Rooney's 'Romantic' Everton Return Would Be Patronising To Fans

Wayne Rooney returning to Everton on a lucrative contract would patronise fans, according to the Sunday Supplement panel.

Ronald Koeman fuelled suggestions the United club captain could return to where he began his career when the Dutchman admitted he would be pleased to have him back at Goodison Park.

However, the Sunday Supplement panel suggested indulging the 31-year-old in the twilight of his career by offering him a lucrative deal would actually be insulting to Everton supporters, who they said were left feeling betrayed when Rooney left the club in 2004.

The Times' Alyson Rudd said: "Wouldn't it be a bit patronising for Everton fans that Rooney was too good for Everton at the start of his career when he needed nurturing but comes back at the end of his career when he needs indulging?

"I wouldn't go for that as an Everton fan."

"He would have to be easily, hands down, the highest paid player in Everton's history to return," said The Sun's Antony Kastrinakis. "Whether Everton want to do that for him and the fans finding that patronising?

"Of course, he left at 18 and comes back now, for what?

"Maybe there are many Everton fans who would see a return as a very romantic thing but nevertheless I'm sure there are many who think why give him money now if United want shot of him?"

Rooney has been dropped from Jose Mourinho's starting line-up in recent weeks, with the Manchester United boss preferring other options in both forward and midfield positions, while Gareth Southgate also left Rooney on the bench for England's recent World Cup qualifiers earlier in October.

The Guardian's Dominic Fifield believes there have been signs that Rooney's controversial exit from Everton 12 years ago no longer carries the same hurt at Goodison Park, but admitted the striker would need to be willing to refuse higher-paid alternatives from abroad.

"It would be the romantic ending for Rooney," said Fifield. "The sense of excitement he whipped up locally, one of their own coming through taking the club by storm was incredible, the most feverish I've known in my journalistic career.

"The sense of betrayal when he left for Manchester United in 2004 was all the more intense. It's taken a long, long time for those wounds to heal, but there have been signs of late. The [Duncan] Ferguson testimonial at Goodison Park, and then Rooney's own testimonial in the summer. Maybe that relationship is mellowing again.

"For a player who doesn't need the money it would be wonderful to think he might forgo the chance to go to the United States or to China for another payday just to go back to his roots, where it all began and contribute something to Everton. Quite what he would contribute I don't know because I'm not sure where he would fit into that team."

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Herrera Reflects On Tough Day

Ander Herrera admitted it was one of the toughest days of his career after being sent off in Manchester United’s goalless draw with Burnley on Saturday.

The Reds dominated the game but could not find a way past inspired former United keeper Tom Heaton in the Clarets goal during the stalemate at Old Trafford.

And, although he insisted they were unlucky, Herrera told reporters after the game he was left wondering how the Reds failed to claim all three points following a host of opportunities and 37 shots at goal.

“It was unbelievable,” he said. “I was speaking with Juan [Mata] and we both agreed we have never experienced something like that on the pitch. We created 20 or 22 chances, we controlled the game for 90 minutes and to not score is unbelievable. We had the luck against us and hopefully, one day, we can get a fair result like a 5-0 or 6-0 win.”

Herrera was dismissed after 68 minutes by referee Mark Clattenburg following two challenges on Dean Marney but insisted he didn’t intend to cause any harm.

“I didn’t want to make both of the fouls, I’m not a violent player. First yellow card, I bent my knee and didn’t want to kick the opponent. The second, I slipped,” said the 27-year-old.

Saturday’s frustrating result meant the Reds have drawn the last two home league games against sides in the Premier League’s bottom half, Stoke and Burnley.

Although Herrera is concerned the dropped points may prove costly later in the season, the Spaniard believes the Reds must maintain the level of home performance shown in recent weeks.

“Of course, we want to fight for everything,” the midfielder said. “We have lost four points that we should have won easily but this is football and the Premier League. I don’t know if a team has been unlucky as we have been in this game.

“The dressing room was completely disappointed because of the way we played. We have to keep our heads up because we’ve done a lot of good things.

“We have to keep going, we cannot cry or complain. We just have to keep playing the way we did today, against Liverpool, Stoke and Fenerbahce. I think we are in the right way but today is one of the toughest days of my career because we deserved to win 6-0 but it was difficult.”

Despite the result, Herrera – who claimed last week he feels the passion like the club’s fans – reserved praise for a number of his colleagues, including fellow countryman Mata, who wore the captain’s armband.

“He’s a top player – it’s so easy to play with him. He always gives me the ball in the right condition and he played fantastic. Everyone did very well. I want to speak about Luke Shaw as well because he did fantastic and we need him.

“Marcus Rashford played very good and Marcos Rojo played fantastic. Only Paul Pogba can do what he did today [against Burnley] in the second half and the personality he showed on the pitch is unbelievable.”

The Reds face away trips to Fenerbahce and Swansea this week before the international break – and Herrera is focused on picking up maximum points in those games, although he will be suspended for the game in Wales next Sunday.

He added: “The way I think is to win the next game – Fenerbahce. Win and deserve to win. Swansea – deserve to win and win. To think long term is wrong. Hopefully we can get a few wins in a row.”

Valencia: I Will Be Back Stronger

Manchester United right-back Antonio Valencia has vowed to “come back stronger” from the fractured arm that forced him to undergo surgery on Saturday.

The Ecuadorian suffered the unfortunate injury during Wednesday’s EFL Cup victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford and he duly missed the Premier League stalemate against Burnley on Saturday, when Italy international Matteo Darmian inherited his place in the starting XI.

Valencia’s injury is a particular blow following his excellent start to the season under new manager Jose Mourinho, but the 31-year-old has admirably retained a positive attitude amid the setback.

Using his personal Instagram account on Sunday night, Antonio posted a video to his 750,000 followers with a message of assurance. “Now thinking only in recovery,” he said. “I want to come back soon and help my team. I’ll come back stronger and always optimistic.”

This is not the first time that Valencia has had to fight back from a broken bone in his eight-season career with the Reds. The former Wigan Athletic hero famously suffered a fractured ankle and significant ligament damage during a Champions League encounter against Rangers in September 2010, but miraculously recovered to make his return in March before starting the Champions League final in May.

The club is yet to officially confirm how long Valencia will be unavailable for.

Mourinho 'Old-school' Compared To Jurgen Klopp

Jose Mourinho is suddenly looking 'old-school' compared to Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino, says the Sunday Supplement panel.

Mourinho was sent to the stands after half-time for his angry reaction to Manchester United not being awarded a penalty for a tackle on Matteo Darmian as they were held to a 0-0 draw with Sean Dyche's Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday. 

The result means United have now failed to win any of their last four Premier League games, leaving them eighth in the table, and the Sunday Supplement panel suggested other top-flight managers are now beginning to make Mourinho's philosophy look tired. 

"He's beginning to look like an old-school manager," says The Times' Alyson Rudd. "He's suddenly looking quite old because you've got young managers like Pochettino and Klopp who have refreshed the way football is played in the Premier League and what they demand from their players."

"He can only win ugly," said The Sun's Antony Kastrinakis. "He can never win the Pep [Guardiola] way or the Klopp way. That's his nature.

"His behaviour was worse at Chelsea [when United lost 4-0]. What Mourinho couldn't take was that [Antonio] Conte took the same players that he had last season, and gave them a lesson in football."

It is not just Mourinho who is now showing signs of his age, according to Rudd, who believes the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic was one that would not have been taken up by a number of other Premier League teams. 

The Swede has now failed to score in his last five games in all competitions for United, missing at least three gilt-edged chances from 12 shots at goal and is now on his longest stretch of league games without scoring since 2007 when he was at Inter Milan. 

"For all that I love Zlatan Ibrahimovic, again he's an old-school player, someone who presses and makes a nuisance of himself," said Rudd. "I can't see Zlatan working for a Klopp team or a Pochettino team.

"Mourinho seems to have brought in a good friend, he admires him, he's an asset at the club but there is a reason why a lot of mangers in the Premier League would not even take him for free. He wouldn't fit. If Daniel Sturridge doesn't quite fit at Liverpool, Zlatan isn't going to fit at Liverpool. It's as though he's living in a decade too far away." 

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Jose Faces Anxious Wait On FA

Jose Mourinho faces an anxious wait to learn if he faces action from the Football Association after he was sent to the stands this weekend.

The Manchester United manager was ordered from the technical area during half-time in his team's 0-0 draw with Burnley at Old Trafford.

Mourinho had complained to referee Mark Clattenburg after the official chose not to award United a penalty when Matteo Darmian went down in the area following a clash with Jon Flanagan.

Although the Portuguese did appear from the tunnel for the second half, it quickly became clear he had been sent off when he went on to take a seat among fans next to the dugout.

Mourinho later moved to the directors' box and was seen passing written notes to another member of his coaching staff.

The FA will now wait for Clattenburg's report from the game and that is likely to be reviewed by the association on Monday.

From there, it will be decided what, if any, action will be taken against the former Chelsea boss, who is already facing disciplinary measures.

Mourinho already faces a potential misconduct charge from the FA for the comments he made about referee Anthony Taylor before United's game against Liverpool on October 17.

He was also in trouble last season when he was given a suspended stadium ban following comments he made in the aftermath of Chelsea's 3-1 home defeat to Southampton.

That ban expired earlier this month, however, so it remains to be seen if that form of punishment could be applied on this occasion.

