Paul Clement Faces 'Professor' Jose Mourinho

Paul Clement faces a man he once regarded as "the professor" when he takes his Swansea City side to face Manchester United on Sunday.

The 45-year-old says he was "in awe" of United manager Jose Mourinho when the Portuguese took charge of Chelsea, while he was Fulham's Under-18 coach.

The duo later worked together when Clement - who was appointed Swansea manager in January - took a job at Chelsea's academy.

"It was brilliant for me," he said.

"He was the professor and I was the student."

Swansea travel to Old Trafford (12:00 BST) three points adrift of safety with four games remaining.

Clement said he had learned a lot from Mourinho, who he said kept players and staff on their toes.

He added: "You were never quite sure where you stood with him.

"He created a distance between people. He was very strong on the psychological side, on managing people - both players and staff."

Credit: BBC Sport

McTominay Inspired By Lingard And Rashford

It is Monday night and the famous Old Trafford clock shows we are in the 85th minute.

Manchester United's Reserves have been pegged back by a second Derby County equaliser and the Reds need a hero. Step forward Scott McTominay, turning to fire a loose ball home in front of the Stretford End for his second goal of the game and one that earned a valuable Premier League 2 win for Warren Joyce's youngsters.

The joy in his sliding celebration was obvious – it was the sort of thing every schoolboy footballer dreams of – but it was a long and difficult route to this point for the 19-year-old. This is a teenager who sprouted up so much he went from being described in his player profile as 'diminutive' to becoming one of the tallest players at the club.

"It was around 18 months ago," he tells ManUtd.com. "I was 5ft 6ins and, to go from that to the height I am now, 6ft 2ins or 6ft 3ins, it takes a little bit of time to get used to it. It’s not a problem, though, as I’m going to put that behind me and look to the season ahead. 

"It’s just more of the fact that my body was not ready at all. Warren and Paul McGuinness were really good with me at that time, nurturing me and putting me in and out of training sessions while not giving me so much game time. I’m at the height I am now and I want to keep going this season and get as much game time as I possibly can. I always knew I was going to be quite tall but maybe not that tall!"

The careful nurturing must have been difficult to deal with but he can discuss it with real honesty: "I think when I was 13 or 14, if I was at another club who weren’t as patient with me as I was smaller and not playing games, I think they might have thought: 'We’ll just get rid of him'. I couldn’t fault United when I was growing up and how they treated me. How it’s panned out has obviously been really good."

Injuries and that incredible growth spurt affected his progress at a time when he was already scrapping for recognition and jostling for a place in one of world football's best academies. Remarkably, the lengthy absence and cautious treatment has enabled him to come to the fore now.

"It was such a tough period, I would say 18 months but it’s probably even longer than that," he recalls. "It was a long time I missed and it is tough getting yourself back up to where everyone else is. But that’s just the attitude you need to have.

"I think that’s the best thing that has ever happened with me," he contends with more retrospection. "Obviously, I like the height I am at now and missing that time allowed me to go to the gym to get much stronger. I notice that on the pitch now. 

"I was always getting brushed aside by other boys but now I can really compete with them. It might not have been good for me to play for my whole body in general but I’ve got the attitude I want to get stronger, quicker and more powerful. 

"I am relentless in the gym, doing the power work, and it’s one of the most important things for me. Having been brought up always being small and getting pushed off the ball, now I realise it doesn’t happen much now because I’m a little bit stronger and am competing with these guys.

"We go into the gym every day. A lot of it is leg-based but I work on my upper body and a lot of core. All the boys are dead competitive in the gym and want to be the best. When you’re at Manchester United, you can’t settle for anything less."

Making it at Manchester United is a tall order for any player, let alone one who was forced to spend such a long period of his formative footballing years on the sidelines. Yet it has become easy to see why coach Joyce is such an admirer of a clever operator who can clearly follow instructions and take tactical advice on board.

"Scott has just burst onto the scene and did well last season," comments Joyce. "He could be a proper box-to-box aggressive midfielder and we need to be mindful of that. He's a really good footballer, technically sound with good skills and excellent in the keep-ball sessions."

McTominay appears in tune with his coach's demands: "It is very hard but we wouldn't have it any other way. Sometimes it's a case of 'running again' but you notice at the end of games that other teams start tiring so that is why we do it. You've got to be as fit as you can." It is the sort of attitude that must endear him to Joyce, who has the knack of getting the absolute maximum out of the youngsters at his disposal.

