Manchester United will continue their preparations for Saturday's match against Tottenham Hotspur today.
It's been a tough week for United after the 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Liverpool and the increased pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's job but there was at least some good news in Wednesday's training session.
After being unavailable since the international break after picking up a groin injury with France, Raphael Varane was back on the training field and was photographed in conversation with Solskjaer.
Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford has spoken out for the first time since the defeat to Liverpool.
"I can’t lie you haven’t heard from me on here because as a United fan I didn’t really know what to say after Sunday," he Tweeted.
"I was embarrassed. I am embarrassed. Our fans are everything and you didn’t deserve that. We’re working hard to try and fix this. We have to redeem ourselves."
Follow throughout the day for all the latest United news.
The blame lies with the players
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been an easy target for fans and pundits for the position Manchester United find themselves in at the moment.
But for one former player,. people should point the finger elsewhere.
According to Wayne Rooney, the players need to take responsibilty not only for the 5-0 defeat to Liverpool last weekend but their position in the Premier League as well.
Click here to read the full story.
Ronaldo sent Conte advise
Current affairs at Manchester United have never been so messy. After the 5-0 destruction at the hands of bitter rivals Liverpool, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s managerial tenure appeared to be as good as over.
But the board have once again reiterated the safety of Solskjaer’s job, much to the disapproval of many United fans. One name that appears to be popular within the fan base is Antonio Conte.
It goes without saying Conte is an incredible manager with the CV to back it up. As with any potential manager being linked with a move to a new club, the candidate will be scrutinised and assessed for any weak spots. One aspect which raises questions is how Conte would cope with big personalities such as Cristiano Ronaldo.
Click here to read the full story.
United have backed themselves into a corner over Solskjaer decision
As with anything in football, wielding the axe on a manager is a far easier said than done duty to carry out, even if the fans are desperate for it to happen.
Throughout this week, following Manchester United's embarrassing 5-0 home defeat to Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, a growing number of United supporters have been calling on the club to relieve Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of his duties and send him packing.
Although United, as reported by the Manchester Evening News on Monday, were considering asking Solskjaer to clear his desk at the club's Carrington training base, the Norwegian, perhaps by the skin of his teeth, has remained in charge, so much so that he will be given the chance to make up for Sunday's soul-destroying performance against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. Can he consider himself fortunate? You bet.
Click here to read the full story.
United 'losing interest' in Conte
Manchester United are 'losing interest' in appointing former Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte as a potential successor for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
That is according to a report by the Daily Star who claim that the Italian has fallen off their radar.
Solskjaer is clinging onto his role at Old Trafford by the skin of his teeth, but with United not having sourced a replacement it is making life harder for them to opt for a change.
Maguire issues defiant message
Club captain Harry Maguire has highlighted the importance of Manchester United's players sticking together and being united as one ahead of Saturday's trip to Tottenham Hotspur.
United's winless run in the Premier League was extended to four matches on Sunday afternoon in devastating circumstances, losing 5-0 against arch rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.
As a result of the defeat to Jurgen Klopp's side, United, especially manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, are under enormous pressure to arrest their current slump and make up for Sunday's embarrassing showing against Spurs, who are currently one place and one point better off than the Reds in the table.
Click here to read the full story.
Amad 'wants' Feyenoord switch
Manchester United winger Amad is keen on joining Dutch outfit Feyenoord on loan in the January transfer window, a report by Feyenoord Transfermarkt claims.
The former Atalanta man came close to joining the Eredivisie club towards the end of the summer window, only for an unfortunate injury to get in the way.
A temporary switch to the Dutch club would have provided the former Atalanta man with the chance to secure some much-needed regular first-team football.
Liverpool 'enter' Phillips battle
Manchester United are set to face competition from arch rivals Liverpool in the battle to sign Leeds United midfield enforcer Kalvin Phillips.
That is according to a report by the Daily Star who claim that Liverpool, who thumped United 5-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday, have 'registered an interest' in signing the England international.
Phillips, who played a key role in helping England reach the final of the European Championship during the summer, is being targeted by United ahead of next summer's transfer window, with the club desperate to source a new defensive-minded midfielder.