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Lalas: Rooney Should Not Be A Target For LA Galaxy

Former LA Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas has warned against the club trying to sign Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney.

The five-time MLS Cup winners have been linked with a move for Rooney, who has had to settle for a substitute's role for club and country in recent matches, despite Jose Mourinho's assertion that the England captain is not for sale.

However, Lalas is unsure about such a pursuit, questioning whether the club would be getting value for money for Rooney, using Steven Gerrard's time in California, which he does not regard as a success, as an example.

Lalas said in the Sun on Sunday: "They got little return on the Steven Gerrard investment and does Rooney still have much to give and something which works in the MLS, even if he is five years younger than Gerrard?

"Are you replacing a player who had limited involvement and limited impact, with yet another player who will have limited involvement and limited impact? If Rooney, at 31, doesn't still have the things which made him great, then it's problematic.

"Living in Beverly Hills is great. But if you don't couple it with performances on the field then you are just stealing money. The player he is now isn't the player of 10 years ago - but then no one is."

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Burnley Boss Backs United To Succeed

Despite the frustration felt by the Reds after Saturday’s 0-0 draw, Burnley boss Sean Dyche believes the Manchester United players deserve credit for a relentless attacking display.

The Reds registered 37 shots and forced the visitors' goalkeeper Tom Heaton to make 11 saves but a breakthrough never came and the Clarets were able to leave Old Trafford with a valuable point.

Dyche discussed his shot-stopper's form at his post-match press conference, before taking time to praise United and explain why he feels Jose Mourinho’s team will be successful this season.

“Tom is in very good form and I keep reminding him that we kept him quiet for so long last season when we won promotion, so he has been saving up those saves,” Dyche told reporters.

"It is difficult because, even when your defenders play well, at this level of the market, with opposition players as good as these at United, they will probe you and find different ways to hurt you.

“Personally I thought they were first class, Man United, and they will be okayy. I think there is a top-class group of players there. They opened us up, they looked at us, they crossed it, they probed, they tried to play clever in the box and they are a top side, in my opinion.

"I personally think, as a manager, that I should give credit to them because they just never stopped trying to win the game.”

Dyche’s words bore resemblance to the sentiment expressed by United assistant manager Rui Faria, who spoke to MUTV on Saturday night in Mourinho's absence following the manager's sending off. 

“There are moments when you create so many chances and the ball doesn’t go in,” Faria said. “You can’t score a goal. There are moments when you create one or two chances and you score.

“But I think it is important to say that when we play well, when we believe and when we create so many chances then good things will happen. The goals will start coming and this is what we need to believe.
 
"The boys deserve more than what happened today. We will have better days for sure and happy days but, again, I want to congratulate all of them because they were fantastic.”

Blank Scoresheet Bemuses Blind

Daley Blind admitted Saturday's 0-0 draw against Burnley was "frustrating" but the defender feels Manchester United's performance was still encouraging.

The Reds racked up 37 shots in the match, the team's highest tally of goalscoring attempts in any Premier League game since Opta records began in 2003/04, but could not find a way past former United goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

Blind said: "I think we helped him [Heaton] because we missed some chances - he gained confidence from that and got into the game. He’s a good goalkeeper but in spite of that, we should have scored a goal."

United had 72 per cent of the possession and the Dutchman believes there is not much more the team could have done in terms of general play.

"I think the team performance was positive and we had a lot of energy," assessed Blind.

"We created chances and I think we also did well in defence, we didn't give much away. We were on top of them. We didn't give them any space.

"We played attacking football and I think that's what the people want to see. The only thing is we had to finish. It was a bit frustrating [not to score]."

Blind was happy with the strength the team showed after his team-mate Ander Herrera received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 68th minute.

"Of course, with a sending off, it always makes it a bit more difficult, but we could manage it," said Daley.

"Even when we had 10 men, Burnley were so much back into their own box and we created a few chances. It sounds like I am repeating myself but I think that was the story of the game.”

The Reds kept fighting for a goal throughout the 90 minutes and beyond with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney both having opportunities to score in injury time.

Blind concluded: "It is hard to believe we didn’t score one goal. I hope it's just one of those days because we have some great strikers and some great midfielders who can score goals well. I'm not worried about that. I will try to see it as one of those days."

Heaton: Sir Alex Will Always Be 'The Boss'

Tom Heaton has become a Premier League regular and an England international under Burnley manager Sean Dyche but admits Sir Alex Ferguson will always be "the boss".

Goalkeeper Heaton joined Manchester United as an 11-year-old and left on a free transfer 13 years later having never cracked the first XI - a decision that earned him a blast of Ferguson's 'hair dryer'.

Six years on he can comfortably say it was the right call, having made the most saves in the top flight this season and earned his England cap against Australia in May.

But as he prepares to return to his former club for the second time on Saturday - United were 3-1 winners over the Clarets last February - the 30-year-old is happy to reflect on his time at one of the most dominant teams of the era.

"I grew up there, learned my trade, but the feeling of wanting to play week in, week out never left me," Heaton said. "I got to the point where we were talking about a new contract but I'd just reached that point where I thought it was right to move on and go and earn my stripes and earn a career.

"It was a tough moment telling Sir Alex I wanted to leave, and he gave me short shrift at the time...pretty short.

"I understood, I'd been there 13 years and was leaving on a free, but three weeks down the line he had me back in and said he respected my decision and he was always there for me, which meant the world.

"I've come across him a couple of times since, he was at the training ground here and you stand up straighter and still call him the boss. It never leaves you.

"All the lads were giving me grief for days, but it's ingrained, you have such respect for him.

"Thankfully, going back there and playing in the Premier League sort of vindicates the decision."

Heaton, who spent a season at Bristol City before putting down roots at Turf Moor, was present when United won the Champions League in 2008.

But he was behind Edwin van der Saar and Thomas Kuszczak in the pecking order and watched the penalty shootout victory over Chelsea from the stands of Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium.

It was both a memorable moment and the start of the end for his United career.

"Moscow was a big moment, having not played a minute, I trained every day and travelled to every game that season, but didn't play a minute," Heaton added. "I didn't feel a fraud, but I wanted to be involved, almost the main man, that was the dream for me.

"I was in the 24-man party but I was one of the six in the stands. I got a Champions League ball...you had to be on the bench for a medal, but I took a lot home from that night."

"It was brilliant to see that winning mentality, how they went about preparing for it. But ultimately, I had to go and play. It still feels right."

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Giggs: My Liverpool Fear

Ryan Giggs believes Liverpool have a 'real chance' of winning the Premier League this season - and admits the prospect fills him 'with dread'.

Liverpool, in their second season under Jurgen Klopp, go into the weekend level on points with Manchester City and Arsenal at the top of the table as they bid for a first league title since 1990.

Giggs, who won 13 Premier League crowns during his time at Manchester United, thinks Liverpool's lack of European commitments this season could work in their favour; they missed out on continental competition by losing last season's Europa League final to Sevilla.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Giggs said: "During that final against Sevilla, it occurred to me that if Liverpool had this season without the draining effect of European football, and had recruited well in the summer, then they would have a real chance of challenging for the Premier League.

"With a year at the club, Klopp would be better suited to the demands of the English game, his players would be well adapted to his way of playing and they would have no midweek distraction from the task at the weekend. Liverpool have put themselves in contention this year."

Giggs also feels the departure of captain Steven Gerrard has helped rather than hindered Liverpool.

He added: "Watching Liverpool it is notable that since Steven Gerrard left there is no big star in the side. Philippe Coutinho is a talent and Jordan Henderson has done well to step into the captaincy. 

"He looks like a good lad and a dedicated professional. Gerrard's departure has forced others to fill the gap and sometimes that can be a good thing for a club to move away from a focus on one individual.

"As for the prospect of Liverpool winning the league for the first time since 1990, they would not expect me to say anything other than it fills me with dread.

"A long time ago they challenged United to come back when we had won it 18 times. Twenty years later United had raised the bar to 20 and no-one on my side wants to see it swing back the other way."

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Jose: Rooney Going Nowhere

Jose Mourinho has reiterated that Wayne Rooney is "going nowhere", despite continuing speculation about the Manchester United captain's future.

Rooney has found himself on the bench for both club and country this season and reports this week suggested Mourinho had told Rooney he needed to move if he wanted regular first-team football.

However, the United manager has dismissed those reports, saying they are "not true at all".

Instead, Mourinho has underlined his desire to keep Rooney at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future, and insisted that the 31-year-old is happy to stay.

"With [his age being] 31, I know he can [play on]," said Mourinho. "I know he can, I know he's a top player, I know he can play at the top level.

"I cannot make this kind of mental exercise of what is going to happen at 32, 33, 34 or 35. I can't say that.

"What I can say is that he's a very good player, he's a very important player for us and he's going nowhere. We like him, he likes us.

"He is not happy because in the last matches he was on the bench, but I think he's even unhappier when he's not on the bench because he's been injured and has to stay in the stands. There is no problems at all."

Mourinho expressed his frustration at recent stories in the media about that matter and others, before growing frustrated as questions continued about Rooney.

"He's my captain," Mourinho added. "He is the team captain. He behaves like that.

"In all my career, I had just a couple of players that didn't want to play and sometimes they want to hide when things got hotter.

"Apart from that, every player wants to play and I don't know players that are happy when they don't play. They are always unhappy when they don't play."

