Taking A Break

Dear Readers,

Will Power will be taking a break from now and will be back on either 17 or 18 December.

Do continue to support us.

Thank you.

Regards,

Will Power

Why Man. United Title Bid Is Over

It is only the end of November but, Manchester United's title hopes are already over - they simply have too much ground to make up.

I actually thought that before they were held at home by West Ham on Sunday, their fifth draw in their past seven league games - a run that has seen them fall off the pace.

But it is not all doom and gloom at Old Trafford, despite United being 11 points behind leaders Chelsea and eight points off the top four.

The players are giving everything they can and manager Jose Mourinho is right to complain his side have been unlucky. That was certainly the case against the Hammers.

Sunday's game was similar to Manchester United's draw with Burnley at the end of October, in that they came up against a goalkeeper who made some incredible saves.

Man Utd did not do much wrong against Hammers

Perhaps Wayne Rooney could have come on a bit earlier than the 65th minute against West Ham but, other than that, Mourinho tried pretty much everything he could to break the opposition down.

Mourinho mixed up his side's attack by playing more long balls up to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and used Jesse Lingard in a more central role, with Juan Mata also cutting inside.

They dominated the game and had lots of shots and, after conceding very early on, you could not say they really did much else wrong apart from maybe not getting Mata on the ball enough high up the pitch.

West Ham deserve some credit but the home side were unlucky.

I also thought Mourinho was a bit unlucky to be sent off as well, although nowadays it seems you cross a line when you kick a bottle - everyone who has done so this season has been punished the same way.

It is not the first time Mourinho has lost his temper this season - it is linked to what is happening in front of him.

On Sunday, if you are the Red Devils manager, you are going to be frustrated with the way the game is going, but it was a massive over-reaction and he must have known he would be sent off.

Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes or Louis van Gaal would all have been the same as Mourinho - all pretty annoyed. It just comes down to how you show it.

Mourinho certainly didn't hide his feelings. I think whoever is putting those bottles in the United technical area should find somewhere else to keep them, because he is only going to keep kicking them if he is angry.

He needs to keep a lid on things because the hierarchy at United will not be happy with the way he is behaving.

Mourinho made his mind up on players too early

Since he took charge at Old Trafford at the end of May, Mourinho has not been afraid of criticising his players and he is clearly the kind of manager who is not afraid to fall out with them.

There is nothing wrong with that but, it seemed as if he made his mind up on too many people right at the start of his time as United boss.

Ander Herrera is probably the best example of that. At the start of the season he was not really in the picture but now he is probably their best midfielder.

Michael Carrick was also a bit-part player when he should have been far more than that, even with age limiting his appearances.

So Mourinho has worked out that some of the players who were out of favour can play a key role for him, even if others like Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw are yet to win him over.

He is the manager and he has to go with his instincts when he decides which players he thinks he can get more out of, or he does not think are giving enough.

I do feel he has got it wrong with Martial, and Shaw as well, but there is still a way back for them.

Mourinho has already shown that he will allow you back into the fold if you react the way he wants you to, and there are not many players in his squad who can say they have not had an opportunity under him.

He named Bastian Schweinsteiger in his squad for the first time on Sunday, although he did not get off the bench, so Mourinho is clearly willing to keep trying things too.

I think he will get it right but, to make the top four and get back into the Champions League, it has to happen soon otherwise they are going to be even further off the pace.

Can Man Utd save their season?

Mourinho has got an incredible CV. As he tells us regularly, he won the Premier League only 18 months ago, not 18 years ago.

He is a momentum manager and his Chelsea sides, particularly during his first spell at Stamford Bridge, went on tremendous runs of form.

That is not happening at Old Trafford and I think not winning games is affecting their players' confidence and decision-making, especially in front of goal.

It seems like they are over-thinking things a little bit when they get chances in front of goal, but Mourinho knows that and will be doing his best to put it right.

Not everything is under his control, however. He has shown down the years that he will pick the same 11 players if possible, but at United he has been forced to change his team around.

That is partly down to injuries or, in the case of Carrick, the fact he cannot play every game any more. United's involvement in the Europa League has not helped, either.

I think it has affected them already, the same as it has done with Southampton.

In terms of mental fatigue there is certainly something about Thursday football that changes your whole preparation for the weekend.

I remember from my days, playing for Arsenal in the old European Cup Winners' Cup, that Thursday is usually a night where you can relax and look forward to Friday and the build-up to your game.

When you are playing, it throws your whole week out.

I would never have said it publicly, because it was European football and I had to get on with it, but I did not want to be in that competition. I am sure some of United's players feel the same way.

Martin Keown was speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.

Credit: BBC Sport

FA Reviewing Mourinho Footage

The Football Association are reviewing footage of Jose Mourinho's latest touchline dismissal and awaiting referee Jon Moss' report from Manchester United's clash with West Ham on Sunday.

The United boss was sent to the stands for the second time this season as his side were held to a 1-1 draw by the Hammers at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

Mourinho, who was also sent to the stands during a goalless draw at home to newly-promoted Burnley a month ago, received his marching orders at the weekend after kicking a water bottle on the touchline in reaction to midfielder Paul Pogba receiving a booking for diving. 

It is also his latest run-in with Moss after being dismissed by the official 12 months ago during his time as Chelsea manager in a 2-1 defeat to the Hammers, receiving a one-match ban for his trouble. 

Mourinho was banned from the touchline for one match, fined £8,000 and warned as to his future conduct by the FA following the incident against Burnley in October, and faces the possibility of a stiffer penalty for his latest transgression.

The United boss also received a £50,000 fine earlier this month for comments about the appointment of Anthony Taylor to referee their game against Liverpool and, again, warned as to his future conduct. 

If he is charged, and found guilty, his previous warning will influence any sanction.

The draw against West Ham left United in sixth place, eight points off the top four and 11 points behind leaders Chelsea, following a run of just one win in their last seven Premier League matches.

So what happens next then?

It is understood that the FA are reviewing footage and awaiting referee's report before deciding whether to take any further action.

If the FA were to apply similar rules to those they use for players, that would raise the prospect of a possible two-game stadium ban.

Is there an explanation for his actions?

"I think the first six months at Manchester United have seen him try to create something of an atmosphere here," says Sky Sports News HQ reporter James Cooper. 

"I don't think there's anything different to the atmosphere that Sir Alex Ferguson looked to create at Old Trafford. He was sent to the stands in 2003 in a game against Newcastle.

"I think their methods are very different, yet both of them are trying to establish this mistrust of the game's authorities."

Why might Pogba's suspension worry him?

Pogba's fifth booking of the season means he will miss the EFL Cup quarter-final against West Ham on Wednesday. It's a game that Mourinho might view as vital to United's season.

"This cup has special relevance to his time in England," says Cooper. "It was the first trophy he won at Chelsea. Maybe he's thinking that this time around the cup is his best chance of winning silverware at Manchester United this season. 

"That perhaps explains his frustration at missing Paul Pogba for a game at Old Trafford that if he wins would put United into the last four of that competition."

Credit: Skysports.com

Ref Watch: Right To Send Jose Off

Referee Jon Moss made the correct decision to send Jose Mourinho to the stands during Manchester United's 1-1 draw with West Ham on Sunday.

That's the view of former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher, who praised the call made by Moss and his fourth official Anthony Taylor at Old Trafford.

MATCH: Manchester United 1-1 West Ham, Premier League, Sunday

INCIDENT: Jose Mourinho sent to the stands

SCENARIO: The Manchester United manager was sent off by referee Moss after kicking a water bottle, following the decision to book Paul Pogba for diving.

DERMOT'S VERDICT: Correct decision.

DERMOT SAYS: There was a code of conduct issued to all the clubs at the start of the season and a big part of that was conduct in the technical area. It was decided there would be a process, with a formal warning, a public warning and maybe a removal. It was very irresponsible from Mourinho, it sends the wrong message out to 76,000 people at the game, and it will be seen on TV. It is not acceptable. Anthony Taylor was quite right to call Jon Moss over, tell him what happened and I think Jon Moss took the right action.

INCIDENT: Paul Pogba booking for diving

SCENARIO: Paul Pogba was booked for simulation following a challenge by Mark Noble.

DERMOT'S VERDICT: Correct decision.

DERMOT SAYS: I don't think there is any doubt it was not a lunging tackle where someone has come in very high and the player has to take evasive action to avoid serious injury. It's a tackle where the player may have been going for the ball and the way Pogba reacted, it would have been harder for me to stand here and defend the referee for awarding a free-kick in this situation compared to what he did. Noble has missed the player by so far. We have talked about referees being strong in these instances, and Jon Moss has been strong.

Credit: Skysports.com

Mourinho Running Out Of Excuses

Jose Mourinho is running out of excuses following Manchester United's stuttering start to the season, according to Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp.

Mourinho was sent to the stands for the second time this season as United were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday and could now face a two-match ban. 

The result left United in sixth, eight points off the top four and 11 points behind leaders Chelsea, following a run of just one win in their last seven Premier League matches. 

Mourinho, who spent close to £150m in the summer, including a world record £93.25m transfer fee on Paul Pogba, declined to speak to the media after the match and Redknapp believes the pressure is starting to get to the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss. 