However, there are other examples on the playing front he can use to spur him to greater heights. Scoring a couple of goals at Old Trafford for the Reserves is a pretty special achievement but he does not have to look very far to see other Academy graduates making their mark on the first team.

Jesse Lingard was famously small as a schoolboy, lacking the muscle and height to properly compete with bulkier opponents at one stage. His name will be forever etched in United's illustrious history after his sensational strike at Wembley won the FA Cup last May.

"That was an inspiration for me," admits McTominay readily. "It just shows how far you can actually come. A lot of people may have written Jesse off when he was a lot younger and smaller and thought he might not be capable of playing at the top level but look at him now, he’s done it.

"Marcus Rashford is another prime example. Marcus and I were in the Under-16s and we used to do 45 minutes each. We both weren’t capable of playing the full game. That was in the no.10 role and we’ve both moved positions; he’s gone up front and I’ve dropped back into midfield. 

"Marcus has what you want to see as a fan: blistering pace. United is by far the best place for producing young players and winning trophies, which is what the club wants to get back to. Everyone wants to keep pushing forward and winning as much as possible."

With an Under-21 title already under his belt, there is more silverware to play for this season and, judging by the signs, Scott McTominay is going to be a key player for Joyce's side in their quest for Premier League 2 and Premier League International Cup glory.

Credit: Manutd.com

Who Is Scott McTominay?

Scott McTominay, named on the bench for the visit of Swansea City, may not be too well known to followers of Manchester United's senior side but he has been a regular in the Reserves all season, with all the games shown on MUTV.

Furthermore, Inside United, the official club magazine, showcases the club's younger players with its Youth Spotlight feature and McTominay featured earlier this season.

We have reproduced this detailed lowdown on the 20-year-old midfielder or attacker and you can also read an exclusive interview with him from September.

INTRODUCTION
Scott McTominay had just turned five when he first caught United’s eye at the development centre in Preston, which he attended alongside fellow Reserves star Joe Riley. He is now benefiting from careful treatment during his adolescence which led to long spells without 11-a-side football. The patience has been rewarded as he has forced his way into the reckoning under [former boss] Warren Joyce and started in three of the four fixtures in August.

POSITION
Since sharing no.10 duties with a certain Marcus Rashford in the Under-16s, he has generally moved deeper into midfield where his new-found strength comes in useful. Joyce used him as a lone centre-forward but both he and the player agree his long-term role is probably as a box-to-box or holding midfielder.

STYLE
Following a growth spurt during his Academy days and endless hours in the gym, McTominay’s game has altered dramatically. Although retaining his ability on the ball, he can handle the physical demands in the middle of the park and is useful in the air. “He’s a really good footballer,” commented [former coach] Joyce. ”Technically sound with good skills and excellent in the keep-ball sessions.”
HIGHLIGHT

“Definitely winning the league last year,” was his instant response to this question. As for scoring his maiden goal for the Reserves at Blackpool, he admitted:  “It was good but I was not too pleased with how I played. It was a tough game, they were big, strong lads and it was a test because playing up front was hard.”

BEST PERFORMANCE
McTominay performed well against Liverpool in a 1-1 draw in March [2016].  “It was my first start in the Under-21s and a big night for me. Martin Skrtel and Steven Caulker played and they had a strong team so it was a good indicator of where I was and how much I needed to improve. Obviously, going into it, you are wondering where you are as a player so it was reassuring to know you are definitely in the mix with top quality players and can compete with them.”

TRIVIA
Despite being born in Lancaster, Scott has Scottish roots and that could be where his international future lies. He has already attended training camps with the country’s younger sides and revealed: “I’m probably more Scottish than I am English.” 

Credit: Manutd.com

Mata Returns To United Squad

Juan Mata is fit enough to take his place on the Manchester United substitutes' bench today as Jose Mourinho makes four changes to his side to face Swansea at Old Trafford (kick off 12:00 BST).

A win today would see the Reds move up to third in the Premier League before their top-four rivals kick off later this weekend and Mata's return from injury is timely as the busy fixture schedule continues. Despite picking up a positive point on Thursday against rivals Manchester City, the Reds were dealt a double blow after Marouane Fellaini was sent off meaning he will serve a suspension today, while late substitute Timothy Fosu-Mensah picked up an injury in the final minutes, adding to Mourinho's long list of absentees.

