You could point maybe to a lack of quality in certain areas, but certainly not a lack of fight."

De Gea is one of the mainstays of Manchester United's squad, having entered his ninth season at the club since moving from Atletico Madrid in 2011.

The Spain international, who signed a new deal in September keeping him at Old Trafford until 2023 at least, admitted he is feeling settled in Manchester.

"The truth is I feel like at home here," De Gea said. "There are times when I am in Spain and I'm really looking forward to coming back here, at home in Manchester.

"We've been here for a lot of years and I feel like people appreciate me here, I've made a lot of friends and I'm thrilled to be part of this club.

"It's been a long time that I've been playing here and it's not an easy thing to keep playing at the highest level and to maintain that level.

"I personally hope that we can get more accolades in years to come by working hard and playing to that same high level."

Sky Sports News reporter James Cooper says: "Missing a trip to Kazakhstan where a young Manchester United squad stayed on UK time to combat a seven-hour time difference was not enough to enthuse David de Gea, who seemed fed up with the club's current problems - bemoaning the lack of quality.

"There was plenty of honesty from the Spaniard who declared there is enough fight and effort among the squad, but suggested people couldn't trust the current players when it comes to providing wins and not defeats.

"De Gea was influential as Manchester United fought back from a lethargic start at Sheffield United last week, taking a throw-in which led to the first of the visitors three goals and producing a double save which kept them in the game in the first half.

"The United keeper admitted it was the first time he's taken a throw-in in the game and just wanted to get his team-mates on the front foot at Bramall Lane.

"This weekend his opposite number is a former United youngster, Aston Villa's Tom Heaton and De Gea's expecting him to produce a typically inspired performance at Old Trafford."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...ted-goalkeeper-bemoans-squads-lack-of-quality
 
Anthony Martial is set to miss Manchester United's match against Tottenham on Wednesday due to injury.

Martial was substituted after 82 minutes of Sunday's home draw with Aston Villa and Sky Sports News understands the France forward is struggling to overcome a muscular problem.

It is believed United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will once again adopt a formation featuring three centre halves, as Jose Mourinho returns to Old Trafford for the first time since he was sacked almost a year ago.

Last month Solskjaer played a similar formation in the 3-3 draw with Sheffield United, where he started with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones.

The Norwegian also used three centre halves against Liverpool in October, earning a draw at Old Trafford.

Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic are "touch and go" for the game, while Paul Pogba has been ruled out.

McTominay has missed three games with an ankle complaint, while fellow midfielder Matic has not played for two months with an unspecified issue.

Pogba remains out as he recovers from an ankle injury, while Eric Bailly, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Diogo Dalot continue to build fitness.

Solskjaer hit out at speculation over his future in the run-up to Wednesday's clash, where he will go head-to-head with former United boss Jose Mourinho.

Mauricio Pochettino, Unai Emery and Quique Sanchez Flores have lost their jobs over the past two weeks and while Pochettino's shadow looms large over Solskjaer, having previously been United's top managerial target and already declaring his intention to return to work in Europe, the current Old Trafford boss was in bullish mood.

"Sometimes you laugh when you read stories about what I've said and stuff," Solskjaer said. "At least I know the sources everyone is talking about aren't sources, they are just made up, blatant lies."

"It doesn't make me more concerned, I'm just focusing on my job and doing as well as I can. I'm looking at the next game and also looking long term, planning things with the board.

"It is that time of year, it is never nice to see your colleagues lose their jobs. It's now three in a very short space of time. But it doesn't make me anymore concerned that it's December, no.

"I don't think whoever the manager or the opposition team is will change their motivation. They are motivated to do well for Manchester United because they know it is about proving it every time you step on to the pitch that you should be part of this long term."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...ss-manchester-uniteds-clash-against-tottenham
 
Roy Keane hailed a "proper Manchester United performance" after watching his former side beat Manchester City 2-1 in the derby.

United stunned City with a devastating first-half display as they won at the Etihad to leave the champions 14 points behind Liverpool.

After beating Tottenham in midweek at Old Trafford, United have now won back-to-back games for the first time this season, and now sit just five points off the top four to lift the weight off Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's shoulders.

United were scintillating for 30 minutes, scoring twice through Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, then defended manfully for the remainder whilst being in control of the game for large periods.

Keane was delighted with what he saw from his former club.

"I absolutely did not see this coming," Keane said.

"It was fantastic - a proper Manchester United performance. Lots of bravery and personality. They were outstanding.