"The last 16 months or so it's been very strange. The behaviour from the first day of last season against Swansea with the doctor to just the reaction to things, it strikes of a man that feels very uncomfortable within himself at the moment," he told Premier League Daily. 

"I look at how the results have gone, it's a terrible start to the season, David Moyes and Louis van Gaal did better and you can see he is feeling the pressure. He spent vast amounts of money in the summer, there are no excuses and he is running out of excuses.

"The worry for me, and I think for everybody at Manchester United and the people that would have been maybe against the Jose Mourinho signing, is that these are the traits he has after two or three years.

"This is only a few months into the season and he's already starting to blame the results, in terms of 'everybody is against him' or 'they've been unlucky'." 

Earlier this month, Mourinho appeared to publicly criticise centre-back Chris Smalling and left-back Luke Shaw after they missed United's 3-1 win at Swansea City, suggesting they had shown a lack of bravery.

And Redknapp feels Mourinho's decision to question the desire of certain members of his squad openly in the media may have backfired on him. 

"One or two players he has singled out, Chris Smalling perhaps saying he didn't want to play and a couple of days later he's got a broken toe. You can't question players' integrity," he added. 

"It's a different game to six or seven years ago when players would go 'Okay that's fine, we'll show you', but players now talk, they'll be in their little cliques saying 'Why is the manager blaming us, he should probably be looking at himself'. 

"When you're the Manchester United manager, you're a statesman and you cannot behave like that. I know Sir Alex Ferguson's behaviour wasn't always exemplary but I can't remember too many examples of him doing that. 

"He looks like a man who is really, really under pressure, angry within himself, he doesn't look happy. This should be his dream job, but I am finding it really uncomfortable to watch him at the moment."

Credit: Skysports.com

Jones Welcomes Jose 'Passion'

Phil Jones has welcomed the show of "passion" that could earn Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho a new suspension.

Mourinho was sent to the stands for the second time in his short Old Trafford career as United were held at home by West Ham on Sunday afternoon.

The United boss was dismissed for kicking a water bottle and could be banned from the dugout for two games if the Football Association decides to issue a further punishment.

Mourinho served a previous suspension at Swansea this month, but his actions have gone down well with one of his players.

"I think that's just passion," said Jones, who has started the last four games after returning from injury. "I like to see that from anyone - players, staff - it's passion for the game and a willingness to win.

Credit: Skysports.com

Jones: Keep Creating Chances

Phil Jones says the Manchester United players have to believe the goals will come if they continue to create as many chances as they did against West Ham United on Sunday.

Despite dominating the majority of the game against the Hammers at Old Trafford, the Reds could not find the elusive winner and the game finished in a 1-1 draw.

The team's previous game against Feyenoord in the Europa League had yielded four goals but it's in the Premier League where United have been struggling to kill teams off recently, especially at Old Trafford, where Jose Mourinho's men have been held to four consecutive draws.

Speaking to reporters after Sunday's game, Jones felt the Reds were yet again unlucky but wants the team to remain positive that the goals will start to flow.

"We created the chances again but we were unlucky in front of goal. We could have killed the game before half-time. We created some good chances but unfortunately it wasn’t to be," he said.

"I thought we controlled the game and should have won, but we couldn’t get that final goal. We just need to keep creating the chances like we are doing and hopefully we are going to hit someone like we did against Feyenoord the other night."

Jones expects Wednesday’s EFL Cup quarter-final against the same opposition to be a different encounter but reiterated the need for United to keep creating the opportunities to score.

"We just need to stick together, keep training well and keep creating the chances, and we will get the goals," the centre-back insisted.

"We need to go again. Wednesday night is another important game and we want to win. I think it will be a completely different game to this one but we need to prepare right as it comes around quickly."

Herrera: We Want To Make Our Fans Proud

Ander Herrera is determined to help Manchester United reward the club's fans by booking a place in the EFL Cup semi-finals with a victory over West Ham United.

Herrera gave several impassioned post-match interviews after Sunday’s frustrating 1-1 draw against the Hammers in the Premier League at Old Trafford, admitting he found it "unbelievable" that the Reds were held after again dominating the game.

Now the midfielder is already looking ahead to Wednesday’s tie against the same opposition and hopes a repeat performance will be enough to clinch United’s place in the last four in the New Year.

"It’s positive that we are playing on Wednesday, when we can get revenge," the Spaniard told reporters. "We can turn our luck in the next game in the EFL Cup. 

"It doesn’t matter the competition, it doesn’t matter the game, we just want to win. We want to fight for everything and we want to make our fans proud. 

"West Ham are a good side – it is not easy to stop them creating chances. They have [Manuel] Lanzini, they have [Diafra] Sakho, they have [Dimitri] Payet, they have [Michail] Antonio – they have very good players but they just created two chances in the whole game. 

"We were the dominant team so hopefully, on Wednesday, we can create as many chances as we did [on Sunday] and normally we should win."

Julia Roberts At Old Trafford

Hollywood superstar Julia Roberts was at Old Trafford to watch Manchester United's Premier League clash with West Ham on Sunday.

Roberts, Oscar-winning star of blockbusters such as Pretty Woman, Notting Hill and Erin Brockovich, took to the pitch ahead of the match, chatting with United midfielder Michael Carrick and Coleen Rooney, wife of United skipper Wayne.

Accompanying her were husband, cinematographer Daniel Moder, and her three children, who are reportedly huge United fans.

The game finished in a 1-1 draw, Zlatan Ibrahimovic - after a brilliant phase of United passing which lasted over a minute - cancelling out Diafra Sakho's early opener for the Hammers.

Credit: Skysports.com

Mourinho Facing Ban

Jose Mourinho could face a two-match ban after being sent to the stands during Manchester United's 1-1 draw with West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday.

Mourinho received his marching orders for the second time in three home league games after kicking out at a water bottle on the touchline at Old Trafford and then declined to speak to the media at the end of the match.

The Special One, who was sent to the stands during last month's goalless draw against Burnley, reacted after Paul Pogba was booked for diving shortly before the half-hour mark

Mourinho felt Pogba should have been given a free-kick but referee Jon Moss ruled there was no contact and showed the French international a yellow card.

The Portuguese was banned from the touchline for one match, fined £8,000 and warned as to his future conduct by the Football Association following the Burnley incident and faces the possibility of a stiffer penalty for his latest transgression.

"The referee explained it to Jose and there is nothing more to say," United's assistant manager Rui Faria said after the match.

"I think there was frustration from Jose after the yellow card for Pogba. It should be a foul for us but the referee understood it in another way.

"I think everyone saw it but it is part of the game. It was the referee's decision."

Pogba will now miss United's next game, an EFL cup clash with West Ham, while Mourinho is likely to face further punishment from the Football Association for his outburst.

The United boss also received a £50,000 fine earlier this month for comments about the appointment of Anthony Taylor to referee their game against Liverpool.

Mourinho, 53, previously had a run-in with Moss during the final weeks of his tenure as Chelsea manager 12 months ago when he was also sent to the stands during a 2-1 defeat to the Hammers and handed a one-game ban.

The latest result was United's fourth successive home draw in the league - a sequence they have not endured since 1980 - while their points return from 13 games, 20, is their worst since 1989-90.

Credit: Skysports.com

United Enquire About Lindelof

Manchester United have made tentative enquires with Benfica over central defender Victor Lindelof, who is Jose Mourinho's priority target in the January transfer window, according to Sky sources.

However, United will only be able to complete the signing of the Swedish international next month if Benfica fail to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Benfica have one match remaining in Group B against Napoli on December 6, and have told United they will not allow Lindelof to leave the Estadio da Luz if they progress to the next stage of the competition.

The Portuguese club currently sit top of their group on eight points, level with Napoli and one point ahead of Besiktas.

Lindelof, 22, has been monitored by Mourinho since before his arrival at Old Trafford, and SSNHQ understands the United manager would have attempted to sign him in the summer had he not been able to complete the transfer of Eric Bailly from Villarreal.

According to reports in Portugal, Mourinho has continued to have his scouts watch Lindelof this season, and he is understood to be particularly impressed with his speed as well as his defensive capabilities, seeing similarities between the Swede and Raphael Varane, who he managed at Real Madrid.

Sky Sports News HQ understands Lindelof would command a transfer fee in excess of £25m, and that tentative enquiries have already been made about the player's availability.

The Swedish defender, who was publicly praised this week by United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has played every minute of Benfica's Champions League campaign so far this season, and missed only one league match due to international duty in the club's unbeaten start to their domestic campaign.

Central defence is currently a problem area for Manchester United, who are without Chris Smalling and Bailly through injury.

While Phil Jones has made a successful return to the side this month in games against Swansea, Arsenal and Feyenoord, Mourinho does not want to risk going into the second half of the season without adequate strength in depth in that position, as he looks to secure a top-four finish.

Bailly is set to make his own comeback from injury in December but will leave for international duty almost as soon as he returns, with Mourinho confirming he will join the Ivory Coast squad for the African Nations Cup on January 3, and he could potentially be away for a month.

