Former Manchester United player Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly interested in a move back to England after recent events.
The Real Madrid legend has once more been linked to his former club with reports claiming he’s unhappy in the Spanish capital again.
A move back to United has also been teased by Ronaldo and his representatives previously and it appears they’re doing so to receive another contract renewal.
The Portuguese winger has recently won the Ballon d’Or and believes he’s not valued by his current club enough as much as Barcelona value Lionel Messi or PSG value Neymar.
Rumours claim the Red Devils have been approached by Cristiano’s representatives as he pushes for a move away from the Bernabeu.
According to the Daily Record, both Manchester United and PSG have been made aware of his situation at Madrid.
It appears that he’s also asked the club to reduce his selling price to £89m which is close to how much United initially sold him to Real for.
Today’s market is different however and some fans would argue that the figure actually represents a bargain given what he can bring to the club.
Cristiano Ronaldo also has had a working relationship with current boss Jose Mourinho, fuelling the rumours even more.
The deal could possibly see the club make large amounts of money back through marketing and merchandise sales but the question is would it be a smart move?
There have been signs this season that Ronaldo is past his best and Jose may be wiser to spend that money elsewhere.
Manchester United may have a problem on their hands with Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid interested in young star Anthony Martial.
The French international has had a decent second season under Jose Mourinho and their are reports that Zidane rates him highly.
The striker turned winger has at times forced Old Trafford and Mourinho favourite Marcus Rashford out of the starting XI due to his form.
He started the season on the bench playing second fiddle but played his way into Jose’s plans after the manager could no longer ignore him.
Reports claim that Madrid are interested in bidding in the region of £88m for Martial in the aim to pry him from United’s hands.
According to Don Balon, Zinedine is looking towards the former AS Monaco man to replace his current striker Karim Benzema.
Benzema has faced huge criticism this season for his form and it’s almost reached a climatic point with the board and manager agreeing he needs to be moved on.
With Anthony apparently interested in the move, the Red Devils may have to try to tie him down with a contract extension.
However, it’s unlikely that Jose can guarantee him consistent match time and perhaps Real Madrid will be able to lure him over with their offer.
Leading one of Spain’s biggest clubs as the undoubted striker is a prospect the youngster may find too good to resist but how realistic is it?
Even if Karim is moved on, it’s more possible that Cristiano Ronaldo will attempt to lead the line for the Spanish capital.
ESPN pundit Shaka Hislop has given his blessing to Manchester United after being impressed by Juventus star Paulo Dybala.
The Red Devils are reportedly interested in the Argentine especially in recent weeks after news surfaced of his unhappiness at the club.
The talented striker has seen his match time decrease of late and perhaps that has convinced Jose Mourinho to invest in him.
Another reason may be due to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s struggles since returning from injury, United have suddenly looked short in that area.
Hislop though is convinced that investing in Dybala is a transfer that can’t go wrong, regardless what club he joins.
According to the Sunday Express, Shaka said: “Dybala would be a good fit anywhere he goes. If Manchester United pull this off, it would be an amazing coup for them.
“I think he graces United, he graces just about any club. It would be a hit if it happens, I’m not so certain that it does.”
Paulo is also known to operate in the attacking midfield position, featuring occasionally in behind his striker teammate.
Perhaps it’s the role he operates in that also helps people draw comparisons to Barcelona great Lionel Messi.
The number 10 position has been a bit of a problem area for Mourinho this season, although Jesse Lingard has stepped up in recent weeks.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been a bitter disappointment this campaign, especially since he started it so well and there’s no real reason to explain his poor form.
Juan Mata has failed to impress Jose in the attacking midfield position and has only featured on the right wing.
There’s plenty of sense in the rumour that the Portuguese coach is looking for top talent in that area given the other players failures.
Whether the bid turns into reality is yet to be seen but should it happen, it’s tough to imagine a better duo than Romelu Lukaku and Paulo Dybala in the Premier League.
Jamie Carragher suggests that Pep Guardiola would guide Manchester United to the Premier League title with their current squad.
Jose Mourinho’s Reds are sitting third in the league after a woeful month of December that has seen them without a win in four games.
Former-Liverpool and England centre-back Carragher believes Guardiola, in charge of high-flying Manchester City who are on a sensational winning streak and sit 15 points ahead of Man United, would be doing a far better job at Old Trafford.
Mourinho has recently been making comparisons between his spending at United and Guardiola’s at Man City. Carragher believes that claim is irrelevant.
“There is a flaw in Jose Mourinho’s argument that the difference between Manchester United and Manchester City is money,” the Sky Sports man told The Daily Telegraph.
“If Pep Guardiola was in charge of the United squad I believe they would win the title,” Carragher asserted.
“Rewind to the start of this season and assess the head-to-head qualities of the United and City squads. Player-for-player, which would you argue was superior?
“United broke the world transfer record to sign Paul Pogba and then made Romelu Lukaku the most expensive Premier League player of last summer. Which English clubs made bigger statements of intent?
“If Mourinho was coaching the Manchester City side, they would not be playing the style of football we are seeing today.”
Carragher picked out City’s star player Kevin de Bruyne as an example of the difference between Mourinho and Guardiola. The Belgian was sold by Mourinho at Chelsea some years ago, moving to Wolfsburg before signing for City and coming into his own this season as one of the best players in the world.
“If there is a symbol of that look no further than Kevin De Bruyne, a player Mourinho coached at Chelsea but then sold,” Carragher said.
“Where Guardiola is delivering in the short-term with an eye on further development, Mourinho is now about the instant hit.
“Players who may excel in two or three years’ time do not seem to be of interest as he rarely hangs around at a club to reap the benefits of their progress.”
Manchester United won’t be able to compete with Manchester City even after a summer spending spree, former-England manager Glenn Hoddle believes.
Manager Jose Mourinho has recently spoken about Man United’s spending in comparison to local title rivals Man City, despite the Reds spending in excess of £300m since the Portuguese took over at Old Trafford in July 2016.
Hoddle suggested that even if United have a hugely successful summer with a number of high-profile players, almost ‘Galactico’-esque players, they still won’t match Guardiola’s City.
“I almost feel sorry for Jose Mourinho,” Hoddle wrote in his Mail on Sunday column.
“Clearly, however, you can’t feel that way for such an accomplished manager with such a big budget to spend.
“But Manchester United are way behind their neighbours. What a time to be United manager when you’re so much in the shadow of a club you’ve historically been expected to dominate.
“It is going to be tough to close that gap however much they spend. Guardiola has simply drilled his players better in a more creative system.”
For some, it does feel like City have spent their money on ‘bigger’ players while United are buying figures like Victor Lindelof. However, the signings of Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic are hardly small and match those that City have made.
Hoddle suggests that Mourinho’s style of football is holding United back, not the money spent.
“What is certain is that United will be spending a huge amount in the summer to close the gap,” Hoddle claimed.
“But even if Mourinho were to have the summer of his dreams and end up with Antoine Griezmann, Paulo Dybala, Danny Rose and Raphael Varane, he would still have considerable work to do to find a system which outguns City.
“He was set a similar problem at Real Madrid in 2010 when Guardiola’s Barcelona were in full flow.
“Maybe he thinks that he has done it once and can do it again. But he needs a new answer to a new problem.”
Sir Alex Ferguson revealed his delight at hearing of former-Manchester United coach Eric Harrison being awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List.