Manchester United know the answer to their Solskjaer decision thanks to Chelsea's Thomas Tuchel
There are growing parallels between the situation Chelsea found themselves in last season, and the one Manchester United are in now.
The Londoners hired club legend Frank Lampard in the summer of 2019, despite his relative inexperience as a coach - he’d only managed Derby County for 12 months in the campaign prior.
In a similar fashion to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford, fears centred around a lack of experience were eased after a strong initial run of results. In fact, his first full campaign in charge saw Chelsea secure both a top-four finish and reach the FA Cup final.
It was hoped that campaign would act as a springboard for Chelsea to mount a title challenge last season, especially after the club invested heavily in the market that summer.
United injury latest
Manchester United have been handed a double injury boost for the Premier League showdown with Tottenham.
As the dust continues to settle on a heavy and humiliating defeat to bitter rivals Liverpool, that 5-0 reverse might yet have drastic repercussions for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his position at the helm.
However, for the time being anyway, it seems key figures at Old Trafford are standing by their manager.
Things don't get any easier for the Norwegian, though, as he prepares to embrace a challenging triple-header that will have a significant impact on his future - one way or another.
Click here to view all the very latest on United injury front.
United cannot ignore Daniel Levy's warning
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under pressure at Manchester United.
The Reds' boss hasn't experienced the best start to the new campaign, and the struggles of his team were highlighted in dramatic fashion against Liverpool last weekend.
United lost 5-0 at Old Trafford against the Reds, forcing his position as head coach to come under scrutiny but the club have opted to stick with him for the moment.
Solskjaer is set to take charge of his team's bout with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, and there are parallels between the two clubs once comparing Spurs' situation from last season.
Click here to read the full story.
Four things spotted in United training
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has sailed very close to the wind this week with regards to his job security.
Now the Manchester United manager desperately needs a reaction to the Liverpool drubbing, and a big result at Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.
Both Solskjaer and Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo are under pressure going into the Saturday evening encounter, with United taking to the training pitches this week — after a visit from Sir Alex Ferguson — to begin their preparations.
Click here to check out all the very latest from Carrington.
Coman 'sacks' agent following failed United move
Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman has reportedly sacked his agent after failing to seal a move to Chelsea or Manchester United, a report has claimed.
According to Fussball Transfers, the Frenchman has fired Pini Zahavi after he was unable to secure a move to one of either Chelsea or United during the summer transfer window.
It is claimed that Coman want to 'sound out the market' and hired Zahavi for a short period of time, all in an effort to secure himself a move to the Premier League.
Solskjaer press call confirmed
Manchester United have confirmed that manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will address the media ahead of Saturday's clash with Tottenham Hotspur at the usual time of 1:30pm on Friday lunchtime.
Following Sunday's 5-0 hammering at the hands of Liverpool at Old Trafford, speculation concerning Solskjaer's future has been rife, with some United fans having been expecting the club to sack the under-fire Norwegian.
Although United were understood to have been considering sacking Solskjaer on Monday, the former striker has remained in charge and been working hard with his players at the club's Carrington training base throughout the week, all in effort to bounce back against Tottenham on Saturday teatime.
A growing number of United fans have been calling for the club to make a change, despite Solskjaer's legendary status at the club, with Sunday's defeat to Jurgen Klopp's side, for most, the final straw.
United run the risk of facing the unimaginable scenario
A ball had not even been kicked and Gary Neville had already accepted it was game over. It was the most damning admission that a Manchester United supporter could have ever wished to hear less than ten games into a Premier League season.
"Look, I think for Manchester United to sit here at the end of the day, today, and be eight points behind Chelsea, be seven points behind Liverpool and be six behind City with the run of games that they have had, it would be a devastatingly bad start," Neville said, speaking on Sky Sports' Super Sunday coverage ahead of United's soul destroying 5-0 defeat to Liverpool.
"I don't think Manchester United can win the title if they win today, so it doesn't change my mind."
Nine games into the season, United's title aspirations are as good as over. As good as over before we have reached Halloween, never mind Christmas. For a club of its size, boasting a talent pool that most clubs could only ever dream about, it is not good enough, regardless of which way you wish to dress it up.
Click here to read the full story.
