Zlatan Not Giving Up On Title

Zlatan Ibrahimovic says Manchester United can not give up on their Premier League title hopes - even though he could be happier with their current position.

United go into Saturday's clash with Middlesbrough in sixth place, 13 points adrift of leaders Chelsea despite having only been beaten three times this season.

Ibrahimovic is enjoying his first season in English football, having scored 17 goals in all competitions since his summer arrival from Paris Saint-Germain, but that is still not good enough for one of football's perfectionists

"I'm happy, but I could be happier," Ibrahimovic said in an interview with ESPN.

Asked if United could still win the title, he added: "I think so...we had our moments where the results haven't been what they should have been after good performances, but we are still there and we have been closing the gap.

"So, hopefully, the other teams can do some mistakes and close the gap even more. We are working hard for it, believing in it, we are here to win.

"We have no excuses, we are here for what we are able to do and that's win a title."

Ibrahimovic grabbed his 50th club goal of 2016 in the 3-1 win over Sunderland on Boxing Day and two more on Saturday would see him pass Lionel Messi, who leads those standings with 51 for Barcelona.

But that does not appear to overly excite the flamboyant Swede, who added: "I talk with my feet, I don't get paid to talk with my mouth. I get paid to talk with my feet and that's exactly what I'm doing.

"I go into a season to do better than last season, because I know my last season was perfect, so I try to do it more than perfect and this is what I've been doing for the last 15 years. So what I'm doing now is nothing new, it's just another season in my story."

Credit: Skysports.com

Bilic Denies Rashford Interest

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic says there is no truth in reports suggesting he will make a loan move for Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford in the January transfer window.

The arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic has seen Rashford reduced to a bit-part player under new boss Jose Mourinho and he has struggled for game time, despite breaking into the United and England squads last season.

Bilic admitted the club could invest in an English player with Premier League experience but he was quick to dismiss the speculation surrounding the player ahead of the Sky Live clash between the sides on January 2.

"No way," Bilic said. "Rashford is very valuable for Manchester United. There's no way to get him.

"They have many games, four competitions. He's playing, so no way."

The Hammers have also been linked with Juventus full-back Patrice Evra and Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe ahead of their New Year's Eve clash with Leicester but Bilic is expecting numerous calls from agents around the world ahead of the next window.

"It's that time of the year. You have the agents calling. I think we have a good principle. We have chairmen, there's me and my staff, and we are working quite well.

"When you talk to them, everybody is like [Lionel] Messi or whatever. They are also very cheap, dying to come, and they have a little West Ham tattoo. Not now... but since the school days and all that. You know it's that time of the year.

"At the end of the day it's part of the job. If it was during the whole year it would be crazy but then you have it twice a year. It is sometimes too much but sometimes you want it.

"If we were talking about getting players then you cannot get them without agents. So you can't say I don't want to talk to them because then you will not get the players."

Credit: Skysports.com

Manchester United Accounts Show Rise In Revenues

Manchester United have reported yearly revenues of over £250m in the annual accounts recently published by Companies House.

The documents for Manchester United Limited show the club had revenues of £253.9m, through to the end of June 2016.

A new kit sponsorship deal with German company Adidas provided £72.7m and shirt sponsor Chevrolet, part of General Motors, accounted for another £52.2m.

The accounts for Red Football Limited, the parent of Manchester United Limited, have also been filed with Companies House and report yearly revenues of £515.3m, which was an increase of £120.1m

In the strategic report a number of off-field targets, regarding revenue, were met but on the pitch the team failed to deliver.

They missed out on a top-three Premier League finish and failed to reach the last 16 of the Champions League. However, Louis van Gaal's side did win the FA Cup in May.

Credit: Skysports.com

United's Top 5 Moments Of 2016

With the New Year approaching, ManUtd.com’s Mark Froggatt has reviewed the past 12 months to list his favourite moments of 2016 as both a Manchester United fan and reporter…

5: NEW FACES, NEW UNITED
The first home match of the season is traditionally exciting, yet there was added electricity surrounding the Premier League outing against Southampton on 19 August. It was the first time we had laid eyes on Paul Pogba following his world-record transfer from Juventus, with the former Academy star starting alongside fellow new boys Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan later coming off the bench under the Friday-night floodlights. There was a buzz about the dugout, too, with Jose Mourinho also making his competitive Old Trafford debut as United manager. That night was the dawn of a brave new era. 

4: WAYNE'S ANFIELD WINNER
Anyone who saw the 1-0 success at Liverpool on 16 January will tell you it wasn’t a classic. In fact, it was a timid affair in comparison to recent chapters in this thunderous rivalry. But that didn’t matter one bit once Wayne Rooney stole the win with his first Anfield goal since 2005, and the captain’s delight was clear to see in his ecstatic knee-slide. It was a moment to savour for the 2,763 fans in the away end, particularly with this being the first match against United for much-heralded new Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. The only problem for this writer was maintaining composure in the otherwise professional and neutral press box.

3: THE WYTHENSHAWE WONDER
Marcus Rashford first made the headlines by scoring twice as an unexpected starter against FC Midtjylland, but it was his follow-up brace versus old rivals Arsenal four days later that truly announced him to the world. The previously unknown 18-year-old from Wythenshawe had ripped it up on the biggest stage and performed like a playground hero. It was the stuff of dreams and while his subsequent rise has been unquestionably remarkable, that outing against the Gunners remains extra special. It was heart-warming and reassuring, a reminder of the United DNA and what makes us unique as a club.

2: AN EMOTIONAL CONNECTION 
If you meet anybody who doesn’t understand football, or your emotional attachment to United, just show them Anthony Martial’s late winner in the FA Cup semi-final and, specifically, fast forward to the players celebrating joyously with the fans. Those scenes represented an emotional connection between the squad and supporters that is too rarely seen in the modern game. A first FA Cup final appearance since 2007 had been secured, plus an opportunity to end a 12-year wait for the trophy, which genuinely meant a lot to everybody associated with the club, particularly in a season when the Premier League form was below par.

1: LIFTING THE FA CUP
Football is all about winning. The taking part is not what counts. Don’t let anybody tell you any differently. That’s why our FA Cup triumph must conclude this countdown of 2016, because it was an exceptional day and typical of United too. We fell behind, we made it hard for ourselves, we almost ruined it, but we fought back to find success. The fact that one of our own lads, Jesse Lingard, scored an extra-time winner was just the icing on the cake. I wouldn’t change anything about it... not even that dodgy dance from the recently dismissed Alan Pardew. While this club will never settle for cup joy over league success, that day at Wembley was certainly one to enjoy, relish and relive. Bring on more of the same in 2017.

The views expressed in this article are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United Football Club.

Credit: Manutd.com

School Days: Ander Herrera

Ander Herrera answers our 'School Days' questions, revealing he still has close friends from that time and disclosing why he liked Geography but not History...

How was life at school for you – was it difficult to combine sport with your education?
No, I have the best memories from my time at school. I really loved the time I spent at school as I made all my friends there. I still have them now. So they were fantastic times. I used to always speak with my friends that we would like to go back one day again to revive the days there.

So you’re still close to those friends even now?
Yes, they are still my friends. I have the same friends as when as I was five years old so that is good.

Which was your favourite subject?
Of course, everyone who plays football will tell you Physical Education. We say that, I’m not sure what you call it in England, but something in relation to sport. After that, I used to like Geography a lot. I liked to know where the countries are and that kind of thing.

Has that proved useful now you get to travel the world with United?
I know. I’ve been so lucky that I’ve been able to go to a lot of places. Football allows me to do that so I think I am so lucky.

Which subject was your least favourite?
History. I like history but only when someone tells me about it. I don’t like to study it. I like the stories of history; I don’t know if that’s good English! I like it when someone talks to me about something that happened. I don’t like to read it in a book.

Everybody seems to say they had a favourite teacher. Did you?
I had a very good relationship with all my teachers. I have some favourites but I don’t think it’s fair to say just one.

Did you play any other sports?
Football. Always football. Football is my life and has been my life since I was very, very young.

Did you play for the school side?
Yeah, when I was six, seven and eight, I used to play for the school team.

Were you the best player?
I’m not the one who has to tell you that. You should ask my team-mates or the coach and not me. It’s not good for me to say that.

But were you the captain?
I used to be, yes.

Do you have any specific stand-out moments from playing for that team?
I have a lot of memories, around this time, as there are a lot of Christmas tournaments in Spain. So that’s one of my best memories, that Christmas tournament.

Did you find exams stressful?
No, to be honest, I was not a brilliant student but I was good enough to pass the exams and to keep passing to qualify for the next year. I was not brilliant, which is why my mum sometimes complained to me, but I was good enough to get to university, as I did.

You went to university?
Yes, I went to university but I didn’t go too much because of the football.

Do you have any advice for aspiring footballers who are at school at the moment?
For me, they should realise that only a few get into professional football. They have to study and study a lot because life is long and they have to get prepared as well as possible. It is not so easy to be a professional footballer but, if you’re good, keep training and keep fighting. But, first, study because it is the most important thing.