Luke Shaw and Ashley Young come in to freshen up the United backline in place of Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian. With Paul Pogba still out, Ander Herrera is joined in central midfield by his midweek partner Michael Carrick. 

Wayne Rooney, who will hope to follow his impressive performance away at Burnley last weekend, captains the side, Jesse Lingard comes in for Henrikh Mkhitaryan with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial leading the line. 

Mourinho confirmed in his latest press conference that Mata, who hasn't played since the win over Middlesbrough back in March, would be the 'first one back' and the Spaniard takes his place on the Reds substitutes' bench alongside a United Academy product, 20-year-old, Scott McTominay. Here is the United line up in full:

United: De Gea; Young, Bailly, Blind, Shaw; Carrick, Herrera, Lingard; Rooney (C), Martial, Rashford.

Subs: Romero, Darmian, Tuanzebe, Valencia, Mata, McTominay, Mkhitaryan.

United Awarded Best PL Grounds Team

Manchester United have already registered a win on home soil ahead of Sunday's clash with Swansea City, without even kicking a ball.

That's because the club have been announced as the winners of the Premier League Grounds Team of the Season for 2016/17.

The prestigious award recognises the sterling work the groundstaff have done to keep the hallowed Old Trafford turf in perfect condition for every home game this term. 

The decision was made by the Playing Surfaces Committee, of which the Institute of Groundsmanship, the Premier League, EFL and Sportsturf are members.

Tony Sinclair, head groundsman at United (pictured left), received the award from Simon Barker, chairman of the Playing Surface’s Committee, on behalf of the club at the annual Institute of Groundsmanship conference.

Ed Woodward, executive vice-chairman of Manchester United, said: “With 30 games of football and one Rugby League match at Old Trafford already this season, no other top flight club has had the same tight turnaround as our groundstaff.

“Late nights, early mornings and demanding shifts often go unnoticed but the dedication and commitment shown by the team is something that everybody at the club should be proud of. I know the hard work really is appreciated by the manager and the players.

“I congratulate head groundsman Tony Sinclair and his team for their dedicated work in this well-earned award.”

Swansea Game Focuses On #allredallequal

Manchester United’s game against Swansea City on Sunday 30 April is being dedicated to the club’s work around the #allredallequal equality, inclusion and diversity campaign.

Sunday’s midday game will highlight the club’s commitment to equality, with Old Trafford, players and staff showing their support for the campaign, which was launched last year.

The players will take to the field wearing specially designed #allredallequal T-shirts for the warm-up, while the stadium will showcase some of the equality work already carried out, with dedicated messages and imagery around the ground, including huge banners across the front of the iconic East Stand.

Speaking of the #allredallequal day of action, United’s group managing director, Richard Arnold, commented: “The club’s equality work is something that everybody is immensely proud of. Everybody can play their part, from players and staff to all of our supporters. Old Trafford is a home for all of our fans and we are fortunate to have so many supporters from diverse backgrounds.”

The club has engaged in many equality and inclusion programmes, campaigns and initiatives for a number of years and #allredallequal links together all those efforts by United and its staff, players and supporters. Work will continue to develop with organisations such as Kick It Out, Show Racism the Red Card, Stonewall, Level Playing Field, MUDSA and many more groups, as the club looks to be at the forefront of equality.

Supporters can keep up to date with the club’s work on equality via social media, using #allredallequal or at www.manutd.com/allredallequal

Credit:m Manutd.com

Blind Answers Defensive Call

With injuries mounting in recent weeks, Manchester United have had to contend with a shortage in defence during the most crucial period of the season.

While Antonio Valencia has been in and out of the team suffering from fatigue, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have been sidelined for several games, before being joined by Marcos Rojo in the treatment room after he sustained a knee-ligament injury against Anderlecht last week.

The number of absentees at the back grew on Thursday after Jose Mourinho confirmed Tim Fosu-Mensah suffered “an important injury” following a collision late on in the goalless draw with Manchester City. 

But, when the team has needed stability and consistency in the business end of the campaign, Daley Blind has answered the call, stepped up to the plate and performed superbly to solve the defensive conundrum.

The versatile Dutchman, who has played most of his football at left-back this season, became accustomed to playing at centre-back under Louis van Gaal last term and had occupied the position on a handful of occasions earlier in 2016/17.  

