Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer addressed the media today ahead of the Europa League fixture against FK Partizan — after the team held an open training session.
Solskjaer could be set to hand James Garner, Tahith Chong, Angel Gomes, Brandon Williams and Mason Greenwood minutes in Serbia after all five players were left out of the Under-23s team that faced Swansea City on Monday. Ethan Laird is another who could feature.
Diogo Dalot, Axel Tuanzebe, Paul Pogba and Luke Shaw all remain on the treatment table, along with Eric Bailly and Timothy Fosu-Mensha.
David De Gea, Anthony Martial and Aaron Wan-Bissaka returned from injury against Jurgen Klopp's men, though the former will be rested from the Belgrade trip. Martial could return to the starting line up on Thursday night and so could the returning Jesse Lingard.
Recap all the latest Manchester United news and updates on our blog below.
Key Events
Update on Mateo Mejia
Various outlets are reporting that Manchester United have reached an agreement to sign Real Zaragoza youngster - Mateo Mejia.
Reports claim United have agreed a fee with the Spanish club but the MEN understand the transfer was completed in the summer.
Mejia was registered as a player with the Manchester United U18 squad back in July.
MEN reported the deal when it was completed.
'Real opt for Mbappe over Pogba'
Real Madrid are reportedly ready to concentrate their efforts on signing PSG and France sensation Kylian Mbappe - instead of Paul Pogba.
It’s reported in Spanish media outlet AS that Madrid are keen to sign another marquee name and will have to choose between Mbappe and Manchester United star Pogba.
It’s claimed that Los Blancos have opted to go for the 20-year-old forward, with Florentino Perez known to be a big admirer.
This could be very good news for United.
Manchester United fans say the same thing after Erling Haaland scores brace in Champions League
Manchester United fans have pleaded with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to make a move to sign RB Salzburg forward Erling Haaland after the youngster scored a brace in the Champions League .
The 19-year-old has been in the form of his life, with 11 goals in just nine appearances in the Austria Bundesliga, as well as providing five assists for his teammates.
Haaland is spearheading Salzburg’s European campaign too, his brace against Napoli took his tally to six goals in his first three games in Europe’s elite club competition.
Manchester United give Paul Pogba and David de Gea injury updates
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has indicated Paul Pogba will not be available for Manchester United’s Premier League trip to Norwich on Sunday.
Pogba has missed six of the last eight games with an ankle injury and has not travelled to Serbia for United’s third Europa League group game with Partizan Belgrade.
David de Gea was also omitted from the travelling squad after he recovered from a muscle abductor injury to start against Liverpool at the weekend.
Erling Haaland scores again
Manchester United have been linked with the RB Salzburg forward.
His excellent form has continued with another goal in the Champions League this time against Napoli.
Could he be the answer to United’s problems up top?
Marcos Rojo shows off his 'new' boots
The Manchester United defender has showed off his new boots.
However, he won’t be wearing one of the latest colourways.
He’s picked up a pair of Nike Mercurial boots that were released in 2009.
Throwback.
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer responds to Roy Keane Harry Kane transfer demand
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hinted at his preference for a prolific goalscorer after his former Manchester United teammate Roy Keane advised them to move for Harry Kane.
Tottenham figurehead Kane, 26, netted his 200th and 201st goals for Tottenham and England in Spurs’ 5-0 drubbing of Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday night and the striker has been linked with United in the past.
During the post-match analysis of United’s draw with Liverpool on Sunday, Keane said, ‘go and get Kane from Spurs’. When fellow pundit Gary Neville joked his popularity was about to plummet with Tottenham fans, Keane replied: “Just go and get him. What are you all staring at? He scores 20 goals in a season with his eyes shut. Go and get him.”
How much Alexis Sanchez earned in bonuses at Man Utd - report
Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez earned £5million in bonuses during his time at the club - according to reports.
The Chilean joined Inter Milan on season-long loan deal but has been ruled out of action until 2020 after requiring ankle surgery.
The Sun claim he managed to accumulate £5m in bonus pay checks despite only scoring five goals in his first 12 months at the club.
James Milner responds to Patrice Evra comments
Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra claimed that Liverpool star James Milner was the toughest player he ever faced.
Milner was asked about the comments and reports posed the same question to him.