"I don't think beating Tottenham was a big deal at home, but that win today will give the players a lot of confidence as they have been criticised - nobody likes to be criticised.

"But hats off to Manchester United, whatever happens in January with the speculation, question marks over Ole, they were outstanding.

"This was a Manchester United performance.

"It wasn't all about how they countered attacked, it was how they managed the game, got blocks in and showed personality.

"I really enjoyed watching them - it's what Manchester United is all about. But the key is to be consistent, week-in, week-out. Hopefully these young players will pick up on that."

Despite being mightily impressed with the way United performed, Gary Neville was staying grounded in terms of what is required from the club in January.

Neville believes Solskjaer still needs to be backed in the next window and add some much needed experience to the dressing room.

He said: "It's been painful over the last five and six years and the players have taken criticism, rightly so. Performances like at West Ham, Aston Villa and Sheffield United are nowhere near good enough.

"But that's a different level today.

"That's what they can do. There will still be inconsistencies as they are young and are not performing week-in, week-out at the same level. It does give you hope that there is something there that can produce that level of performance.

"It will give the squad confidence, but it doesn't change what United need to do in January. They need to get some experience to bolster that squad. They need it desperately. Scott McTominay and Fred have done brilliantly but they can't do it every week.

"It gives Ole a bit of breathing space and the confidence he can win big games as shown in the last four days."

Solskjaer was delighted most of all by how his side reflected what he considers to be the quintessential Manchester United side, showing attacking intent when they could.

He also said United had beaten the best team in the world, with the best manager in the world, and insisted his doubters are going to have tough times ahead.

He told Sky Sports: "We're playing against the best team in the world, for me, the best coach in the world, it's so hard to play against them.

"It's a Man United performance, in my mould. I love boys going forward when there's a chance for them. We're improving all of the time. The boys are getting experiences to remember.

"There's more hard times for the doubters out there, because we'll keep on working the way we're doing, and we keep on believing in what we're doing. It's just about getting results, and more and more people will see what we're trying to do."

And he said in his post-match press conference: "We do look like a Man United team, and that's the big thing for me.

"I've seen the improvement since I came. Of course we've had to reshape the squad, change the culture of the squad, change the way we want to play.

"Even though I remember last season's away game, it's not nice to see that City are so much better than us, they're the best team in the world, but today we've come away with some dignity."

"We've worked on counter-attacks ever since I came to the club. That's Man United. It sounds negative, the 'counter-attack', but for me it's quick, attacking, flowing football, with the right intent."

Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City have 'no regrets' despite losing 2-1 against Manchester United at home in the Premier League
Despite being firmly second best for the majority of the first half, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insisted his side did what he asked of them.

He also insisted that no matter how small or big the gap is between them and Liverpool, he will always take it game-by-game, and will not prioritise the Champions League.

He told Sky Sports: "We concede three or four counter-attacks in the first half. I'm more than happy for the performance we have done. We pushed them, create chances, and concede two or three, but in general I am delighted and happy with the performance we play.

"In 90 minutes you can't expect to control everything, so when you lose this ball. But with the approach and the way we play, I was delighted. But no regrets at all.

"We are a little bit more [open], sometimes it happens, but with these four players up front, it's normal, but in general we played a good game.

"I know who we are as a team. I'm delighted to work with these guys, in the second half we tried and tried, unfortunately we scored late and couldn't turn the result."

When asked about the gap to Liverpool, Guardiola said: "It's not time to think about this. We think about the next game, but it's unrealistic to think about it, to catch up, it doesn't matter if we are 6, 7, 14, 25 points, we have to continue. We are a fantastic team, we play so good."
 
Paul Pogba's Manchester United comeback is set to be delayed after he missed two days' training because of illness.

The France midfielder was expected to return to training this week after recovering from the ankle injury that has kept him out since September.

Pogba attended his brother's wedding in France on Friday, but needed a check-up with United's doctor on Saturday. His symptoms worsened on Sunday.

"He's been struck down ill," United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said.

"He's been off two days, which is not beneficial. It's probably set him back quite a bit."

Pogba has played only six times this season, having required surgery to correct his ankle problem.

Solskjaer, whose side have a Carabao Cup quarter-final at home to League Two side Colchester on Wednesday, rejected the idea his side had learned to cope without Pogba.

He said they missed him as they drew 1-1 at home to Everton in the Premier League on Sunday.