In the wake of Rojo's injury, there had been talk that Reserves captain Axel Tuanzebe was in line for a first-team debut to fill the void. But Mourinho opted for Blind and he has repaid the faith with two impressive displays, slotting in seamlessly and striking up a solid partnership with Eric Bailly.

When asked about his own performances and linking up with Bailly, Blind told MUTV: “Yeah, I think it works out really well, in spite of the language [barrier]! We do a great job, and we understand each other.

“Not only us, but when I play with any of the other central defenders, I think the whole team knows what we have to do, and you can see that in the low number of goals we have against us this year. I'm happy with my performances and want to keep going.

“I'm always ready, if the manager asks me to do something. I'm always ready to play in midfield and I feel very good and comfortable in the centre-back position too. I will do whatever the manager asks and needs of me and do my best.”

Although largely untroubled by a shot-shy Burnley attack at Turf Moor, Blind had his hands full against Manchester City's multi-talented front four, amid the hotbed of the raucous derby atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium.

Nonetheless, his reading of the game and ability to play out calmly from the back under pressure was excellent, keeping the likes of Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane at bay and helping the Reds secure a second successive clean sheet since his return to the team.

With the games continuing to come thick and fast, United have had to handle another quick turnaround, with the Swansea match coming just 62 hours after the final whistle on Thursday night. But Blind insists the players can only do their best to ensure they are ready for the next challenge and feels that every match is like a cup final between now and the end of the season.

“[We can] only recover and prepare as well as we can. We'll look at each match, prepare, recover and be ready,” he added.

“Of course [it will be difficult], but we'll give everything we've got to finish in the top four. We have to play only finals now; we know it's a big game for them [Swansea] but it's a big game for us as well. We need to approach every game like that. There's still about a month to go, so only finals. We have to be ready for that.

“I think every team in the Premier League has different qualities and good players. We have to believe in ourselves; we're playing at home and want to win. It's a final again and we have to give everything – we want the three points.”

Shaw Offers Advice To Injured Duo

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has offered advice to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo, as they begin the recovery process following significant knee injuries.

The duo face a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering ligament damage during the Reds' Europa League quarter-final second leg against Anderlecht earlier this month.

Shaw faced a similarly long road back to fitness after fracturing his leg in two places while playing for the Reds against PSV Eindhoven back in September 2015 and, speaking during an exclusive interview with United Review, the defender was asked about his team-mates.

"One of the important things with these injuries is never to rush it," he said. "I'm sure they will want to get back as soon as possible, but with the extent of the injury and how important it is to make sure it recovers well, so they can get back to fitness, staying positive, is going to be hard. But you look at the end goal and keep fighting every day, keep trying to get better and better, and push yourself.

"The support they've got from all of us and all of the fans is a key factor. I think everybody has to be together in these hard times when you get a long injury. They are two strong characters. I am sure they will get through it and come back even stronger."

The players wore special T-shirts to show their support for Ibrahimovic and Rojo before last weekend's 2-0 win at Burnley, and Shaw says it's just one example of the unity within the squad.

"I think it was the manager’s idea and it was a nice touch," Shaw added. "I know Marcos and Ibra will appreciate it. Obviously I know what they are going through now, it is going to be a long and hard road, but you couldn’t have two stronger players in Marcos and Ibra. You have seen Zlatan’s post on Instagram as well. He is very positive about his return and we all hope they fight back quickly, strongly and come back even better. I am sure they will.

"It's a really good [atmosphere at the club]. We have got a mix of experience and youth. The experienced ones are always there to help us, the likes of Wazza, Youngy, Carras and Ibra. They all help if you need them and I have especially had a lot of help from Carras, which was nice in my situation. The togetherness is really strong in our squad, everyone is really close, gets on well and we all want the best for each other. We're all pushing for the same thing and that’s to win trophies."

What The Manchester Clubs Need To Do To Win Premier League Title

Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho were brought to Etihad Stadium and Old Trafford this season to claim major titles - and the attritional goalless draw in Thursday's Manchester derby leaves their hopes of Champions League qualification via league placing still in the balance.

United have at least claimed the Capital One Cup and could reach the Champions League by winning the Europa League, with a semi-final against Celta Vigo to come. But Man City manager Guardiola has suffered the first trophy-less season of his managerial career after the FA Cup semi-final defeat by Arsenal.

Both managers will be expected to fight for the Premier League title next season - so what areas must they address?