Harrison was vital in the development of many players who came through at the club under Ferguson, including the famous Class of ’92 group including David Beckham, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.
The 79-year-old has been in bad health recently, and his reputation at Man United meant many were thrilled to see the news about an MBE come out recently.
That included Fergie, who said he “was so delighted for him.”
“If you wanted a teacher who gives you the right way, the right path forward, Eric was that man. He was fantastic in his time here.
“When I came to United at first, I decided I should go on with Eric because you know what happens when new managers come into the club, they bring their own staff.
“I just brought one with me and I was prepared to give the other staff their opportunity. I was really lucky in a sense because I got to know the work Eric was doing and it was a really great decision.”
The Scot accepted that Harrison was mainly known for the Class of ’92, was quick to point out his standing amongst players outside of that group, as well.
“The Class of 92 was the climax of his coaching career,” Fergie said, “but so many players have great things to say about him. He deserves this honour, he has made a great contribution.”
There is no doubt about Harrison’s contribution to football.
David Beckham joined Ferguson in the tributes towards Harrison, who also spent time at Everton, writing on his Instagram page: “So proud of Eric for being awarded an MBE.
“Someone that has done so much for me personally and for a man that, as a kid, scared the hell out of me but prepared me for the career I was going to have for club and country.
“This honour is for the work that he has done for Manchester United producing great young players, year after year. Congratulations Eric, to you and your family.”
With Harrison in poor health, it’s fantastic for him to be recognised for his contribution to Manchester United and football as a whole in England. His legacy lived on through the Class of ’92, as well as many others, and with Nicky Butt now heading up the academy, that legacy will continue to live on for many years.
Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward is out of his depth according to Daily Mail journalist Oliver Holt.
The former accountant had been given a promotion by United owners the Glazers but has failed to lead the club to consistent glory.
He was the man in charge of hiring the Red Devils’ managers and is responsible for the transfers in and out of the club.
Of course David Moyes was reportedly selected by Sir Alex Ferguson himself but without a doubt Woodward and the board had their say too.
Louis Van Gaal has criticised Ed before for the way he handled the Dutchman’s termination and of course he’s also the one who hired Jose Mourinho, who has recently spoken out about the lack of support for transfers, leaving Holt to claim he has no clue what he’s doing in his relatively new position.
Writing in the Daily Mail, Oliver said: “If I were Ed Woodward, I’d start looking over my shoulder. The Manchester United executive vice-chairman is a little boy operating in a man’s world.
“He is a neophyte who is way out of his depth. He wears the expression of the cat who got the cream, even as his club’s city rivals show him how it’s done.
“I’m not sure he knew what he was getting himself into when he appointed Jose Mourinho as the club’s manager but I think he’s about to find out.”
Manchester United have suffered so far this season on the back of the club’s previous investments and outgoings.
The constant chop and change has left Mourinho with a huge task to overcome at Old Trafford and the man himself has come under scrutiny in recent weeks.
David Moyes’ failed to adequately coach the Red Devils in his short stint at the club but perhaps it was Louis Van Gaal who caused the most damage.
The former Netherlands manager had no clear plan in the transfer market and it’s clear to see his decisions are still affecting Jose to this day, who himself is trying to build a squad of his own.
Ryan Giggs has outlined what would consist of a good season for Manchester United, stating that the Reds must finish second to Manchester City and have good runs in both the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.
Jose Mourinho’s side were knocked out of the EFL Cup in a 2-1 humiliating defeat to Championship side Bristol City. They’ve also slipped down to third in the league since that defeat, drawing three consecutive games against Leicester City, Burnley and then Southampton.
With United currently 15 points behind City, Giggs said: “I think United would take second now and have to concentrate on keeping hold of that.
“You have to hold up your hands and say City have been the best team, so second place and good runs in the FA Cup and Champions League would represent a good campaign.”
It’s not the attitude that would have been prevalent at United under Sir Alex Ferguson. And perhaps it’s a sign of the time that one of Fergie’s best players is accepting that United are second best.
The feeling around the country is that United remain in transition since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. And that’s true.
Mourinho has recently complained that the disparity in the two clubs’ transfer expenditure has caused the gap between the sides. That’s despite the Reds spending over £300m since Mourinho’s arrival.
Many expected City to win the title, they were the favourites. They still haven’t. There’s a long way to go, but they are running away with it. United were expected to challenge seriously, and haven’t done.
Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has finally addressed criticism of his ‘arrogance’ and gives the perfect response to the claims.
The Swedish hero has had a tough second season at United so far, struggling with his injury and match sharpness.
Having initially returned ahead of schedule, he then seemingly aggravated the condition and has now been ruled out for a month.
Ibrahimovic featured for the Red Devils a handful of times this season but it was clear for all to see that he was thrust back into the side too quickly.
Either way, this only gave the powerful striker more time to respond to ridiculous claims of his character, which he did so delightfully.
According to Give Me Sport, Zlatan said: “That doesn’t matter. I’m the best there is. Either you are proud or you are not.”
After a decent first season at Old Trafford, he was initially let go by the club when his contract expired.
Perhaps Jose Mourinho’s thoughts were to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the transfer market and after failing to do so, re-signed him for a free once more.
The alternative is that the Portuguese manager was maybe waiting to see how the Swedish international would recover from his injury and only after Mourinho received positive feedback, signed him again.
Whatever happened is anyone’s guess but Romelu Lukaku’s dire form for Manchester United in recent matches could do with his lack of rest.
The Belgian striker was supposed to be given some time off once Ibrahimovic got the hang of things again but unfortunately that option has gone out the window.
Worse for United fans is that Lukaku picked up an injury of his own in the dull draw vs Southampton at Old Trafford.
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has hit out at those who claim he’s unwilling to earn his place at the top of the managerial game.
The Welsh hero has been out of football as a player for a short while now but has never hidden his ambitions to one day lead the Red Devils out as their manager.
Giggs, who was player-coach and player manager in his last year at the club, has been unemployed since leaving United once Jose Mourinho was appointed the head coach.
The former Chelsea boss apparently offered him an opportunity to work amongst his staff but the former flying winger declined as he was gunning for the same position that Mourinho currently occupied.
Since then, the Red Devils’ icon has been on the market for a managerial position but some have claimed his refusal to work in the lower leagues is detrimental.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Ryan said: “I did an interview last week about my managerial aspirations and received some criticism because apparently I wasn’t willing to manage at a lower level.
“I didn’t say anything at all about not managing at a lower level; I said because of my experience, I’d be more suited coaching at the level which I previously played and coached.
“My critic quoted Steven Gerrard saying, in his experience, footballers want to just do their UEFA C Licence and go straight into the job.
“I did my UEFA B Licence when I was 29, my A Licence when I was 35, my Pro Licence while I was still playing and I coached at Manchester United for three years – including managing four games – so I don’t see the relevance.”
Ryan Giggs’ careful consideration in regards to his next employers has led some to believe that he’s simply waiting for the Old Trafford job to be available once more.
Although Jose’s position has come under some criticism of late, the Welshman couldn’t have predicted that would happen and was perhaps instead being patient for the Portuguese to leave on his own.
Mourinho is known to have a short life span at the clubs he manages with some people claiming he has a three year life span.
It may be that Giggs was happy to wait for three years but the other argument is that in the modern world of club’s firing their managers left and right and in incredibly short spans of time, it could be that he’s just being careful with his decision.
