Manchester United will hope to build from their two excellent wins in a week that have boosted their hopes of a top four Premier League finish.
Yesterday's Manchester derby win over rivals Man City, secured by Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial strikes, was a landmark win for boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, whose record against the 'big six' teams got even more impressive.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof and Fred were among those to impress, as United moved fifth with the three points — having defeated Jose Mourinho's Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in midweek.
Solskjaer's attentions will now turn to Thursday night's clash with AZ Alkmaar. The game, which is a battle for top spot in the Europa League GroupL, will be a chance for United to give chances to more young players.
On the injury front, United are still waiting on Paul Pogba's return to fitness after a lengthy lay-off with an ankle injury.
Follow all the latest Man United news on our live blog below.
Key Events
'Arsenal leading chase for Smalling'
Arsenal are reportedly leading the chase for the permanent signature of Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.
Smalling is thriving on loan with Roma at the moment, though is expected to return to the UK once his season-long deal is done at the end of the season.
And according to the Sun, Arsenal are admirers of Smalling and could pounce for a deal next summer to solve their defensive issues. Smalling’s form for Roma has propelled his name back into the potential England frame after a period out of favour with Gareth Southgate.
That's all folks...
What a weekend. We hope you feasted on yesterday’s victory in the best possible way and have a splendid rest of your Sunday evening.
But if you’re still awake later, stay tuned at 22:30 for a couple of new stories. You won’t regret it.
In the meantime, we’ll leave you with this...
Maddison or Grealish?
Both midfielders went head-to-head earlier as Leicester beat Aston Villa at Villa Park.
The two players have been linked with moves to United, with Maddison a priority target of the club’s.
United fans debated over the two midfielders on Twitter but there was no real clear winner.
Could United sign both?
United issue anti-racist message
A strong message from United’s official Twitter account, in light of events at the Etihad Stadium yesterday.
Schmeichel on derby and Daniel James
Former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel hailed United’s performance at the Etihad and singled Daniel James out for special praise for his showing on the right flank.
“Today was a big day for them (United), they now have an incredible belief. In the same week that they beat Tottenham, they’ve beaten Manchester City. That’s got to mean something for them.
“I think tactically they got it absolutely perfect in terms of how they were exploiting Man City’s weaknesses.
“Someone who is not going to grab the headlines... I want to just say Daniel James was unbelievable, he was chasing every ball, he was in every counter-attack and at the same time he was doubling up with Wan-Bissaka on the right-hand side and, Ryan, you must be so happy to see one of your players from Wales performing so well.
“He’s played every single game this season and he’s still playing well. That is a fantastic signing and he played fantastic today.”
Golden Boot race
Marcus Rashford needs to continue his hot streak in front of goal if he’s going to catch Jamie Vardy.
Huge Lindelof moment in derby
Manchester United’s derby victory over Man City was founded on a lightning fast counter-attack in the first half, and resolute defence in the second.
After early goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, the inevitable reaction came from Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad Stadium.
And although Nicolas Otamendi scored from a corner — to the chagrin of Harry Maguire who was gutted that United conceded via a set-piece — the visitors’ defence was otherwise solid.
United fans on social media picked out Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka for special praise, as both pulled off several last ditch tackles and blocks to deny City a route back into the contes.
One Lindelof moment in particular has been highlighted by fans as vital to the win.
The team who can stop Liverpool
Leicester are now 4-1 up against Aston Villa.
Liverpool’s only title challengers?
Manchester derby talking points
Manchester United’s performance against Man City was one of their best under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and allowed them to take the bragging rights in the derby.
Football writer Tyrone Marshall has run through the main talking points, including this one below on United’s midfield solution:
Around 20 minutes before kick-off at the Etihad Paul Pogba came to the mouth of the tunnel, exchanging a few pleasantries with Aymeric Laporte, City’s injured Frenchman, while the two teams went through their warm-ups.
Laporte had taken to social media to post a picture explaining how he longed to be a part of occasions such as this. Pogba’s social media made no mention of the derby before kick-off. His professional pride would lead him to want to be involved in these games, but he’s not exactly kept it a secret that what he really wants is play his football elsewhere. In Madrid, ideally.
In the summer the prospect of losing the World Cup winner haunted United. But having done without the occasionally mercurial and occasionally maddening Pogba for 15 of the last 17 games, United are beginning to look comfortable in their skin without him.
On the evidence of a swashbucking derby display Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has found a template that can work for United without Pogba. Is the idea of selling him quite so frightening now?