Mourinho Seeks To Beat Old Friend

Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United are gaining real momentum from the winning sequence his team are currently enjoying, which he hopes to continue when facing an old friend on Saturday – Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka.   

The in-form Reds have picked up maximum points from the last five games in all competitions and are seeking a fifth successive Premier League victory when 15th-placed Boro come to Old Trafford.

But Mourinho thinks the impetus can be traced back several weeks before the victorious run began, during which United recorded successive draws against Arsenal, West Ham and Everton.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the New Year's Eve encounter, the boss said: "The momentum of playing well comes from long time ago. It's difficult for me to remember the last match where we didn't play well.

"We played well for many matches, even without getting the results that should be end-to-end with good performances.

"But the reality is that in the last four Premier League matches and five competitive matches we’ve managed to win and in this moment we need points, so let’s try for three more at home at Old Trafford for our fans. It's a good day to play football, the last day of the year, so let’s try."

Mourinho is confident the Reds can end the calendar year on a high, even if it comes at the expense of Karanka, his former assistant at Real Madrid.

As the pair prepare to face each other in the dugout for the first time, the United boss admitted it will be nice to enjoy a catch-up over a drink but the hospitality will be put to one side during the game, when both managers will be desperate to win.

Mourinho said: "He’s my friend, he’s a real friend. I always want him to win, he always wants me to win and this is the first time and the unique time where I want to win, he wants to win and that's football.

"Sometimes brothers against brothers probably happens – father against son, a father a manager and a son a player, and that has to be even more difficult. So for 90 minutes he wants to win, I want to win, and that’s it."

Mourinho hired Karanka as his number two while manager at the Bernabeu in 2010 and they spent three successful years together. 

When asked whether he expected Karanka to become a good manager, Mourinho told MUTV: "I think the people that work with me become ready at a certain stage. The point is whether they want to do it or they don’t want to do it.

"I always felt that Aitor would try it for a career; especially when I left Real Madrid, I thought that it would be the right moment for him to try.

"He did try and he did well, promotion with Middlesbrough, and obviously he fell in love with the football you play in this country and he’s very happy to stay. When people want to do it, they are ready."

Karanka, who is in his third season in charge at the Riverside Stadium, was equally complimentary of his former mentor when giving his own pre-match comments.

"I spent three amazing years with him at Madrid," the Spaniard said. "It will be nice to see him. At the end of the game, we will share a drink.

"This is one of the fixtures I was looking forward to most. I have a lot to thank Jose Mourinho for. I have to say thanks to him and to his staff so many times. I am in the Premier League because I learnt a lot with them.

"They gave me the last push to become a manager. We are really good friends and have a really good relationship."

Ibra Vows To Create More Goals

Manchester United’s top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic has expressed a desire to create more goals for his team-mates as the Reds head towards the second half of the season.     

The number nine has enjoyed a prolific first half of his debut campaign at the club, netting for the 17th time in all competitions during the Boxing Day win over Sunderland at Old Trafford.
 
As he prepares for Saturday's Premier League game against Middlesbrough, Ibrahimovic is just two goals away from surpassing Lionel Messi’s 2016 tally of 51 and being crowned the leading scorer in the calendar year among Europe’s top leagues.

But the Swedish striker insists he isn’t motivated by personal records and is instead focused on helping the team achieve more success, by assisting as well as scoring.

He told MUTV: “When I scored [against Sunderland] it was 50 [goals in 2016] but that is not one of my objectives because if a player starts to focus only on scoring goals it means he’s focusing only on himself. Like I said, I’m not here to focus on myself because I’m here to help my team-mates win.

“The goals come in the second wave – the first wave is my team, the collective part that I want to win with them. If the collective does well, the individual will do well and I prefer to have it that way.

“If you know the way I play my game, I’m the one who scores or tries to help my team-mates score.”

Ibrahimovic certainly helped Henrikh Mkhitaryan find the net on Boxing Day, delivering a cross that required the Armenian to improvise and smash the ball home with a finish that has been described as both a backheel and a scorpion kick.

“That was perfect because I said to myself ‘if I put it a little behind him he can do the backheel’ - exactly like we have been training for these couple of weeks and it worked," said Zlatan.

"I was super happy, I was the one jumping higher than everybody else when we were celebrating! I was super happy, especially for Micki. I know how it feels to score a goal like that.

"I’m happy they [the officials] didn’t give it offside because a goal like that has to be [a] goal."

Ibrahimovic, who has set up three goals this season, added: “I haven’t had many assists so far and that is part of my game that I’ve been missing here in my six months at United.

"At my other clubs I’ve been scoring goals but I’ve also done a lot of assists. I'm happy to give an assist because for me it is just like you have scored yourself. It’s part of my game and I have wanted to be as complete as possible in my game since I was young and started to play football.

"I want to be good at everything, not in one thing, so the assists will come. Some have come already but even more will come."

Injury Update For United Vs Middlesbrough

Jose Mourinho has confirmed Wayne Rooney will not return for Manchester United’s final game of 2016, at home to Middlesbrough on New Year’s Eve.

The club captain missed the Boxing Day win over Sunderland after feeling a thigh injury in training on Christmas Day, and Saturday’s Premier League clash against the Teessiders comes too soon for him.

Asked by reporters at his pre-match press conference on Friday if there was a definitive time when the forward would return, Mourinho replied: "No, but he's not ready [for the Middlesbrough match]."

As for Luke Shaw, the manager told MUTV separately, in an exclusive interview: "Luke is training now with the team without any problem, but I don't think he is ready to start the game [either]."

The boss otherwise has a near fully-fit squad to choose from, as the Reds target a sixth straight win in all competitions. Eric Bailly was not involved against the Black Cats but had been deemed available for selection.

Talking further about his team-picking process during a busy run of fixtures for his side, Mourinho said: "Middlesbrough is the next game and the next game you play to win. So we are going to think about Middlesbrough and try to choose the team that gives us guarantees and chances to win the match.

"That includes everyone that is available and everyone we think is important for the match.

"This is the match – it's not West Ham, it's not Reading, it's not Liverpool – so if this is the match, we are going to play with the players that I think are the best to play."

Jose: Johnstone Can Leave United On Loan

Jose Mourinho has told reporters that Sam Johnstone is the only Manchester United player who will be allowed to leave the club on loan during the upcoming January transfer window.
 
The 23-year-old goalkeeper, who won the FA Youth Cup in 2011, is yet to register a senior appearance for the club as he continues to provide back-up for David De Gea and Sergio Romero.

Johnstone has previously spent time on loan at six different clubs, most recently Preston North End, with whom he won promotion from League One to the Championship in 2015/16.

Mourinho discussed the prospect’s future during his pre-match press conference at the Aon Training Complex on Friday, when he told the media: “Sam Johnstone is the only player that I allow to go on loan because he doesn't play one single minute. He needs to play.

“We have a young goalkeeper in Joel [Pereira], a goalkeeper who played many minutes in the last six months. For the development of both, Joel played six months in the Portuguese Premier League and now it's time for Sam to play six months – and that's the only loan move that we're going to do.”

Continuing his answer, the manager reiterated his stance that United will only allow members of the first-team squad to leave on permanent transfers if the conditions are correct for all parties.

“I don't want to sell players,” Jose said. “The club, the board, are totally with me – they don't want to sell players. But as I told before, if a player is not having lots of minutes and if a player really wants to leave, we have no right to stop the player to leave – if the conditions are our conditions. And until this moment we have not received one single offer that we are going to accept.”

De Gea: Mourinho Has Settled The Club Down

David De Gea believes Jose Mourinho has provided Manchester United with a sense of calm and clarity, which is contributing to the team’s ever-improving performances this season.

The Reds are currently unbeaten in 11 matches across all competitions and also enjoying a four-match winning run in the Premier League, which De Gea and his Reds team-mates hope to extend when Middlesbrough visit Old Trafford for a 15:00 GMT kick-off on New Year’s Eve.

De Gea has admittedly seen plenty of changes during his five and a half seasons with United, but the Spaniard feels Mourinho has settled the club and provided a real sense of purpose this campaign.

“He's a really great manager,” David explains in an exclusive interview that appears in Saturday’s edition of official match programme United Review. “He's a winner; he wants to win every game, every competition. He's working hard, he's really close to the players and I think that's really good.

"He's always joking with us, he's a strong character and that's good. Things are more positive and he's a winner. You can feel he wants to win and I think the players know that we have to.”

Discussing a similar point, De Gea says: “With the manager and the new players we've signed, everything is calmer now and it's more of a normal situation. But now we need to do it on the pitch. We need to win games, and that's that. 

“We all want to go in the same direction. We want to win things and we all know what Manchester United is. It's a massive club, we know all the fans deserved more than they have had in the last few years and we need to play our best, give everything on the pitch and keep trying to win, win, win.”

Amusingly, as part of a wide-ranging interview that discusses his own form and evolution, De Gea jokes that he wants his reign as United’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year to end later this season. 