What a frustrating way to end a frustrating year for Arsenal Football Club.
The Gunners were denied the final three points of the Premier League season by referee Mike Dean who awarded West Brom a hugely contentious penalty to equalise at the Hawthorns.
Calum Chambers was the apparent offender in an incident which left both Arsene Wenger and many of the Arsenal players furious.
The Gunners had led via a James McClean own goal after an Alexis Sanchez free-kick took a massive deflection off the winger.
But it wasn’t to be for the Gunners after Baggies’ frontman, Jay Rodriguez converted from the spot to force a draw in the final match of 2017.
Here are all the goals and best bits from the match:
It was a first-half to forget for everyone at the Hawthorns. The match certainly had that festive period feeling despite the fact that it was only the Gunners’ second fixture in nine days.
The passing was negative and lacked penetration from both sides meaning chances came at a premium. West Brom certainly didn’t perform like a side worthy of their woeful run of recent results as they pressed high and really forced mistakes from Arsenal.
The second-half went on in the same fashion as the first. Neither side could really fashion an opportunity and when they eventually came, they were via set pieces.
Alexis Sanchez stepped up to hit a free-kick for the Gunners with less than ten minutes on the clock. The ball took a wicked deflection off James McClean and into the back of the net.
But the drama wasn’t over at the Hawthorns. Just a few minutes later and the home side went on a rare venture forward. Former Arsenal man, Kieran Gibbs cut the ball back from the byline and it deflected off Calum Chambers’ hand.
It undoubtedly hit the defender on the arm but it was a hugely soft decision from Mike Dean to award the penalty. Jay Rodriguez converted to make it 1-1 and conclude 2017 in a hugely frustrating way.
Arsenal
GK) Petr Cech – 5
He dropped a couple in the first-half and looked like he picked up an injury but continued on in this match. Petr Cech’s performance lifted slightly in the second-half.
RCB) Calum Chambers – 6.5
He did well. Calum Chambers can be pleased with his run in the first-team in the last couple of weeks. He was hugely unfortunate to concede that late penalty.
CB) Shkodran Mustafi – 6
A bit of a mixed bag. Shkodran Mustafi was fine on the ball but seemed to mistime a lot of his tackles. He looked especially exposed when forced out wide.
LCB) Laurent Koscielny – 6
He was okay. Laurent Koscielny put in a decent performance before being replaced with what looked like an injury.
Sub: Per Mertesacker (72′) – 5.5
He was fine after coming on.
RWB) Hector Bellerin – 5.5
He’s played better. Hector Bellerin looked exposed defensively and offered very little moving forward.
CM) Granit Xhaka – 6.5
He was the weaker of the two in the centre of the park. Granit Xhaka was decent but his passing was a little too safe to suit the match.
CM) Jack Wilshere – 8
Jack Wilshere put in a fine performance in the centre of midfield. The Englishman was one of the sole sources of creativity this evening and can be pleased with his performance on the whole.
LWB) Sead Kolasinac – 4
He didn’t last long but Sead Kolasinac hardly covered himself in praise. He looked sloppy defensively and quiet moving forward before coming off with a presumed injury.
Sub: Ainsley Maitland-Niles (37′) – 7.5
He did well. Ainsley Maitland-Niles has played a fair amount of football of late and that should continue with the injury to Sead Kolasinac.
RAM) Alex Iwobi – 5
Alex Iwobi was quiet this evening. The Nigerian hasn’t impressed in recent weeks when standing in for Mesut Ozil and that continued.
Sub: Danny Welbeck (74′) – N/A
Barely involved
LAM) Alexis Sanchez – 7
Another slightly frustrating but ultimately fruitful performance from Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean’s passing was woeful at times but he stepped up to grab the only goal for the Gunners.
ST) Alexandre Lacazette – 5
Alexandre Lacazette had a frustrating evening of football despite playing the full 90 minutes. He had his moments but the Frenchman will be disappointed.
Paul Pogba must be given a different role at Manchester United to get the best out of his talents, claims Paul Scholes.
The Frenchman has been in pretty good form this season, starting the campaign in fantastic fashion before an injury in mid-September ruled him out for a couple of months.
His world-class quality has shone at times, and his first-half performance against Southampton in Saturday’s disappointing 0-0 draw was superb. As with the rest of the team, he was far quieter in the second half.
Scholes suggested his role in the side needs to be changed by manager Jose Mourinho to get the most out of one of the world’s most talented midfielders.
“The players don’t realise the quality they have, nobody in England should be able to get near Paul Pogba,” Scholes said. “He’s being asked to do a role he’s not comfortable with.
“He needs to be the one creating chances, scoring goals. These players need to realise their strengths, he’s so strong and quick, you can’t get near him. He doesn’t use his strength, he needs to realise that himself.”
Pogba certainly does use his strength. It’s an odd claim from Scholes, but the point about the 24-year-old being used in an unsuitable role is one that must be considered.
United have looked lacklustre and turgid in a 4-2-3-1 formation for some time, now. Mourinho has to consider whether a fresh approach is necessary after the Reds have gone four games without a win.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has called on star youngsters Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford to perform on the same levels that Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane are for Manchester City.
The two academy products started the season in fine form but both players performances have dipped in recent matches, coinciding with the club’s own displays.
Rashford and Martial have been competing for the same spot in the starting XI all season in comparison to Sterling and Sane often featuring together.
With the striker position almost exclusively taken up by Romelu Lukaku, both prospects have had to make do with the left wing position whilst Raheem and Leroy play in their natural positions.
Regardless of the comparisons between the talented bunch, Scholes believes in his former club’s players and has called on them to produce for United the same way the other pair do for City.
Scholes: “The talent’s there. Look at Rashford, Martial, look at Sterling and Sane. Them two should be as good as them.” #mufc
Red Devils’ manager Jose Mourinho is perhaps to blame for not making the most out of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.
In fact, some fans can argue that he actually impedes them and their development despite affording them match time.
The argument is that he’s playing them in positions they’re unfamiliar or uncomfortable with and so they can’t develop as naturally as they may have as strikers.
There’s also the argument that perhaps he’s featured them too often and so both players have effectively burnt-out, losing their form in the process.
The other side to things is that Mourinho doesn’t really have any alternatives and his hand has been forced a little by the situation he’s found the club in.
Paul Scholes has blamed Jose Mourinho for Manchester United’s transfer failures, not a lack of money.
The Portuguese spoke in midweek about Man United being able to spend less than local title rivals Manchester City as well as the fact that the Reds are often charged more due to their status in world football.
Scholes insisted Mourinho was wrong. The gap between United and Pep Guardiola’s Man City was bigger at Christmas than the gap between 1st and 2nd in English top-flight football ever.
The BT Sport pundit suggested Mourinho’s comments were odd.
“It’s a little bit strange,” Scholes claimed, explaining that “whatever money he wants is available here.”
Mourinho has spent in excess of £300m since arriving at United, only a small amount less than Guardiola across the city.
Scholes says his signings have been a waste of money sometimes.
“The problem he’s had is spending it wisely,” he continued.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has struggled to find consistency, only occasionally showing his worth after arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2016.
Paul Pogba has been superb, captaining United regularly in the absence of Antonio Valencia now, while Eric Bailly and Nemanja Matic have both been very good signings.
The value of Victor Lindelof and Mkhitaryan has been questioned, although they have both been important at times.