Mourinho is also mindful of being short of central defenders in January due to the potential fixture congestion they will face. United will add two EFL Cup semi-final matches to their schedule if they are successful in their quarter-final against West Ham next week.

While Lindelof's arrival would ease the strain on the squad at that busy time, he is also seen as a long-term solution for the club, as Mourinho considers him to be one of the best young central defenders in the world.

Credit: Skysports.com

Wasteful United

Not for the first time this season, Manchester United peppered their opponent's goal at Old Trafford on Sunday but were unable to come up with a winning strike.

Jose Mourinho's side fired off 17 shots against West Ham but after Zlatan Ibrahimovic cancelled out Diafra Sakho's early opener they were unable to hit the net again.

The 1-1 draw - which leaves United 11 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea - had similarities with their home ties with Burnley and Stoke City over the past two months. The Manchester club had 62 shots in those games combined but managed just one goal.

It's a recurring problem and raises questions about the quality of United's finishing. A closer look at the stats shows there's an issue.

Manchester United have created 164 chances in the Premier League this season, scoring 18 goals. On average, they score one goal for every 9.1 chances they create.

That's the third-worst conversion rate in the Premier League, ahead of only West Ham (9.7) and Southampton (11.7).

In contrast, Chelsea have created exactly the same number of chances as United but have scored 11 more goals, hitting the net 29 times from their 164 openings. That equates to one goal for every 5.7 chances created. Arsenal are even more efficient, scoring a goal for every five chances.

Opta also log clear-cut chances created and scored by teams. These are moments when a player would be reasonably expected to score, such as in one-on-one situations.

United are third in the table when it comes to creating clear-cut openings. They've fashioned 20 such chances - including two against West Ham - putting them behind only Liverpool (23) and Manchester City (25), two sides praised for their attacking football.

However, United have missed more of those clear-cut chances (18) than any other team in the Premier League. Their clear-cut chance conversion rate is the joint-worst in the division - on average they score just 30.77 per cent of those big openings, the same rate as Watford.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has missed nine clear-cut chances this season, three more than any other player in the Premier League. Paul Pogba (three), Marcus Rashford (two), Wayne Rooney (two), Juan Mata (one) and Jesse Lingard (one) have also been culpable.

Of course, there is the argument United are simply coming up against inspired goalkeeping. Stoke City's Lee Grant and Burnley's Tom Heaton received plaudits for their performances at Old Trafford, while Darren Randolph pulled off several fine stops for West Ham.

But Mourinho's men must find a way to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to stay in touch with the Premier League's leading sides.

Credit: Skysports.com

Reds Duo Out Of Hammers Cup Tie

Manchester United midfielders Paul Pogba and Maroaune Fellaini will miss Wednesday’s EFL Cup quarter-final against West Ham United through suspension, after the pair picked up their fifth bookings of the season in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with the same opponents.

Pogba’s first-half yellow card for simulation followed cautions against Watford, Chelsea, Manchester City and Burnley earlier this season.

The 23-year-old Frenchman had earlier provided the assist for United’s equaliser as his cross was met by talismanic striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as the Swede netted his seventh league goal of the season.

Fellaini, who replaced winger Jesse Lingard with five minutes remaining, was booked by referee Jonathan Moss for a strong challenge on West Ham captain Mark Noble.

Belgium international Fellaini had previously collected yellow cards in the games against Hull City, Manchester City, Watford and Liverpool.

Despite the absence of the suspended duo, the Reds will hope to beat West Ham at home at the second time of asking on Wednesday night and secure a place in the EFL Cup's January semi-finals.

Mata Aims To Finish 2016 With A Flourish

Each and every Monday during the season, Manchester United star Juan Mata pens a personal blog about matches and other news and events from the past week. In this 28 November post, he says we cannot keep blaming bad luck for dropping points and targets a winning run in the remaining eight games this year...

Hi everyone,

It’s very late on Sunday night, but not enough time has passed to digest the draw against West Ham, to be honest. This 1-1 would be easier to take if it came after a winning streak, but this is not the case.

A few days ago, we beat Feyenoord in a good game. We were playing to stay in the Europa League and the team delivered; we enjoyed ourselves on the pitch and scored several goals. So far in the Premier League, though, we haven’t found that consistency, that winning streak that is so much needed and that we’re working so hard to achieve.

When we seem to be close to a victory, it just slips away… I’m talking mainly about the Premier League games at Old Trafford, which is even more upsetting because playing in front of our fans is an extra, and that’s how we feel.

We know we must find the target more often to score more goals. We are doing what is more difficult: being able to create those chances, and now we have to take them. I’m having a look at the calendar and I see that we have eight games to play before the end of the year. In my opinion, having so many games in such a short period is something positive because we are eager to play again.

Starting with the EFL Cup, again with West Ham, and then visiting Everton next weekend. Two good games would help us to approach the Christmas season with more optimism. That would be very important because these few weeks are going to be very demanding, and every single team in the competition will struggle to get good results.

Thanks for your support.

Hugs,

Juan

Credit: Manutd.com

Lingard: We Must Keep Going

Jesse Lingard admits “the luck’s not there at the moment” for Manchester United but has called on the team to lift spirits by booking a place in the EFL Cup semi-finals.

The Reds were held to a frustrating fourth consecutive home draw in the Premier League on Sunday, this time by West Ham United, who return to Old Trafford for Wednesday’s last-eight tie in the cup.

Lingard, who had a potential winning goal against the Hammers disallowed for offside, told MUTV: “We’re playing really well but we keep drawing. The performances are there – it’s just [a matter of] putting the ball in the back of the net.

“It’s four draws in a row with numerous chances – the luck’s not there at the moment. But we have to concentrate on the game on Wednesday now.

“We’ve got high standards this season and for every competition we’re in, our aim is to win. So it’s good we have another game so quickly and we want to bounce back against West Ham.”

Herrera Bemused By Draw

Ander Herrera described Manchester United's 1-1 draw against West Ham United as "unbelievable", after the Hammers became the fourth visiting team in a row to hold the Reds at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

Despite falling behind to Diafra Sakho's effort after just two minutes, Jose Mourinho's men created a number of chances to win the game and improve on the preceding home league results against Stoke City, Burnley and Arsenal.

Few would have bet against United going on to claim all three points when Zlatan Ibrahimovic headed his side level on 21 minutes, but the Reds ultimately had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Speaking after the game, Herrera admitted he couldn't believe the result, saying: “The goalkeeper was the best player for them, once again. It was the same against Burnley, against Stoke and against Arsenal. I can’t remember a game [this season] where an opponent has created more chances than us.

"We’re playing so well; we’re creating a lot of chances and a lot of shots, moving the ball from side to side and crossing – I don’t know what we have to do to win a game. I don’t know what I can say to our fans, either, because it’s frustrating for us.

"We’re playing the right way, and doing things the right way. I think West Ham are a good side, and they didn’t get the ball for more than one minute [at a time] – so it’s unbelievable that we aren’t winning these games. It’s the first time in my career that I’ve felt something like this.”

Herrera and his team-mates will look to make amends when the sides meet again in Manchester on Wednesday evening (30 November), when there will be a place in the EFL Cup semi-final at stake.

Ander Herrera was speaking to Sky Sports.

Faria's Verdict On West Ham Draw

Manchester United's assistant manager Rui Faria spoke to the media after Sunday's 1-1 draw with West Ham United in the Premier League, following Jose Mourinho's dismissal to the stands.

Here are the main points from Faria's post-match press conference:

MOURINHO'S SENDING OFF

"I have nothing to say about the referee’s decision. I didn't comment with him [Jose, about it] - we just spoke about what the team needed for the second half, any adjustments, and we focused on that really."

LACK OF LEAGUE GOALS AT HOME

"I think everyone saw again, we were the best team on the pitch. We didn’t have any tactical issues during the game. Offensively we have created chances in a comfortable way in the last few matches the people have come to see at the stadium. We are showing that we are a strong side and we create chances that in a normal way should be goals and we should win the game in a comfortable way. Okay it isn’t happening and we are getting frustrated at that but we need to keep at it and it will happen."

CONCEDING THE EARLY OPENER

"We will have time to analyse it and discuss the problem with the goal. When you concede a goal there is always a reason for that and something that went wrong in the defensive set-play. If something went wrong it’s something that we will try to correct. From Arsenal to this it is two completely different goals but we need to watch it back [on video]. We are trying to get the best results."

POGBA'S YELLOW CARD

"I think everyone saw that his frustration showed that it was a free-kick to us but it was a yellow card for Paul and he’s out of the next match. So there is maybe reason to express some frustration but it is also something that happens during the game, the referee’s decision. From our perspective it was a decision that should have been for the opposite side [for us]."

SIZE OF THE TASK AT UNITED

"We knew it was not an easy job and we have had to change a few things and this is what we are going to keep doing. We believe in the players and we believe in the team and what we are changing will arrive for sure. We knew that we had a lot of work in front and it’s what we are doing. It’s a big club, we know that it’s a big club and to be fair we are used to big clubs. We also know how to take a team to win and that is our job and we know that we will do it."