Rooney is back in contention for Saturday's Premier League match with Burnley after recovering from injury, with the scrutiny sure to continue at a time the player himself admits is a "difficult period".

"I think he is a human being like everybody else," Mourinho said. "He has family, like everybody else. He has kids, the oldest one in an age where he can read, he can feel, he can get that, so if he is affected by that it's just the human nature.

"The human nature that your industry doesn't think about, but I think he's a big boy, he's a big character and he copes with the situation."

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Neville On Man. United's Dominance

Gary Neville says Burnley could not have complained if Manchester United had scored “six, seven or eight” goals such, was their dominance on Saturday.

Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands and Ander Herrera saw red as United were held to a goalless draw by a Tom Heaton-inspired Burnley at Old Trafford.

For United, it was a case of everything but the goal as they had 37 shots, but found Heaton in inspired form as he made 11 saves.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the chief profligate for United, missing at least three gilt-edged chances from 12 shots at goal, meaning he has now gone six league games without scoring for the first time since December 2007 with Inter Milan.

"It was bizarre," co-commentator Neville said. "I think you have to give Burnley some credit for the blocks and for the fact they put their bodies on the line.

"Plus, Tom Heaton made some fantastic saves, but I don't think I've seen United have as many chances as they had here for a long time. They should have won that game.

"It could have been six, seven or eight and Burnley wouldn't have had any complaints. They were brilliant chances. The Zlatan Ibrahimovic chance at the end just summed it up."

Mourinho's side are now without a Premier League win in four matches and are eight points off the top spot, but Neville refused to cristicse his former side.

"United created so many chances and should have taken them," Neville added. "It's not happening for them at the moment or Ibrahimovic, who is a good finisher. 

"He's scored goals all over the world - he'll not believe, he's not scored a goal in that match.

"There wasn't any negative reflections on any of the United players as I think they played well today. I don't think they could have done any more apart from putting the ball in the back of the net.

"You can sometimes have days like that. I think when you're a player in the dressing room and you've had nearly 40 shots on goal and created some unbelievable moments, you can only think 'how have we not won that game?'

"It's a little bit of bad luck they're having at the moment - it's certainly a blow. That was a game that they absolutely dominated."   

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Five Issues Facing Manchester United After Burnley Draw

We look at the issues facing Manchester United after their goalless draw with Burnley at Old Trafford.

United were totally dominant against Sean Dyche's side but missed a host of chances, and their misery was compounded when Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands and Ander Herrera was red carded.

The Red Devils are now eight points off the top of the table having only won one of their last six Premier League games. Here, we look at some of the areas for concern…

Off-colour Ibrahimovic
After scoring four goals in his first four appearances for Manchester United, Zlatan Ibrahimovic now has one in his last nine. The statistics do not make pretty reading for the big Swede, who failed to find the net against Burnley despite attempting 12 shots on goal - the most by any player in a single Premier League game since 2011.

Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton played his part with some fine saves, but Ibrahimovic's profligacy is a growing concern. The 35-year-old has missed more clear-cut chances (eight) than any other Premier League player this season, with the latest being his close-range miscue from Paul Pogba's 89th-minute cross at Old Trafford on Saturday.

"Ibrahimovic is a good finisher who has scored goals all over the world," said Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville. "He will not believe that he has not scored in that match." The recent run is certainly out of character. This is the first time Ibrahimovic has gone six league games without scoring since December 2007 with Inter Milan.

It's a headache for Mourinho, but Ibrahimovic should not be held solely responsible for United's struggles in front of goal. Wayne Rooney, Pogba and Juan Mata all spurned chances against Burnley, and United's shot conversion rate of 10.2 per cent is the third-worst in the Premier League this season. Confidence is low across the whole team, and it's showing.

Mourinho in trouble?
Mourinho has cut a frustrated figure recently, and his anger boiled over when United were denied a penalty for an apparent trip on Matteo Darmian in the first half. The 53-year-old, who is already facing a misconduct charge for his comments about referee Anthony Taylor before the Liverpool game, was sent to the stands by Mark Clattenburg after reacting furiously to the decision.

He took a seat in the stands beside the home dugout at the start of the second half, but fourth official Kevin Friend soon moved him to the directors' box, where he passed written notes to the bench via a member of his coaching staff.

Mourinho now faces the threat of a touchline ban for United's upcoming games. He did not fulfil media duties at Old Trafford after the game, but his assistant Rui Faria appeared to mock Clattenburg, saying: "I think the referee did fantastic work. I won't say more than this. It is not important what Jose says, what is important is what the referee writes in his report." 

Herrera suspension
Mourinho's mood is unlikely to have been helped by Herrera's sending off. The Spaniard received his first booking for a late tackle on Dean Marney in the first half, and he was given his marching orders when he clattered into the Burnley midfielder for a second time after the break.

Herrera will have to sit out United's trip to Swansea next Sunday, and on recent evidence that's a big blow. He has been one of their best players in the last few weeks, producing a string of impressive displays in an unfamiliar holding role. His defensive contribution has freed up Pogba, and he averages more passes per game than any other United player.

Mourinho has struggled to find the right balance in central midfield this season, but Herrera's impressive showings had gone some way to solving the problem. United can't afford to drop more points at the Liberty Stadium, but now Mourinho will have to shuffle his midfield once again.

Injuries mounting
In the space of a week, Mourinho has lost three-quarters of his first-choice back four to injury. Eric Bailly is perhaps the biggest miss. The Ivorian has impressed since his arrival from Villarreal, and he is facing two months out after damaging knee ligaments in the 4-0 thrashing by Chelsea.

Bailly's centre-back partner Chris Smalling is also sidelined after Mourinho revealed he played with an injury against Chelsea, and that duo have been joined in the treatment room by Antonio Valencia. The right-back started every one of United's Premier League games before the Burnley draw, but he faces a lengthy spell out as he undergoes surgery on a fractured arm.

"They were the three players that start almost every match in the Premier League and now we lose all three in the same period," said Mourinho. The United boss is reliant on squad players such as Marcos Rojo and Darmian in the meantime. United face Arsenal, West Ham and Everton in the weeks ahead. His makeshift defence will be sternly tested.

Mkhitaryan's absence
Henrikh Mkhitaryan's plight is another source of frustration. His arrival was heralded as one of the signings of the summer after he scored 23 goals and claimed 20 assists in his final season with Borussia Dortmund, but he has scarcely featured under Mourinho and he was not even on the bench against Burnley.

Mourinho confirmed Mkhitaryan is not carrying an injury before the game, saying he has been overlooked because he is not yet ready for the rigours of English football. The United boss insists he needs time to adapt, but his absence is not what United expected when they parted with £26.3m to bring him to Old Trafford in the summer.

Mkhitaryan has not even been afforded chances in the EFL Cup, but with injuries and suspensions piling up and United struggling to find the net, Mourinho might be forced to throw him into the action in the weeks ahead. The sooner they can get him up to speed, the better.

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Heaton Put Body On The Line Against United

Burnley goalkeeper and Manchester United Academy graduate Tom Heaton has nominated his second-half save to deny Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the best of his all-action display on Saturday.

The Reds were completely dominant in the Premier League stalemate at Old Trafford and registered 37 shots at goal, with 11 of those forcing saves from Heaton throughout an impressive performance.

The 30-year-old England international spoke to MUTV following the final whistle and pointed to his save to thwart a powerful Ibrahimovic effort on 58 minutes. The ferocity of the strike even led to the former United youth player receiving medical treatment to his elbow, before resuming the game.

“He caught it really well,” Heaton explained. “I tried to close the space down and spread myself as best as I could. Thankfully, today it hit the end of my arm, it was a sore one on the elbow because it was fully extended but it never quite hurts as much when you keep it out.”

On his and Burnley’s display, the keeper said: “We came with a game plan and that was there was all to see. But I thought we did it well, there were a lot of opportunities, there was a lot of attacking play from United but we put our bodies on the line. The heart and desire from our lads was incredible. Not many teams come away from Old Trafford with a point and a clean sheet so we are delighted.”

Although Heaton joked he couldn't let one in for his old employers, he sympathised with United’s frustration at the Theatre of Dreams. “I think they played well. There are a lot of top quality players in there. 

"We just managed to defend the box, block that final little pass and disrupt them a little bit which can be difficult. We have all been there when we’re trying to break teams down. I think we managed to keep them out today and it is great for us, but a touch frustrating for them.”

Faria Reacts To United's Burnley Draw

Manchester United assistant manager Rui Faria spoke to MUTV after Jose Mourinho was set to the stands in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Burnley in the Premier League. Read the main points from his post-match interview at Old Trafford…

PLAYERS SHOWED WILL AND DESIRE
“I think we were the better team on the pitch. We controlled the match, even with 10 men, I think you couldn’t feel there was one player less [when Ander Herrera was sent off] because of the mentality, the attitude, the concentration, the belief and the fight of the players. People could see that they gave everything until the last second and that is a very difficult thing to build. In this moment, we have that in this team. We need to congratulate the players for their fight and for their belief, for their will and desire to win. They did it until the last second. We are not happy. We created a lot of chances, we couldn’t score. It is important to score and we didn’t, but we created. If we don’t create then we should be more worried. We did very well. We tried and we are not happy. I repeat, the players were fantastic, they did a great job and they deserve to be congratulated.”