Perhaps it’s only in comparison to City, all of whose signings have been almost faultless, where Mourinho’s spending looks wasteful.
An argument often made, though, is that Mourinho inherited a worse squad at United than Guardiola at City.
Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been reflecting on his time at Stamford Bridge after he was officially unveiled at the Wanda Metropolitano.
AS report that the striker has been working hard to get in shape for his return to Madrid.
Speaking after he was unveiled as an Atletico Madrid player, Costa spoke very highly of his time in London.
I didn’t learn English, which is a bit of a shame. I was really happy there, the people were great, the fans, my team mates were all great… They helped me a lot, and made my life much easier. Chelsea is a great club. I have a real fondness for them and all of the memories I have of my time there are good ones.
Atletico Madrid fans poured into their new stadium to see Costa and fellow new signing Vitolo unveiled. Costa will wear the number 18 shirt in his second spell at the club.
Costa had been long linked with a return to Atletico throughout the summer but the club’s transfer ban had complicated the deal.
While it was never in doubt that the Spanish international would return to the capital, the deal was prolonged and drawn out over the course of the summer months.
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford must learn his trade quickly if he wishes to fulfil his potential according to Alan Shearer.
The young star made his debut under former manager Louis Van Gaal under unexpected circumstances in the Europa League.
Anthony Martial suffered an injury that kept him out of that match and Rashford soon made history but everyone knows that story.
Since then the pacy forward has had to get whatever minutes was thrown at him but in the unfamiliar position as a winger.
Shearer, whilst sympathetic to Marcus’ situation, believes that he must grasp any opportunity he has when given the last to lead United’s attacks.
According to Give Me Sport, Alan said: “He’s an outstanding talent with great potential, but, and I’ve got sympathy with him because he’s got to learn the hard way in the centre-forward role.
“He’s had to play left, he’s had to play right, down the middle, coming off an on as a substitute and it is difficult that way, but his movement has to be a little bit better.
“You have to take a step forward there to go back or step back to go forward; that’s what you have to do. No movement at all again.
“And this is not a criticism of him at all, I’m only giving him a little bit of advice that I hope he can take on because you have to be prepared to gamble in the box.
“When these balls are coming into the box, you’ve got to gamble and you’ve got to be a split second quicker than the defender, but by the time he realises, he’s a split second too late.
“As I said, I have got sympathy for him and I do think he will be a very, very good player. But he has to learn quickly.”
Marcus Rashford perhaps has far more competitors at the club than he might’ve anticipated he would’ve had this season.
Romelu Lukaku, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Anthony Martial represent his striker positional rivals while Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Martial once more represent his left wing positional rivals.
The young Englishman has also been squeezed out wide to the right at times and that means coming up against Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard too.
The argument can be made that the excessive numbers are hindering his development but he’s still featured more than any other Manchester United player has in the 2017 calendar year.
Perhaps the debate should be that Rashford is in need of rest in order to perform to his ultimate best.
Is it simply a coincidence that he started the season in incredible form only to recently begin to disappoint United fans?
Jose Mourinho clearly sees something in Marcus but it might be time to see that he’s in desperate need of some time off regain his best form.
Juventus appear to be preparing themselves for the potential departure of Chelsea and Manchester United target Alex Sandro.
According to the Mirror, the Italian champions are keeping tabs on Bayer Leverkusen defender Wendell should Sandro leave.
The Old Lady also have Leonardo Spinazzola due to return from his loan spell with Atalanta in the summer.
Chelsea had been heavily linked with the 26-year-old over the summer but were unable to agree a deal with Juventus.
Manchester United joined the race to sign the Brazilian with Jose Mourinho searching for a new left-sided defender.
It had been reported that Sandro has made his current club aware of his desire to seal a Premier League move in the summer.
Any deal to bring the in-demand defender to the Premier League looks set to cost somewhere in the region of £53 million.
Long-term Chelsea target Alex Telles has been identified as a cheaper alternative to Sandro but Conte is thought to be a huge admirer of the Juventus defender.
Jose Mourinho has remained coy about his plans for the January transfer window following Manchester United’s dismal 0-0 draw with Southampton on Saturday.
The hosts produced an insipid, confidence-sapped performance as they fell to their third draw in a row against Mauricio Pellegrino’s men.
Man United have now fallen to third spot in the table and Mourinho’s comments following the Burnley game, where he called out the board for failing to match Manchester City’s ambition in the market, feel more relevant than ever.
But Mourinho, when asked about his plans for January, was in no mood to divulge any plans for the upcoming window.
“I really don’t know but I am happy with the players and the attitudes and desires and I have no complaints about my players,” he said.
The 54-year-old would never admit straight after a game that his side requires reinforcements, but deep down he has to know that more needs to be done.
Indeed, that was the exact message he sent to the board earlier this week. United’s transfer policy has been dictated by the whims of three different managers since 2013 and the squad, as a result, looks disjointed and without a clear identity.
Mourinho was right to bring light upon the club’s skewed transfer policy and the ball is now firmly in Ed Woodward’s court.
Arsenal take on West Bromwich Albion later today and we think Arsene Wenger is going to make a number of changes to the starting lineup.
Arsene Wenger should make a number of changes to his starting lineup with the Chelsea match just a few days away. Rob Holding has performed well this season and deserves a start.
CB) Shkodran Mustafi
Rotation isn’t that necessary in defence meaning Shkodran Mustafi should play.
LCB) Laurent Koscielny
He’ll start.
RWB) Calum Chambers
Calum Chambers could play at right wing-back.
CM) Francis Coquelin
Arsene Wenger will presumably rotate in the centre of midfield meaning Francis Coquelin should come in.
CM) Mohamed Elneny
He’ll play if Wenger does indeed rotate.
LWB) Ainsley Maitland-Niles
It’s a toss-up between Maitland-Niles and Sead Kolasinac on the left.
RAM) Alex Iwobi
He should come into the team in attack.
LAM) Alexis Sanchez
He could well start despite Wenger probably resting some key players for Chelsea.
Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Romelu Lukaku will be “out for a while” after suffering a nasty concussion during Manchester United’s 0-0 draw with Southampton.
The Belgian, having fired a header over the bar minutes earlier, competed for a header with Wesley Hoedt, who smashed into the back of his head and left him on the floor.
Lukaku lay there for some time, his eyes clearly focusing on nothing in particular, before eventually being stretchered off for Marcus Rashford.
And Mourinho, speaking after the game, noted that further tests would confirm the exact nature of his injury but claimed he would be out for meetings with Everton and Derby County at least.
Mou on Lukaku: "I don't know, I just know that bad, bad news normally arrives immediately and on this occasion bad news didn't arrive. But obviously it was a problem. We lost him for today and I would say for at least two more games." #MUFC
Three draws in a row, set to be 18 points off Manchester City, behind Chelsea in the table, and now without Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic for some time. That win at the Emirates feels like a while ago now.
Football is a wonderful game for its capacity to raise individuals and teams to unimaginable levels of success in the blink of an eye but, as Mourinho is now discovering, it can have the reverse effect.
Out of nowhere, United are staring down the barrel. Something needs to change – and fast.
Manchester United fans spared no player after the team’s performance vs Southampton and Marcus Rashford was not given any exception.
The academy youth product came off the bench for an injured Romelu Lukaku very early on in the first half but failed to make a significant impact the more the match went on.