Premier League: Man. United 1 West Ham United 1

Manchester United were held at home for the fourth consecutive time in the Premier League as visitors West Ham United forced a frustrating 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

Diafra Sakho put the Hammers ahead in less than two minutes, meeting Dimitri Payet's free-kick, but the Reds responded midway through the first half thanks to a Zlatan Ibrahimovic header. Jose Mourinho's men pushed hard for the winner, but were repeatedly thwarted by the visitors' goalkeeper Darren Randolph.

Mourinho shuffled his pack following the impressive midweek win over Feyenoord with a total of six changes. The likes of David De Gea and Ander Herrera were restored to the starting XI, but Bastian Schweinsteiger was the surprise name on the United substitutes' bench. The German had not featured in the Reds' match squad since coming on in the Manchester derby victory back on 20 March when Rashford grabbed the headlines with the decisive goal.

United knew there was a psychological advantage to be gained against the Hammers with an EFL Cup quarter-final tie to come against the same opposition on Wednesday, but it was a nightmare start for the Reds as the visitors took the lead in just the second minute.

Before today, Payet had created a league-high 43 goalscoring chances in the Premier League with only four of those chances being converted, but it was soon to be five. After Lingard brought down Payet, his wicked in-swinging free kick was met by Sakho, who muscled past Ibrahimovic, to power a header past De Gea.

United were back on level terms with the first clear chance to equalise. Paul Pogba's delightfully clipped ball over the top found Ibrahimovic who nodded past Randolph with conviction.

Mourinho was then sent to the stands after he reacted furiously to referee Jonathon Moss' decision to book Pogba for an apparent dive, but that only seemed to lift United who responded and should really have gone into the break ahead.

First an unselfish Ibrahimovic header found the stretching Lingard who volleyed over, before a Phil Jones header ran right through to Rashford, but the youngster, who was one-on-one, couldn't beat Randolph.

The unmarked Ibrahimovic then had a shot blocked from a promising position and Randolph denied the Reds again, this time saving from Lingard who was played through by Mata.

HALF-TIME STATS
Possession: United 74% West Ham 26%
Shots at goal: United 9 West Ham 2
Shots on target: United 4 West Ham 1
Corners: United 4 West Ham 2

Much like the first half, the Hammers were quick out of the blocks. First Sakho headed a corner narrowly over, before De Gea had to tip Payet's clever free-kick over the bar after he was taken by surprise by the audacity of the Frenchman, who went for goal from a narrow angle.

Seeing a need to lift the tempo, Mourinho introduced two men who were instrumental in the defeat of Feyenoord, Rooney and Mkhitaryan.

It didn't take long for the latter to pick up where he left off on Thursday as the ball fell to the Armenian in the box and after his effort had hit the post, Lingard tapped into the open net, only to be ruled offside.

Pogba then tried his luck from 25 yards and the familiar orange-shirted figure of Randolph thwarted the Reds again, down low, before a quick counter attack led to Rooney finding Ibrahimovic at the back post, but he was thwarted again by the Hammers' shot-stopper.

A weak header from James Collins let Ibrahimovic in, but after rounding Randolph, his effort was blocked by a covering West Ham defender. At the other end United Academy graduate Ashley Fletcher almost stole a victory for the Hammers but De Gea made a crucial block.

The Reds have now frustratingly drawn four Old Trafford league games in a row for the first time since November 1980 but at least there's a swift second chance to beat the stubborn Hammers when they visit again on Wednesday in the EFL Cup.

FULL-TIME STATS
Possession: United 68% West Ham 32%
Shots at goal: United 17 West Ham 5
Shots on target: United 8 West Ham 2
Corners: United 8 West Ham 4

TEAMS

United: De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Darmian; Herrera; Pogba, Mata (Mkhitaryan 65), Rashford (Rooney 65); Lingard (Fellaini 85), Ibrahimovic. Subs not used: Romero, Blind, Schweinsteiger, Young.

Booked: Pogba, Valencia.

West Ham: Randolph, Cresswell, Kouyate, Lanzini (Ayew 74), Obiang, Sakho (Fletcher 65), Noble, Collins, Ogbonna, Payet (Feghouli 90+4), Antonio. Subs not used: Adrian, Nordtveit, Zaza, Fernandes.

Booked: Cresswell.

Reds Launch Inclusion Campaign

Manchester United is launching a club-wide initiative this weekend as it strives to be at the forefront of equality, both on and off the pitch.

The #allredallequal campaign will kick off when United face West Ham on Sunday afternoon, with the club working closely with LGBT rights charity Stonewall and their Make Sport Everybody’s Game campaign.

On Sunday afternoon both United and West Ham will be welcomed on to the pitch by a giant flag demonstrating the charity’s equality work and high-profile campaign. Both United players and players around the country will don #rainbowlaces (in reference to the rainbow flag of the LGBT movement), while the Reds’ captain on the day will also represent the club's commitment to Stonewall by wearing a captain's armband sporting the same colour scheme (see picture above).

Messages of support will also light up on advertising hoardings around the pitch which will be broadcast to fans around the world, in a display that will be the first of its kind during a Premier League fixture at the Theatre of Dreams.

United has been instrumental in aiding Stonewall’s work over the past 12 months, as part of the club’s commitment to highlighting equality both in football and society as a whole. There was a day to remember during the summer when the UK’s first gay football team, Stonewall FC, were welcomed to the Aon Training Complex to mark the 25th anniversary of their formation in 1991. In their first clash against top-flight opposition, the world’s most successful gay team took on a United XI which featured a number of former Reds.

Directors at Old Trafford have also delivered speeches at annual Team Pride events, in which leading organisations have shared best practice on equality and how to eradicate discrimination in sport. Last season, United became the first club to exchange giant rainbow laces before a Premier League fixture, in a public show of support for the work by Stonewall, creating a powerful and iconic image that continues to be used throughout LGBT in sport.

The charity is just one of many organisations working alongside the club and the Manchester United Foundation in support of equality and inclusion. Among other campaigns, the Reds also actively back Kick It Out, Show Racism the Red Card and Level Playing Field. Further information on United’s equality initiative and future support and work can be found using #allredallequal on social media.

Ibrahimovic Honoured By Statue Tribute

Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has spoken of his pride to MUTV after it was announced that a statue will be erected in his honour in his homeland of Sweden.

On Monday, the Swedish FA revealed plans to build a monument of the frontman outside the Friends Arena in Stockholm, after he had collected the country’s Golden Ball award for the 11th time.

It’s a fitting tribute to the widely-travelled star, who scored a record 62 goals in 116 appearances for Sweden before retiring from international duty in the summer.

And in an interview with the club’s official channel, the charismatic 35-year-old expressed his delight following the news.

"It’s incredible. Normally you get a statue when you pass away, but I am alive," he said. "I’m super happy. I’m honoured. Sweden is my country and whatever I do, I represent Sweden; I will always go back there.

"I cannot describe the words; the whole career I went through, it has been a big adventure with many things happening and this is the outcome – I get a statue. I cannot ask for more."

The statue, which is being created by artist Peter Linde, is a 2.7-metre version of the trophy presented to Zlatan at the same time as his latest Golden Ball. And the subject is happy with its arms-aloft design.
"It’s like a gesture or a movement from a game – a typical Zlatan movement," he continued.

"I’ve gone through it; I’ve been a little bit critical because I wanted the statue to be like me: massive, powerful, magic, wow! All these combinations I wanted to get into it, but he’s done a great job – he’s a great artist. He has his way of seeing things and he made it like a symbol that would live forever."

Despite his superstar status and unwavering self-confidence, Zlatan admits that, growing up in humble surroundings in Malmo, he would scarcely have imagined he would be immortalised in his capital city.

"I come from a small area in Malmo – the ghetto, they call it – and I get a statue in the capital city of Sweden," said Ibra, whose mother and father emigrated to Sweden from Croatia and Bosnia respectively.

"I wouldn’t have believed it because I felt different; I didn’t feel like the other ones – where I came from, because of my background. But I believed that I would take over the world, that’s for sure."

Jose Mourinho, who coached Ibrahimovic while the pair were at Inter Milan in the 2008/09 season, heaped praise on his forward after the plans were announced.

"In his country they have a few big personalities in terms of sport, but at football level he wins the Player of the Year award year after year and he has done so much for the country," Mourinho told MUTV.
"It is not usual to get a statue when you are still playing, but it is much more beautiful this way."

Mourinho: Martial Still Adapting To My Style

Jose Mourinho believes Anthony Martial is still adjusting to his managerial style at Manchester United, as he responded to a suggestion the forward is suffering from ‘second-season syndrome’.

Martial enjoyed a superb maiden campaign for the Reds under Louis van Gaal in 2015/16, scoring on his debut against Liverpool in September and finishing with 17 goals in all competitions.

The 20-year-old Frenchman has made nine starts and four substitute appearances so far this term, netting twice, with Mourinho deploying him mainly in a wide left role.

Speaking at his press conference following United’s Europa League win over Feyenoord, in which Martial was not involved, Mourinho said: "First of all, the way the team played last season was very different – I’m not saying better or worse, just different.