THE RESULTS WILL COME
“You always believe. When the best player on the pitch is their goalkeeper, you always believe that a minimum of one goal will happen but it didn’t happen. We need to keep going, to keep fighting and the players need to keep believing because this is the way, with the right mentality and the right approach to every match. The results will come and we will have better days.”

WE BELIEVED THE GOAL WOULD COME
“It was hard. You are fighting since the first second to get the result. We showed that. We controlled the game, we were dominant. With 10 men we kept doing the same, fighting for the same objective and we can’t ask more from the players because they were fantastic.”

UNITED WILL HAVE BETTER DAYS
“Football is a little bit like this. There are moments when you create so many chances and the ball doesn’t go in. You can’t score a goal. There are moments when you create one or two chances and you score. But I think it is important to say that when we play well, when we believe and when we create so many chances then good things will happen. The goals will start coming and this is what we need to believe. The boys deserve more than what happened today. We will have better days for sure and happy days but, again, I want to congratulate all of them because they were fantastic.”

Premier League: Man. United 0 Burnley 0

Frustration was the overriding feeling as Manchester United were held to a goalless draw by Burnley at Old Trafford.

The Reds, who were the dominant force throughout, came up against former Academy graduate Tom Heaton in fine form in the Clarets goal, and were left to rue a host of missed chances as Zlatan Ibrahimovic hit the crossbar and captain Juan Mata struck a post.

Ander Herrera was sent off midway through the second half for a second bookable offence as Jose Mourinho’s men, who drew a blank for the third successive Premier League game, were denied a first league victory in four games in front of a sell-out crowd at the Theatre of Dreams.

Mourinho made two changes to his team from the midweek EFL Cup win over Manchester City as Matteo Darmian replaced Antonio Valencia, who is undergoing an operation on a fractured arm, for his first league game of the season and Jesse Lingard came in for his 50th United appearance, with Michael Carrick dropping to the bench.

The Reds came quickly out of the blocks as Ibrahimovic fired straight at Burnley captain Heaton from the edge of the box inside the first 20 seconds after referee Mark Clattenburg allowed play to continue following Ben Mee’s late tackle on Lingard.

Heaton was called into action again a few minutes later when Ibrahimovic linked up well with Marcus Rashford, whose cut-back found Mata but the Spaniard could only strike straight at the keeper.

Ibrahimovic then rifled a volley over the crossbar after another ex-Red Michael Keane headed out a threatening pass from Paul Pogba, who himself had a shot which deflected behind off Dean Marney as the hosts bossed proceedings from the outset.  

Burnley, whose three Premier League wins this season have all come at Turf Moor, struggled to impose themselves and the Reds almost went ahead on 17 minutes when Mata’s delightful reverse pass released Ibrahimovic but the number nine was thwarted by an excellent save from Heaton.

The Burnley stopper made the most saves in a league game this season in their defeat at Southampton last weekend and it was another busy afternoon on his Old Trafford return as Mata’s low shot from just inside the box was tipped around the post.

The Reds had further opportunities to take the lead before the break as Ibrahimovic’s side-footed finish from Pogba’s deft flick was diverted behind by Mee before Lingard’s powerful header on the penalty spot from Ander Herrera’s cross was athletically kept out by Heaton.

Pogba sent a rasping drive over the crossbar, via the slightest of touches from Heaton, and United’s appeals for a penalty on the stroke of half-time were waved away when Darmian went over under the challenge of Burnley substitute Jon Flanagan.

HALF-TIME STATS
Possession: United 73% Burnley 27%
Shots: United 16 Burnley 4
Shots on target: United 7 Burnley 1
Corners: United 10 Burnley 1

As the players re-emerged for the second half, Mourinho took to a seat in the main stand before moving to the directors’ box. United picked up where they left off and, after Ibrahimovic did well to work his way to the byline, Mata was denied again by the legs of the impressive Heaton, who also denied Lingard’s follow-up.

The Stretford End cried in unison again for a spot-kick when Pogba’s attempted cross appeared to hit Michael Keane’s hand but referee Clattenburg pointed for a corner. As the Reds sensed the breakthrough, Heaton’s heroic display showed no signs of stopping as he stood firm to miraculously block Ibrahimovic’s acrobatic effort from close range, injuring himself in the process.

Even when Heaton wasn’t called upon, the woodwork denied the Reds as Mata’s low effort hit a post before Ibrahimovic’s header deflected onto the crossbar. But United’s afternoon became increasingly frustrating when Herrera was shown a second yellow card on 68 minutes for slipping and clipping the heels of Marney. 

United introduced Wayne Rooney, who had missed the previous two games with a thigh injury, and Marouane Fellaini in place of Mata and Lingard, but Burnley came close to taking the lead when Sam Vokes flicked Scott Arfield’s cross narrowly wide of De Gea’s post.

As the Reds piled on the pressure in the closing stages, an unmarked Daley Blind saw his low shot deflected over before Luke Shaw curled wide and Ibrahimovic turned over Pogba's cross from close range but, despite Rooney firing over the top from a corner, Burnley survived five minutes of added time to hold on for their first away point of the campaign.

Although it wasn’t the result they were hoping for, the Reds have now only lost one of their last seven games in all competitions, as attention turns to booking a place in the Europa League last 32 with Thursday’s trip to Fenerbahce.  

FULL-TIME STATS
Possession: United 72% Burnley 28%
Shots: United 37 Burnley 7
Shots on target: United 11 Burnley 1
Corners: United 19 Burnley 1

THE TEAMS:
United: De Gea; Darmian, Rojo, Blind, Shaw; Herrera, Pogba; Lingard (Rooney 72), Mata (c) (Fellaini 73), Rashford (Memphis 82); Ibrahimovic. Subs: Romero, Young, Carrick, Schneiderlin. 

Booked: Herrera, Pogba

Sent-off: Herrera

Burnley: Heaton (c); Lowton, Keane, Mee, Ward (Flanagan 44); Arfield, Hendrick, Marney, Gudmundsson (Boyd 85); Vokes, Gray (Barnes 60). Subs: Robinson, Tarkowski, Kightly, Bamford.

Booked: Flanagan, Marney, Heaton    

Valencia To Have Operation On Injury

Antonio Valencia faces a spell on the sidelines after suffering a fractured arm during the Manchester derby in midweek.

The right-back has been in outstanding form of late and his absence is a blow as he is to undergo an operation to fix the problem on Saturday. Matteo Darmian took his place in the United side to face Burnley at Old Trafford with Jesse Lingard replacing Michael Carrick in the only other change to Wednesday's EFL Cup tie line-up. 

"Antonio is having surgery today," said manager Jose Mourinho. "He has a fracture in his arm. With Michael Carrick, the decision was to play with only two midfield players and also thinking about the next match against Fenerbahce [on Thursday].

"The problem for us is having injuries all in the same area with [Eric] Bailly, [Chris] Smalling and Valencia. They were the three players that start almost every match in the Premier League and now we have lost all three in the same period.

"But that's football and it's an opportunity for others to play. We trust Darmian and we trust Marcos Rojo to have a positive influence."

Man. United Make FA Cup Twitter Account 'Sad'

The FA Cup's Twitter account is 'feeling sad' after Manchester United failed to feature the famous trophy in their team photo.

United beat Crystal Palace at Wembley in May to win their first silverware since 2013.

However, the club released a team photo in which only the Community Shield - new manager Jose Mourinho's first success in the role - on display.

The FA Cup Twitter account posted a downcast emoji in response.

The FA Cup trophy was not the only thing missing from United's 2016-17 group shot.

German World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger, 32, who has been training away from the first team despite having a contract until the summer of 2018, was also absent.

Schweinsteiger retired from Germany duty in July.

Credit: BBC Sport

Koeman Would Like To Sign Wayne Rooney

Everton boss Ronald Koeman admits he would be interested in signing Wayne Rooney from Manchester United.

Rooney left Everton for Old Trafford in 2004 but is currently out of favour under United boss Jose Mourinho, who has been leaving him on the bench.

The 31-year-old striker has also dropped out of England caretaker coach Gareth Southgate's preferred starting XI.

But Koeman says Rooney still has a lot to offer and would like to see him back in an Everton shirt.

"He's a great player, he's still not finished his career," he said. "I don't know how his situation is. That's not my problem. Of course, if there is a possibility that Rooney is an option for Everton, I'm very pleased."

Credit: Skysports.com

Mourinho: I Wish Carrick Was 25

Jose Mourinho has admitted his frustration that he cannot play “phenomenal” Michael Carrick more often, stating his wish to have a 25-year-old version of the Manchester United veteran.

Carrick is now in his 11th season as a Red and the 35-year-old midfielder registered his fifth appearance of the campaign in midweek, producing an excellent performance in the 1-0 win over Manchester City.

His display was so impressive that many supporters have called for him to feature more regularly and Mourinho understands that assessment, although he pointed out during his press conference on Friday that he must carefully manage the playmaker’s workload at this advanced stage in his career.

“One thing is to have a 25 year old and another is to have a 35 year old,” Jose told reporters at the Aon Training Complex. “That is the logic of things. The only thing I can say is he is phenomenal, no doubt about it. Do I have to manage him? I have to. I cannot expect from Michael what I expect from Rashford or Herrera in terms of playing three to five consecutive matches, but he is phenomenal.

“When you say he played in the last two wins, for sure it shows that he gives us important things on the pitch. He gives stability in our game and mental freedom to the other guys around him to be more offensive. He is not just a player, but one who has a big understanding of the game.