"It's games like the Everton one, for example, when you are lacking that one creative pass or idea," said Solskjaer. "He has the quality not many midfielders in the world have, so it would be great to get him back."

Solskjaer intends to make changes to his starting line-up for Colchester's first visit to Old Trafford.

That is likely to mean another start for 18-year-old striker Mason Greenwood, who scored his seventh goal of the season against Everton.

With two goals in the 4-0 Europa League win over AZ Alkmaar last Thursday, Greenwood is turning into one of United's most potent attacking weapons. And Solskjaer says it is becoming tricky trying to leave the Yorkshireman out of his first-choice side.

"It's very difficult now to put a team out there without having Mason in my mind, yes," said Solskjaer, himself a prolific forward for the club between 1996 and 2007.

"I remember when I came to the club and scored a few goals, I felt I could perform better, The manager used to say it was hard to keep players who score out of the team. It is the same with Mason."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50816540
 
(Reuters) - Manchester United’s inconsistent start to the season during which they have struggled against mid-table teams can be attributed to complacency, according to midfielder Jesse Lingard.

United, eighth in the standings, have beaten top sides like Manchester City, Leicester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur but lost to Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Newcastle United and bottom side Watford.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have employed an effective counter-attacking strategy against the stronger teams but they have come unstuck against opponents who defend deep.

"It's strange, maybe it's a mindset thing. Maybe it's our mentality going into the match thinking we've already won the game," Lingard said in an interview with The Daily Mail here

“If we keep the consistency and mentality we had against City and Tottenham, I don’t see why we can’t win every game. It seems like our mentality changes... When we start with energy and on the front foot, we’ll cause team problems all day long,” the England international added.

“To keep that consistency throughout the rest of the season when we come against the mid-table teams, we need to have the same mentality that we did going into the City and Tottenham game.”

Lingard has struggled for form and is yet to score a goal or provide an assist in 15 league games this season but the 27-year-old believes he is getting back to his best.

“I feel I’ve got my form back now and I’m back to my old self,” he added. “Obviously, form is going to be up and down.

“When you’re in a bad patch you’ve just got to fight through it, listen to the manager and the coaches, work hard on the training pitch and give 110%. I’ve done that and I feel really sharp.”

United host ninth-placed Newcastle on Thursday.


https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-s...against-mid-table-teams-lingard-idUKKBN1YT0JQ
 
Manchester United are interested in signing Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes

The 20-year-old Portugal international is one of a number of targets for the club ahead of the January transfer window.

He has not featured in any of Benfica's last seven games and is thought to have fallen out of favour with head coach Bruno Lage.

Representatives of the player have reportedly been in the UK attempting to broker a loan deal with a £34m option to buy with interested parties.

It is believed Fernandes' release clause is £102m - but Benfica have conceded they will not get that kind of money for an out-of-favour player.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said they will only go into the market if the right player to fit the long-term strategy of the club becomes available.
https://www.skysports.com/football/...nited-interested-in-benficas-gedson-fernandes
 
Abdullah said:
Win out next 3 prem games and all will look fine again.
First eleven is good enough for top 4, then we just need injuries to stop


De gea
Wan bissaka lindelof/tuanzebe maguire Shaw

James mactominay Fred rasjford

Perrera

Martial

Fred cAn be replaced by pogba and perrera will have to play deeper

We haven't got our first 11 out on the pitch much tbf
Click to expand...

Wow that turned out well!!
Still not much beyond the first eleven tho, I'm more than comfortable with the progression of greenwood Williams and to a lesser extent tuanzebe who I rate highly
 
^ we need to somehow squeak through the arsenal game ( hopefully they will tactically play into our hands) and then get mactominay back by the time we face Liverpool.
Not to fussed by the domestic cups
 
mctominay is out now for a while, we really need to get a cm this window, cant trust perrera and you dont know when pogba decides to shut down.

front line is solid, i hope we dont sign a CF who will just block greenwards opportunities and martial is firing, we can do with a right winger as james is still developing and will take sancho anyday if hes available.

but CM and AM should be our priorities right now.
 
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he is not concerned about his attacking options, with Mason Greenwood's development compensating for the loss of Romelu Lukaku.

Lukaku scored 42 goals in 96 United games but joined Inter Milan in August.

"We always believed Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford were going to score goals but Mason has filled a big void," said Solskjaer.

"I'm not worried about goals from centre-forwards."

Greenwood, 18, has scored eight goals in 22 first-team appearances this season, with the majority of his playing time coming as a substitute.