"Probably Anthony was feeling more comfortable playing that way, at that intensity, at that rhythm of the ball – possession and ball circulation. So he probably needs some time." Mourinho also pointed out that there is plenty of competition for the attacking roles in his team, with several players hungry to impress.

"We have Mkhitaryan, Lingard, Depay, Mata, Rashford and Martial – these are the positions where we have more options," the boss said.

"You have one opportunity, maybe two or three. If you don’t bite, somebody comes and takes the meat."

Valencia Eyes Double Success Over West Ham

Antonio Valencia is determined to help Manchester United secure back-to-back successes over West Ham United when they visit Old Trafford twice in four days.

Following Thursday’s impressive Europa League triumph over Feyenoord, the Reds host the Hammers in the Premier League on Sunday and in the EFL Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Naturally, Valencia and the team’s attention is on the league encounter first as the Reds look to get back to winning ways in the top flight following three successive home draws.

But the 31-year-old knows that three victories in quick succession would provide a real boost at an ideal time of the season, heading into the busy Christmas period.

"Good results bring confidence and will help us get back to achieving our objective, which has to be competing for the Premier League," said Valencia, who was Man of the Match on his return from injury in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal. 

"When you win, you feel you can win the next one and you sense you’re on the right path. We know West Ham are a good side but we need to approach these games like any other. 

"We’re playing well this season: we’re creating chances and putting teams under pressure, and I’m certain we’ll climb the table. So we’re focused on getting the points in the Premier League and then going through to the next round of the cup."

Valencia has been one of United’s standout performers this season and his dynamic displays at right-back were praised earlier this week by manager Jose Mourinho, who also revealed he tried to sign the Ecuadorian when he was in charge at Real Madrid.

"I’m thankful for the manager’s kind words and I hope to keep working hard to repay the faith he’s put in me in every game I play," Valencia added.

"He has given me a lot of confidence – he’s given me the chance to play. I like being at Manchester United and I want to do all I can for the team."

Valencia's return against the Gunners came earlier than many observers had expected; he missed only three games with the fractured arm he sustained in October's EFL Cup tie against Manchester City.
 
"I wanted to get back as soon as I possibly could, to help the team," he added. "I was helped by the medical department here at United and the great work they’ve done since my operation."

Ander's United Ambitions

Ander Herrera says he is "so happy" to have established himself as an important member and regular starter in the Manchester United team this season, but he insists he is always striving to improve and give more in every game he plays.

In a sit-down interview with Sunday's United Review, the Spanish midfielder spoke of his determination to build on his impressive displays so far, declaring "football has no memory so you have to perform every weekend and in every game."

Herrera's performances for United this term have also earned the 27-year-old a first international cap for Spain and while he admits it was a dream come true, he maintains that team ambitions for club and country will always come before personal goals.

"I am a team player. I never think as an individual, I just want to think about the team," he told United Review. "Of course I am getting the chance to play and I am so happy for that, but if one day I don’t play and the team wins I will be just as happy. I am a team player and I will think like that always.

"I am playing sometimes a little bit more defensive and sometimes also a bit further forward," he added, when asked about his position in the United team this season. "I think it’s good for me to be able to give some different options for the manager and the team. I am happy with my development but football has no memory so you have to perform every weekend and in every game."

Herrera was rested for Thursday's 4-0 win over Feyenoord, but is expected to return to the starting line-up against West Ham on Sunday afternoon as the Reds look to get back to winning ways at home in the Premier League.

"In football I think the most difficult thing is to create chances," insists Herrera. "To be in the third part of the pitch and getting good shots away and we are doing that. So the most difficult thing is what we are doing, but now we have to score the chances, that’s what football is about. So of course we have to finish better."

The Rise Of Daley Blind

Daley Blind made a milestone appearance - his 100th for Manchester United - this week, appropriately against a club from his native Netherlands. Here, in this feature first published in the match programme United Review, we chart his rise with the help of Dutch legend Frank de Boer and journalist Elko Born...

From the young lad copping flak from Ajax fans to a classy but streetwise fixture in Jose Mourinho’s United defence, our no.17 has come a long way in a short space of time.

Six months after leaving Ajax for United, in January 2015, Daley Blind returned to the Amsterdam Arena ahead of De Klassieker – the big Dutch derby between his former side and fierce rivals Feyenoord.

The Reds star, joined on the pitch by another departed Ajax hero, Tottenham's Toby Alderweireld, was met with a homecoming of fireworks and banners expressing gratitude. The pair undertook a lap of honour and addressed the crowd before leaving the field to a huge ovation.

Having been booed by some of those same supporters less than three years earlier, the scenes bore a surreal tinge. But then, for one so used to confounding expectations himself, perhaps Daley wouldn’t have been surprised. Having overcome the anticipation of being Danny Blind’s son and the wrath of misguided Ajax fans in Holland, as well as a variety of positional shifts, managerial change and assimilative challenges in Manchester, our no.17 is well aware that expectations mean little.

The Netherlands defender, who matched his father’s haul of 42 Dutch caps during this month’s international break, has established himself as a key member of Mourinho’s backline, despite being brought to Old Trafford by Louis van Gaal as a defensive midfielder. Those who thought he would struggle with the pace and power of the Premier League fell into the same trap as those who doubted he could make the grade at Ajax, not reckoning on the mental strength and sharp intellect which would give Daley a key advantage over most of his opponents.

AJAX UPBRINGING
Former Ajax manager Frank de Boer, the man widely credited with launching Daley’s career, having led him along the brighter path at a career crossroads, believes his upbringing at the Dutch giants has stood him in good stead. “When I look at him now, I can see the real characteristics of an Ajax player in him. He’s a typical Ajax player,” de Boer tells United Review. “He has great intelligence, he’s good with the ball, good technically, good vision, always looking to play it forward and always trying to look for solutions.

“The boys at Ajax are made to understand they have to give everything in every training session. Technical things are also important, that they try to dominate the ball. They mustn’t be afraid to make mistakes, they have to learn from mistakes and there is the pressure that they always have to win. You see a lot of players who join from another club and winning is important to them, but when they lose nobody complains, whereas at Ajax a draw feels like a loss.”

De Boer was coaching Ajax’s Under-13s and spending time with the club’s other age groups when he first crossed paths with a 17-year-old Blind, who had already been skipped ahead to play with the Amsterdammers’ Under-19s team. 

“You could tell even then he was one of the biggest talents in his age group, especially with his vision,” says the former Dutch international, who amassed 112 international caps during his own stellar career as a defender.

“Daley was a defender always looking for a solution. He was very smart. Physically he was maybe not that strong or that fast, but he always had a good position and, whenever an opponent had the ball at his feet, he always managed to get a toe to the ball.”

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE
Despite his natural talent and the well-established syllabus for Ajax youngsters, however, Blind endured a tough time when he stepped up to senior level. 

“When Blind first broke into the Ajax team, the consensus among fans and pundits alike was that it was going to be difficult for him to succeed in Amsterdam,” explains Dutch journalist Elko Born.

“He was loaned out to FC Groningen in Holland and, quite honestly, some fans did not expect him to return to Ajax. Later, when he had returned, a lot of people were still critical of him. Here, we can pinpoint another reason for the respect he gathers these days. The way he was able to handle this tough and challenging time proves how good he is at growing and keeping his cool under pressure.”

De Boer, who stepped up to replace Martin Jol as Ajax manager midway through the 2010/11 season, persevered with Blind as a squad member at a time when Ajax’s vociferous support were regularly barracking the youngster. He also gave him advice which would lay the foundations for the career to follow.

“I gave him the trust,” says de Boer. “I saw his quality, but I thought he still had to understand what it really means to be a top player with a top-spot mentality. I said to him that he had to invest more in himself, especially in his body, and he had to go to the gym more. It’s not only about when you have the ball because when you have duels you want to be strong. 

“Now, if you compare him to where he was three or four years ago, it’s a whole different person. Of course he’s older, but now he’s really matured in every part of himself: mentality, physically, tactically, everything.”

Daley’s breakthrough at Ajax came during 2012/13. Having started the campaign as the supporters’ fall guy, he ended it as their player of the season after making the left-back slot his own. He also picked up his third Eredivisie title, but his first as a mainstay. The following season, which would be Blind’s last in Amsterdam, also ended with the title, but this time it came after a successful positional switch. 

“He did well at left full-back, but when I used him as a controlling midfielder he did very well,” says de Boer. “That position is maybe the most difficult. You have to defend but also you’re the first man who receives the ball from behind, and he did very well with that. It was a big moment for me also because he was a key player for my team. I wasn’t satisfied with the player who played in that position at the time, but when I put Daley in that position everything fell together in that moment.”

FROM EREDIVISIE TO ENGLAND
Later in 2014, United’s appointment of Louis van Gaal, who knew Blind well from managing the Netherlands’ national team and also retained a close relationship with de Boer, meant that a move to Old Trafford was soon inevitable. Once again, questions were raised over the then 24-year-old’s ability to adapt to life in a league where the currencies of pace and power were stronger than in the Eredivisie.