Watzke makes Haaland transfer admission
Hans-Joachim Watzke has revealed that United's offer for Erling Haaland, in December 2019, was higher than the Borussia Dortmund bid, while offering a fresh update on the coveted striker's future.
CEO Watzke has admitted Dortmund's policy of selling their top stars is part of a business model and will continue - amid interest from United, City and other English clubs in Haaland.
The 21-year-old Norwegian striker has plundered 70 goals in 69 appearances across Bundesliga and European games since signing for Dortmund, from RB Salzburg, in January 2020.
United were very much in the mix for his signature back then - with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a long-term admirer of his fellow countryman, having managed him at Molde.
Barnes shares United/OGS verdict
Here is a Liverpool take on the latest goings on at Old Trafford.
A snippet from the John Barnes interview wit BonusCodeBets.co.uk;
I would never call for a manger to be sacked and I don't think there are many big name managers out there. It might have to be someone else with a good reputation. Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] is there - and I don't think changing it would make that much difference now. They will have to wait and see how they perform between now and the end of the season and make a decision then.
Greenwood on Golden Boy shortlist
Mason Greenwood has been named on a 20-player shortlist for the coveted Golden Boy award.
Won by Norway sensation Erling Haaland in 2020, the accolade is handed to the best-performing U21 player in Europe and is voted for by sports journalists across the continent.
In effect, it's a supplementary version of the Ballon d'Or picked up five times by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Golden Boy 2021 shortlist
Karim Adeyemi (RB Salzburg)
Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)
Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)
Charles De Ketelaere (FC Brugge)
Gavi (Barcelona)
Bryan Gil (Tottenham)
Ryan Gravenberch (Ajax)
Mason Greenwood (Manchester United)
Daniel Maldini (AC Milan)
Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
Nuno Mendes (PSG)
Pedri (Barcelona)
Roberto Piccoli (Atalanta)
Yeremi Pino (Villarreal)
Giovanni Reyna (Borussia Dortmund)
Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
William Saliba (Marseille)
Jurrien Timber (Ajax)
Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
'Leeds couldn't argue with Phillips transfer...'
Kalvin Phillips has been told Leeds United fans wouldn't be able to argue with a proposed transfer to United - even if they don't like it.
Having finished as runners-up to City last season, figures responsible for deals at Old Trafford issued a triple statement of intent during the latest summer window.
A move four years in the making, England forward Jadon Sancho is finally a United player after Borussia Dortmund agreed to sanction his £72.9million return to the UK, while Sancho was followed through the same door by Raphael and five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
United were, however, unable to complete a follow-up pursuit for a top-level defensive midfielder.
Declan Rice is still top target in that regard with one eye on next summer - but England partner Phillips has also been linked with a controversial switch.
Berbatov shares OGS verdict
It appears as though United are going to stick by their manager for now - but former Premier League striker Dimitar Berbatov thinks the Old Trafford giants will be putting together a succession plan;
We have to look at the bigger picture and there are a lot more games to come, if they don't win the next couple of matches then Ole is going to be in major trouble. I have read the latest reports saying that his job is secure for now, but if he loses the next couple then he is going to have a difficult time justifying his position and I won't be surprised if they have already started looking for someone to speak to in case he loses the next couple of matches.
Opinion: United line up vs Spurs
What line up should Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pick to save his job against Tottenham Hotspur?
We took a look in this piece at the Manchester United XI we could see on Saturday evening.
Solskjaer favourite to leave next
Here are the latest odds from Betfair on the Premier League manager they think will leave their post next:
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 1/5
- Daniel Farke 5/1
- Claudio Ranieri 11/1
- Dean Smith 13/1
- Nuno Espirito Santo 14/1
- Marcelo Bielsa 14/1
- Mikel Arteta 17/1
- Bruno Lage 17/1
- Ralph Hasenhuttl 20/1
- Graham Potter 25/1
Ex Leeds star: Phillips would improve United
Lots of links surrounding Leeds star Kalvin Phillips and United today, with one former Leeds man saying that the England midfielder would seriously improve Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's midfield:
Speaking to Football Insider, Danny Mills said: "Alan Smith went and I think the fans understood it, but didn't particularly like it and some will never forgive him for that.
"I understand that because there will always be a bitter rivalry between the two.