United were heavily linked with Red Bull Salzburg striker Erling Braut Haaland before the teenager agreed a switch to German side Borussia Dortmund on Sunday.

Erling Haaland
Haaland moved to Dortmund after the German club met his £17.1m release clause
However Solskjaer, who is understood to have flown to Austria to speak to Haaland as United considered a bid, insists the failure to sign his fellow Norwegian does not leave him under-staffed in attack.

"Romelu's a good striker and he'll always score goals but it was time for him to move on," he said.

"We didn't find the right one outside our club but we had Mason.

"Mason's on eight now. Marcus I don't know - 14 or 15? Anthony has quite a few."

Solskjaer also said the way a new signing would fit into the dressing room would be key to their considerations in January.

"I'm optimistic we can keep players fit and if the right ones become available we do have the resources," he said.

"There's no point suddenly bringing someone else in now for the sake of three or four months if that can disrupt any good feeling or chemistry in the group, because the chemistry in the group is really good.

"It has to be the right type and it has to be a good investment for the long term as well."



https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50954779
 
Man Utd will sign players that no other team wants. No one wants to play in the Europa League next season or under a rookie and loser manager. Haaland is the latest one to give them the snub much like one Minamino. Perhaps they can make bids for players playing in lower league divisions who may feel sorry for them:trump
 
Another poor performance by Man Utd. The lack of world-class performers is astonishing.
 
Just go to Leicester , fork out 200m for tielemens ndidi and maddison, and we are good to go.

Shaw needs to be demoted and Williams needs to be starting.
I was disgusted to see matic and lingard start the game

Wan bissaka needs some proper attacking coaching too.
We let arsenal back into the season big time
 
Abdullah said:
Just go to Leicester , fork out 200m for tielemens ndidi and maddison, and we are good to go.

Shaw needs to be demoted and Williams needs to be starting.
I was disgusted to see matic and lingard start the game

Wan bissaka needs some proper attacking coaching too.
We let arsenal back into the season big time
Click to expand...

Matic isnt to bad, but i dont want to see lingard play again, the only good thing about him was his offball movement but he seems to have lost that too.

we just need an AM, with mctom/fred behind him, i have lost hope in pogba.
 
PetroDollars said:
Matic isnt to bad, but i dont want to see lingard play again, the only good thing about him was his offball movement but he seems to have lost that too.

we just need an AM, with mctom/fred behind him, i have lost hope in pogba.
Click to expand...

Matic is too slow, we need somebody who is mobile and can run a game from deep .
Not sure what we do until the end of the season if any1 of Fred mctominay and perera are out.

Pogba should be shipped out in January
 
Abdullah said:
Matic is too slow, we need somebody who is mobile and can run a game from deep .
Not sure what we do until the end of the season if any1 of Fred mctominay and perera are out.

Pogba should be shipped out in January
Click to expand...

I was talking about with the problems we have in MF with injuries, we cant afford to let matic go now, he is ok as a squad player and must be kept otherwise we would be bringing in academy players to fill in.

Not to sure about perera, jury is still out on him, but time is running out, defiantly better than lingard in the hole but we should make signing a no.10 a priority in this market.

Im fine with mctominay/fred, they are examples for other players, turned there careers around, especially fred who everyone was laughing at, now is looking like the black pirlo.

In MF we should be looking at signing a few backups and squad players and make AM a priority and maybe RM if sancho comes.
 
Struggling Arsenal easily take care of Man Utd:imad More salt on the wounds of Man Utd fans, enjoy:inzi2
 
KingKhanWC said:
Utd fans should be delighted, still hanging onto the Europa league spot! :))
Click to expand...

May be not even that with many teams like Arsenal chasing for the same spot. This is why Halaand who Man Utd wanted so badly couldn't get away fast enough:runaway: Now some Man Utd fan will tell us we are jealous of them:ashwin
 
PetroDollars said:
Matic isnt to bad, but i dont want to see lingard play again, the only good thing about him was his offball movement but he seems to have lost that too.

we just need an AM, with mctom/fred behind him, i have lost hope in pogba.
Click to expand...

That free kick by Fred though.....
 
Injury and illness-hit Manchester United face a race against time to be fit for Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City, says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw missed United's goalless draw against Wolves on Saturday through illness, while Solskjaer admitted defender Harry Maguire was "hobbling about" during the match.