“Many young, talented players have faltered on the road from promise to achievement, and followers of the Dutch league have seen countless players fail abroad after outgrowing the Eredivisie,” explains Born.

“Daley, however, has been an important player for Manchester United for more than two years now. To make the transition from the loan list at Ajax to United’s first team is remarkable. What’s more, he has the intelligence to play in multiple positions, wherever the manager needs him. We have seen him at left-back, centre-back and defensive midfield. Never in my life have I seen a player so mentally strong, so willing and able to grow and adapt.”

Though Blind became a fixture under van Gaal, making more appearances than any other United player last season, the summer appointment of Mourinho left him needing to prove himself once again. While the arrival of Eric Bailly did bolster the Reds’ defensive ranks, Blind has remained firmly in the new manager’s plans, missing just five games this season and drawing praise for his typically composed displays at either left-back or centre-back.

“Mourinho sees what Daley brings to the team,” says de Boer. “That’s even more satisfying for me and for Daley, the fact that he can think, ‘Okay, maybe Mourinho has a different view about football, different to de Boer or van Gaal, but I can also be important for this coach, too.’ He’s so intelligent that he has already played three positions at United and he has shown everybody that he can manage very well, whatever the expectations are.”

By the time he played his milestone 100th match for the Reds on Thursday night, in which he once again looked assured in contributing to a much-needed clean sheet, Blind had already done more than enough to earn the faith of supporters at United, just as he did in Amsterdam.

Rojo: League Table Can Quickly Change

Marcos Rojo admits Manchester United’s recent dropped Premier League points at home are a blow but is confident the team will soon get back into contention at the top of the table.

Heading into Sunday’s clash with West Ham United, the Reds are in sixth place, nine points behind leaders Chelsea, after being held by Stoke City, Burnley and Arsenal at Old Trafford in recent weeks.

And while Rojo shares the general feeling that United are playing well, as evidenced in Thursday's Europa League victory over Feyenoord, he accepts the team need to build on that and put a winning run together.

“We’ve deserved to win our last few games at home because we were the better team, but we didn’t come away with the wins, which was disappointing,” the Argentina international told MUTV before the Feyenoord clash.

“It’s an important game [against West Ham] to keep ourselves in the hunt. Winning would put us in a good position heading towards the Christmas period, where games come thick and fast – things can change a lot during that time. 

“It’s a very competitive league that changes constantly. We’re a bit of a distance away from the top but the team is in good shape and we’re playing well.”

Rojo could retain his place in defence alongside fit-again Phil Jones this weekend, with the Englishman having played in each of the Reds' last three games in all competitions.

“It’s good and I’m really happy for Phil after the injury he had,” Rojo added. “He was out for quite a while. To have him back and playing well makes me and the rest of the team very happy.”

Rooney: I Didn't Go To Wedding

Wayne Rooney has again defended himself and criticised the media over the controversy surrounding photos of him on an evening out following the 3-0 win over Scotland earlier this month.

Rooney issued a public apology after pictures emerged of him apparently the worse for wear at the England team hotel at 5am the morning after the game, but the Manchester United striker, who scored the opening goal in Thursday's 4-0 Europa League win over Feyenoord, again stood his ground having previously branded his treatment "disgraceful".

"I actually didn't even step foot into the wedding and I think it's a shame that I'm having to talk about it now after such a great victory," he said.

Rooney's chipped finish against Feyenoord was his 39th in Europe and 248th for the club, moving him to within one goal of United's all-time record scorer Sir Bobby Charlton.

"It's a great feeling to score goals and to score goals for this club. So I'm pleased. I'm sure there's plenty more to come and I'm happy with the win as well as the goal," he added.

"It was a good win. We're pleased we got four goals. I think the second goal killed the game, even though we were in control at 1-0. You never know what can happen."

United boss Jose Mourinho was pleased with Rooney's contribution, adding: "It is an amazing achievement obviously and will be even better if he can help to bring to the club the only competition they have never won in their history, which is the Europa League.

"It is not the biggest competition obviously, but let's try, let's push. I know it will be difficult - there are a lot of matches. But let's try to qualify, and if we do in Ukraine, then more matches to come and hopefully more goals for Rooney to score.

"His performance was like the team - good, solid."

Credit: Skysports.com

Jones Backs Rooney To Prosper In Wake Of Criticism

Phil Jones thinks Wayne Rooney will rise above the criticism he has faced in recent weeks.

Rooney's form and private life has been under scrutiny by the press but he responded by scoring Manchester United's first goal in a 4-0 Europa League win over Feyenoord.

It was the 31-year-old's 39th goal in European club football, taking him one clear of the previous best held by Ruud van Nistelrooy.

And Jones has given his team-mate the thumbs-up and backed him to overhaul the record of another United great.

The United defender said: "It's been difficult for him but it's water off a duck's back for him too.

"He's dealt with that throughout his career. He's shown that it doesn't bother him. He put in a good performance and got his goal."

Rooney is close to overtaking Sir Bobby Charlton's record as United's record goalscorer and is just one behind the World Cup-winner's total of 249.

Jones added: "I'm buzzing for him.

"He's a world-class player, has been for many years, a legend at the club. I'm just delighted for him. He's a great lad off the pitch as well.

"I hope he scores on Sunday. He's got all the talent in the world, so let's hope he keeps scoring the goals."

Credit: Skysports.com

Zlatan: Rooney Deserves More Respect And Is 'Perfect Player'

Zlatan Ibrahimovic says Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney deserves more respect and has described him as "the perfect player".

Rooney's goal in the 4-0 Europa League win over Feyenoord on Thursday night was his 39th in continental competitions for United, a tally that saw him eclipse Ruud van Nistelrooy as the leading marksman in European games, and it also leaves him just one behind Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time haul of 249.

His latest effort came just five days after he vowed he was "not finished yet" as an England international following the publication of images of the 31-year-old in the team hotel bar late at night.

Ibrahimovic says he is "used to" similar treatment in Sweden but feels Rooney deserves to be more respected for his goalscoring feats at club and international level.

"I think when you're a person like that, when you're famous like that, people are interested, they want to know everything," he said.

"I don't know what has happened, I didn't even ask him because it's not important for me and I'm 100 per cent sure the media doesn't know what really happened.

"I think we should appreciate him for the player he is, what he did. I don't see many players from England who have had the same career as him. I feel a little bit sorry of the situation because we should show more respect for him.

"Everybody wants to make a little thing a big thing. I'm used to it from Sweden, I don't mind it."

It was the Swede who teed up Rooney for his record-breaking effort in the first half with a weighted pass into the area.

The two have rarely been seen in tandem with Rooney struggling to hold down a regular first-team place, but Ibrahimovic has assured him that he will do all he can to ensure United soon have a new name at the top of their all-time scorers.

"As a person he's fantastic, I have the luck to get to know the person," Ibrahimovic added of Rooney.

"As a player, there are no words to not say about him - he's the perfect player. Everybody knows what he can do, what he did, what he has done. I'm happy for him to break the record and I will help him to go one more - then I see it as the real record."

Mkhitaryan States His Case

Henrikh Mkhitaryan showed Manchester United what they had been missing with a starring role in their 4-0 win over Feyenoord. Peter Smith assesses his comeback...

Henrikh Mkhitaryan had been a man of mystery so far this season.

Hailed as one of the signings of the summer following his £26.3m switch from Borussia Dortmund, the Armenia international found himself completely out of the first-team picture after being hooked off at half-time on his full debut against Manchester City.

He didn't even make Jose Mourinho's matchday squad against Arsenal in the Premier League last weekend.

But, making his first start since that derby game, Mkhitaryan delivered a reminder of his quality in United's 4-0 win over Feyenoord on Thursday night.

His name received the loudest cheer when the teams were read out ahead of kick-off and there was an air of intrigue around Old Trafford; the home support were eager to see what the midfielder - who recorded 11 goals and 15 assists in the Bundesliga last season - could do in a Manchester United shirt, given another chance.

The 27-year-old was clearly keen to state his case, firing off three shots in the first half, just one shy of the number he'd attempted in his previous five appearances for United. But there was no escaping the look of a player who has been starved of first-team action.

Mkhitaryan had just 33 touches in the first-half (only Zlatan Ibrahimovic and goalkeeper Sergio Romero had fewer) yet his three unsuccessful touches were the most of any player on his side.

Along with Ibrahimovic, he was one of only two players for the home team to fail to make a tackle or interception in the opening period, too, according to Opta data.  

Yet, despite those facts, there were clear examples of Mkhitaryan's quality.

Back-to-back one-twos around the edge of the box with Wayne Rooney would have seen him through one-on-one, had his captain's return ball not been over-hit, while another connection between the pair led to Mkhitaryan nearly latching onto an Ibrahimovic knock-down in the six-yard area.

There were other glimpses of neat footwork and tidy dribbling which were hallmarks of his play at Dortmund - but there's no doubt Mourinho would have demanded more from his man at half-time.

He got it. Within moments of the re-start Mkhitaryan, pressing with renewed verve, nearly nicked the ball off the visitors' right-back Rick Karsdorp and then battled his way through two challenges as he drove towards the Feyenoord area. On 49 minutes his left-foot snap-shot was blocked at close range.