Asked if winning the trophy for a fourth successive time interests him, the goalkeeper says:  “Erm… no! I would prefer a striker or someone else to win it – someone who means that the team as a whole is playing well and scoring goals, because it is much better for the team that way.”

Karanka Ready For Old Pal Jose

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka is relishing the task of pitting his wits against old mentor Jose Mourinho on Saturday.

Manchester United boss Mourinho hired Karanka as his assistant at Real Madrid in 2010 and they spent three years together. 

"I spent three amazing years with him at Madrid," Karanka said. "It will be nice to see him. At the end of the game, we will share a glass of wine or beer or coke. This is one of the fixtures I was looking forward to most. I have a lot to thank Jose Mourinho for.

"I have to say thanks to him and to his staff so many times. I am in the Premier League because I learnt a lot with them.

"They gave me the last push to become a manager. We are really good friends and have a really good relationship." 

Karanka admits that he might struggle to surprise Mourinho with his tactics, as both like to play the game the same way.

"Sometimes I analyse them and I find similarities with us," he said. "But I have to do something different because he knows me.

"I will try, but it's difficult to surprise Jose.

"It will be a special moment for me and for the team, but it is football, and three important points to play for. In those 90 minutes you can't be friends.

"I never go to a game aiming for a draw. We will go to Old Trafford preparing and trying to win."

Credit: Skysports.com

School Days: Luke Shaw

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw answers questions about his education in our 'School Days' interview...

What was your favourite subject and why?
That’s an easy one – P.E. of course! It was something I loved doing and I was good at it! I also loved geography. I don’t know why but it was always a lesson I looked forward to.

Is there any one teacher you remember for good or bad reasons?
There are so many teachers I can remember for both reasons! I can’t name one, but they know who they are, especially the good ones who were with me the whole way through secondary school and primary school too.

How was your school footballing career? 
I was always involved and I loved playing football for my school. It was really important for me. We had lots of good players and, although there aren’t any who play professionally now, a lot of them still play Sunday League and have good ability. I always loved representing my school – sometimes I’d pick up an injury for my club but if we had a game for school that week I’d still always try to play.

Did you take part in other sports?
I played rugby and also cricket because all my close mates were in the cricket team so I joined in with them. It was a good laugh and I was surprisingly alright at it!

What advice would you give to anyone who is at currently at school and dreaming of becoming a professional footballer?
For me, it was important to work hard and also do your school work well even if you have the ambition of becoming a footballer. You need to make sure you do your school work because you might not make it in football or you might pick up a bad injury one day and you need to be able to fall back on something else you’ve learned at school. You also need to listen to your coaches and most importantly of all, enjoy it.

Credit: Manutd.com

Kit Talk: Chris Smalling

Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling discusses shirts, boots, shinpads and his personal matchday preferences in our 'Kit Talk' interview...

Why do you wear things a certain way, such as long sleeves?
I prefer to wear a long base-layer underneath my kit in pretty much all weathers. In pre-season, if it’s too hot, I probably won’t but, in general, I like to wear that. It’s just something that makes me feel comfortable. I prefer longer sleeves. I wouldn’t really tuck in my shirt, it would feel a bit restricted. I like to keep that loose. The layer underneath my kit makes me feel really comfortable, though.

Do you have any pre-match routines or superstitions?
I don't have many routines, although I always put my left sock and left shinpad on first - I put my shinpads on after my warm-up. In terms of superstitions, I’m not really a superstitious guy. Otherwise, you can drive yourself crazy if you have too many.

Have you ever done anything out of the ordinary and had a good result and thought ‘I might do that again’?
Not really, I don’t think so. I think a few other players have that but, as I say, it can drive you crazy if you’ve got to remember to do something every time. I’m not into that.

Do you ever change your shirt or other parts of your kit at half-time?
Yes. I will take my base-layer off, as well as my top, and get new ones of those. I keep my shorts and socks on and redo my laces just so they’re extra tight for the second half.

Some players prefer to wear snug-fitting boots. Is that the case for you?
I do, I have them particularly tight. I had them personalised, actually. My brand of boots are generally quite a wide fit and I’ve got narrow feet so they brought them in for me a little bit. They are very tight but I don’t like my feet moving inside the boots so it's the tighter the better for me.

So did they send in someone to measure your feet specially?
Yes, they came to the training ground and took mould fittings of my feet. They saved those measurements and use them each time they bring out a new boot. It's nice and easy and we’re very lucky to have that service.

Do you have multiple pairs of boots or just the one pair?
I’ve got quite a few. I have a moulded pair that I tend to wear mostly in training if it’s not too wet. Then I half-moulded and half-studded for all weather really that I wear most of the time. I also have an all-studded version as well but, more often than not, especially in games, I tend to wear the mix of moulds and studs. They tend to tick all the boxes, no matter what the conditions.

Do you have a new kit for every game or do you wear the same shirt sometimes?
I don’t think it’s a new one every time. Some players take their shirts after every game so I imagine someone like Daley [Blind], who takes his shirt home after every game, would get a new one each time. I only tend to take them home after a memorable moment – if I’ve scored or something has happened in the game, maybe a big result like a win against Liverpool or something. I take the shirt home then but, more often than not, I give it back. The laundry staff wash it and you wear it again.

Is there a rule about not swapping shirts with your opponents?
Not really, we’ve never been told you can’t swap your shirt at the end of the game. If I know someone on the other team, they might come up and ask me to swap. You can do it if you want.

Have you kept any special shirts over the years?
I’ve not got any framed yet but I’ve kept a few. Some from the derbies – my very first derby when Wazza scored that unbelievable goal. I kept that one and I’ve got my England debut. I’ve got a few other shirts myself. I’ve got Neymar’s at home after a friendly at Wembley. So I’ve got a few. One day, I’ll make a nice wall and frame them but I’m just collecting them on hangers in the wardrobe until I finish my career. Then I’ll look at it that way and it’ll be nice to get a little collection of shirts.

Do any of the players have personalised shinpads? I think our former players Wes Brown and John O'Shea had drawings from their children on theirs...
Yes, some of the players here have personalised ones with their kids’ names or pictures of the family for example. It’s a nice touch and something I might look into because they look very nice. But at the moment, I’ve just got my standard shinpads that I’ve had for a while.

Which is your favourite United shirt from your time at the club?
I think the white away one that we had last season. We wore it as an all-white kit [with white shorts and socks] sometimes and because I like white, I think it looked really smart.

Maybe it’s because you’ve also played for Fulham and England…
It's true - maybe that stuck with me! I really liked that white shirt from last season with its little red features. It’s one of my favourites and I’ve kept one of those shirts so I can remember it.

Jose Values Reds' Team Spirit

Jose Mourinho feels Manchester United’s impressive recent form and results are evidence of a burgeoning camaraderie in the dressing room.

The Reds beat Sunderland 3-1 at Old Trafford on Boxing Day to make it five wins in a row and 11 games undefeated in all competitions, stretching back to early November.

Next up is a visit from Middlesbrough on Saturday as Mourinho’s men look to further improve the festive mood and close the gap on the Premier League’s top four.

Addressing fans in his column for United Review before the victory over the Black Cats, Mourinho wrote: "The players I have here are all great people who all want to do well for you and for the club, and also for each other.

"The team spirit I see is just fantastic, it is getting better every single day and I think that is showing in the way we are playing, because some of the football we have produced in recent weeks has been very good.

"We have been playing well for a long time but it was important that we started getting the points that our performances deserved. Now that we are, it is up to us to maintain that momentum with more good victories."

Mourinho also expressed his gratitude to the loyal supporters who have backed his side throughout his first six months in charge, referencing the scenes at the final whistle in United’s last away game, at West Bromwich Albion.

"The players are all so grateful for the support they receive everywhere they go, and there is a real bond that exists between the boys and the fans," the boss continued.

"Our supporters have been as fantastic as ever recently, providing such great backing up and down the country, and it was important for the players to recognise that by giving their shirts to the crowd at The Hawthorns. It was just a shame there wasn’t a shirt for every fan!"

Man. United Rule Out Lindelof Move

Manchester United will not make a move for Benfica defender Victor Lindelof during the January transfer window.

United manager Jose Mourinho was reported to be interested in the 22-year-old Sweden centre-back.

However, BBC Sport understands the form of Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo in central defence has persuaded manager Jose Mourinho he does not need to buy.

The Portuguese also has cover at centre-back in Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling and Daley Blind.

Reports from Portugal had claimed Lindelof would become the club's most expensive all-time defender, costing between £38m and £42m, and that he had been assigned a squad number at Old Trafford,
Since Jones and Rojo were paired together for the first time in the 3-1 win against Swansea on 6 November, United are unbeaten for 11 games, one short of equalling their best run since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Jones and Rojo have been in central defence together for nine of those matches, when they have conceded seven goals.