Playing as a striker, Rashford had every opportunity to prove his worth to Jose Mourinho and solidify his spot in the starting XI as the club’s frontman.
Instead, he failed to provide any real threat and let down his teammates just as much as his teammates let him down.
Whilst some fans reactions to Marcus’ performance was over the top, most of them were simply disappointed by the young Englishman.
This was a game where Rashford could’ve shown why he should play CF, Mkhitaryan could’ve given himself a chance of staying at United & Shaw could’ve made Jose think twice about buying a LB – unfortunately none of them did
A few months ago I considered Rashford up there with Mbappe. Good god! Look at him now! Like a lot of this team, suffering from the negative culture Mourinho is instilling at United. It doesn't look good.
Welbeck and Rashford are so simillar its annoying. They have incredible burst of pace but lack a football brain when it matters. Running around is their specialty before losing the ball afterwards and missing sitters.
Paul Scholes has urged Henrikh Mkhitaryan to keep his game simple to make a return to form after a woeful spell in a Manchester United shirt.
The Armenian started the season well, racking up five assists within just a few games, but his form nosedived from October onwards. Jose Mourinho dropped the attacking midfielder, generally in favour of Jesse Lingard, in November, explaining that his poor performances had gone on too long,
He made his first start since November 5th on Saturday evening in a poor 0-0 draw at home to Southampton. He was subbed off in the second half to great relief from the Old Trafford crowd.
“He’s low on confidence,” Scholes noted. “The manager [Sir Alex Ferguson] always said to me, keep it simple and your game will come back.
“He needs to stick with it, he knows there’s quality there. Hopefully that will come back to him.”
Mkhitaryan has shown himself to be a fantastic player when in form. But he’s rarely hit good form consistently. The last few weeks have seen him linked with moves to Inter Milan, Galatasaray, as well as a return to Borussia Dortmund, the club he left in 2016 to join Man United for around £26m.
Whether he’ll get many more chances to prove himself to Mourinho will be seen, but he’s now had a half against Burnley and 64 minutes against Southampton to show his worth, and his reputation has only gone down.
His final ball in the first half against the Saints on Saturday was atrocious, and he lost possession 18 times in just 64 minutes on the pitch in a performance that will not convince Mourinho it’s worth keeping him at the club, let alone in the side.
Manchester United’s players are underperforming due to a lack of urgency, Paul Scholes suggested after the Reds drew a third consecutive game to finish 2017.
Jose Mourinho’s side are now third, one of the first times this season they’ve dropped out of the top two after battling to keep up with title favourites Manchester City since October.
Man United were utterly uninspiring in a 0-0 draw against Southampton having failed to beat both Leicester and Burnley either side of Christmas in the two prior games.
They’re now four games without a win, beaten and embarrassed 2-1 by Bristol City before this run of draws. Scholes insists they should be doing far better, and no one would disagree.
“These players are good enough to win games, they’re underperforming,” Scholes told BT Sport during Saturday evening’s post-match analysis.
“It’s a lack of urgency, it seems like they’re winning 3-0 every game and they don’t need to win the game.”
It’s a very valid point. While the first half saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan ruin a couple of fine moves for United, the second half was a poor performance all-round from the team.
They sat back completely unnecessarily against a side who were beaten 5-2 by Tottenham Hotspur just four days at Wembley.
Scholes also questioned Paul Pogba’s influence. The Frenchman has captained United in the last three games due to the absence of Antonio Valencia and Michael Carrick.
“Where’s the Pogba we saw at Juventus? He’s just strolling through a game.,” Scholes asked.
Pogba has been one of United’s better players, and some of the moves he pulled off in the first half made your jaw drop in admiration. More questions have to be asked of the others, but Pogba was quiet in the second half, and must take the game by the scruff of the neck.
Manchester United fans were encouraged by star Frenchman Paul Pogba’s performance vs a stubborn Southampton side at Old Trafford.
The Frenchman captained his team in the Premier League fixture but was unable to lead them to glory as both clubs shared the spoils.
United’s inconsistent form since the loss to Manchester City has continued and several players have been accused of failing to live up to the club’s high standards.
Pogba though was an exception to his teammates and was one of the few players who could walk off the field with his head somewhat high.
Fans weren’t unaware of his efforts either with the former Juventus midfielder putting in a display that his colleagues should’ve benefitted from.
Lingard’s movement & determination the only positive I can see in this game. Pogba oozing class when he gets it. But he’s still too deep in this formation to influence the game. So frustrating.
Couldn’t beat Leicester, Burnley or Southampton. That is absolutely dreadful. We have 2 world class players; De Gea and Pogba. The squad isn’t good enough, the performances haven’t been either. Players and manager need to take a long hard look at themselves.
Since arriving from the Italian giants, Paul has seen his status at the Red Devils rise by the game.
Although he didn’t have the best of first seasons, he put in a solid foundation to build on and it’s exactly what he did this time around.
Paul Pogba’s form this season has him close to the levels he achieved at the Old Lady, allowing him to have more influence on Manchester United’s season.
Fans clearly saw the quality they were lacking whenever he was absent, whether through injury or suspension.
With more responsibility given to him at United, Pogba will have to continue to increase his level of performance, especially if his side are to have any hope of silverware this season.
Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be ruled out for a month after his knee problem re-emerged, labelling it as a “massive problem”.
The Swede miraculously returned to action seven months after suffering severe damage to his knee ligaments against Newcastle United.
But he has failed to assert himself since his comeback, making just two starts and, despite his goal against Bristol City, notably failing to have an impact on games.
And Mourinho has confirmed that the striker will be out for another month – at least, you suspect – after problems with the same knee operated on back in April re-emerged.
Mourinho: “Zlatan one month out. I don't know, I really don't know (if Manchester United need reinforcement), but I'm happy with the players' attitude with the players' desires and I have no complaints about my players.” #mufc [dc]
You just felt that something wasn’t quite right, didn’t you? A 23-year-old in his prime would struggle to recover from an ACL injury in seven months, and Zlatan’s return within that timeframe at the age of 36 – not 37, Jose – now appears foolhardy rather than the behaviour of *sigh* a lion.
His movement and manipulation of the ball in the games he did play lacked the inner spine that hallmarked his first season at Old Trafford, and you just felt he wasn’t the same presence on the pitch.
When he went under the knife in late April, I personally expected him to return no later than mid-January. And in hindsight he probably should have done.
Paul Pogba has admitted that Manchester United have lost their winning mentality since losing 2-1 to Manchester City in early December.
The Reds slipped to third in the Premier League with a 0-0 draw against Southampton, a third consecutive draw after games against both Leicester City and Burnley finished 2-2.
It’s been a poor month for United, who started off December with a fantastic 3-1 away win against Arsenal but have finished it without a win in four games.
Pogba claimed the Reds suffered from an inability to find the final ball, something Henrikh Mkhitaryan, making his first start since November 5th, was seriously guilty of in a very poor display.
“We wanted to win today, but we could only get the draw. We need to get back in the winning mentality,” Pogba admitted, “because it will be better for all of us.
“We didn’t have the final pass today, and we had a penalty that wasn’t given, and if we had that, and scored, it would’ve changed the game.
“The pressure is coming from behind, but we have to forget about everyone else, and focus on ourselves.”
Blaming the 0-0 draw on one penalty shout is not a surprise from Pogba, or from manager Jose Mourinho who did the same. But it’s completely wrong. United played as if they were winning 3-0 in the second half.
