Man Utd news LIVE updates: Mourinho urged to sign Gomes, Tierney eyed, Southampton latest
MANCHESTER UNITED have had an excellent start to the season and Jose Mourinho’s summer signings have settled in well - Express Sport brings you the latest news from Old Trafford.
Manchester United players battle it out in bowling match
MANCHESTER UNITED NEWS LIVE UPDATES: Follow below for the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford...
Saturday September 23
Tierney scouting mission
06:00: Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho sent a scout to watch Celtic defender Kieran Tierney in action against Dundee, according to reports.
United have enjoyed a stunning start to the new season, swatting the likes of West Ham, Swansea, Leicester and Everton aside.
Their fine form also extends to the cup competitions, with the Red Devils beating Burton Albion and FC Basel in the Carabao Cup and Champions League respectively.
But while the team is thriving, Mourinho continues to struggle at left-back with Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian and Ashley Young all featuring there so far.
And the Daily Record say Mourinho is continuing to keep an eye of Celtic star Tierney, whose stock over in Glasgow is rising.
It is said a scout was in the stands for Celtic's 4-0 win over Dundee on Wednesday, with Mourinho eying Tierney as the solution to his defensive headache.
The Daily Record say the 20-year-old was also watched during Celtic’s 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain last week, a game where Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani ran riot.
Mourinho on Shaw
03:40: Jose Mourinho has told Luke Shaw he must improve if he harbours hopes of breaking into United’s starting line-up.
"He has to work, just that," Mourinho said.
"You saw the game, you saw the same as I see, so are you asking if he plays tomorrow? No, he is not playing tomorrow. He has to work. He has to improve.
"Look, he doesn't play for six months. I am not expecting him to arrive on Wednesday and to be man of the match or to be running up and down for 45 minutes.
"It's just a process. He doesn't play for a long, long time.
Rashford reservation
01:00: Stuart Pearce insists he has reservations about Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford due to the expectation heaped on young English talent.
“Firstly, I have to put my colours on the mast and say he’s an outstanding talent,” Pearce told Sky Sports’ The Debate.
“There’s a reservation from me as an ex-England youth type manager that says ‘how many young English players have we bigged up that we are going to build a team around’?
“Andros Townsend? Micah Richards? The multitude of these young players, even Theo Walcott that have been a little bit disappointing.
“The Ox, Phil Jones? They’ve had a good career so far, but I expected a little bit more.
“That’s why there is a reservation with me about Rashford.
“I think Mbappe has delivered better on the international stage than Marcus has at this moment in time.
“I also am a little bit disappointed with the usage of Marcus at England youth tournaments - the lack of tournament football we’ve given him.
“He’s an outstanding talent… I hope he goes on to be everything we want him to be as an English player.”
Friday September 22
Man Utd told to sign Andre Gomes
20.30: Real Madrid have reportedly told Manchester United to bid for Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes this summer.
Gomes was widely expected to leave Barcelona this summer after struggling for form under Luis Enrique in La Liga last term.
Tottenham were being tipped to sign him on transfer deadline day but the Portugal international ultimately ended up staying at the Nou Camp.
Despite that, Manchester United are being linked with him with manager Jose Mourinho determined to sign a long-term replacement for Michael Carrick, who is expected to retire at the end of the campaign.
And Spanish outlet Don Balon claims Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has urged Jose Mourinho to rescue the midfielder from his Barcelona pain
Team News
14:10: Jose Mourinho does not have any fresh injury concerns to deal with as Manchester United travel to Southampton.
Marcos Rojo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic (both knee), Paul Pogba (hamstring) and Axel Tuanzebe (back) remain absent for the trip to St Mary's.
Luke Shaw is hoping to be involved against his former club having returned from injury as a substitute in the Carabao Cup win against Burton. David de Gea, Antonio Valencia, Eric Bailly and Nemanja Matic are set to be involved after being rested for Wednesday's match.
Manchester United forward Anthony Martial could get a start against Southampton
Mourinho praises Martial
13:54: Jose Mourinho has praised Anthony Martial for his attitude in recent weeks.
“I see a great improvement in the person, in the moods, in the face and body language,” the boss said.
“If we want a word: happiness. He is a happy guy.
“He is working extremely well, he starts matches and tries to do well.