Credit: BBC Sport

Bailly: Mourinho Is The Best Manager In The World

Eric Bailly insists Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is the best manager in the world and says he wants to stay at Old Trafford for a “long time”.

The 22-year-old has endured a frustratingly stop-start sequence to his United career so far after suffering a knee injury in October's 4-0 loss at Chelsea and has since returned to full training after sustaining a different knee injury in the 2-1 win at Crystal Palace earlier this month.

Bailly was Mourinho's first signing at United following his £30m summer arrival from Villarreal and revealed that the opportunity to play for the club and work under the Portuguese were key factors in his decision to leave Spain.

"He's [Mourinho] a great manager, the best in the world, it is a pleasure to work and learn with him. I hope it continues like this and that I stay at United for a long time," he said.

"I'm truly happy, with my team and my team-mates. Bit by bit, I'm getting to know more."

On Wednesday the Ivory Coast defender was included in his country's provisional squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

He will be looking to help his side defend their title when the tournament gets underway in mid-January, with their group also including DR Congo, Morocco and Togo.

Influential at the heart of the United defence, Bailly's return from injury could also prove to be pivotal to Mourinho's side's Champions League ambitions next term, and he is keen to play his part in his first season in the Premier League. 

Bailly played 46 times for Villarreal and has had to quickly get to grips with the different challenges between La Liga and the Premier League, which he accepts are unique in either league.

"From what I see, football in Spain, they also have a great League. La Liga is the best in the world, but here it is different, very direct, there is more contact and more strength," he said.

"And like I said, little by little, and with more training under this manager, I hope to improve. Manchester is a nice place, I'm happy here."

Credit: Skysports.com

Martial Has Sevilla Offer

Manchester United will not allow Anthony Martial to leave the club in January, according to Sky sources, despite the forward's agent claiming interest from Sevilla in his client.

Martial is currently on the fringes of manager Jose Mourinho's first-team having struggled to recapture his fine form from his first season at Old Trafford, when he top scored for United with 17 goals. 

The 21-year-old has scored just four times this campaign and Mourinho has advised him to follow the example set by previously out-of-favour midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan in order to force his way back into the starting line-up.

Martial's representative, Philippe Lamboley, claimed on Wednesday that the France international is wanted by Sevilla and says an agreement could be reached during the January transfer window. 

"We are studying the Sevilla option in detail," Lamboley told Spanish radio station ABCdeSevilla.

"Sevilla are a very good club, are in a good position in La Liga, play in the Champions League and have a great coach. That's all I can tell you."

Martial became the most expensive teenager in football history when he joined United from Monaco for an initial £36m in September 2015. 

He made an instant impact for United, scoring a superb solo goal on his debut in a 3-1 victory over rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford. 

Martial continued to impress during his debut season in England and helped United win the FA Cup in May - their first major trophy in three years - with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Wembley. 

Credit: Skysports.com

School Days: Bastian Schweinsteiger

Our 'School Days' feature delves into the formative years of Manchester United's stars. Here, Bastian Schweinsteiger discusses his option of becoming a professional skiier and why he loved scoring goals as a striker...

How was school life for you?
I remember that school was always, more or less, from 8 o'clock in Germany – you had to start at eight. Afterwards, I went straight to playing football, to Munich, or went to skiing actually. So I was always leaving home and having to go to school to also be allowed to go to the mountains for skiing or off to play football.

Was it difficult juggling your sports interests with your education?
Let’s say it was not easy sometimes but, at the end, I could manage it. I was very happy when I had the right marks in school because my parents were satisfied with me.

Is it right that you could have been a professional skiier?
Yes, where I grew up was close to Austria as well, with big mountains, and my father also actually won ski races. I was two-and-a-half the first time I went on the mountains skiing. I grew up, more or less, with that. When I was 14 years old, I had to decide whether to continue as a ski racer or be a football player 100 per cent. So I decided, let’s say, to go for the warm weather!

Was it dangerous to be skiing while also playing football?
No, at that time, I was not thinking if it was dangerous or not. It was very cold – minus 20 degrees sometimes in the morning and there was heavy stuff as you have to carry all your outfit and equipment with you. You have to wake up very early, so that was a little bit the point where I said ‘Okay, with football, it’s more you’ so I decided on only playing football.

Did you play any other sports at school?
At that time, I played a little bit of basketball and tennis but, actually, ice-hockey was something that we played a lot of times.

Which subject was your favourite in the classroom?
I liked music actually; I don’t know why but it was always one of the easiest lessons at school. Sport, of course, as well and Biology a little bit. They were my favourites.

Which subject was your least favourite?
Physics. It was horrible!

Everybody says they had a favourite teacher, did you?
Yes, I had a favourite teacher. She was my English teacher and a director of the school. She understood I had a lot of things going on around me and understood all that. She helped me a lot and she became, more or less, a friend.

Did you play for the school football team and were you captain?
No, I was never actually captain at the school. It was always someone else. I was just a player who scored a lot of goals and that was it.

So did you play as a striker in those days?
Yes, I think it’s quite normal that you always start as a striker; when you become a professional, if you ask the players more than 90 per cent were starting as a striker at school. I was the same, the same happened to me. It was quite cool actually, to score a lot of goals, but now I’m in a different position.

Do you have any advice for youngsters at school hoping to become professional footballers?
To make their parents happy, I think they should have the right marks at school and should focus on that. You never know what will happen. I also had some team-mates when I was 16 and they were really, really good but started to get injuries and couldn’t continue as football players. So they had to focus on school and it’s good to have good marks and grades and finishing school. If you’re injured, you can’t play football and have to do something else.

Credit: Manutd.com

My United: Dougray Scott

Scottish actor and Manchester United fan Dougray Scott, who once played legendary manager Sir Matt Busby on BBC TV, discusses his love for the club and his latest project in the local area…

Firstly, why United for you?
My Scottish team has been Hibernian since I was five and Matt Busby briefly played for Hibs in 1941 so there was always a connection to Manchester United, who my dad also supported. When Alex Ferguson became the manager, a lot of people in Scotland became focused on Old Trafford and I always loved the club as a kid. There is such a great history, with some fantastic players and phenomenal managers. 

Tell us about playing Sir Matt…
It [United] was a terrific film and it was such an honour to play Matt Busby. He was an extraordinary man. That group of Glaswegian managers from the mining area, like Busby, Bill Shankly, Jock Stein and Sir Alex Ferguson, were exceptional. They were all from the same radius of about 11 miles, which is incredible when you think about it. It was a great film to be involved with and to play somebody as iconic as Matt Busby was pretty special. It was a very good film to watch as well. 

Is it right you have been filming in Manchester again?
Yes, I’ve been here since the end of August, filming Snatch. It’s a 10-part TV series based on the movie about gangsters, diamonds, gold, heists and travellers. It’s been terrific and it’s worked incredibly well. I love Manchester as a city and I’ve been to five matches this season. I love it! 

What are your thoughts on this season?
We’re a little bit behind at the moment but Rome wasn’t built in a day. We are in December and don’t finish until May, so there is a long way to go. I think the League Cup is really important because it can help the players' confidence. Winning begets winning and I certainly hope we can win that competition. I think we’ll finish in the top four as well, because we have a lot of great players.

Snatch, featuring Dougray Scott, is set to be released online during 2017.

Kit Talk: Ander Herrera

Kicking off our 'Kit Talk' interview series is Ander Herrera, who reveals a secret about his shinpads and why his Manchester United team-mates make fun of them in the dressing room...

Why do you wear things in a certain way, such as long sleeves or your shirt tucked in?
I like to play just with the shirt but, sometimes, when it’s too cold, I put a base layer on – the long-sleeved shirt underneath. I don’t like to put anything on the parts around the pants or socks. I don’t like to put too much on. I like to play free with not too many clothes.

Do you have specific boots made for you?
No, I am not so strange with my boots. The only thing is I cannot play with boots I just wore for the first time. I need to wear them in for at least one week before I play in them.

Do you even wear them around the house at first to get used to them?
No, in training. I need to train three, four or five times in them before playing. I would never go into a game in brand new ones as I’d never play well.

So you don’t have any specific designs or personalisation?
I just put 'Ander' on my boots. I don’t like to put too much on. I am a bit 'classical'.

Are your shinpads simple, classic ones as well?
I have a good story with my shinpads. I have had the same shinpads since I was eight or nine years old. Everyone laughs in the dressing room because of them but I am superstitious with that. I like to keep playing with them until they are completely battered.

Do you have any other superstitions?
No, not too many. No, just the shinpads.

Is there a story behind the number you wear?
I used to like no.8 but, when I went to Athletic Club, no.8 was for another player. So I had to decide between 23 or 21. I decided on 21 and had a very good time in Bilbao so I kept the same number here in United. And, so far so good, I will keep it.

Do you have a favourite United shirt from years gone by?
Of course, everyone remembers the Treble kit. It was fantastic with the collar, like a polo, and I like it very much.

Do you swap shirts with opposing players?
I used to like to change my shirt with players I have played with so that is the only thing I do.