Lingard to work with super-agent Raiola

Speaking after the game, the United manager hoped "a night or two in their own beds and hopefully some Bovril or paracetamol" would cure any issues - with the injured Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay already long-term absentees.

But Solskjaer admits "some of them are still not ready" and he will now wait until Tuesday morning before deciding his team selection ahead of the first-leg match at Old Trafford, live on Sky Sports Football.

"We're going to give them as much time as we can, that's the most honest answer I can give you," Solskjaer said in his pre-match press conference.

"If there was a game today I'm not sure they could play at their best.

"Another 36 hours might be a big change."

We're going to give them as much time as we can, that's the most honest answer I can give you.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

United failed to register a shot on target at Molineux and a replay will now take up the club's only free midweek this month, but Solskjaer dismissed fears of fatigue.

Ahead of the Manchester derby, the United boss insists "big games give you energy".

"It gives you the urge to go to the next level, above and beyond what you are capable of in your head," he said. "You surprise yourself.

"Big games, you get the rhythm, you don't train in between, there's no way. It's about mental preparation. Hopefully we remember what we did last time and what we must do better."

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola expects a repeat gameplan from United after Solskjaer's side produced an exhilarating display of counter-attacking football to win 2-1 in last month's derby at the Etihad Stadium.

"We've got to aim for performances like that," said Solskjaer. "We know we can do it physically.

"But every game lives its own life. When you get highs like that, I'm sure they will look back and say that's the Man United we want to see but we still want to improve on that.

"I've admired Pep's teams. They've raised the bar so much since Pep came, the standards he's set is something for us to aim for."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...aer-manchester-united-injury-crisis-for-derby
 
Manchester United have warned anyone "visibly or audibly" supporting Manchester City in a home area of Old Trafford on Tuesday will be ejected.

The clubs jointly decided to cut away allocations for the two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final on security grounds.

There are fears City fans could buy tickets in home areas after United put tickets on general sale after failing to sell out.

It is expected around 70,000 fans will be at the game.

"We have a series of measures in place to minimise any risks and anyone visibly or audibly supporting the away team in home areas will be denied entry to the ground or ejected during the game," said United, who have also emailed their season ticket holders with a reminder that "all tickets must be used by Manchester United supporters".

Tonight's crowd will be the highest for a United game in the Carabao Cup for a number of years, but is still expected to be around 6,000 short of capacity.

It will exceed the 65,798 they got for the semi-final against Hull in 2017 but will fall short of the 74,576 they got for the 2010 semi-final against City, which United won thanks to an injury-time Wayne Rooney goal.

The failure to sell-out will cost United more than £200,000 in lost gate receipts and would almost certainly have been avoided had it not been for the joint decision to cut normal away allocations for such fixtures.

Instead of the 10% allocation as stipulated in Football League regulations, City received 3,000 tickets for the game, with United getting around 2,800 for the return leg at Etihad Stadium on 29 January.

The clubs took the decision following a number of incidents that took place when the sides met last month, when United midfielder Fred appeared to be racially abused by a City supporter.

It is also understood at the previous semi-final, there were flashpoints that made the clubs wary of the consequences of a repeat.

United say increased police, stewarding and crowd surveillance will be in operation 'both inside and outside the ground'.


https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51017362
 
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba had surgery on his latest ankle problem on Tuesday and said the procedure "went well".

The 26-year-old, who briefly returned to action in December having recovered from a previous ankle problem, has only made eight appearances this season.

After the operation, the French World Cup winner added: "We have to keep the positive energy."

Pogba is expected to be sidelined for another four weeks.

The midfielder has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford during this transfer window, but United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insisted in December that the player would not be leaving in January.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51024447
 
Another night of misery for United with a 3-1 loss at home to Man City in the EFL Cup.
 
Man Utd humiliated again at home. It keeps getting better:inzi2
 
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said his side hit a season low point in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg loss to Manchester City.

The hosts were 3-0 down at the break, going on to lose 3-1, with Solskjaer saying his players' heads dropped after Bernardo Silva's 17th-minute opener.

"From 15 minutes to half-time was the worst we have played this season," said the United boss after Tuesday's game.

"We couldn't cope with the setback. Now we have a steep mountain to climb."

Riyad Mahrez's 33rd-minute second was followed by an Andreas Pereira own goal, and at half-time it seemed possible a completely outclassed United faced a repeat of their embarrassing 6-1 home defeat by City in 2011.