Sixty seconds later Mkhitaryan had United supporters out of their seats again with a surging, slaloming run from his own half deep into enemy territory past three Feyenoord defenders. He was bundled down 25 yards from goal, yet remarkably Jens Toornstra's challenge went unpunished. There was not even a free-kick from referee Manual Grafe when some officials would have brandished a red card.

With his tail up, Mkhitaryan became United's catalyst. He rifled into the side-netting after playing the ball off Ibrahimovic and breaking into the box, and a succession of quick passes with Rooney and the Swede opened the Dutch side up once more just after the hour mark.

While Mkhitaryan, Ibrahimovic, Rooney and Juan Mata may not bring running speed to United's frontline, the Armenian's rapid one-twos around the area injected pace into the home side's attack. A feature which has sorely been absent so far this term.

Mkhitaryan would have capped his comeback display with a goal had Brad Jones not diverted Ibrahimovic's cutback into his own net but, even without a goal or an assist, he left a significant mark on this game.

Substituted late on to appreciative applause, Mkhitaryan has played his way back into contention.

The mystery man is back in the spotlight and looks primed for a Premier League return against West Ham at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Credit: Skysports.com

Jose Hints Mkhitaryan Could Face West Ham

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has hinted that Henrikh Mkhitaryan could be in line for another start this weekend after impressing against Feyenoord.

The Armenian earned the club’s Man of the Match award after catching the eye on his second start for the Reds in Thursday’s 4-0 Europa League win over the Dutch side at Old Trafford.

The summer signing from Borussia Dortmund said after the game he hopes his positive performance can herald a new beginning for him. And, speaking in his post-match press conference, Mourinho praised the 27-year-old’s display, suggesting he may be in contention for a starting berth in Sunday’s Premier League match against West Ham United.

The boss told reporters: "He just needs now to replicate this kind of performance in the Premier League. The Premier League is different – he needs one more step. Obviously now confidence levels are higher.

"This performance gives him the right to believe that he can play the next match again and he needs to replicate this kind of performance in the Premier League with more physicality and more aggression.

"He needs a little bit more of that but the quality – we know why we bought him, we know we were buying a player with a high level of technical quality," he added. "[He is] very intelligent and very bright, the way he reads the game, so good for him because the performance was good."

Blind: Let's Finish The Job

Daley Blind was impressed with Manchester United's performance against Feyenoord on Thursday night, but stressed there was no room for complacency with a point still needed to qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League.  

The Dutchman was making his 100th appearance for the club in the important European clash and praised the free-flowing attacking football displayed by the Reds that resulted in a commanding 4-0 win. 

United are now second in Group A, a point behind leaders Fenerbahce, ahead of the final pool game away to Zorya Luhansk on 8 December.

"We showed that we are in a good way," Blind told MUTV after the match. "We have a great team and I think for any opponent it’s so difficult to play against the movement of the players. 

"The job is not done but we’re in a good way, on a good track, so we’re going [to Zorya] with confidence."

Daley replaced Marcos Rojo in Thursday night's line-up, returning to the side after starting on the bench for Saturday's 1-1 draw with Arsenal. The former Ajax man is, of course, desperate to play, but recognises the importance of competition in the United ranks.

“I think it’s important for a club like Manchester United that there’s challenge for places in the team,” he explained. “I think that makes every player better and that makes the team better in the end. That’s what a team like this needs. We are a great team together.”

The aforementioned Ajax link also made it a doubly interesting night for Blind, with the army of travelling Feyenoord fans demonstrating they had not forgotten his links to their fierce rivals.

“Their fans were good and I expected this already [some jeers],” Blind said. “They know I’m from Amsterdam and I’m proud of it.”

One the of the other standout moments of the evening was Wayne Rooney's first-half opener, a goal that confirmed Rooney as United’s record goalscorer in European competition, and Blind commended his team-mate's incredible achievement.

“Wayne is a great player and a great personality as well,” he said. “For me I can only say that it’s a pleasure to play with him every game."

Rooney Sets New United Record In Europe

It's official - Wayne Rooney is now Manchester United's record goalscorer in Europe with 39 goals.

Rooney's first-half chip against Feyenoord in Thursday's Europa League match at Old Trafford sent him clear of Ruud van Nistelrooy's impressive tally of 38, which the Reds captain equalled when he netted in the away defeat to Fenerbahce earlier this month.

The next personal achievement in Rooney's sights is, of course, the club's all-time record for goals in all competitions. His strike against Feyenoord was his 248th for United, just one short of Sir Bobby Charlton's long-standing total of 249.

After the match, Rooney spoke of his delight at netting a record-breaking goal for the Reds, saying: "It's a great feeling to score goals and to score goals for this club. I'm pleased and I'm sure there's plenty more to come. I'm happy with the win first of all but also with the goal.

"We're pleased we got the four goals," he added. "I think the second goal killed the game. We knew even though we were in control of the game at 1-0 you never know what can happen so the second one really killed them off. I think overall we played some good stuff. "

Jose's Verdict On Victory

Jose Mourinho admitted he was happy with both the performance and the result this time at Old Trafford after watching his Manchester United team seal an emphatic 4-0 win over Feyenoord in the Europa League.

Here are the main points from his post-match interview on MUTV:

OVERALL REFLECTIONS
"Yeah I’m happy, this was a performance and a result. I was saying before the match, performance without result is not good but gives you a future. A bad performance with a good result is a happy moment but it’s just a happy moment, not a happy future. And this time they played very well again with goals and it's important for us because we always said since day one we want to do well in the Europa League. We were in a position of needing four points and now we need just one."

ROONEY'S EUROPEAN RECORD
"I didn’t know that [about the record]. And more important than that is the three points that we need and the performance of the team but I think when you make history it's always beautiful, just beautiful details in your career and in this case for Wayne it's fantastic."

MKHITARYAN'S RETURN
"The reception [from the fans] he deserved because he played very well. Always improving, improving, improving, improving until the moment he was really tired and I felt it was the right moment to take him off and to let him come off with a very good performance. It was important for his confidence and he will try to keep adapting and trying to replicate this kind of quality performance in the Premier League which is a competition with different difficulties."

SPOILED FOR CHOICE
"The problem is [more] when you are in trouble to choose. Like when I had Phil Jones injured and Marcos Rojo injured, Smalling injured and Bailly injured, that was a big, big, big problem so [selection dilemmas] are good problems."

PLAYING WEST HAM TWICE IN FOUR DAYS
"Honestly I don’t like it, I never like it. It has happened to me many times in my career and it's something that I think is not good. But we have to just forget the second game and focus on the first one and go step by step."

Europa League: Man. United 4 Feyenoord 0

Manchester United remained in control of the club's Europa League destiny with one group game to play as Wayne Rooney made history in a dominant 4-0 win over Feyenoord at Old Trafford.

The captain, returning to the starting line-up, became United’s all-time leading scorer in Europe on 39 goals with a composed finish to give the Reds a deserved 1-0 lead at the break.

In the second half, Juan Mata slid home his fifth goal of the season to double the lead before Zlatan Ibrahimovic laid on the third strike of the night as his cross was diverted into his own net by Feyenoord's goalkeeper Brad Jones.

Substitute Jesse Lingard capped off a stunning move with a glorious curling shot in stoppage time, as Jose Mourinho’s men ran out comfortable winners following a fine all-round display.  

It means the Reds, who can still top the group, will book a place in the last 32 of the competition with a point away to Zorya Luhansk in the final Group A match on 8 December.  

Staying true to his pre-match comments, Mourinho named a strong team despite making six changes from Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal as Henrikh Mkhitaryan made only his second United start and Sergio Romero replaced the rested David De Gea in goal.  

After Fenerbahce’s 2-0 win over Zorya Luhansk earlier in the evening, United kicked off knowing that a defeat would lead to elimination from this season’s competition while a win would almost be enough to go through. 

The Reds made a positive start as Paul Pogba, who was a prominent figure early in the game, made a good run into the box to head an Antonio Valencia cross narrowly over before firing another effort off target in the opening exchanges.

The Frenchman came even closer in the 18th minute with a dipping shot which brought the best out of former Liverpool shot-stopper Brad Jones in the Feyenoord goal, who soon after denied a low effort from Michael Carrick – making a third successive start in the Reds midfield for the first time this season.

The Dutch Eredivisie leaders, content on defending deep and allowing United to have the ball, offered little as an attacking threat but brought a fine double save from Romero just before the half-hour mark.

Former Southampton winger Eljero Elia’s cross found Nicolai Jorgensen, whose shot on the turn was parried by the Argentine keeper, who then brilliantly diverted Feyenoord captain Dirk Kuyt’s follow-up attempt behind for a corner with his feet.

And it proved crucial as the Reds took the lead 10 minutes before half-time when Rooney, level with Miguel Nelom, controlled Ibrahimovic’s pinpoint pass before clipping a cool finish over the advancing Jones to score in back-to-back European matches, after his thunderous strike against Fenerbahce earlier this month.