Do you plan to do anything with them in the future, perhaps after you’ve retired?
I am saving them in a big bag so I like to sometimes get them out and see them.

Pogba & Ibra Excite Ex-Red

Paul Pogba's flourishing combination with Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been one of the highlights of Manchester United’s season so far, according to club legend Paddy Crerand.

The two summer signings have formed a key understanding in attack, with Pogba delivering several telling passes to assist four of top-scorer Ibrahimovic's last nine goals.

The latest example came in the Reds' 3-1 home win over Sunderland on Boxing Day, when Ibrahimovic latched onto Pogba's through-ball to notch his 11th goal in his last 10 appearances, and 17th overall this term.

Writing in his column for United Review, the matchday programme at Old Trafford, Crerand enthused: "I must say I've loved watching the link-up play between Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic this season.

"Both of them have been in such good form lately and their combination play has been fantastic for us. 

"Top-class strikers like Zlatan have the ability to know where and when to make a run and know there’s a good chance they’ll get found when you have someone like Pogba on the ball."

Crerand also waxed lyrical about the players' individual qualities, praising the attitude of world-record capture Pogba and 35-year-old Ibrahimovic's longevity.
 
"I don't think the price tag around his neck means a thing to Paul; I think the boy just enjoys playing and there's so much more to come," continued the 1968 European Cup-winner.

"The more I see Ibrahimovic, the more it confirms about the quality of his football brain and how clever he is as a player. He must be a pleasure to play alongside, and he holds the ball up so well, too. 

"I wish he was 25, not 35, but his standard of fitness is incredible – clearly he looks after himself very well. The manager knew exactly what he was getting by bringing a player like him in and 17 goals so far is a fantastic return. Long may the goals flow."

Mkhitaryan Reveals Football Idols

Henrikh Mkhitaryan joined Manchester United only six months ago but his knowledge of the club goes back much further.

The Armenian who scored that spectacular 'scorpion' goal on Boxing Day was asked by United Review earlier this month which Reds stars he used to enjoy watching. During the following 'Football and Me' interview, he gave an interesting answer to that and several other questions...

Which United player from the past did you most enjoy watching?
I started watching United at the time when Eric Cantona was in the team, and I loved watching him play. Andrei Kanchelskis was another who I'd keep an eye out for - as he was a Russian player I found that very interesting. But, in terms of a United idol, that would have to be Sir Alex Ferguson.

Who was your football hero when you were growing up?
Zinedine Zidane, not just for his vision on the pitch but for the fact he was such a leader. He was always talking to his team-mates and helping them.

Do you have any pre-match superstitions?
No, I don't. I used to do certain things before a game when I was younger but, as I got older, I realised that everything I needed to perform as a footballer was in my head.

Which goal have you celebrated most as a player?
It was a goal for the Armenian Under-21 team against Turkey in 2009. It was a very important game for us, and I scored the winner in the last minute. It was the most emotion I've ever felt after scoring a goal.

And the best goal you've ever scored?
I couldn't answer that one, as I've scored a lot [laughs]. Hopefully, there are a lot more goals to come for me at United.

Footnote: Since taking part in the Q&A, Mkhitaryan has netted what he now considers to be "the best goal I've ever scored" - his acrobatic finish against Sunderland on Boxing Day. Thanks, Henrikh!

Credit: Manutd.com

Martial Needs Time To Improve

Jose Mourinho has advised Anthony Martial to follow the example of Henrikh Mkhitaryan to force his way into Manchester United's starting line-up.

Martial has found himself on the fringes of Mourinho's first-team plans, having made four of his 11 Premier League appearances from the bench this season.

However, the United manager has no plans to sell the 21-year-old French striker who has been linked with a loan move away from Old Trafford next month.

Mourinho said: "Anthony is very, very young. People forget that and last season Manchester United played completely differently. He was basically playing up front.

"The team had lots of passive ball possession, just waiting to put it into space for Anthony to go and score a goal. This season is more difficult. He needs a little bit of time to improve."

Armenian Mkhitaryan initially struggled to earn first-team opportunities this campaign but is now thriving, scoring three goals in his last three games including a goal of the season contender in the Boxing Day win over Sunderland.

Mourinho added: "Every player is different. I had this season a situation that was more difficult than Anthony - Mkhitaryan.

"Mkhitaryan was completely open and understood the difference between me and other coaches he had.

There is a difference between the demands of the Premier League and the Ukrainian League, or the Bundesliga - a completely different philosophy of play.

"And he worked a lot without playing, but he worked a lot to try to reach the level."

United have won their last four Premier League games to move within four points of the top four. They host Middlesbrough on New Year's Eve before facing West Ham on Jan 2

Credit: Skysports.com

Mourinho: Pogba Is 'Best Midfielder In The World'

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho says Paul Pogba is already the "best midfielder in the world" but expects him to be even better next season.

Pogba has been slowly improving after a slow start to the season following his world record £93.25m move from Juventus in the summer.

Mourinho says any player would find the Premier League tough after four years in Italy, but is tipping him to be a Ballon d'Or contender next year, if the voters judge the players on more than goals.

"The Premier League is very difficult," Mourinho told French TV station SFR. "You play three, four years in Italy and you come to the Premier League and the world is completely different.

"He's doing well, he's doing more than well. His evolution is clear. So I can imagine that next season for Paul will be top."

Pogba made the shortlist for the Ballon d'Or this year, but finished down in 14th despite a title-winning season with Juventus and helping France to the final of Euro 2016.

Mourinho feels that the sheer volume of goals scored by this year's winner Cristiano Ronaldo and his only real rival, Lionel Messi, means the less glamorous work Pogba gets through in midfield is overlooked.

"At the moment, if you're not a goal scorer, you cannot win the Ballon d'Or," Mourinho said. "But if the perception changes, then Paul can win it, because Paul is not a goal scorer.

"Paul is a midfielder who will score more and more goals, because I think he has good conditions to score goals. Paul is a midfielder, in my opinion, the best, the best in the world.

"Obviously, he's young, he can still improve, he wants to improve, which is even better."

Credit: Skysports.com

Reds Pair Praise Star-man Ibra

Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Daley Blind praised Zlatan Ibrahimovic for his success at Manchester United so far following Monday's 3-1 victory against Sunderland.

The trio all scored goals in the thrilling Boxing Day win as the Reds' unbeaten run was extended to 11 matches in all competitions and Ibrahimovic also racked up two assists by teeing up his team-mates.

The Swede has now netted 11 goals in his last 10 Premier League games and his tally for the season is up to 17 in all competitions - the same total Anthony Martial ended 2015/16 with as United's top scorer.

Blind expressed his admiration for Ibrahimovic when he told MUTV after the match: "I love the way Zlatan plays. He's great for the team and I hope he stays in good form.”

Mkhitaryan also shared his desire for the 35-year-old to maintain the hot streak in front of goal.

"His performance doesn’t show how old he is," exclaimed the Armenian. "He’s doing some incredible stuff and I'm very happy for him because he deserves it."

Henrikh continued: "He’s a very big player and everyone knows him. I don’t have to say it because everyone knows he’s a fantastic player.

"I hope he will do his best for the next game as well."

Blind: Manchester United Are In 'Good Shape'

Manchester United are full of confidence after recording their fourth straight Premier League victory, according to defender Daley Blind.

The Dutchman opened the scoring at Old Trafford six minutes before half-time and late goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan helped clinch a 3-1 victory over Sunderland for Jose Mourinho's side.

After a shaky spell in September and October, United have hit their stride under Mourinho and are unbeaten in the Premier League for two months.

The manager was unhappy with their first-half display but Blind's goal settled the nerves and United missed several golden chances to extend their lead prior to Ibrahimovic's strike in the 82nd minute.

United remain 13 points behind leaders Chelsea and have four to make up on Arsenal in fourth but Blind has no doubt they are heading in the right direction.

He told MUTV: "In the second half we had difficulty getting the ball but after that second goal it became a lot easier for us. Sunderland didn't create many chances and we created good chances. So I think we did well.

"In the end it was a difficult game, we played very good and got the result. We didn't have a clean sheet but it's a good result and I feel confident to move forward like this.

"We have a lot of confidence now and we're in good shape. We need to work hard and keep that feeling up and win games. Of course we want to keep this run going and we'll work hard to do that."

Blind, brought into the side at the expense of Matteo Darmian, was an unlikely source for the opening goal but he timed his run into the area perfectly to meet Ibrahimovic's lay-off and find the far corner.

It was the full-back's first goal in 11 months and his first in the Premier League since September 2015.

"There was so much space to run into and Zlatan gave me the ball, which was one touch and then a finish," Blind added.

"It was a good feeling to score it and it was important to score before half-time."

Credit: Skysports.com

Mourinho Focused on Reds, Not Rivals

Jose Mourinho has stressed he is not fixated on the results of Manchester United's rivals in the Premier League.

The Reds moved level on points with fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur after the 3-1 success over Sunderland on Boxing Day but Arsenal and the leaders Chelsea also picked up victories at the same time.