“It's a pity he is not 25. It's a pity you can't stop the clock. In five years Messi will be 34 and we will all be crying that he is 34. Michael is a very good player and one who will be very difficult to replace.”

Carrick will hope to feature on Saturday afternoon when United welcome Burnley to Old Trafford in the Premier League.

Mourinho Surprises Young Reds

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho recently took time out from his busy schedule to turn his hand to a Portuguese ambassador role.

Some of the club's U14 and U15 players are off to play in a celebratory match on Saturday against top Portuguese academy side S.L. Benfica and the boss was keen to offer them some encouragement before they departed.

“As part of our preparation for foreign tours we like to teach our young players a little about the culture and language of the country they are visiting,” explained Head of Academy Nicky Butt, and that’s where the first-team manager was able to help.

Jose made an impromptu classroom visit to the group at the Aon Training Complex as they prepared for their upcoming trip and was able to give first-hand information and advice to the young squad. He had the boys mesmerised as he spoke about Portuguese culture and the language and he was also able to give the players pointers as to the competitive approach of their Benfica counterparts.

Tour leader Les Parry was full of praise for the manager’s input, saying: "He was brilliant, he came in and spoke to the boys like adults, answering some really well thought-out questions. The boys didn’t know he was going to come in so to see their faces when he walked through the door was wonderful. The most pleasing thing was the length of time he spoke to the players for, he didn’t come in just to show his face, he gave the boys quality time and quality information. I think the staff were just as in awe of him as the players were!"

Butt is planning to ensure events like this will soon be commonplace within the Academy. First-team stars Juan Mata and Ander Herrera recently made visits prior to some Academy Spanish tours, with both proving to be excellent language teachers for the boys!

Butt has now settled into his new job heading up the development of one of the world’s most productive Academies and is relishing the challenge. The former midfielder has a focused vision about how he sees the academy developing, saying: “It’s important that we give the boys the Manchester United experience and make our academy different and better than any other in the world. We want to provide a programme that includes the boys feeling part of the Manchester United family and the manager’s involvement is instrumental and goes a long way to producing that."

Mourinho: Micki Will Be Top Player

Jose Mourinho has suggested Henrikh Mkhitaryan needs time to adapt to English football, but the Manchester United manager has backed his signing to become a "top player" for the Reds.

The Armenian has not featured since the Manchester derby in the Premier League on 10 September and that is partly due to him suffering an injury just prior to the recent international break in October.

Mourinho confirmed during Friday’s press conference at the Aon Training Complex that Mkhitaryan is no longer injured, telling reporters that he is working hard on his fitness behind the scenes.

"He is not injured," the manager said. "Sometimes I confuse the word 'fit' in the English language. Sometimes you can say that it is 'not injured', but you could also say that you are in great condition and ready to compete. That is different for me as we use different words in Portuguese for the different situations. Mkhitaryan is not injured, he is training with the team 100 per cent.

Asked if it takes some players longer to adapt to the English game, Mourinho continued: "I think so, yes. Some players find it very easy whereas others need more time. They need time to feel the intensity, the aggression, the game without the ball and the competitiveness.

"The realities are often different, particularly in terms of the competitiveness. It doesn't matter who you are against, you have to play at the highest level otherwise you will not be able to do it. Micki needs time to become the top player he knows he can be."

Mourinho expressed his confidence in Mkhitaryan when expanding on the topic that dominated Friday’s press conference, pointing to two of his former players at Chelsea and Real Madrid who required time to blossom in their new surroundings. "I think Micki will work here for sure," he said.

"I don't like to speak about players from other clubs because I don't want to be misinterpreted, but I don't think he'll mind. A player who had a problem to play when he first arrived was Willian. He went through a process and then, after a few months, he became a top player. Then, when we won the championship, he was phenomenal and still is. That is just an example.

"Similarly, Di Maria had to learn a lot about his game when he came into Madrid from Portugal. Sometimes this is what happens. It happens with defenders, but it is often easier for them to adapt than attackers. Some go straight to success and others it takes more time. 

"In Micki's case the process was interrupted by injury, which does not help the process of evolution. Being out for a month meant he has had to go through the process of getting match-fit, then once he has that he needs the competitive level to do it. We believe him and, sooner or later, there will be no problem."

Mourinho's Meeting About The United Fans

Jose Mourinho has revealed he and his Manchester United players held a special meeting this week that was dedicated entirely to the feelings of the club’s supporters.

The discussion was held at the Aon Training Complex in light of the Reds’ disappointing 4-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, for which the manager apologised on Sunday.

Morale on the terraces was lifted significantly on Wednesday night with the 1-0 victory over rivals Manchester City in the EFL Cup and a much-improved performance from United.

As Mourinho admitted during his exclusive MUTV interview at the Aon Training Complex on Friday, his players were all aware of that fixture’s significance and how much a victory would mean to the fans.

“We spoke about the fans before the game between us,” Jose said. “To be honest we have short meetings, I don’t like to have a meeting of one hour, I prefer to have three or four meetings of 10 minutes then we have another one a few hours later. We had one of those meetings dedicated to the fans, just thinking about them, their feelings and their disappointment after the Chelsea game.

“We really analysed that part of our lives because many times we just focus on what we have to do professionally and you forget the other side of it. So we had one meeting and the players were really open.

"The players understood clearly that the game against Man City was not just a normal cup match, it was more than that because it was City, but it was even more than that because it was a couple of days after Chelsea. They showed amazing character and I’m really pleased with them.”

Rooney Tipped For Everton Return

Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman believes Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney may return to Goodison Park one day.

Rooney started his career at Everton, joining his boyhood club aged just nine, before making his first-team debut for the club in August 2002.

Two months later and five days short of his 17th birthday, the forward came to prominence after scoring a stunning last-minute winner to end then champions Arsenal's 30-match unbeaten run.

However, after an impressive showing for England at Euro 2004, Rooney then joined United in a deal worth £25.6m, with the player having since gone on to become the club's second-highest goalscorer behind Sir Bobby Charlton.

Speaking ahead of his appearance on tonight's The Fantasy Football Club, though, Osman thinks his former team-mate would be open to a move back to Everton.

"Towards the end of the last season he mentioned that he was possibly going to be going," said Osman about the circumstances surrounding Rooney's departure from the Toffees 14 years ago.

"He had had a terrific couple of seasons with us and at the time Everton were desperate for the cash and United were prepared to pay the money.

"I think we always knew that it was a deal that had to happen. It was put in jeopardy a little bit when he broke his foot in the Euros, but that just delayed it.

"We were sorry to see him go, he was our best player at the time, but thankfully we moved on quite quickly the following season."

Despite United manager Jose Mourinho recently insisting he would never sell Rooney, Osman - who himself left the Toffees after his contract expired at the end of last season - remains hopeful the England captain will one day be seen in the blue of Everton again.

"It would not surprise me," he told The Fantasy Football Club. "I think he has been mending bridges for a couple of seasons now and you know he is an Evertonian at heart.

"I am pretty sure he would love to come back and I hope it happens."

Credit: Skysports.com

No Wigan Approach For Manchester United U21 Boss Warren Joyce

Manchester United have not received any approach from Wigan for permission to talk to Warren Joyce, according to Sky sources.

United's U21 boss Joyce is reportedly in line for the managerial vacancy at the struggling Sky Bet Championship club and bookmakers have reacted by slashing his odds to succeed Gary Caldwell to 8-1 ON.

Caldwell won the League One title last season but was sacked with Wigan languishing in the relegation zone after picking up just two wins in 14 matches.

Joyce is highly regarded at Old Trafford and helped nurture the careers of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Adnan Januzaj to name a few.

The 51-year-old, who was previously in charge of United's Belgian feeder club Royal Antwerp, has won back-to-back Under 21 Premier League titles with United's youngsters.

United legend Ryan Giggs, and former MK Dons boss Karl Robinson have also been linked with the DW Stadium hotseat, while Rangers manager Mark Warburton ruled himself out of the running earlier on Thursday.

Credit: Skysports.com

Shaw: Its My Time To Step Up

Although disappointed for his team-mate, Luke Shaw hopes Eric Bailly's injury will allow him to step up and prove himself during a vital run of upcoming games for Manchester United.

The young left-back returned from an injury of his during the 0-0 draw at Liverpool, before featuring against Fenerbahce in the Europa League and again in Wednesday's EFL Cup win over Manchester City.

Daley Blind covered for Shaw at left-back during his absence but the Dutchman is set to move back inside to centre-back, with Bailly and also Chris Smalling nursing injuries. That means Shaw is likely to reclaim his position at left-back on a long-term basis and the 21-year-old is hungry to impress Jose Mourinho, particularly after missing out on the squad that faced Chelsea in the Premier League last weekend.

"It’s normal you’re frustrated because I would have loved to have played," Shaw told reporters at Old Trafford this week. "But obviously, with Eric’s injury now, it might be my time to step up and show the manager what I can do, and to show that he can trust me."

Shaw admitted the injured Bailly will be a "massive" loss for the Reds heading into the busy winter schedule. "He has played in all of the games and has been one of our best players each game. I don't think he's had an off day because he's still so young and he brings confidence and calmness to our defence when he gets the ball; sometimes he knows when to clear it but he likes to play from the back.

"That's what was good for us because we like to start from the back and go through the midfield and attack. He's going to be a very big miss but I think [against City] people staked their claim to play."