The former England international was pleased to have left his mark on the ex-United man.
He said:
“Players? I don’t know really, it’s hard to name one obviously.
“But it’s nice to know Patrice thought I was a nuisance.”
Van der Sar has no plans to return to Old Trafford
He’s been linked with the inaugural technical director role.
Harry Maguire will be with Solskjaer
There’s always a player with the manager in European press conferences and tonight it’s Maguire.
Press conference incoming
We’ve started our press conference blog ahead of Solskjaer speaking to the media this evening.
Juan Mata hoping Liverpool result will change mood at United
He’s penned his weekly blog on the flight to Serbia.
On Sunday, as you all know, we drew with Liverpool and although a point will never be celebrated by Manchester United (especially when we were so close to beating a big rival of ours), it could be a result to help change the mood..
Chong and Gomes didn't make the travelling squad
Both of them have been in the squad for the first two Europa League games and trained this morning but didn’t make the final cut.
Solskjaer may be able to elaborate as to why in his press conference later.
Press conference later
Solskjaer will be facing the media at 6pm GMT and will be joined by a player.
We’ll have updates for you as normal.
Who is Kovar?
Matej Kovar has travelled with the squad today as De Gea is left back in Manchester.
Here’s profile on the young United goalkeeper.
Scene setter in Belgrade
Give our Instagram page a follow.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B39vFaEga6a/?hl=en
United squad fly out to Belgrade
Here’s a gallery of the squad flying out of Manchester Airport earlier.
United Women are back in action this weekend
They’re looking to build on a three match winning streak.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B39HRR7jsYu/?hl=en
United training this morning
A cold but sunny Wednesday morning.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B39fZGfAOvt/?hl=en
Partizan manager not expecting any problems tomorrow night
Some members of the club’s support have been found guilty of racist behaviour but head coach Savo Milosevic isn’t expecting any problems tomorrow night.
First of all, I expect everything to be fair and in the spirit of the sport,” he said.
“We know of our supporters, we are aware of the importance of the game and we are also aware of the problems we have had in the past. But tomorrow will once again be a celebration of football, so I don’t expect any problems in that regard.
“We all know how important the support from the home fans can be.”
No Gomes or Chong
It’s a surprise that neither Angel Gomes or Tahith Chong are included in United’s travelling squad for Belgrade, after both trained this morning with the first team.
United travelling squad revealed
Ethan Laird has been included for the first time, here’s the rest of the squad:
Sergio Romero, Lee Grant, Matej Kovar; Phil Jones, Ethan Laird, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Marcos Rojo, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Brandon Williams; Fred, James Garner, Daniel James, Jesse Lingard, Scott McTominay, Juan Mata, Andreas Pereira; Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford.
Partizan's no racism message
The Serbian side were ordered to play their last two UEFA competition home matches behind closed doors due to “the racist behaviour of its supporters” in the third qualifying round match against Yeni Malatyaspor of Turkey.
Juventus discussing Mandzukic move
Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici has told Sky in Italy that the club are discussing possible exit moves with Mario Mandzukic, who remains linked with Man United.
MEN Sport understand he’s not a priority target but this is what Paratici has said:
“We are talking to Mandzukic to find the best possible solution.
“We remain open to any scenario, so staying here or going elsewhere. We are discussing it to find the best solution for both parties.”
Why Maddison is perfect transfer target
Manchester United view James Maddison as an ideal transfer target next year and the only area the Leicester playmaker may have to improve in is his matchday appearance.
In every other regard, as Samuel Luckhurst writes here, here is the perfect type of player that United simply must sign.
Picture of Haaland wearing City shirt
A picture of prolific RB Salzburg striker Erling Braut Haaland wearing a Manchester City shirt has surfaced amid speculation surrounding the youngster’s future.
Haaland is on the radar of a host of top clubs after an electric start to the season in Austria. He has scored 18 goals in 12 appearances for Salzburg across all competitions.
And a picture of the teenager, the son of former City midfielder Alf-Inge Haaland, wearing a Blues shirt has now emerged on Reddit.
City wore the shirt that Haaland is wearing in the photo during the 2008-09 season, which gives you an idea of just how old it is and how old Haaland is in the picture.
Goalkeepers' union
No De Gea in training today, so these three are United’s keepers for the Belgrade trip.