Instead, the introduction of Nemanja Matic for Jesse Lingard brought some stability to their midfield, and Marcus Rashford's fourth goal in Manchester derbies added at least some jeopardy over who will go on to meet Leicester City or Aston Villa in the final on 29 February.

United famously overturned a two-goal deficit last season to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, following up a 2-0 first-leg loss to Paris St-Germain by winning 3-1 in France and progressing on away goals.

"It's not three points and it's not done," said Manchester City boss Guardiola.

"They are a dangerous team. Last season they lost by the same number of goals at home to PSG, went to France and qualified."

Reaction to the action at Old Trafford
'Two out of 10 is nonsense. Pointless' - Savage on player ratings
Football Daily podcast: Man Utd humbled as Man City march towards Wembley
'It is not a quick fix'
The defeat was United's third in their past six games, following Premier League losses at Watford and Arsenal.

Before they go to City for the second leg on 29 January, Solskjaer's side play Wolves in their FA Cup third-round replay on 15 January and, four days later, visit runaway league leaders Liverpool.

"I have said before, it is not a quick fix," said the Norwegian. "It is something we have started, and you can see we are still a way off - but it is something that needed doing."

In contrast, City have now won eight games out of nine, the only break in the sequence coming at Wolves on 27 December, when they played 80 minutes with 10 men after goalkeeper Ederson was sent off.

However, rather than feeling his side are in their best form of the season, Guardiola said he detected fatigue after five games in 12 days.

"The way we have been playing is good, not far from last season - but the team I see is a little bit tired," said the Spaniard.

"The schedule has been a lot for these guys. It's crazy, honestly."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51028921
 
Another season where we made no progress and went backwards, because the stupid and incompetent board decided to not sack the clown that is Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who is an absolute disgrace of a football manager.

Another who thinks that Ole can turn it around doesn’t understand football. The guy is a League 2 standard manager at best.

It’s safe to say that Man United won’t even come close to competing for the biggest honours any time soon. As long as the structure of the club remains as it is, nothing will ever change.
 
Harry Maguire: Man Utd defender ruled out with hip injury

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is set for an extended period out after suffering a hip injury.

The number of matches Maguire will miss is unknown.

But the concern for United is that his absence proves far longer than suggested on Tuesday by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who said the injury was "not a long, long-term one".

Maguire suffered the injury during last Saturday's goalless FA Cup third-round tie against Wolves.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51040557
 
Fans unhappy with the owners today despite the win against Norwich.
 
Manchester United have scrapped plans for a training camp in the Gulf region during next month's winter break because of security concerns.

United do not play for 16 days between Premier League ties against Wolves on 1 February and at Chelsea on 17 February.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plans to give his squad a few days off before going away for a training camp.

While the destination had not been decided, Qatar and Dubai would have been near the top of United's list.

In January last year, Solskjaer took his squad to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and sent some of his players there again in November during an international break.

United have also previously used the Aspire Academy in Qatar's capital Doha for a winter training camp.

There has been a rise in tensions in the region after senior Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani was killed in a US air strike in Baghdad and a Ukrainian International Airlines plane was accidentally shot down in Tehran, killing all 176 passengers.

Solskjaer has decided to keep his squad in Europe, most likely Spain or Portugal, to prepare for the rest of their campaign, which includes a Europa League last-32 meeting with Belgian side Club Bruges.

When asked if United's plans had changed, Solskjaer said: "Yes, there are things that worry me more than football.

"We were looking at the Middle East but that is definitely not going to happen. We will stay in Europe."

The latest Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for Qatar is that tourists should "remain vigilant" amid a "heightened threat of terrorist attacks globally against UK interests and British nationals".

United are fifth in the Premier League, 27 points off leaders Liverpool, who they face at Anfield on Sunday after a FA Cup third-round replay against Wolves on Wednesday.

Solskjaer said the aim is to be challenging for the title next season but that he is "not saying it is a realistic one".

"We are behind and a fair rate behind the top one now, who we play on Sunday and we'll see where we are against them," he said.

"But with a few signings, with the improvement these players are making, in the next couple of years we want to do that."

The Norwegian added that the performances of United's young players showed the squad does not need a major overhaul.

"This is a group you can work with," he said. "They're going to give you everything. That's the core of what the team is going to be moving forward, for me.

"Of course we're looking at a couple of signings and strengthening here and there but the core group is there."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51112179
 
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted his decision to bring on Marcus Rashford "backfired" after the Manchester United forward sustained a back injury in the 1-0 FA Cup third round replay win over Wolves.