Manchester City defeated Hull City in the later kick-off to remain six points clear of their neighbours but the focus at United is on the clash with Middlesbrough on New Year's Eve and an opportunity to extend the winning run in the Premier League to five games.

"Honestly, I don't care," stated Mourinho, when asked about the gap to the top four positions not being closed at the moment.

"I care about the way we play, our results, and getting the maximum points possible. Of course, every match for us is very difficult. There are no easy matches but we are playing well and we are more confident."

As for the other teams above United, the boss added: "What happens, happens. For example, I think, last week it was Manchester City against Arsenal and somebody had to lose points. More of these matches will come and other people will also lose points. Let's see."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic And Paul Pogba Key To Manchester United Form

Manchester United's star summer signings Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba are playing a key role in the team's resurgence - and delivered again on Boxing Day.

The in-form pair had a hand in all three goals as United saw off David Moyes' Sunderland 3-1 at Old Trafford.

Ibrahimovic set up two and scored another himself after being played in by Pogba.

Those contributions mean the duo have been directly involved in all seven of United's goals across their past three games, after Ibrahimovic struck twice at West Brom and both found the net at Crystal Palace.

But their influence stretches back further than that.

United's 3-1 win at Swansea in early November appears to have been a turning point for Jose Mourinho's side - and the moment Ibrahimovic and Pogba came to the fore.

Prior to that game United had failed to win eight out of 13 matches in all competitions. Pogba and Ibrahimovic had contributed just two goals and one assist in seven games. But victory in south Wales has sparked a streak of eight wins and three draws in their next 11.

Ibrahimovic and Pogba have been directly involved in 16 (66.7 per cent) of the 24 goals United have scored in that run.

Frontman Ibrahimovic has weighed in with 11 goals and three assists. Pogba has two goals and four assists - all for the Swede.

Importantly for Mourinho and United supporters, those goals and assists have proved decisive, too. United would be 11 points worse off if it wasn't for Pogba and Ibrahimovic's interventions in the past 11 games.

It's an impressive impact - and, combined with the pair's early-season form, adds up to a significant contribution to United's season.

In total, 17-goal Ibrahimovic has scored 34.7 per cent of United's 49 goals across the Community Shield, Premier League, EFL Cup and Europa League. If you add Pogba's five goals to that sum, the pair account for 44.9 per cent of United's strikes.

Mourinho described Pogba as the "best midfielder in the world" in an interview with French broadcaster SFR last week, while he heaped praise on Ibrahimovic following the Sunderland win.

"It matters the way he plays for us, the way he leads the team, and I'm so pleased also for him," said the manager. "It's an amazing number of goals, especially for someone who comes to the Premier League."

Both United and Mourinho's star pair have endured tough spells this season. But both the individual players and the team as a whole are hitting their stride at a key phase of the campaign.

Credit: Skysports.com

Rooney Doubt For Boro

Jose Mourinho has revealed Wayne Rooney was omitted from Manchester United’s squad for the Boxing Day match against Sunderland due to a thigh injury he felt in training.

The captain is rated a major doubt for the visit of Middlesbrough to Old Trafford on New Year's Eve after reporting the problem during Christmas Day's session at the Aon Training Complex.

When asked after the win over the Black Cats if Rooney will return against Boro, the boss replied: "Honestly, I don't think so. I hope so. I would like to have him, he's always a player I would like to have but I have my doubts. Let's see the evolution [of the injury].

"It's a strange muscle, a big muscle surrounded by others and you can have an injury there but still be able to move well. He was not feeling very confident. It's not a big deal but, in four days, I have my doubts."

Before the Boxing Day victory, in a pre-match interview with Sky Sports, the manager was asked if Rooney was left out because of the busy fixture list. "No, not really because the next match is on the 31st," Jose explained.

"That's not the problem. The problem for us is playing on the 31st and then the 2nd. That's the problem for us as Manchester United. Sunderland have the privilege to play after that but for us that's the problem.

"He [Rooney] just felt a little thing in training yesterday [Christmas Day] and we all agreed that the best thing for him, and for us, was that he didn't play today."

Mourinho: Carry On, Zlatan

Jose Mourinho says Zlatan Ibrahimovic is likely to be terrorising Premier League defences for some time to come after the Swede bagged his 50th strike in the calendar year with the second goal in the 3-1 win over Sunderland.

The evergreen centre-forward looks set to have a second year in his contract at Old Trafford activated. Although that development is not yet confirmed, the boss is in no doubts as to the suitability of the striker to the rigours of the English top flight.

When asked if the clause has been triggered already, Mourinho replied: "Not yet but it's activated in his brain and activated also in my decisions and it is activated as well in the owners and the board's [mind]. So no problem."

Ibrahimovic has adapted superbly to the Premier League since arriving on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain - only Chelsea's Diego Costa has scored more goals this term - and has shown the right mentality to succeed at Old Trafford.

"I'm not really surprised," said the boss, "because he's a very intelligent guy, a very proud man. He decided to come to Manchester United and to the Premier League, to a club with the level of expectation that Manchester United has, to the most difficult league in the world for a striker.

"When he decided to come here, it's because he knows he can do it. When we contacted him, he told us: 'Yes, I want [it]'. I was sure he was not coming here to leave the Premier League without proof, leave the Premier League failing at Manchester United. No way.

"When such a guy decided to come, I was completely clear that he would be ready and he's ready for more. Next season, he will be here again."

Mkhitaryan: My Best Goal Ever

Henrikh Mkhitaryan described his brilliant backheeled effort against Sunderland as "the best goal I’ve ever scored", while speaking to MUTV after Manchester United's 3-1 win.

The Armenian's inspired finish from Zlatan Ibrahimovic's right-wing cross gave visiting goalkeeper Jordan Pickford little chance of making a save in front of the Stretford End. The goal put the Reds 3-0 up at Old Trafford, before Fabio Borini pulled back a late consolation for the Black Cats.

"That was the best goal I've ever scored," Mkhitaryan told us. "I was very excited. The first thing I did was look at the assistant and I saw it was not ruled as offside so I just started to celebrate.

"I was expecting the ball to be in front of me and then I realised I was in front of it. As the ball was behind me, the only thing I could do was a backheel so I did that and I succeeded."

Mkhitaryan's entrance as a 61st-minute replacement for Jesse Lingard marked his return to action after a two-match absence through injury. The Armenian insists he is now fit and ready to play his part as United bid for a fifth Premier League win in a row, at home to Middlesbrough on New Year's Eve.

"I don’t have anything of concern from a past injury so I’m happy to be back and I’m happy to be back to help the team," Henrikh explained. "I will try to do my best for the next game. It’s very important that we’re in good shape and to keep going like this."

Mourinho's View On Win Over Sunderland

Jose Mourinho spoke to MUTV after the 3-1 win against Sunderland on Boxing Day at Old Trafford. Here's what the manager had to say...

Better after the break
"I liked the second half. I didn't like the first half. It was 1-0 at half-time and I think there was a clear penalty in our favour [when Lamine Kone flattened Juan Mata inside the box]. In spite of that, I don't think we deserved to be winning 1-0. They were organised well, this team came here to close and try to be dangerous on the counter-attack, with the long ball to [Victor] Anichebe to hold, and they did well. I did like the second half, we brought to the game the way we have been playing in the past couple of months, playing really well with intensity, creativity and we were dynamic. I like the second half very much as we could have scored five or six. It's three points, 12 points from four matches. We've played well for a long time but points are what we need now."

Half-time instructions
"My message was that the game was going in the direction where we were in control but it was apathetic control. You never know. We needed to accelerate the game, press higher, play faster and short passes with more speed of the ball. We needed to bring the game to a different level and we did that from minute one [of the second half]. With Micki [Henrikh Mkhitaryan] and [Anthony] Martial, we intensified even more the game and we scored the second and third."

Micki's strike was something special
"He has scored beautiful goals all his career. In this moment, [there are the] goals but also the defensive work and also creativity. And I'm so happy he came back after this injury and came back with his happiness and the feeling that the people at Old Trafford love him. That's a very important thing for him."

Zlatan on fire
"He should score more! He had a [chance for] 2-0 in front of [Jordan] Pickford that I thought: '2-0 and game over and no'. But, independent of the goals, his work is amazing. I saw him making runs against Kone and Papy Djilobodji, young guys, but he was faster and stronger than them. Great."

Middlesbrough next up
"It's a difficult one. Middlesbrough need points as they lost today against Burnley. Aitor Karanka will come here obviously to try and he is a big friend of mine. You forget friends in football and he will come here to try to get something from that match. It's one more difficult match."

Premier League: Man. United 3 Sunderland 1

Manchester United's growing confidence and momentum were enhanced further on Boxing Day as Sunderland were dismantled in a fourth successive Premier League victory for Jose Mourinho's men.

Daley Blind, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored the goals to secure the comfortable 3-1 win, while also extending the Reds' unbeaten run in all competitions to 11 matches. Bigger challenges will come, of course, but there is no doubt that United are capable of climbing the table.