“He goes from the bench even if for ten minutes like in the last match at home, he tries to enjoy and to give something in the extra minutes.
“I am very pleased with his attitude overall, and then it is easier to play well.”
Griezmann to United
12:55: Guillem Balague says Antoine Griezmann will look to leave next year and expects Europe’s elite sides to be keen.
He said: "In the summer, I think we are all aware he will try to leave.
"But do you really think United would be the only team that will want him?"
Van Dijk could return against United
11:30: Defender Virgil van Dijk could make his first start in eight months when Southampton host Manchester United in the Premier League tomorrow.
The Holland international, who had been unavailable after suffering a serious foot injury in January and then handing in a transfer request during the summer, made his first-team return as a substitute against Crystal Palace last weekend.
Manchester United were linked with the Dutch international over the summer, as were Chelsea and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
GETTY
Manchester United Transfer News: Jose Mourinho's side are looking to sign Lucas Lima
Woodward masterstroke…
10:30: Ed Woodward has had his doubters since being appointed Manchester United executive vice-chairman - but now he’s finally paying them back.
For he’s come up with a way to make the club a load more cash… and you won’t believe how simple it is.
Woodward, the money man at Old Trafford, has authorised a change in the club’s policy in America in selling their stock.
Instead of calling the United shirts ‘shirts, which of course they are, they are now being called ‘jerseys’.
And it’s led to a huge upturn in shirt sales in the US.
Woodward was speaking yesterday to announce that United had banked record-breaking revenue of £581.2million for the year ending June 30, 2017.
Rashford over Martial claim
08:45: Marcus Rashford should be picked ahead of Anthony Martial at Manchester United, according to Phil Neville.
Both Rashford and Martial have been vying for the left-wing position this season, with Romelu Lukaku spearheading the attack.
But Neville reckons reckons if Mourinho had to pick between the two for the left-wing spot, he would pick Rashford.
When asked who he would pick between Rashford and Martial, Neville told Sky Sports’ The Debate: “Yeah, I think he’s ahead of Martial.
“If you were picking United’s best starting XI, at this moment in time Rashford plays on the left.
“Martial is doing well, he’s improved, he’s only 21 and it’s a good battle.
“I think what’s happened this year they’re actually spurring each other on.”
United rival Barca for Lima
08:20: Santos star Lucas Lima’s agent has confirmed Manchester United are interested in signing him.
Lima’s representative, Luccas Badia, revealed United want to sign his client - and has also claimed Crystal Palace and Fenerbahce launched offers for him back in the summer transfer window.
“Inter, Roma and Barcelona are keeping close tabs on Lucas, Manchester United want him” Badia told Turkish newspaper Haberturk.
“I think we would be well suited to the Serie A but we will see. His contract ends on 31 December and there are many clubs interested but I am not sure what Santos is trying to do.
“Crystal Palace made a €15 million offer while Fenerbahce made a €20 million bid but for some reason neither has been accepted.”
However, ESPNFC claim Barcelona are also looking to secure Lima’s services.
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Rashford world-class talk cools down
05:15: Stuart Pearce has moved to quash talk that Manchester United star Marcus Rashford is at the same level as Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe.
Pearce, who previously managed England at U-21 level, is a huge fan of Rashford, but has urged caution.
“Firstly, I have to put my colours on the mast and say he’s an outstanding talent,” Pearce told Sky Sports’ The Debate Show.
“There’s a reservation from me as an ex-England youth type manager that says ‘how many young English players have we bigged up that we are going to build a team around’?
“I also am a little bit disappointed with the usage of Marcus at England youth tournaments - the lack of tournament football we’ve given him.
“He’s an outstanding talent… I hope he goes on to be everything we want him to be as an English player.”
Man Utd v Southampton prediction
01:30: Manchester United will be unstoppable against Southampton and come away with a win at St Mary’s (3pm), according to Michael Owen.
“I expect Manchester rivals United to likewise claims all three points at the weekend, with Jose Mourinho’s side unstoppable against Southampton on the south coast,” Owen told the Metro.
“The Red Devils are unbeaten in six Premier League visits to St Mary’s, winning four, and likely to extend that record at Southampton’s expense.”