The United striker landed awkwardly after tangling with Wolves full-back Matt Doherty and was replaced by Jesse Lingard in the 80th minute of the game, having come on as a sub himself in the 64th minute.

United went on to set up a fourth-round tie against the winner of the replay between Watford and Tranmere Rovers.

Rashford was the first United player to come on as a substitute before then being substituted himself in the same FA Cup match since Alan Smith against Liverpool in February 2006.

"I didn't want to play him. I think he got a knock, a knee or something, in his back, but he's been struggling for a little while," Solskjaer said of Rashford, who has scored 19 times for United this season.

"That's why we've kept him away (from starting against Wolves), but we needed the win. He was involved in the goal so that was a positive but it backfired.

"He's a quick healer and he'll play through some pain, definitely, if he's capable and it's not a bad, bad injury, but we've seen that he's struggled lately.

"But that's been more when he's been tired. He wasn't on long enough to be tired so it might be something that just happened there and then.


"He's been absolutely top this season so we'll do anything and everything we can to get him fit for Sunday. If he's not then we'll play without him."

Rashford expressed his frustration at having to be substituted, writing on Twitter: "Never want to feel like I've let my team-mates, the club and most importantly the fans down so did my very best to carry on tonight and was gutted to come off.

"Top work from the lads to get into the next round."

'Rashford loss would be a big blow'

"It was a scary sight seeing him go down. He kept shaking his head as he was clearly struggling and wanted to come off.

"Gareth Southgate is probably thinking, 'oh no, not another one', and it didn't look good. He's been United's main source of goals, he's had his best season.

"It would be a huge blow to lose him for Sunday. He's been unplayable at times and he'll be a big miss. Rashford has built a great understanding with Anthony Martial so it's a big blow."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...chester-united-striker-injured-against-wolves
 
Manchester United have agreed a £1.28m (1.5m euros) fee with Inter Milan for defender Ashley Young.

The 34-year-old had previously told United of his desire to join Inter and has not been involved in the club's past three games.

It is understood the deal includes an add-on fee, which will be activated if Inter win Serie A this season.

If the January transfer is finalised, it will bring an end to Young's eight-and-a-half-year stay at Old Trafford.

The deal is subject to a medical, scheduled to take place in Milan on Friday, and the agreement of personal terms.

He has played 261 times for United and was club captain this season, although he only started 10 league games in 2019-20.

Young, who has played 39 times for England, joined United from Aston Villa in 2011 and has been part of squads that won the Premier League in 2012-13, the FA Cup in 2015-16, and both the League Cup and Europa League in 2016-17.

Inter, who signed Romelu Lukaku from United last August and also have Alexis Sanchez on loan from the Red Devils, are second in Serie A, two points adrift of Juventus.

Under former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, they are aiming to win their first Serie A title since 2010.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51142447
 
Manchester United have triggered the option to extend defender Eric Bailly’s contract by a further two years, committing him to the club until the end of the 2021/22 season.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Harry Maguire has been named <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a>'s new captain, replacing Ashley Young.</p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1218114374461726721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Marcus Rashford has sustained a double stress fracture in his back and is facing at least six weeks out, says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Speaking after Manchester United's 2-0 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday, Solskjaer said: "He has suffered a bad injury. It's a stress fracture, it happened against Wolverhampton.

Questioned whether Rashford is more likely to be out for months, Solskjaer added: "He won't be back until after the mid-season break. I don't know how long it is, I'm not the doctor.

"Normally a stress fracture is six weeks to heal. Then he needs some recovery and rehab after that probably."

Rashford came on as a substitute in the 64th minute against Wolves but was forced off just over 15 minutes later after a collision with Matt Doherty.

Solskjaer added that Rashford's injury could force United into the transfer market and that loan deals were an option.

"It's an unfortunate situation we are in," Solskjaer told Sky Sports.

"We might look at some short-term deals as well.

"If there are the right players there and they fit, we can buy. If there are loans available, that might be possible."

"United have to go into the market. They need someone up there with a physical presence and a bit more maturity - and they need another body.

"They have struggled to get into the market for a centre-forward. They desperately needed a striker to replace Lukaku and they haven't been able to get one."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...ks-with-back-injury-says-ole-gunnar-solskjaer
 
Manchester United have been charged by the Football Association for failing "to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion" as they lost 2-0 at Liverpool on Sunday.

The charge relates to an incident where United players confronted referee Craig Pawson after he had initially allowed a goal by Liverpool's Roberto Firmino.