Mourinho had eight days to prepare for the game and duly made two changes to his starting XI, yet one was forced on him after Wayne Rooney reported an injury when training on Christmas Day. Juan Mata replaced the captain and it was his looping cross which led to an early shot from Michael Carrick, whose volley from the edge of the penalty area went wide via a deflection off Ander Herrera.

Sunderland, managed by the returning former Reds boss David Moyes, could have taken a shock lead on 18 minutes when Jermain Defoe met a punt from his goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to lash a shot just wide. Patrick van Aanholt then forced an excellent save out of David De Gea with his 20-yard free-kick, before United were denied a penalty when Mata was barged to the ground by Lamine Kone.

Paul Pogba went close to breaking the deadlock on 27 minutes when a slick one-two with Jesse Lingard on the edge of Sunderland’s box led to his deflected shot rebounding off the post. De Gea then did well to thwart two quick-fire efforts from Victor Anichebe and Fabio Borini, with the latter soon stinging the Spaniard’s palms once again with a deflected long-range effort moments after.

After Pogba had registered two more shots at goal, United secured a vital breakthrough on 39 minutes courtesy of recalled left-back Blind, who controlled Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s pass with his right foot and finished with his left to put the Reds in front six minutes before the half-time break.

STATS AT HALF-TIME
Possession: United 66% Sunderland 34%
Total shots: United 11 Sunderland 6
Shots on target: United 3 Sunderland 3
Corners: United 3 Sunderland 2

The Reds began the second half with the look of a team that had been instructed to find a second goal and Pogba, so impressive in his all-round midfield play, almost did so with a header that flew over on 49 minutes, before fellow summer signing Ibrahimovic blasted over when put through by Mata.

Mkhitaryan made a welcome return from the ankle injury sustained in the win over Tottenham Hotspur when he replaced Jesse Lingard, and the increasingly popular Armenian was immediately involved when he unleashed a right-footed shot that flew wide from the edge of the area, prompting a warm ovation from the appreciative United fans inside a freezing cold Old Trafford.

Ibrahimovic had a low shot saved by the foot of Pickford on 65 minutes and the Swede cut a frustrated figure following his missesd opportunity, yet the 35-year-old displayed his fighting spirit throughout the second half and was finally rewarded on 83 minutes. He latched onto Pogba's pass and dispatched a cool finish into the bottom corner to tally his 11th goal in 10 appearances across all competitions.

Mkhitaryan claimed United's third strike of the afternoon - and his third for the Reds so far - with a stunning backheel from Ibrahimovic's cross that must already be among the front-runners for the club's Goal of the Season award. Ex-Liverpool forward Borini volleyed in a fine consolation effort for the relegation-threatened Black Cats but it could barely affect United's buoyant mood on a brilliant Boxing Day.

STATS AT FULL-TIME
Possession: United 63% Sunderland 37%
Total shots: United 25 Sunderland 7
Shots on target: United 9 Sunderland 4
Corners: United 5 Sunderland 5

THE TEAMS
United: De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Blind; Carrick, Herrera (Fellaini 84), Pogba; Mata (Martial 74), Lingard, (Mkhitaryan 61), Ibrahimovic.
Subs not used: Romero, Darmian, Smalling, Rashford.
Booked: Blind

Sunderland: Pickford, Jones, van Aanholt, Djilobodji, Kone, Denayer, N'Dong (Love 86), Borini, Larsson (Khazri 83), Anichebe, Defoe.
Subs not used: Mannone, Asoro, O'Shea, Embleton, Honeyman.
Booked: Borini, Kone.

Mourinho: Sir Alex Ferguson's Legacy Is Not A Burden

Jose Mourinho insists he is not overawed by the challenge of bringing back the glory years to Manchester United.

Mourinho is the third man to try to make United the dominant force they were under Sir Alex Ferguson.

He pits his wits against the man who succeeded Ferguson, David Moyes, on Boxing Day.

And the Portuguese insists that he does feel the Fergie period of glory is an albatross around his neck.

"I don't feel it as a burden, I feel the great history of the club as only positive things and not negative things," Mourinho said.

"The problem is, if you have the conditions to follow that success? Then that's a different story.

"One thing is having Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt, all those guys 25, 26, 27 years old; it's another thing to have them at 30, 31, 32; another thing it doesn't happen.

"Obviously that plays a part so there are generations and in a certain period when probably David came the situation was not so easy, it was not so easy to go in that winning direction.

"At the same time - and I think this is even more important - the Premier League was changing."

Two years have passed since Moyes last prowled the touchline at a venue where 'the chosen one' banner was hung in his honour upon his hiring.

But he suffered the ignominy of his first firing in April 2014.

It is an experience Mourinho felt only 12 months ago at Chelsea and he believes rebounding from being axed is something every manager has to experience.

"I think a manager that's not sacked is not a manager, or at least is not a good manager," he added. "We have to be sacked.

"I think it was just a bad moment in David's career and he has to do what I did, what we all do, move on and he did that.

"After Manchester United he went to Spain, also a different experience for him, then back to England, back in the Premier League. I think he moved on and this is what we have to do." 

Credit: Skysports.com

Ferguson In Training Ground Visits

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has revealed former boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been back to the club's Carrington training ground several times this season.

Ferguson retired in 2013 as the club's most successful manager.

The 74-year-old Scot had stayed away from Carrington since then.

"He had not been back since he left, but I brought him back to be with his people," Mourinho told the United We Stand fanzine.

"I wanted the players to see the big man and for me and him to share some minutes and have lunch together. I enjoyed it, he enjoyed it."

In his 26 years at Old Trafford, Ferguson led United to 13 league titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups and four League Cups.

"I'm the type of person who does not see ghosts. I respect the past and I know he loves the club," said Mourinho, who was appointed in May as the third manager to succeed Ferguson after David Moyes and Louis van Gaal.

"We have good relations and I know this is his house.

"When he wants to come here, to the dressing room, to see the players train, he knows he is more than welcome."

Credit: BBC Sport

Jose: No US Swansong For Zlatan

Jose Mourinho insists in-form Zlatan Ibrahimovic will see out his career with Manchester United rather than embark on a swansong in America or China.

The 35-year-old Swede is United's top scorer having netted 16 times in 25 games, including 10 in his past nine, and Mourinho has said he intends to exercise the second-year option on the contract Ibrahimovic signed in the summer.

His immediate future may well be at Old Trafford and, beyond that, Mourinho does not expect the well-travelled striker to bow out with a lucrative stint in Major League Soccer or the Chinese Super League.

Mourinho said: "I'm really happy for him. Maybe some people thought he was a top scorer but not any more at 35 years old. But for him, 35 is the same as 25, Ligue 1 is the same as the Premier League.

"He scores goals, he plays well and I'm really happy for him because he will end his career on a high, which is amazing. He's not ending his career in America or in China, he's ending his career at the top of the top.

"I'm really pleased with him. His record is good and he can improve. With no penalties, which is amazing too because normally the other guys that are top scorers around the world, they score a lot of penalties. He has had one penalty in 17 Premier League matches so I couldn't be happier."

While Ibrahimovic quickly settled in his new surroundings, the process for fellow summer arrival Mourinho has not seemed to be as serene.

United's indifferent form, a succession of FA charges and living in a Manchester hotel had all presented challenges for the Portuguese in his new job.

But he insists he has been comfortable embracing the task of taking charge of one of the world's biggest football teams.

"For me, it was easy - it's a difficult job but easy to feel at home, easy to feel good in the club, easy to feel that the club wants to progress, the people want to be happy again," he added.

"I felt good immediately so five, six months here, but really feeling at home; for me it was quite easy.

"Obviously expectations are high, results...up and down and we are in a position that is not the position where we want to be. But in terms of passion for my work, passion for my new club, I'm feeling really happy here, yes."

Credit: Skysports.com

Moyes: Manchester United's Great Traditions Have Gone

Manchester United's "great traditions" have "gone", according to their former boss and current Sunderland manager David Moyes.

The Scot was sacked by United in 2014 - less than a season after being chosen to replace club legend Sir Alex Ferguson.

He said the club had "tended to pick British managers" and never felt the need to impose themselves in the transfer market.
"I can say that's gone," added Moyes.

"There have been a few changes at Manchester United but that's the way they have chosen to go."

United have spent £480m since Ferguson retired in 2013 after 26 years as manager.

They broke their club record in January 2014 by signing midfielder Juan Mata from Chelsea for £37.1m - a deal done under Moyes, and spent a British record £59.7m on Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria later that year, after Dutchman Louis van Gaal took over.

In August this year, they gave new boss Jose Mourinho a world record £89m to sign midfielder Paul Pogba from Juventus.

"They were a football club who enjoyed traditions with the way they spent," said Moyes, who returns to Old Trafford as a manager on Boxing Day, with relegation-threatened Sunderland, for the first time since he was sacked.