Thursday September 21
Rom wants chant to stop
19:24: Romelu Lukaku knows Manchester United fans "meant well with their songs" but hopes everyone can move on from chanting Kick It Out called "racist".
"Great backing since I joined #MUFC," he was quoted as saying on the club's official Twitter account.
"Fans have meant well with their songs but let's move on together. #RespectEachOther.”
GETTY
Anthony Martial put in an impressive performance for Manchester United against Burton Albion
Rashford may leave - Quinn
17.45: Manchester United star Marcus Rashford may have to leave Old Trafford to become a first-choice striker, according to pundit Micky Quinn.
Quinn doubts whether he will get a regular chance in that position at United.
“I think he could do if he played up the middle. I think he’s got the ability, two good goals as well last night,” Quinn told talkSPORT.
“Maybe a work in progress and in two seasons he might nail down a central role, but will it be with Man United or will it be with another club?”
Martinez: Lukaku guaranteed to shine
17.10: Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku was always going to succeed at Old Trafford, says his international boss Roberto Martinez.
Martinez knows Lukaku well from his time in charge at Everton and now as Belgium manager.
“It never crossed my mind that it would be something difficult for Rom,” Martinez told talkSPORT.
“When he went to Manchester United he was solely focused on starting well and making a big impact and that is what he has done.
“Now he is with a manager with whom he will keep learning different aspects at club level.”
Predicted team for Saints
13.45: After their midweek Carabao Cup win over Burton Albion, Manchester United have a trip down to the south coast on Saturday to take on Southampton.
Paul Pogba remains sidelined with a hamstring injury but Luke Shaw could feature against his former club after playing against the Brewers.
Here’s the predicted XI for Saturday’s game at St Mary’s
10:30: Romelu Lukaku has matured since his move to Manchester United, according to his Belgium boss Roberto Martinez.
He said: "Now he is with a manager with whom he will keep learning different aspects at club level.
“I have seen a big difference in terms of his maturity when he comes to international camps.
“From the young player I signed from West Brom and Chelsea at that time, it is the same goalscorer but with an incredible maturity. That is great to see and he still has many, many years to develop.”
Manchester United players battle it out in bowling match
Ozil to Old Trafford
07.00: Mesut Ozil could welcome a reunion with Jose Mourinho this summer, according to Bleacher Report.
Ozil is out of contract in the summer and is looking unlikely to extend his stay at Arsenal.
He was linked with a move to Turkey in the summer and is expected to have a number of options in the summer when he is available for free.
And one could be Manchester United having worked well with Mourinho at Real Madrid.
Ozil has often struggled in England with the intensity of the game but shows signs of his class when Arsenal are in the ascendency.
And Bleacher Report believe he would consider a move to Old Trafford to team up with Mourinho again.
Mourinho on Martial
05:30: Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on Manchester United winger Anthony Martial for his performance against Burton Albion.
The France international scored and provided an assist for Marcus Rashford as United went onto earn a comfortable 4-1 win in the Carabao Cup.
And Mourinho was quick to heap praise on the winger for his display at Old Trafford.
Mourinho said: “Anthony Martial wanted to do things – some he did amazingly well, others not so well but he was always trying and that commitment and happiness on the pitch is always important."
Fellaini deal wanted
05:00: Jose Mourinho wants Manchester United to agree terms with Marouane Fellaini over a new deal before the end of the year.
Fellaini is yet to agree to an extension with his current deal at Old Trafford running out at the end of the season.
It leaves United in a precarious position with Fellaini able to sign a pre-contract with another club in the new year.
But ESPN FC say Mourinho is personally pushing for a new deal to be agreed for the Belgium international to ensure ward off interest in him.
It is said the former Everton star is also happy to remain at Old Trafford.
Neville on Herrera
04:30: Ander Herrera’s lack of football at Manchester United this season is a massive surprise, according to Phil Neville.
“I think he’s going to be bit part,” Neville said on Sky Sports of Michael Carrick.
“I think he will play in the cup competitions.
“You look at Herrera there, it’s a massive surprise.
“I think the form of Fellaini and the signing of Matic, if they hadn’t have signed Matic, Carrick would have played more, definitely Herrera would.
“I think the form of Matic and Fellaini is meaning this (Carabao Cup) at the moment is their only hope of playing football.”