The Reds sat deep against a Southampton side who shipped five goals at Wembley against Tottenham Hotspur on Boxing Day.
The Saints are poor defensively, they lack a finisher in attack, too. They hadn’t kept a cleansheet in their 11 previous games before travelling to Old Trafford. It’s another poor result.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has another potential suitor if he’s to leave Manchester United in Italian side Inter Milan.
Sky in Italy report that the Nazzuri are ‘carefully following’ Mkhitaryan’s situation at the club with the Armenian falling out of favour in recent weeks.
His form at the start of the season was good, contributing five assists in the first few games. But his performances since the end of September have often been woeful. His final balls have been missing, and he’s lost possession constantly when played.
He started his first game since November 5th on Saturday evening against Southampton, but was subbed off after 64 minutes after another poor display.
Mourinho admitted in November that he had been dropped due to his performances, rather than a tactical change.
Mkhitaryan is reportedly one of a number of possible targets for Inter Milan, with FC Barcelona’s Gerard Deulofeu and Paris Saint-Germain’s Javier Pastore also being considered.
Mourinho appeared to hint recently that Mkhitaryan would be allowed to leave the club if the player wishes, citing examples of Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay in January 2017, who moved to Everton and Olympique Lyonnais respectively.
United fans have seen just how good Mkhitaryan can be, with some world-class contributions and moments. But he has put in some truly terrible performances this season, and his confidence is at a huge low.
Paul Scholes has claimed Jesse Lingard has improved more than any other Manchester United player in 2017.
The Englishman has been in the form of his life in the past month, netting six times in seven games and assisting twice as he’s become one of Man United’s most influential players.
His pace and movement have always caused issues, but it’s his recent goalscoring contributions that have seen him move up a level in football.
“Jesse’s come of age,” Scholes said on BT Sport before the Reds’ clash against Southampton on Saturday evening.
“You compare him to Mkhitaryan, he gives a lot more,” Scholes asserted.
“He’s United’s most improved player – no doubt.”
Lingard is flying at the moment. He’s been crucial in recent weeks. He scored a decisive goal against Watford in a 4-2 win, dribbling 80 yards before a cool finish to seal the win. A brace followed in the same week in United’s 3-1 win away at Arsenal.
He came on at half-time to score a second-half double to rescue United a point against Burnley on Boxing Day.
In the last few weeks, there’s no doubt that Lingard has been the most improved player at the club. This season, which Scholes didn’t specifically state but seemed to suggest, the same can probably be said.
Phil Jones has looked much better at centre-back, and Marouane Fellaini was in excellent form before he picked up an injury on international duty with Belgium. Paul Pogba, too, has been stunningly good when he’s not been sidelined through injury or suspension.
Jose Mourinho has hit out at referee Craig Pawson for failing to spot a handball from Maya Yoshida in the first half of Manchester United’s 0-0 draw with Southampton.
Jesse Lingard controlled a Paul Pogba pass into the box smartly and flicked the ball directly onto the outstretched hand of Yoshida, prompting enthusiastic calls from players and supporters for a spot-kick.
Pawson wasn’t interested, though, and the home side never really recovered, limping to yet another abysmal draw that leaves them third in the table.
And Mourinho, speaking after the game, somewhat predictably pointed out that his side deserved a penalty.
Mourinho making a beeline for the referee at FT so predictable and pathetic. United shouldn’t need a penalty to beat the league’s 15th-placed side. #mufc
Jose Mourinho on Yoshida's handball: 'One of the key points. Other key points were easy goals that we missed. Other key point was David save on Shane Long shot. But the clear, clear point, especially with a result 0-0, is a clear penalty that was not given.' #MUNSOU
Even Yoshida noted after the game that he got ‘lucky’ with that particular decision, but the entire fiasco completely misses the point.
This was a performance devoid of collective purpose, individual quality, precision in possession, or even any semblance of fight. It was like every player on the pitch was waiting for somebody else to produce that final touch to unlock the visitors, with the end result being a neurotic swirl of indifference that led to, well, nothing.
And when you look at Mourinho’s growing frustration on the sidelines and increasingly gloomy demeanour, you struggle to see a manager capable of lifting Man United out of their slump.
Manchester United could yet finish outside of the top four in the Premier League after terrible form in December, Paul Scholes has claimed.
The Reds have had a truly woeful month, despite starting it off with a fantastically ruthless 3-1 win away to Arsenal at the Emirates. They’ve been humiliated in the Manchester derby, a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, who are almost certain to lift the title now.
There was another embarrassing defeat to Bristol City in the League Cup, and Jose Mourinho’s side have now drawn three consecutive games, with 2-2 draws against Leicester City and then Burnley and a 0-0 stalemate vs Southampton on Saturday evening.
Scholes says something needs to change quickly if United are going to finish in the top four, let alone try and keep up with Man City to some extent.
“They need to liven up this team,” Scholes claimed on BT Sport after the game. “Top four is not guaranteed for me at this stage, there’s some good teams in there; Tottenham, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea.
“They’ve got to concentrate, they’ve got to liven up, the managers got to lift them.”
It’s a true challenge of Jose Mourinho’s qualities as Man United manager now. It’s an incredibly busy period for a top side, with another game in just a couple of days against Everton before the FA Cup Third Round against Derby County soon after.
Mourinho must change the way his side is playing. United were lacklustre and boring against Southampton. Rather than the visitors dropping deep because of United’s attacking quality, Mourinho’s men were dropping deep and inviting Southampton to attack, before ponderously moving forward and creating nothing.
United are now third, sitting outside the top two for one of the first times this season. It’s been a shambolic month, and this is the consequence.
Chelsea kept the pressure on Manchester United with a remarkably comfortable 5-0 thumping of Stoke City at Stamford Bridge.
Stoke had barely touched the ball by the time Chelsea took a commanding 2-0 lead, as goals from Antonio Rudiger and Danny Drinkwater seemingly put the game beyond the Potters with just nine minutes played. Rudiger’s opener was as simple as they get, fashioning himself space between the four men marking him to power Willian’s delivery past Jack Butland.
Drinkwater then doubled Chelsea’s lead with his first ever goal for the Blues, an incredible volley from the edge of the area that just looped into the top corner of the net. The win was then put beyond any doubt when Pedro collected Willian’s lay off from about 20-yards before firing across goal in similar fashion to his goal against Stoke earlier in the season.
Chelsea understandably weren’t in much of a hurry to add to their lead, but two late strikes from Willian and Davide Zappacosta put the icing on the cake as Antonio Conte’s men strolled into the New Year. Just Chelsea’s second penalty of the season handed Willian the chance to get the goal his performance deserved, a chance he didn’t pass up, whilst Zappacosta got in on the act with a crisp left-foot drive from Josh Tymon’s ill-fated knockdown.
David de Gea 7 – Kept the home side in the game with crucial saves either side of half time, including one with his feet from Shane Long.
Ashley Young 6 – Efficient on the ball and full of energy down the right, but couldn’t provide the service Manchester United needed in the final third.
Victor Lindelof 6 – Generally looked comfortable at the back, moving the ball along nicely, only to be caught out for a lack of pace at times.
Phil Jones 7 – Another accomplished performance from the Englishman, who is fast emerging as the side’s most reliable centre-back. Kept Dusan Tadic out of the game.
Luke Shaw 6.5 – Provided plenty of urgency and discipline on the flank, bombing forward whenever he could, but disappointed with his final product.