"Would he fit in Manchester United's team? Would he play? Without a shadow of a doubt, yes. Would he improve them? Yes.
"Whether you like it or not as a Leeds fan, Manchester United are a global entity and you can't argue with that."
Pogba: Big lies and fake news
It was interesting to see Paul Pogba post this on social media yesterday, in response to a story about his allegedly "snubbing" Ole Gunnnar Solskjaer.
United fans respond to Pogba contract update
United supporters have offered up a mixed response to the claim that Paul Pogba could be allowed to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer for the second time.
Having progressed through the famed United academy, World Cup winner Pogba signed for Juventus in 2012 - for no fee - before returning to the Premier League four years later.
Despite winning the Serie A title in each of his four seasons with the Italians, the Frenchman has one Carabao Cup and Europa League medal to show for his second spell with the Old Trafford giants.
Indeed, that double success under Jose Mourinho in 2017 is the last time United got their hands on silverware.
Into the final 12 months of his contract, Pogba and his agent Mino Raiola rejected new terms - worth around £50million to the player - this summer.
Now, according to ESPN, key figures at the club are prepared to leave him leave on a free transfer, once again.
Barcelona next manager betting odds
Barcelona have taken action and sacked manager Ronald Koeman, but how will that decision impact United in the dugout?
The cash-strapped Catalans have picked up 15 points from a possible 30 in La Liga this campaign and were beaten 3-1 at Rayo Vallecano last night.
It was their third defeat in four games and Barcelona now sit ninth in the Spanish top-flight standings.
United are set to stand by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the time being, at least, in the aftermath of THAT humiliating loss to bitter rivals Liverpool - at Old Trafford - on Sunday afternoon.
Antonio Conte, Brendan Rodgers and Erik ten Hag have been linked with both hot-seats.
Check out the latest betting odds here >>>
Fans draw OGS/Koeman comparisons
United fans have drawn comparisons between Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ronald Koeman after his Barcelona sacking.
The cash-strapped Catalans have picked up 15 points from a possible 30 in La Liga this campaign and were beaten 3-1 at Rayo Vallecano last night.
It was their third defeat in four games and Barcelona sit ninth in the Spanish top-flight standings.
United are, meanwhile, set to stand by manager Solskjaer for the time being as the dust continues to settle on the heavy and humiliating reverse against bitter rivals Liverpool - at Old Trafford - on Sunday afternoon.
Read what United supporters are saying here >>>
Nuno's team news hint
Nuno Espirito Santo has refused to confirm whether Dele Alli will return to the Tottenham squad for the clash with United this weekend.
Dele was left out of Spurs' squad for last night's Carabao Cup win at Burnley, as was Harry Winks, and the manager remained tight-lipped on whether the pair would be in line for an appearance vs United this weekend.
He said:
"They are our players, we continue to focus on getting the best out of each of our players. Dele is one of the cases we have to try and improve.
"We have a training session tomorrow and we will assess all the players [before the United game] like we always do. They are our players so anything is possible, this is my answer."
Dortmund admit United's Haaland offer was better
Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has admitted that United offered Erling Haaland a much better offer than the Bundesliga side when they won the race for the Norwegian in 2020.
However, he believes Dortmund's record of developing young players gave them the edge over clubs like United, as he reflected on how they won the race for the 21-year-old.
He said (via Sport1):
"The offer from Manchester United was better. However Mino Raiola realised that Erling is better off with us.
"People notice that gifted people make a breakthrough with us the quickest. That is a resounding argument for the players, the parents of the players and the advisors.
"The fact that we discovered the players on our own is long gone. But we get it. We have no inhibitions about letting 17-year-olds play."
Watzke also admitted that Dortmund won't offer Haaland a new contract ahead of his likely departure in the summer
"You also need hygiene in the cabin. That means: To believe that you will go all-in for Haaland and that all other players will stay as they are, then you will be wrong about the character of the players.
“The renewal process is permanent with us. At some point the best players are bought away and you start all over again. Developing a top European team over the long term is difficult if you can't keep your players for three or four years. We're not at this level yet."
United get Varane boost
Raphael Varane was a welcome face back in training yesterday as United looked to put the Liverpool fiasco behind them and focus on the clash with Tottenham.