HALF-TIME STATS
Possession: United 63% Feyenoord 37%
Shots at goal: United 8 Feyenoord 3
Shots on target: United 4 Feyenoord 3
Corners: United 2 Feyenoord 1

With the manager’s half-time thoughts still ringing in their ears, United came out with renewed purpose after the break as first Ibrahimovic and then Mkhitaryan had efforts blocked by the resolute Feyenoord defence.

After Mkhitaryan didn’t get his rewards for a brilliant direct run when brought down by Jens Toornstra, Juan Mata skilfully made room for himself before his intelligent chip from the edge of the box almost caught out Jones, who was able to backpedal in time to tip over.  

The Reds continued to carve out scoring opportunities as Mkhitaryan cut inside and his low deflected shot was turned home by Mata but celebrations were cut short by the linesman’s flag before Rooney’s cross was guided over by Ibrahimovic, who was also flagged for offside.

Mkhitaryan almost marked a lively return to the team with his first Reds goal on the hour mark, when bursting into the box from another incisive Ibrahimovic pass but his rasping left-foot shot rippled the side netting.   

It was another scintillating move which brought about the second goal to clinch the points midway through the half as Rooney’s clever cutback rolled across the face of goal to allow Mata to slide in from close range.

Despite scoring for the second successive game, it proved to be the Spaniard’s final contribution as Marcus Rashford entered the fray.

Minutes later, the young striker played his part in United’s third goal by releasing Ibrahimovic, whose low cross was fortuitously diverted in off unfortunate keeper Jones for an own goal.

In the closing stages, Mkhitaryan received a standing ovation from the home crowd as he and Rooney were replaced by Lingard and Memphis.

After being denied by a fine save from Jones earlier, Lingard added the gloss to a breathtaking sequence of passes with a delightful finish to wrap up a crucial win which keeps the Reds’ European hopes alive and kicking.

Before the trip to Ukraine in a fortnight’s time, United switch focus to completing a run of four successive home games with a double header against West Ham – in the Premier League on Sunday and the EFL Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday.

FULL-TIME STATS 
Possession: United 60% Feyenoord 40% 
Shots at goal: United 22 Feyenoord 5
Shots on target: United 12 Feyenoord 3
Corners: United 6 Feyenoord 1

THE TEAMS:
United: Romero; Valencia, Jones, Blind, Shaw; Carrick, Pogba; Mata (Rashford 69’), Rooney (c) (Depay 82’), Mkhitaryan (Lingard 82’); Ibrahimovic.

Subs not used: De Gea, Rojo, Fellaini, Herrera.  

Feyenoord: Jones; Karsdorp, Tapia, Nelom, van der Heijden; Kuyt (c) (Berghuis 60’), Toornstra Basacikoglu 78’); Dammers, Vilhena, Elia; Jorgensen (Kramer 73’).

Subs not used: Hansson (GK), Vejinovic, Woudenberg, Nieuwkoop.

United Set For Crucial Game Against Feyenoord

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has vowed to pick a strong team for tonight’s Europa League encounter with Feyenoord at Old Trafford, knowing his side cannot afford to lose.

With two games remaining in Group A, the Reds are third in the table, a point behind both Fenerbahce and Feyenoord, who currently occupy the two qualification spots.

Mourinho feels United need four points from the last two games to progress and the boss will select tonight’s line-up accordingly, while mindful that the encounter falls in the middle of a busy run of four consecutive home games in 12 days.

“Feyenoord is a game that has become knockout because we need four points to qualify, which is one victory and one draw – this means we will pay for a defeat,” Mourinho told MUTV.

“I want to give the team the best chance to win the match, so I select a strong team. We want to secure qualification to the knockout stages in 2017, but obviously I will need to rest players in order to keep them fresh for the next two matches against West Ham. 

“They are both important games, but we will play with a strong team against Feyenoord.”

Jose: I Wanted Antonio At Madrid

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is not surprised by Antonio Valencia’s fine form this season, revealing he tried to sign the Ecuadorian during his time as Real Madrid head coach.

Although Valencia was operating largely as a winger for United during Jose's time in Spain, the boss saw our no.25 as the perfect candidate for the right-back position in the star-studded Real side he managed between 2010 and 2013. 

"I tried to sign Antonio a number of years ago, when I was at Madrid," Mourinho told MUTV. "Even though he was not playing right-back at the time, I thought he could be phenomenal in that position. As it was, United told me 'no chance!'"

The Portuguese's words ring true when attributed to Valencia's form in the current campaign. Either side of the fractured arm that kept him out for three games recently, the 31-year-old has produced a number of powerful, yet controlled displays at right-back. 

"I am not surprised by his form this season," Mourinho continued. "He has been clean of injuries, save for an operation on his arm which did not keep him out for long, and I have also been able to keep him fresh by resting him in certain Europa League games. 

"I think he is the right-back to give us the maximum we can in terms of our attacking football."

Ibra Vs Rivals: Who Wins?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to stay at Manchester United for a second season, but how does the 35-year-old compare to the Premier League's top strikers?

Jose Mourinho announced on Wednesday that United will activate an option to extend the Swede's contract for an additional year.

But could Ibra perform at the top level for another season?

We've compared his current stats against rival strikers Diego Costa, Roberto Firmino, Sergio Aguero, Alexis Sanchez and Harry Kane to find out how United's frontman fares...

Ibrahimovic has the worst shooting accuracy, more shots off target and missed more big chance per 90 minutes than rival strikers in the league

GOALS

Zlatan has scored six Premier League goals this season which translates to 0.55 goals per 90 minutes, a fraction ahead of unorthodox centre forwards Sanchez (0.54) and Firmino (0.46).  

However, Aguero ranks highest with 0.87 goals, ahead of Costa (0.85) and Kane (0.77).

STRIKE ACCURACY

Ibrahimovic stands out from the elite group of strikers for his number of misses, hitting an average of 1.91 shots off target a game.

Those screwed shots also mean the Swede is bottom of the pack for shooting accuracy with 51.16 per cent, way off Costa (68.97 per cent) and Firmino (66.67 per cent).

But Ibra's stats also suggest he may be more optimistic than his rivals, ranking top for shots per 90 minutes (5.36), second for shots on target (2), and top for goals from outside the box (0.18) per 90 minutes.

The Swede also provides an aerial threat, being taller than all of his rivals at 6'5" and ranking top for headed shots per game (0.82) - considerably higher than second-place Aguero on 0.43.

MISSES

But it's the big misses that count and Ibra tops the pack, missing 0.73 per game - nearly three times Costa's 0.26 per 90 minutes.

His big miss during United's 4-1 win against Leicester wasn't costly, but Zlatan has missed another six this season: two big chances during United's 2-1 defeat to rivals Manchester City, two during a 0-0 draw to Burnley, one against Liverpool (0-0 draw) and others against Stoke (1-1 draw) and Watford (1-3 defeat).

Had he converted those big misses, United would be level on points with league leaders Chelsea - behind only on goal difference.

STAMINA

Ibra is the eighth oldest outfield player to make an appearance in the Premier League this season, behind Gareth McAuley, John Terry, Peter Crouch, Gareth Barry, John O'Shea, Damien Delaney and team-mate Michael Carrick.

United's star striker is also the eldest of his five rivals, with Kane being the youngest at 23, followed by Firmino (25), Sanchez (27), Costa (28) and Aguero (28).

Despite being 12 years older than Kane, Zlatan has completed an average of 52 sprints per 90 minutes compared to the Spurs man's 44, but behind Firmino (80), Costa (66), Sanchez (58) and Aguero (56).

However, the years may take their toll in terms of distance covered and top speed, with Ibra ranking lowest for both - with 9.09km per 90 minutes and a top speed of 32.95km/h.

Ibrahimovic hasn't been short of chances so far this campaign, but the 35-year-old appears to have been backed by manager Mourinho to rediscover his form in front of goal with a second season at Old Trafford.

Credit: Skysports.com

Jose: Messi Should Stay At Barca

Jose Mourinho has dismissed talk of Lionel Messi joining Manchester United, claiming the Argentine should stay at Barcelona.

The Old Trafford side have previously been linked with a move for Messi, who is currently in the UK as Barcelona prepare for their Champions League clash with Celtic on Wednesday.

And Mourinho has poured water on the rumours he will make a move for Messi in the near future, and believes the 29-year-old should end his career with the current La Liga champions.

"Messi is every season the same story, every season he is going to leave and he never leaves," Mourinho said ahead of his side's Europa League clash with Feyenoord on Thursday evening.

Honestly, I hope he never leaves because I think he belongs to Barcelona, I think Barcelona belongs to him. I think the natural tendency and the beautiful thing would be for him to start and to finish his career at Barcelona.

"For Manchester United, no for sure, and I think he will stay in Barcelona. That's just a personal opinion."

It was a sentiment echoed by Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu a few weeks ago as he spoke to Sky Sports pundit Guillem Balague, who wants the forward to remain with the club into retirement.

"Everybody knows, and he knows, that our wish would be that he stops his career at Barcelona at any time he wants," Bartomeu said.

"He is the best player in the world, he is the No 1 by far of other players and of course there are all the opinions, but he is the best player in the history of football."

Credit: Skysports.com