Nemanja Matic 6 – Looked after the ball well for the most part, but you could tell that the 29-year-old needs a rest.
Paul Pogba 6.5 – Anything promising from the home side stemmed from the Frenchman but he dramatically faded in the second half.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan 4 – A performance that revealed in glowing terms that the Armenian’s confidence is in the toilet. Delivery and decision making was absolutely awful.
Jesse Lingard 6 – Missed a golden chance in the first half and, despite taking up good positions, could have his usual effect on the game.
Juan Mata 6 – Produced some good touches and looked after the ball well, only to go missing going forward. A microcosm of Man United as a whole.
Romelu Lukaku N/A – Sent a header just over the bar before coming off with a nasty concussion after just eight minutes.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford 6 – Reminded everybody of the thrust and desire be brings to the table after some meek performances. His lack of presence in front of goal, however, sadly remains.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan was on the end of Manchester United fans’ wrath after his performance vs Southampton in the Premier League.
The Red Devils played hosts at Old Trafford but Mkhitaryan played anything but like he was at home, frustrating supporters once more.
Jose Mourinho opted to play the Armenian ahead of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial but was nowhere near the levels the two youngsters’ perform on.
Playing out wide, fans and Mourinho perhaps hoped that he would put in some type of performance to build some form on but were bitterly disappointed.
The former Borussia Dortmund man is a far cry from the player he was at the start of the season as his poor recent displays’ continue to baffle the manager and supporters alike.
Just watching every united attack hoping the final ball isn't played by Mkhitaryan.
When Henrikh initially came from Germany, fans were delighted with the quality of player they were investing in at the time.
The attacking midfielder was arriving on the back of an incredible season and there were huge expectations that he’d bring the same counter attacking talent with him from Dortmund.
Pacy, creative and a decent finisher, Manchester United thought they were going to get the complete attacker.
However, things quickly went against Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s favour but fans and Jose were willing to be patient since it was his first season at Old Trafford.
Rightfully so, he was allowed time to adapt to his new surroundings with his Portuguese manager protecting him at all costs.
In his second season in England though, Mkhitaryan is fast running out of excuses for his poor displays and must do something to rescue his career.
After recovering from a hamstring injury Victor Moses has set his sights on scoring more goals at Chelsea.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Moses admitted that goalscoring is one element of his game he’d like to improve.
Marcos is banging them in, I missed a few games but that is not an excuse and we have still got a lot of games to go this season, and I will try to hopefully catch Marcos up.
I will try to do my best and we will see what happens but I am delighted for Marcos, he is doing very well and scoring goals and helping the team as well.
This comes after the 2-0 home win against Brighton, in which Moses made his 100th appearance for the club and fellow wing-back Marcos Alonso scored his fifth goal of the season.
Chelsea’s wing-back system does allow both Alonso and Moses to take up very attacking positions and offer a threat in the final third.
The Nigerian international is yet to score this season but he did net three times in the Premier League last season.
A hamstring injury sustained at Crystal Palace kept Moses out of the Chelsea team for several weeks earlier in the campaign, but the defender is now making up for lost time as the Blues battle to finish inside the top four.
Chelsea have jumped ahead of Tottenham in the race to sign Everton midfielder Ross Barkley in January, according to the Telegraph.
The report suggests that Chelsea are willing to pay for the player in January, whereas Tottenham are keen to wait until the summer and land him as a free agent.
Chelsea came close to signing Barkley in the summer, only for the player to reject a move at the last minute to focus on his recovery.
Barkley is yet to play a minute of football for Everton this season, but that has not swayed Chelsea’s interest.
Head coach Antonio Conte is desperate for reinforcements in the new year as he looks to improve his options in the final third.
It is believed that Everton would like to have Barkley’s immediate future resolved sooner rather than later, which only favours the current Premier League champions in their bid to strike a deal.
Real Madrid are open to letting Manchester United target Mateo Kovacic leave the club over the summer, according to reports from Spain.
Jose Mourinho identified the Croat, who arrived at the Bernabeu in 2015, as a target over the summer but Madrid weren’t willing to sell.
The 54-year-old remains on the lookout for fresh midfield reinforcements and, according to Spanish media outlet Don Balon, the European champions will be open to selling Kovacic at the right price, with the 23-year-old reduced to just ten appearances under Zinedine Zidane this season.
Madrid are likely to oversee a ruthless evolution of personnel over the summer after falling miles behind Barcelona in La Liga and finishing behind Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League, and Kovacic could be one of the casualties.
And he would also be the perfect midfield signing for Mourinho: young, superbly intelligent on the ball, an enthusiastic proponent of ‘pausa’, precise and diverse with his passing, and capable of pressing his opposite number all game.
His raw ability on the ball easily outstrips that of Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini, and Mourinho ought to seriously consider placing enormous emphasis on brining him in as he seeks to evolve his midfield as well next summer.
Jose Mourinho has admitted that playing Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic together for the 2-2 draw with Burnley was a mistake.
The Swede made his first start at No.10 on Boxing Day after scoring his opening goal of the campaign against Bristol City.
But he failed to link up with Lukaku, slowing play down and leaving the Belgian isolated in the No.9 role.
And Mourinho, speaking ahead of the Southampton game, noted that the pair currently weren’t in the right condition to play together.
“It can happen (again) but I think to happen they need both to be in their best moment and they are not,” he said.
“One is not because the situation in his team didn’t allow him [Lukaku] to have any rest and he’s giving absolutely everything in every minute and we just manage to give him a little rest in cup matches and even so he was on the bench for emergency situations, Champions League was about the same.
“We had to fight until the last match for qualification and the boy is tired, is physically a monster but not a machine and he’s feeling it.
“And Zlatan is a man with an incredible injury, an injury that a 20-year-old man or young man would suffer, imagine a man 36-years-old and so many miles in high level football, so is not easy, we did that against Burnley, we will do that in some more matches if we need to do but for both to play together we need them to be at their best level.”
It has already been established that Lukaku needs a rest after starting every Premier League and Champions League game so far this season, and one can only hope that Mourinho will give either Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial a chance to impress up front instead while the Belgian spends some time on the sidelines.
The case of Zlatan, on the other hand, is a far more tenuous one. He has not brought the game power and urgency to the side so far this season, leading to many noting that his legs may have finally gone.
But we should remember that, in theory, the 36-year-old should have been out until mid-january. He deserves more time to acclimatise further to life back on the pitch after such a prolonged absence.
Martial missed the 2-2 draw with Burnley with a knee injury but was seen training with the first team at Carrington on Saturday.
Darmian, who picked up a knock against Bristol City, also returned to training, but Smalling and Valencia were nowhere to be seen.
And Mourinho confirmed to MUTV on Friday that the injured quartet would not return in time to face Mauricio Pellegrino’s side.
Marcos Rojo is still available despite fears he could be suspended after picking up another yellow card against Burnley, while Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick remain sidelined until the new year.
As expected, the 54-year-old finds himself deprived of options and fresh legs to choose from, noting in his press conference that Romelu Lukaku was ‘tired’ but couldn’t be rested.
And he won’t be the only one: Marcus Rashford, Nemanja Matic, Ashley Young and Jesse Lingard have all featured heavily over the last few weeks, and Mourinho simply cannot afford to lose any further players in the middle of his side’s worst patch of form this season.