The former Southampton man also confessed he took time to grow into the match against City, but was happy with his performance and hopes to get another run-out against Burnley at Old Trafford this weekend.

"The first half wasn't the best of mine," he said. "I thought I did good but for some of their crosses I maybe wasn't getting too tight, but Jesus [Navas] is a very quick player and it was quite tough.

"But I came out in the second half and felt much better. I was closing him sharply, we made sure he got no crosses in and I think, at the end of the day, I feel really good. Hopefully I play on Saturday and get another 90 minutes and a good result with that."

United are now preparing for two Premier League matches against Burnley and Swansea City, which are sandwiched around the Europa League trip to Fenerbahce. Shaw hopes the Reds can win all three matches and enter the upcoming international break with a positive frame of mind.

"Nothing is easy and no fixtures in the Premier League are easy. We’ve seen that time and time again. People might think that's an easy game and end up losing them. I think it's time to start focusing on every game like a final and playing like a final as well.

"We’ve got Burnley at home, which is a must-win, and we know Swansea will be a very tough game. We’ve got Fenerbahce and that is a very tough place to go. We need to get maximum points because it's our time to start pushing up the table."

Man. United 2016/17 Season Team Photo

The official Manchester United team photo for 2016/17 is now available to download as a wallpaper for your desktop.

Jose Mourinho and his players posed for our official club photographers wearing the famous red adidas home shirt at Old Trafford, with the Community Shield on display. 
Summer signings Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba all feature, with the latter notably appearing for the first time despite being a member of the first-team squad in 2011/12.

(Please click on the image for high-resolution version of the photo)

Sir Alex: Klopp's Reds Real Deal

Sir Alex Ferguson says Liverpool are serious Premier League contenders now Jurgen Klopp has restored the club's identity.

Ferguson famously succeeded with his aim of knocking Liverpool "off their perch" as he took Manchester United beyond the Reds' record of 18 English league titles.

The last of those was more than 26 years ago, and Anfield has seen eight permanent managers come and go in the meantime.

Klopp is the ninth and, according to Ferguson, has a chance of ending the long wait for a 19th title - even if he makes Pep Guardiola's Manchester City the side to beat.

"He has done a really good job and revived Liverpool's enthusiasm," Ferguson said in an interview with German magazine Kicker.

"It can happen that big clubs lose it. For two decades, Liverpool changed managers without building their own identity.

"You can now well and truly sense that you have to count them in this year. You can see Klopp's dedication on the sideline - I'm convinced his work in training is similar. He's a strong personality. That's absolutely vital at a big club."

Just one point separates the top five, with Ferguson's old club six points off the pace under Jose Mourinho.

"I think there are five potential candidates," he said. "Manchester City as favourites, Tottenham and Liverpool, but also United are still there if we get some consistency soon. Even when you are trailing by six, eight points, it's still possible to catch one or two teams.

"The rivalry and the experience of Guardiola and Mourinho makes for an exciting competition. And you shouldn't forget Arsenal. The team is more sturdy. They've got better and more aggressive. I'm impressed with the young boy Alex Iwobi.

"Guardiola's skills are beyond debate, Antonio Conte is getting Chelsea on track, but Mourinho can also rival Guardiola - he's won the Champions League with two different clubs and titles in three different countries.

For my money Mauricio Pochettino has fantastic potential. Spurs have a good mix of youth and experience. Top players like [Harry] Kane or [Eric] Dier were injured but they're still in a good position."

Credit: Skysports.com

Jansson: Zlatan Tackle Made Me

Leeds defender Pontus Jansson has revealed how a tackle on Zlatan Ibrahimovic proved to be a pivotal moment in his career.

Jansson, who is on a season-long loan with Leeds from Torino, was playing for Malmo when he came up against Ibrahimovic in a pre-season friendly in 2011.

Ibrahimovic had to be taken off after an hour with an ankle injury and Jansson remembers one tackle in particular from the game. He told a Sky Bet Facebook chat why the moment has been key in his career.

"Everything changed for me at that moment," Jansson said. "We had a 50/50 tackle and I gave everything and so did he. He fell to the ground and I was standing up.

"I thought if I can do that to Zlatan I can do it to anyone. It was an important moment for me and my career."

Both Jansson and Ibrahimovic started their professional careers with Malmo and have also played together with Sweden.

While he might have given him a tough time in the friendly in 2011, Jansson says Manchester United forward Ibrahimovic was his hero growing up.

"I always liked Zlatan because when I was young I played as a striker like him," said Jansson. "I was tall and good with the ball and a bit crazy in the head like him.

"He was playing at the club when I was in the stands and watching them, everybody loves Zlatan, especially the people from Malmo.

"I always looked up to him. Now when I have played with him in the national team things have changed a bit, but he is the player I looked up to as a little kid."

Having joined Leeds in the summer, Jansson has quickly established himself as a fans' favourite at Elland Road.

And he said he hopes to turn his loan move from Torino into a permanent deal.

"I really hope so because from the first moment I love to play for this club and I love to be here," Jansson added. "I know the clubs are in discussions and we will see what happens.

"I really want to stay if the club and the fans want me. I don't know how close it is but hopefully there is a deal soon."

Credit: Skysports.com

Shaw: We Needed Derby Win

Luke Shaw says confidence is high within the Manchester United camp following the derby victory in the EFL Cup, a match the defender insists it was vital the Reds won.

Juan Mata's second-half strike sealed the fourth-round triumph over City, with a quarter-final tie at home to West Ham up next, as the Reds responded to last weekend's reversal at Chelsea.

Shaw, a Man of the Match candidate against the Blues, spoke about the importance of the win over Pep Guardiola's side and the boost it has given everyone.

"It was very important. We focused on Man City leading up to the game and we knew how big this game was," he told reporters. "We saw Guardiola said it was like a final and, to us, that is what it felt like; to get the win was massive.

"I think it was a big confidence boost after the disappointing result [at Chelsea] but we bounced back, got a win and now we need to go on a winning streak."

Guardiola made a host of changes to his City side but the Reds still needed to perform well to get the win and Shaw praised a positive display.

"The manager said it's all about confidence and the team that gives it their all, and I think that's what we did. We defended really well towards the end," he added.

"We knew they were going to come and start putting up the centre-backs for the long balls and crosses, but as a unit and as a defensive block I thought we did really well towards the end.

"The players that stepped in for them are really good players and I think they showed that. They were a very good side and all Man City sides like to play with the ball but we defended really well, especially in the second half. We managed to get the win and it was so important for us to do that."

On facing West Ham next, Shaw said: "It is a positive draw for us and, of course, at home as well - if it was away, it might have been a different story. Every game is tough but I am really happy to have got West Ham."

Man Admits Rooney Home Break-in Bid

A man has admitted attempting to break in to Wayne Rooney's home while he was playing in his testimonial match at Old Trafford.

Ex-serviceman, Robert McNamara, 24, of Scarborough, pleaded guilty at Chester Crown Court to attempting to enter as a trespasser with intent to steal.

The alarm at the footballer's £6m property in Prestbury, Cheshire was reportedly triggered on 3 August.

McNamara will be sentenced on 21 December.

Judge Nicholas Woodward said there were "very worrying features" in the case and ordered a pre-sentence report to be carried out by the probation service.

Rooney, his wife Coleen, and their three sons, Kai, Klay and Kit, were attending the charity tribute game against his first club, Everton, when the break-in bid took place.

McNamara of Newby Farm Crescent, Scalby, was arrested six days later.

The prosecution case was not outlined during the brief hearing but the court heard that McNamara had recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and that his family had sought help from Combat Stress, a veterans' mental health charity, earlier this year.

Credit: BBC Sport

Mourinho Charged By FA Over Anthony Taylor Comments

Jose Mourinho has been charged by the FA over comments he made about referee Anthony Taylor.

Taylor was chosen to take charge of Manchester United's goalless draw at Liverpool this month despite being local to the Manchester area.

Former referees' chief Keith Hackett was among those to criticise his appointment, and Mourinho said ahead of the game the row over Taylor's selection meant "it will be difficult for him to have a very good performance."

Managers are banned under FA rules from commenting on match officials before matches, and the United boss must answer a charge that "his comments were improper and/or brought the game into disrepute".

He has until 6pm on Monday to respond.

Mourinho was given a suspended stadium ban last season for claiming officials were "afraid" to give Chelsea decisions and was later banned for one match in a separate case after clashing with referee Jon Moss at West Ham.

The suspended ban expired on October 13 - three days before his comments about Taylor emerged.

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Neville: Mata Is Becoming A Key Player For Manchester United

Phil Neville believes Juan Mata is becoming one of Manchester United's most important players under Jose Mourinho.

The Spaniard scored the winner as United beat rivals Manchester City 1-0 at Old Trafford on Wednesday to progress to the EFL Cup quarter-finals.

Neville was a first-team coach under David Moyes when United signed Mata from Chelsea, then managed by Mourinho, in January 2014 for £37.1m.

Neville admitted he expected the Portuguese boss to sell Mata when he took charge at Old Trafford last summer but the former Blues attacker has chipped in with a number of key contributions this season, scoring three goals in six Premier League and EFL Cup starts.

"I was here [at Manchester United] when we actually bought Juan Mata," Neville told Sky Sports.

"He is never injured, he provides a lot of assists, he plays in two or three different positions, and he scores important goals.