"They didn't try to compete with all the other clubs. They did what they thought was the right thing to do and spent the right way.

"Maybe that has had to change because of the current situation. [But] Sir Alex [Ferguson] went out and bought wisely and correctly in the transfer market and what he thought he needed to do."

Moyes repeated a claim that he was "definitely unfairly treated" by not being given enough time and also confirmed that the club missed out on a number of major transfers during his short tenure - including Real Madrid and Wales forward Gareth Bale, Madrid team-mate Toni Kroos and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

"When I first went in my real target was Gareth Bale," said Moyes. "I felt all along that Gareth Bale was a Manchester United player.

"I fought right until the last minute. We actually offered a bigger deal than Real Madrid. But Gareth had his mind made up on going to Real Madrid. That was, in my mind, the player I really wanted to bring to Manchester United.

"The other one was Cesc Fabregas, who we thought we would get right up until the last minute.

"I remember when I first met Sir Alex and he always said there was a chance Ronaldo might come back.

"So that was the level we were targeting. I was not going out to bring in seven, eight players, because we had a squad which had just won the league.

"Toni Kroos was agreed to come in the summer. I had agreed it with Toni himself and his agent. Sometimes you don't get deals done. Gareth Bale, we were probably behind all along, Real Madrid were well in for it.

"The Cesc one was disappointing. It was very close. And Toni Kroos came up in January - it was done.

"A lot of players come into Manchester United and have not necessarily made the difference. But I think that, given time and having got to this period, I would have hoped I would be working with a successful team now."

Credit: BBC Sport

Rio: United, Music & Me

Following the recent announcement of Manchester United's new partnership with Deezer, club legend and music fanatic Rio Ferdinand sat down with ManUtd.com to discuss his musical influences, the link with football and which of his old team-mates would make his United-themed boyband...

Tell us about your musical influences…
Growing up I was influenced by my Dad mainly. He would take me to football all over the place and we’d always have music on in the car. There was a lot of reggae, Marvin Gaye and soul and I remember being at family parties and you’d have all the 80s pop like Madonna, Soul II Soul… so it was a real mix. When I got into my teenage years I was very into hip hop and R&B and when I came to Manchester I got into the Manchester scene with the Stone Roses. I’m a real mixed bag.

First single you ever bought?
I don’t remember the first one I bought but the first records I ever got given, through request, were Michael Jackson, the Bad album and New Kids On The Block! [Laughs]

The crossover between music and football seems to get bigger – you saw that with the impact of the Pogba and Stormzy video which effectively announced Paul’s signing. Impressed?
I think that was an unbelievable bit of PR and marketing. Stormzy is so connected and plugged in to the youth of England and Paul signing was a huge signing for football in general. So it was a great marriage but I think football and music has always had that connection. Nowadays there are so many more tools that you can put together and you can make the connection seem more seamless. Music is something that has always been part of my life growing up and in the changing room before matches and on the way to games you see footballers with their headphones on because everyone loves listening to music.

Do footballers secretly want to be music stars and vice versa?
Yeah. If I could have done anything else I’d have been on stage with the crowd singing with me. I could do it now, if I wanted to do it, but I don’t want to do it! Players definitely want to be music stars and when you speak to musicians they all want to be sports stars. It’s two of the best jobs you can ever think of.

Who had best taste in music dressing room when you played?
Obviously myself! I controlled the music. The tunes weren’t put on unless I gave them the thumbs up, it was always my playlists. When we were winning trophies year after year my playlists were the inspiration, trust me! [Laughs] I could tell you all the songs on them now - they were unbelievable.

What did you used to play?
T-Pain, Bartender was a massive tune at the time. I played some random ones because I tried to play for the whole dressing room. You had Tracy Chapman, Fast Car, a bit of Bob Marley, Fool’s Gold, a couple of Oasis tracks, bit of Kano… we had a nice mix so it was good.

Patrice Evra and Ashley Young were latterly the dressing room DJs…
Yeah and then we stopped winning trophies as regularly as we were doing so that tells you one thing! [Laughs] They were alright. They came to my room every Friday before a game on a Saturday and said ‘Rio is this okay?’ I’d say ‘boys, listen it’s alright it’s cool!’ I got to the point where I had other things to concentrate on with my kids so my priorities changed. I must say though that in the changing room I needed to have music before a game when I was playing. I couldn’t go into a quiet dressing room and just sit there, I needed an atmosphere created through music.

We heard David De Gea liked to try to sneak some of his rock music on…
Urgh, yeah! We used to have a laptop in there and he would come in and want to put his songs on and he used to get shouted out of the room. I don’t know what he was thinking with his choices! But that’s what was good about the dressing room though, we had a big mix so it was good.

Best dancer at the club?
Definitely not one of the Nevilles or Scholesy! Giggsy had some moves back in the day!

If you had to pick a United boyband who would you put in it?
I’d be lead singer obviously. When I first signed I was definitely the front man, blond hair, a little tan, 100% I was the lead. Becks would have be in it doing the drums or something, Giggsy because he could move a bit. Nev can play the guitar and Wazza as well – he could just be flying about the stage doing something! And I’d have Ashley Young, Welbz and Carras as my side-piece dancers in hot pants and long socks… that’s a super group right there!

What song makes you immediately think of United?
Fool’s Gold by the Stone Roses always. It’s an unbelievable tune.

United Fans Can Enjoy Christmas Cheer

'Jingle Bells' got many an airing at Selhurst Park and The Hawthorns from the visiting supporters as it really was fun to watch Manchester United win away.

There is a growing feeling that a team, in every sense of the word, is forming under Jose Mourinho, who has recently been adamant that things were starting to click into place – even when our luck was out and draws were acquired from matches we clearly deserved to win.

In a footballing world where virtually every response is a knee-jerk one – witness how the narrative changed from Manchester City being in turmoil to Arsenal engulfed by crisis within the space of one half last Sunday – there appears no place for patience. Some newspapers even reported Antonio Conte's job was under threat before he took Chelsea on a winning streak that sees them top of the tree at Christmas.

The table does not lie but there must be conviction in the belief that United can make up ground on the leaders. The bond between fans and players was evident after the West Brom game, one that was won in the manner in which Mourinho has made his hallmark: completely controlling events from start to finish.

It bodes well ahead of three Premier League games over the festive period, before the FA Cup third-round tie with Reading. Sunderland and Middlesbrough both visit Old Trafford – two North-East sides towards the bottom of the league who are battling for every point. The fact they both won their last fixture suggests things may not be straightforward, as is often the case in this most competitive of divisions.

However, there is a sense of anticipation around these games and a real expectation that United will attack and entertain. Perhaps at this time of the year more than any other, such excitement is greatly appreciated. Many fans will break up their holidays and time with families to attend both fixtures, and it can be a long journey home if things do not go our way.

That said, there is a time-honoured tradition to the festive football programme and much to relish. We can expect the Black Cats and Boro to set out their stall to frustrate but are confident in the prospect of this attacking side breaking down their defences, with our incisive style paying off in the last four wins in all competitions and promising more goals.

There is great optimism for the end of 2016 and the hope that next year will bring only more improvement and cohesion as the boss continues to exert his influence and stamp his own identity on the side. Following the two home games in five days, 2017 begins with a first trip to West Ham's London Stadium. The FA Cup and EFL Cup – with the Reds one hurdle away from another visit to Wembley that always goes down well with the supporters – then provide more entertainment.

Our first home game of the new year is the small matter of United versus Liverpool; a chance to beat the Merseysiders and show we can finish above them. It's enough to fill any Red with Christmas cheer as we anticipate watching Mourinho's United play the kind of football we have all come to love so dearly. 

The views expressed in this article are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United Football Club.

Credit: Manutd.com

Jones Wants To Repay Mourinho

Phil Jones has admitted his confidence has been boosted by the praise afforded to him by Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, but the defender maintains the only way to keep repaying such faith is by producing consistently high performances.

The centre-back has developed a burgeoning relationship with Marcos Rojo at the heart of the backline since his return to action in November after being out injured since January.

His impressive performances have yielded both acclaim and back-to-back Man of the Match award nominations in the last two Premier League games. Jones is delighted to be out of the treatment room and back on the pitch. In an interview with the Boxing Day edition of United Review, he reveals he is now just as focused on his recovery from matches as he is his preparation.

"I think as I’ve got older I’ve become wiser to recovery and realised how important it is," he tells United Review. "When I was younger you think you know it all and after games you probably just go for some food or sit on your PlayStation. Now I take it a lot more seriously and recover properly because I know I need to give myself the best possible chance to be as fresh and as fit as I can for the next game."

On the subject of working with Mourinho, Jones continues: "It’s brilliant. He’s shown a lot of confidence and belief in me and hopefully I’m repaying that. I’m not a player who needs telling every day in training ‘you’re brilliant, you’re this, you’re that’… but it’s always nice to hear comments from the manager and people around that you’re doing well.

"I’m not under any illusions though, in this game you can be up there one minute and down the next, so I need to keep going game by game and keep improving."