Maybe the likes of Callum Gribbin and Demetri Mitchell, who appeared at Carrington alongside other youngsters on Thursday, will be drafted in to share the load.
But he has struggled for minutes and form under Ernesto Valverde this season, making just four starts since the manager’s arrival.
And according to Spanish media outlet Don Balon, Mendes, who has a good relationship with Mourinho, will help Gomes move to Old Trafford over the January transfer window, although he would be cup-tied in Europe having featured in the Champions League this season already.
Gomes has hit a dead end at the Nou Camp, consigned to the occasional substitute appearances as his form continues to dwindle, and there is no doubt that he needs a way out.
The question to answer, I guess, is whether Mourinho should opt for a midfielder who, whilst unavoidably talented, hasn’t made the grade with his performances since his early days at Barcelona over a year ago.
He may be easier to prize away from his current club than, say, Napoli’s Jorginho or Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Weigl next month, but Mourinho may end up regretting not pushing for players in a richer vein of form if Gomes’ problems persist at Old Trafford.
Antonio Conte has praised Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois, saying he is “proud” to work with them both, as he brushes off speculation that links the duo with Spain bound departures.
After initial speculation suggested that Hazard had rejected a new contract with the defending Premier League champions amid interest from Real Madrid, it was revealed today that Chelsea have, in fact, not yet formally offered the Belgian forward a new deal.
Furthermore, the Blues’ don’t expect to formally begin negotiations until the end of the season because Hazard still has over two years to run on his current deal.
Asked about Hazard’s father Thierry’s comments [he suggested Hazard had rejected a new deal], Conte said;
This is a private conversation – between the club and the player, and the agent of the player.
I’m proud to have him in my team, in my squad, and I’m very happy to work with him. He’s a really good guy and has a lot of space for improvement, to become one of the best players in the world. But, I repeat, on this issue: this must be a private conversation between the player, the player’s agent and the club.
Hazard isn’t the only Belgian on Chelsea’s books to have his future with the club questioned this week. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has just 18 months left on his current deal, and has also been linked with Real Madrid in recent days. On Courtois’s future, Conte said;
Courtois has a contract, also for next season, with the club. With Chelsea. We are talking about one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Me and my staff are proud to have him as goalkeeper. For sure, I hope to have all the players for the next season.
This is the type of conversation for the agent to have with the club. If you ask me if I hope Courtois stays? Yes, for sure. We are talking about a fantastic goalkeeper, a really good guy, and I’m happy to work with him.
Fulham manager Slavisa Jovanovic has admitted that he has no control over the future of Manchester United target Ryan Sessegnon.
The Englishman emerged on Jose Mourinho’s radar last season after breaking into the starting XI aged just 16, making 30 appearances in total before starring for his country at European Under-19 Championship.
Speculation over a potential move was curtailed by Sessegnon signing a professional contract with Fulham in the summer but Man United, along with Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid, reportedly remain interested.
And Jovanovic, when asked about the 17-year-old’s future, noted that he had little control over his future.
“It’s nice for him [to be linked with big clubs] and for the club too,” he said.
“And if you want to say, it’s nice for myself, I must be satisfied because big clubs are interested in our player.
“I wish he is going to stay with me, but it’s not in my control. I believe he’s a clever man, believe the people around him are clever enough, he’s played more than 50 games, he’s 17.
“I know in the past in the last summer there’s been interest around him but he took the decision to stay with us, a fantastic decision in my opinion!”
Sessegnon is just 17 – seventeen years old! – and already has 56 senior appearances under his belt, claiming 12 goals in the process.
He signed a new deal at Craven Cottage over the summer and you can see why. He has plenty of time ahead to improve and doesn’t need to rush to a big club just yet. If anything, that he has chosen regular game time in the Championship over the Premier League shows reflects well on his attitude towards improving himself.
Needless to say, he is someone worth keeping a close eye on.
Manchester United will bring down the curtain on 2017 with a game against Southampton at Old Trafford and need to end the year on a high.
A miserable six days comprising of a defeat to Bristol City alongside agonising draws with Leicester City and Burnley have put a dampener on what has been, on balance, a decent 12 months.
And Jose Mourinho will want to remind supporters of that notion by seeing his front four assert themselves from the start against Mauricio Pellegrino’s men.
The likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marcus Rashford have not impressed with their performances in recent weeks and Mourinho has to be ruthless and leave them out completely, possibly drafting in Callum Gribbin as an alternative option off the bench.
And he will be counting on Lingard and Martial, as well as Juan Mata, to set an attacking example. The former saved Man United in the second half against Burnley by merely being direct and purposeful on the ball, while Mata provided a touch of class at the Kingpower Stadium that was in short supply elsewhere.
Combined with the raw threat of Martial, supporters will hope to see their side enter 2018 in the right way.
Manchester United are closely monitoring the progress of Napoli midfielder Jorginho as they search for a replacement for Michael Carrick.
The club captain, who signed a one year extension over the summer, has only featured once this season – against Burton Albion in September – due to heart problems.
Jose Mourinho has identified a variety of midfield options ahead of the summer, with the likes of Leon Goretzka, Leander Dendoncker, Julian Weigl and Lorenzo Pellegrini appearing on his radar.
And according to M.E.N‘s Samuel Luckhurst, the 54-year-old has pin-pointed Jorginho as a potential option in January, although the midfielder would be cup tied due to featuring in the Champions League with Napoli this season.
There will need to be some considerable evolution in midfield over the summer given that Carrick and Marouane Fellaini both look likely to leave, while Ander Herrera‘s purpose in this side is becoming more and more ambiguous with each game that passes.
And Jorginho looks like the right player to start with: tenacious, dextrous on the ball, skilful, blessed with a serious engine.
At 26, he is at the peak of his powers – a regular in an exciting, dynamic Napoli side described by Pep Guardiola as the best side he has ever faced as manager, starting 15 of their 18 Serie A games this season.
United need a regular face at the base of midfield – someone to take the load off Nemanja Matic – and Jorginho certainly fits the bill.
LATEST POSTS 
![[Match Highlights] West Brom 1-1 Arsenal – All The Goals And Best Bits](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_s6hDz7bcHrwiS5H6yK8dAyHWvLeyXoNeugEWaspJHXgB_5CopfMXaqekCF_9YZDU7Y52ltvK61=s0-d "WBA11ARSE HIGH")
![[Player Ratings] West Brom 1-1 Arsenal – Gunners Robbed By Late Penalty Drama](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_shVdObHJ16EU8An861pMTeTMJDtywlXgfrL4bNtliAzYREYRg1ygGKHi2jkS7ba4IH3cW3eq74Lw=s0-d "alexandre lacazette west brom")
![[Confirmed Lineups] West Brom v Arsenal – Ozil Misses Baggies Clash](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_sqEy04tYwu1Er38TqUpuatnXTYEj-WqS8DFZlSHEa3neFkFoZqW7vqWHgKKOve50I0kLn6PugWuQ=s0-d "mesut ozil goal newcastle")
![Wenger Makes Several Changes In Attacking 3-4-2-1 – West Brom v Arsenal [Predicted Lineup]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_s0oiChe5uzmimbKeVbTa8Wk3Nb18TxW66jtZrzdqK428ADbeAWGFQ5NE8j6nvzT3qxt5PF3tnK=s0-d "danny welbeck west ham")
(@EnekemGreg) 
(@MrStephenHowson) 