"I actually thought he would be the first out of the door when Jose came, but he's actually becoming one of the most important players."

Sky Sports football expert Jamie Carragher agreed with Neville's analysis, praising Mata's goalscoring instincts.

"He has played 116 games [for United]," Carragher said. "We looked at the stats, he has been involved in nearly 50 goals. He has scored 29 and assisted 18.

"Sometimes I think he gets criticised because Man United are used to pace, counter-attacking and flying wingers. He's a number 10, what number 10 does have pace? There's very few.

"As Phil said, he is never injured but he gets goals and assists. He delivers.

"How many times do we talk about number 10s at other teams and say he's neat and tidy but he doesn't score? He gets goals."

Speaking to Sky Sports after the victory over City, Mata admitted it was crucial to bounce back from United's 4-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea last Sunday.

"After the defeat we had in London, it was a massive game for us," Mata said.

"It was a derby and it is always very difficult to play against Man City, they play very good football and I think we gave 100 per cent and we won."

And on his match-winning goal, he added: "Every time you score an important goal it is a great feeling but the most important thing was we fought together and I think we left everything on the pitch."

Credit: Skysports.com

Will The Real Jose Stand Up?

Phil Neville has called on Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho to scrap his "reserved" demeanour and rediscover his "fighting" spirit.

The Portuguese has cut a sombre figure on the touchline at times this season as his side have made an underwhelming start to his tenure at Old Trafford.

The low point of Mourinho's fledgling United career came on Sunday away to his former club Chelsea, who inflicted an embarrassing 4-0 defeat - the heaviest of his reign thus far.

However, United atoned for that setback to some extent on Wednesday, booking their place in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup with a morale-boosting 1-0 victory at home to Manchester City.

Former United defender Neville claims the club's supporters accept the current teething problems Mourinho is facing but he claims the manager could appease fans' concerns by displaying more passion on the sidelines.

"Jose said after the game at Chelsea how he felt embarrassed," Neville told Sky Sports.

"The supporters are not unhappy with Jose, but they are waiting for the real Jose to come out.

"When I see him in interviews and on the touchline, he looks a little bit reserved.

"I want him to come out and show the real Jose, where he's fighting the world like he was at Chelsea.

"He went to war with Pep when they were at Real Madrid and Barcelona and you just hope he does it again.

"Sir Alex Ferguson did it all the time with managers that were competing against him. With a couple more wins under his belt, I hope we see the real Jose.

"I look back at previous managers of this club and they've never been afraid of saying what they want and acting like they have.

"Yes, there are traditions you have to uphold but United fans want to see the real Jose bring the siege mentality he had at Chelsea to Old Trafford."

United host Burnley on Saturday looking for a first league win in three, a result which would see them stay in touch with the top six in the Premier League.

And Neville believes victory in the EFL Cup over City can act as a springboard for his former club's push for the title.

"When you look at United's next six games, victory over City can act as a springboard," he added. "United aren't on a disastrous run, they've only lost one in the last seven.

"If they start hitting the ground now in the league, they are still in the title race as they're only six points behind the leaders.

"City aren't playing well, and teams are dropping points so it's not a disaster."

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Manchester Derby Talking Points

Manchester United bounced back from their dismal defeat to Chelsea at the weekend with a 1-0 win over rivals Manchester City in the EFL Cup at Old Trafford.

Juan Mata's goal puts Jose Mourinho's men in the quarter-finals, where they will face West Ham, and extends Pep Guardiola's winless streak at City to six games.

Here we pick out six talking points from the match…

Mourinho eases pressure

There wasn't much style or swagger to United's performance in a game that didn't see a shot on target from either team in the first half, but this was still a win over their city rivals. A result. That's what Jose Mourinho's arrival was supposed to guarantee.

Mata's goal got the job done and puts United in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup. It's a competition that Mourinho has won three times before and he will surely see this as an opportunity to deliver silverware in his first season. Eliminating the holders will help.

United's issues still obvious

There was no hint of triumphalism from Mourinho after beating his old rival. He appeared almost embarrassed at the final whistle, sheepishly acknowledging the crowd's applause after the handshakes. In part, that is likely to be because he knows the scale of the task ahead.

After all, it was a clean sheet but not one to inspire too much confidence in this defence. Marcos Rojo battled away but is no kind of solution, while Luke Shaw made Jesus Navas look more threatening than he usually does. The defence held up but there is a lot of work to do.

Ibrahimovic still struggling

There are issues in attack too. Jamie Carragher called it the worst half he'd ever seen from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and while the big Swede improved after Vincent Kompany's withdrawal, he still doesn't look close to his best. Whisper it, but he even looks short on confidence.

Ibrahimovic is now 35 but isn't suffering the issue that usually comes with age - failing to get the chances. Instead he's missing them, unable to connect with the sort of volley he usually eats up midway through the second half. It was a win but United's striker needs a goal.

Guardiola's worst ever run

City just need a win. "It's the last competition in terms of importance," said Pep Guardiola before kick-off, reeling off the fixtures his City side are in the middle of. It is some schedule but it can hardly have come as a surprise and Guardiola's job is to navigate a way through it.

Winning along the way is essential but City have now gone six games without one. It's the worst run of Guardiola's managerial career and provides ammunition for those who insist he has experienced nothing like this before. West Brom will need to be beaten on Saturday.

City's youngsters impress

Guardiola seemed to enjoy what he saw from his youngsters though. "I'm so proud of the young players," he said, singling out the right-back for praise. "Pablo Maffeo was amazing fighting with [Marcus] Rashford and [Paul] Pogba, he won almost all of his duels."

Meanwhile, Aleix Garcia gave a creditable performance in the centre of midfield, looking more than comfortable. He completed 85 of his 90 passes, 20 more than any other player on the pitch. These were positives for Guardiola to take even in defeat.

Template for United?

But it's the United boss who will be the happier. Despite the ongoing concerns, he now has some tangible evidence of how this team can beat strong sides. Ander Herrera would appear to be key to that. "He chased, he harassed and he played at a better tempo," said Phil Neville.

United's goal came from Herrera's pressing and that's what United fans and their manager surely want to see a lot more of in future. "To win against Man City gives everyone a better feeling," said Mourinho. It's not his biggest win over Guardiola, but it's one he badly needed.

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EFL Cup Quarter-finals: United To Host West Ham

Manchester United’s reward for beating Manchester City on Wednesday is a home draw against West Ham United in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.

Juan Mata’s 54th-minute goal was enough to seal victory at Old Trafford in the 173rd Manchester derby and take the Reds into the last eight of the competition for the first time since the 2013/14 season.

Ander Herrera told MUTV after the game: "We faced West Ham four times last season - they are not in as good a moment as then but they have the players and the quality, and sooner or later the quality is going to come out. We have to control the very good players they have."

It will be United's third League Cup encounter against the Hammers, who beat Chelsea 2-1 at home to reach this stage. The Reds beat the Londoners 1-0 at Old Trafford in October 1985 but lost 4-0 at the Boleyn Ground in November 2010.

The tie will take place on Tuesday 29 or Wednesday 30 November.

Full quarter-final draw:

Liverpool v Leeds United
Manchester United v West Ham United
Hull City v Newcastle United
Arsenal v Southampton

4 Reds Praised By Mourinho

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho took time to praise Marcos Rojo, Ander Herrera, Michael Carrick and Paul Pogba for their roles in Wednesday’s 1-0 win over City in the EFL Cup.

Juan Mata scored the winning goal at Old Trafford and the boss went out of his way to high-five the Spaniard in appreciation of his contribution when the Spaniard exited the action on 73 minutes. The player was later voted as the club’s Man of the Match by followers of the club’s Twitter account.

However, when speaking to MUTV after the victory, as part of a passionate and lengthy answer about United’s second-half improvement, Mourinho highlighted the efforts of the aforementioned group. He began by saluting Argentina international Rojo for his display at centre-back alongside Daley Blind.

“We are used to playing with Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling but we have lost both to injury,” the manager explained. “We had to play with two left-footed central defenders [Daley Blind] and Marcos had not played for a while, but he played phenomenally tonight.”

Mourinho then went on to acknowledge how his three central midfielders changed the game with their increased pressing in the second half, which ultimately led to Mata netting his 54th-minute decider.

“We were getting confident step by step, we were starting to trust our defensive organisation,” the boss continued. “Then in the second half, especially Herrera, Carrick and Pogba, they increased the tempo.

"They started pressing higher. I thought Ander brought the team to different levels of intensity and pressing. Then we started recovering balls and being dangerous.”

In the same interview with MUTV, Mourinho also dedicated the victory to the club's "absolutely wonderful" supporters in light of United's disappointing defeat to Chelsea at the weekend.

Herrera Feels Passion Like The United Fans

Ander Herrera has a special bond with the Manchester United supporters and, although the Spaniard is not from the city, he believes he shares the same passion and love for the club.

That much was evident on Wednesday night when Herrera produced a typically passionate performance in the Reds’ 1-0 win over neighbours Manchester City at Old Trafford in the fourth round of the EFL Cup, with compatriot Juan Mata scoring the only goal in the second half.

Herrera was asked by MUTV after the final whistle whether he enjoys the feisty midfield battles in matches like the derby and the 27-year-old delivered a characteristically emotive response.

“I like these games,” Ander admitted with a smile. “When you are a Manchester United player and you know the history of this club, you have to respect the games that are for the fans.