The video assistant referee ruled out the goal for a foul by Virgil van Dijk on keeper David de Gea in the build-up.

United have until Thursday to respond.

The incident, which happened in the 26th minute as Liverpool led 1-0, saw De Gea booked for his protests to Pawson.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51189309
 
The criticism of Anthony Martial by Roy Keane after the Liverpool match was brutal. He stated he's not good enough for Man Utd.

Quite harsh but perhaps a fair statement? Whilst Rashford has stepped up, Martial has really not lived up to expectations.
 
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer "thought about himself before the player" when Marcus Rashford picked up a back injury which could keep him out for three months, says former England striker Ian Wright.

Rashford, 22, came on as a substitute and then went off injured during United's 1-0 home win over Wolves in last week's FA Cup third-round replay.

Wright, speaking on the Monday Night Club on BBC Radio 5 Live, believes "someone should be held accountable" because it is likely to cost United.

"Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he knew Marcus Rashford was struggling and played him against Wolves - now he's out for three months," said Wright.

"We're talking about an explosive player that's going to need to be right [to play].

"Solskjaer's under intense pressure to get United back where they were and he's thought about himself before he thought about the player - Solskjaer has put himself above Marcus Rashford's health.

"Now, one of their most promising and most important players is out and that has to come to the manager's door."

No Rashford, no fear factor for Man Utd - Jenas analysis
Rashford had featured in 13 matches - starting 11 of them - from the beginning of December to when he picked up the injury on 15 January, scoring nine goals in that period.

With the score 0-0 against Wolves, he came on in the 64th minute but then went off 16 minutes later with Solskjaer then saying the decision to play him had "backfired". because Rashford had been been "struggling for a little while".

Speaking after the Liverpool game on Sunday, Solskjaer denied Rashford was already suffering from a back fracture before the Wolves match and reiterated that in his news conference on Tuesday.

"He's not had that injury before," he said. "He complained a little bit after Burnley [on December 28] - he felt it the first time, and we managed him as well as we could then.

"He had some days off for treatment, was taken off in games and suddenly this was a new injury. He didn't have any injuries before then."

Wright added: "Rashford has started every game and for him to play that much football, with the problems he is having with his back, you can't mess around with that and Solskjaer has to take some blame in still playing him."

After the incident, Solskjaer said Rashford would be out for at least six weeks, but reports this week suggest he might not return until April.

United are fifth, five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, while Rashford's absence is also a blow for England with Harry Kane also out until at least April with a hamstring injury.



https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51184223
 
Kroll said:
The criticism of Anthony Martial by Roy Keane after the Liverpool match was brutal. He stated he's not good enough for Man Utd.

Quite harsh but perhaps a fair statement? Whilst Rashford has stepped up, Martial has really not lived up to expectations.
Click to expand...

That was always the problem with martial, bundles of talent but no work ethic, too much sulking, some matches hes asleep then some hes excellent, like souness said, it all depends on what side of the bed he wakes up on.

However i agree with gary, he must be given a deadline, step up and perform or we're buying a new striker, same must be done with luke shaw.
 
Man Utd have wasted hundreds of millions on average players. They are a spent force who need a new board, manager and players. It is hard to see them in contention for any major trophy for the next five years at least. Sacking Ole will be covering cracks with wallpaper cos the damage is much more severe. Pochettino as rumoured if appointed won't be able to do anything at all when he failed at Spurs as well. The arrogance has been sucked out of Man Utd like juice is from an orange, all we have is overrated players who no one wants or are always injured. The month is almost out yet they have made no attempts to sign any decent players. Man Utd is a sinking ship and Liverpool is the future, inshallah!
 
PakLFC said:
Man Utd have wasted hundreds of millions on average players. They are a spent force who need a new board, manager and players. It is hard to see them in contention for any major trophy for the next five years at least. Sacking Ole will be covering cracks with wallpaper cos the damage is much more severe. Pochettino as rumoured if appointed won't be able to do anything at all when he failed at Spurs as well. The arrogance has been sucked out of Man Utd like juice is from an orange, all we have is overrated players who no one wants or are always injured. The month is almost out yet they have made no attempts to sign any decent players. Man Utd is a sinking ship and Liverpool is the future, inshallah!
Click to expand...

Did you believe the same when klopp was finishing 8th and 4th for 3 seasons with LP and them making sighings like Karius, ings, Benteke?????
 
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