Freed from a reliance on their talisman, Scott McTominay and Fred have combined to form United’s best midfield partnership in the squad. This was a reminder from Fred of why Pep Guardiola wanted him 18 months ago. He was the best midfielder on the pitch, confident in possession and combative out of it.
In the more advanced role Jesse Lingard has responded to being packed off to Kazakhstan to look after the kids. He has his confidence back and once again easily looks like United’s best option in that position. When United are in a position to counter he is a vital cog in that machine, turning a three-man attack into a four-man attack.
McTominay-Fred-Lingard should now be United’s first choice midfield. Breaking it up will not be easy.
Agent Evans
The former United defender is doing his bit to help Leicester keep pace with Liverpool in the title race.
Poll
A pressing issue here, despite United’s improved form.
What position should be their January priority?
Leicester lead
Many United fans will now be hoping Leicester can challenge Liverpool for the title.
And they’re doing a good job of keeping up the pace, at least so far today. They’re 2-1 up at Aston Villa at half-time after Jack Grealish pulled a goal back following Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho strikes.
Victory
Casey Stoney’s United Women side continue their good form in the WSL this season with another victory today.
Fred on alleged racist incident
More quotes from Fred speaking to the National about yesterday’s incident of alleged racist abuse during the derby:
It is unfortunate that this happened,.
It also happened to me in Ukraine with some friends of mine. I only saw it after the game today. It’s sad. Skin colour should not matter. But we have to raise our heads, we cannot give them attention when there is so much beauty to see. It’s something difficult. We just want to play football, to do the best for our team and our supporters. It’s the same for both teams.
“You shouldn’t have to worry about what is happening outside the pitch but someone threw something at me and it hit me.”
Fred on his choice between United and City
The midfielder spoke to the National after the Manchester derby and spoke (briefly) about how he chose Manchester United over City when moving to the Premier League in the summer of 2018.
“I chose United. I made the right decision.”
Nice and succinct.
Vidal transfer 'boost'
Manchester United have been given an apparent boost in their quest to sign a new central midfielder, if reports are to be believed.
The Daily Express have claimed that United’s chances of signing Arturo Vidal from Barcelona have been shortened, with Barca boss Ernesto Valverde hinting that the midfielder could leave in January.
Vidal is not a priority transfer for United, MEN Sport understands, although Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to bolster his midfield ranks in January if possible.
But amid reports that Vidal (32) could leave for more game time, Valverde said: “Vidal is our player. We are happy with him. There are so many rumours.
“And when the January transfer window arrives, we will see what happens.
“There’s a lot of things going on in January but it’s true that we have a lot of midfielders. Some have played more than others but all of them are needed.”
United have also been linked with Barcelona and Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic (31), though their profile of transfer target is expected to be younger than the Barca pair.
'Hands off Rice'
Manchester United and other clubs interested in signing West Ham midfielder Declan Rice have been told to ‘get their hands off’ - by former Hammers striker Carlton Cole.
MEN Sport understands Rice is on United’s radar as they look to bolster their midfield, though it’s been reported that the England international could cost in excess of £60million.
This is what he told 888sport:
“Rice is a massive player for us and we are so proud of what he’s done. He’s got England caps and is one of the main guys for them too, so he is massive for us.
“We’re keeping him so everybody needs to get their hands off.
“He isn’t going anywhere and we’re looking to build a team around him. That’s the main thing for us, to retain our talent. Declan raises himself to everything that is put in front of him. What a guy and what an achievement.”
United Women vs Everton
Manchester United Women host Everton at Leigh Sports Village this afternoon, kicking off at midday.
We’ll keep you updated on how they fare.
Arrest made after racism at Manchester derby
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that a man has been arrested after a video on social media showed a fan making racist gestures during yesterday’s Manchester derby.
At around 6.55pm on Saturday 7 December 2019 reports were made that a fan was racist towards Manchester United players Jesse Lingard and Fred, with United confirming that an incident had been reported.
A 41-year-old man has been arrested and remains in police custody.
Superintendent Chris Hill of the City of Manchester Division said:
“I would like to thank the public for their ongoing support with this incident.
“Racism of any kind has no place in football or our society and I hope this arrest shows that we are taking this matter extremely seriously.
“We will continue to work with Manchester City and Manchester United Football clubs on this incident and will investigate any other lines of enquiries.”
Pogba happy
All smiles for Paul Pogba. United will hope to soon have him back from injury.
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