“I feel it like them. I know I am not English and I am not from Manchester, but I really love this club and I have enjoyed my time here. I don’t want to be just one more player. I want to show that I am very happy here and I want to be here for as long as possible.”

On the support of the fans, Herrera continued: “It didn’t surprise me. I have had bad moments here. Last season we lost two or three games in a row before having Chelsea at home and the atmosphere was one of the best. Man United fans are always with the team and not every team can say that.”

Herrera felt United deserved thevictory over City on the night and was pleased by the way his team-mates bounced back from the disappointing defeat at Chelsea last Sunday. His attention has now turned to Saturday’s tough Premier League match with Burnley at Old Trafford.

“We have to keep our feet on the floor because now the most important thing is coming and that is the Premier League,” Ander told MUTV. “We have to face Burnley, they are fighting in every game like a final like we have seen against Everton. It is not so easy to beat Everton.

“We have to prepare for it. We can enjoy this result but on Thursday we change the focus. It is another final, we want to be at the top of the table and we want to win.”

Mata: We Gave Everything

Goalscorer Juan Mata was delighted to help Manchester United reach the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup after a narrow victory over local rivals Manchester City.

The Spaniard's second-half goal was enough to settle Wednesday's game at Old Trafford as the Reds bounced back from the disappointing reversal at Chelsea on Sunday.

Mata was voted as the club’s Man of the Match with 49 per cent of fans' votes on Twitter but felt the team’s performance was crucial to the victory.

"From the first minute until the last, we left everything on the pitch," he said. "We knew we had to be strong in our minds to face this game and I think we were that. We showed today that we're still competing.

"I think it was very important to win after the defeat we had in London. It was a massive game for us, a derby, and it's always difficult to play against Manchester City as they play very good football. We gave one hundred percent and we won today."

Of his 54th-minute winner, a left-footed shot past Willy Caballero from Zlatan Ibrahimovic's cross, Mata said: "Every time you score an important goal it’s obviously a great feeling. I think we started very well in the second half, playing good football and creating chances and that's why we scored."

Mata, who was given a standing ovation by the Old Trafford crowd when he was replaced by Morgan Schneiderlin late in the game, insisted that while he and the team are happy their hard work was rewarded with a victory, they also have one eye on the Burnley game at the weekend.

"We need to leave everything on the pitch every single game to win," he insisted. "It’s not easy to play against any team. The feeling today is happiness but tomorrow we’ll start thinking about the next game."

Mata was talking to MUTV and Sky Sports.

Mourinho: Win Is For The Fans

Jose Mourinho is "especially pleased" for the Manchester United players and fans following Wednesday night's tense 1-0 win over local rivals City in the EFL Cup fourth round.

The manager spoke to MUTV following the final whistle and, although he only answered three questions, he spoke with passion for five minutes about the performance and rewarding the club's supporters...

THOUGHTS ON THE RESULT
"It is an important result because this is a knockout competition: if you lose you are out and if you win you are in. It is especially important because it was a way to create a better feeling for the absolutely wonderful fans that I have never seen before in my life. After the defeat at Chelsea, to have this support is incredible. The love that these people have for the club is bigger than the result, it is bigger than the success and the trophies. It is real love and it is real passion. I am very happy for them, I don’t care about myself. I am not happy because it is important for me, I am happy for the fans. I am happy for the players because they have absolutely everything. The performance was good, it was not phenomenal, but it was good. What was phenomenal was the spirit, the effort and the solidarity. This is the minimum that we can give to the fans."

AN IMPROVED SECOND HALF
"We found a better way to press them and to recover the ball. Step by step we were feeling more confident. We are used to playing with Bailly and Smalling, but we have lost both. We had to play with two left-footed central defenders and Marcos had not played for a while but he played phenomenal today. We were getting confident step by step, we were starting to trust our defensive organisation and then in the second half, especially Herrera, Carrick and Pogba, they increased the tempo. They started pressing higher. I thought Ander brought the team to different levels of intensity and pressing. Then we started recovering balls and being dangerous. Before the goal Pogba had a big chance. After the goal, Zlatan and Rashford had another big chance so we could have scored a second goal and killed the game. But I think it was better like this because it was a way for the players to go to the limit, to give everything, and for the fans to have that feeling. I know we have a game in two days and I know that the players had this this run of Liverpool, Fenerbahce, Chelsea, City all within two days in between. But I think the fans deserved this from us and I am really happy for them and for the players."

THE FEELING OF SUPPORT FROM THE FANS
"It is real passion that doesn’t depend on results or the moments. It is easy to be a Man United fan when you win the Treble, when you win five titles in seven years. But it is not so easy when you lose 4-0 and this is incredible. The only thing I can say is that I couldn’t be prouder than I am to be Man United manager. Like I wrote in my [programme] notes, after such a bad result the only way I know is to fight. We are going to fight and the players did that for the fans. The fans did that for the fans too because they also played this game. This was not the Champions League final. It is just the League Cup last 16, but it was against City and it was after a big defeat so it was very important for us."

EFL Cup: Man. United 1 Man. City 0

Juan Mata’s second-half strike proved enough to book Manchester United's place in the EFL Cup quarter-finals with victory over holders Manchester City at Old Trafford.

The Spaniard’s intelligent finish soon after the break ensured the Reds exacted revenge for last month’s defeat to City in the Premier League by taking the bragging rights in a lively 173rd Manchester derby at the Theatre of Dreams.

The Reds will now face fellow top-flight side West Ham United - as they did in the last eight of the FA Cup on the way to lifting the trophy last season - at home next month.

Jose Mourinho didn’t opt for wholesale changes as he did in the last round against Northampton, making four changes from Sunday’s four-goal defeat at Stamford Bridge as Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Michael Carrick and Mata came in for Chris Smalling, the injured Eric Bailly, Marouane Fellaini and Jesse Lingard.

In contrast, opposite number Pep Guardiola fulfilled his promise to rotate, with nine alterations for the second round in a row after their success at Swansea last month – only captain Vincent Kompany and Leroy Sane kept their places from the draw with Southampton last weekend.

As they did at Old Trafford last month, City began in a menacing mood and, within the first minute, Kelechi Iheanacho almost scored for the second successive derby but couldn’t direct his close-range header on target from a Jesus Navas cross.

The visitors continued to threaten and claimed for a penalty on 10 minutes when Aleix Garcia stumbled in the box under pressure from Reds skipper Carrick but referee Mike Dean ignored the appeals.

United struggled to trouble the City defence early on but Zlatan Ibrahimovic caused panic with a 20-yard free-kick, which deflected behind for a corner, after Mata was brought down by Nicolas Otamendi.

The lively affair many were hoping for under the floodlights began to materialise as the first half wore on, with Iheanacho and Antonio Valencia both receiving yellow cards for strong challenges, but both teams lacked the cutting thrust in the final third to open each other up.

Ibrahimovic saw a shot deflect off Otamendi over the crossbar after Shaw combined well with Marcus Rashford, who moments later found his route to goal blocked by Pablo Maffeo after momentarily escaping clear of the City defence.

At the other end, Iheanacho then looked to have a similar clear run at goal after Sane seized upon Daley Blind’s stray pass but Rojo charged across to make a fine intervention and bail out his team-mate as neither side could make the breakthrough in a closely-contested opening 45.

HALF-TIME STATS
Possession: United 52% City 48%
Shots: United 3 City 2
Shots on target: United 0 United 0
Corners: United 3 City 1

After both goalkeepers had precious little to do in the first half, City keeper Willy Caballero made a stunning save to push Paul Pogba’s low effort onto the post after the Frenchman was played in by Ibrahimovic.

But the Reds continued to apply pressure and got the decisive opening goal nine minutes after the break. Ibrahimovic’s cutback from the left evaded Ander Herrera who collided with Fernando and, as the Reds screamed for a penalty, Mata kept his composure to stroke home into the bottom corner.

City injected additional firepower by introducing Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero in place of Sane and Nolito; however, it was the Reds who probed in search of a second goal as Rashford’s pace caused problems before he was withdrawn late on.

The visitors pursued an equaliser in the closing stages but the closest they came was when Aleksandar Kolarov, who replaced Kompany at half-time for the visitors, fired a free-kick over the crossbar from 25 yards.

Pogba almost gave the scoreline a more comfortable look in stoppage time when racing through the middle from Carrick’s pass but Caballero was alert to the danger.

It wasn’t quite as dramatic as the sides’ last League Cup showdown in 2010 but United, who return to Premier League action against Burnley on Saturday, will take confidence and satisfaction from knocking out their fierce rivals at the end of a tough run of four games in the space of 10 days.

FULL-TIME STATS
Possession: United 48% City 52%
Shots: United 8 City 5
Shots on target: United 2 United 0
Corners: United 4 City 3

THE TEAMS:

United: De Gea; Valencia, Blind, Rojo, Shaw; Carrick (c), Herrera; Mata (Schneiderlin 73), Pogba, Rashford (Lingard 81); Ibrahimovic. Subs not used: Romero, Darmian, Young, Fellaini, Memphis.

Booked: Valencia, Pogba, Ibrahimovic

City: Caballero; Maffeo, Otamendi, Kompany (c) (Kolarov 45), Clichy; Fernando, Garcia; Nolito (Aguero 71), Navas, Sane (Sterling 63); Iheanacho. Subs not used: Gunn, Adarabioyo, Gundogan, Fernandinho.

Booked: Iheanacho