Manchester City


Goalkeeper conundrum
Guardiola's big decision on arrival was to send England goalkeeper Joe Hart packing to Torino on loan and sign Claudio Bravo from Barcelona in a £17.5m deal - a move that cannot be described as a success.

In Guardiola's defence, 34-year-old Bravo had a fine reputation at Barcelona and had been impressive in helping Chile to win the Copa America as captain on home soil in 2015.

Bravo, however, has looked uncertain, had spells out of the side and has not looked like the answer to City's goalkeeping dilemma. It was almost ironic that he sustained a calf injury against United as he confidently claimed a cross in a manner rarely seen this season. He has not even been convincing with the ball at his feet, something that was almost regarded as his unique selling point when replacing Hart.

Willy Caballero is 35, and with no likelihood of Hart reviving his Manchester City career, Guardiola must decide whether to maintain faith in Bravo, very much his man and signing, or accept this move has failed and move on.

Guardiola would be gambling if he sticks with Bravo, a goalkeeper who earned an unwanted reputation for not making saves. He may need to cast his net elsewhere as few teams win titles with an average goalkeeper.

Age is Man City's defensive barrier
Manchester City were reportedly linked with Tottenham's England right-back Kyle Walker before Thursday's derby and have also been mentioned in connection with his team-mate, left-back Danny Rose.

The chances of signing both are highly unlikely but these positions look certain to be two areas of interest for Guardiola in the summer.

City have talented defenders in those positions who have all been fine servants - but who are all much nearer the end of their careers than the beginning.

Pablo Zabaleta has been a magnificent player for City but is now 32. Bacary Sagna is 34 while Gael Clichy and Aleksandar Kolarov are both 31. This is an area in urgent need of young blood and renewal.

John Stones has had a tough introduction since his £47.5m move from Everton but has the quality to be a top-class City central defender for years to come.

And the current return to form and fitness of inspirational captain Vincent Kompany - outstanding against Manchester United - is a welcome bonus.

The 31-year-old can save City money in the markets should he stay fit, but the form of Nicolas Otamendi means Guardiola is likely to be looking for central defensive reinforcements.

Former England forward Chris Waddle watched the Manchester derby as a BBC Sport pundit and said: "It is easy to see what the biggest thing is that needs to change for City to get closer to winning the title. Their defence.

"That starts with the goalkeeper. Whether Pep Guardiola likes Bravo or not, I don't think he is the top-class keeper you need to win the league and neither is Caballero.

"I know he wants someone there who can use the ball with his feet and play the way he wants, but he also has to be able to stop the ball from going in the net because they concede too many goals.

"He also needs three defenders - a centre-back and two full-backs."

Guardiola's team must get ruthless
Manchester City - for a team of such enviable attacking riches - often suffer from a frustrating failure to make superiority count.

It was seen, albeit with large slices of bad luck, in the FA Cup semi-final loss to Arsenal at Wembley and also against Manchester United, when they could not break through despite camping out in their half for almost the entire second period.

In the league, City dominated at home to Spurs but drew 2-2 in January, and earlier in April they failed to build on dominance and an early Leroy Sane goal in a 2-2 draw at the Gunners.

Guardiola must believe that with the likes of Sergio Aguero, with 30 goals in all competitions, and the creativity of Kevin de Bruyne, Sane, Raheem Sterling and the emerging brilliance of Gabriel Jesus to call on, this problem will eventually solve itself.

David Silva is still an outstanding player and City will hope Ilkay Gundogan can build on his fine start once he recovers from a serious knee injury.

The talent is there but Guardiola will know City simply cannot be as generous next season as they have been in this campaign.

Manchester United

Keep De Gea or replace with world class?
It's that time again - when United goalkeeper David de Gea is linked with a return to his native Spain with Real Madrid.

De Gea's proposed £29m move to Real broke down in August 2015 but now the rumour mill is awash with talk it could be revived, although United would not even pick up the phone at the price agreed first time around.

At 26, De Gea is not even at his peak with years of quality and improvement to come. He is already in the elite group of the world's best keepers. United will demand twice as much as that initial fee if any potential move is to get off the ground.

United's preference would be to keep De Gea, who has maintained a superb level of consistency after he became accustomed to the demands of United and the Premier League following his £18.9m move from Atletico Madrid in June 2011.

If he does leave, though, his importance means United can only move at the top end of the market for a replacement. Sergio Romero is a fine deputy but the Argentine is just that - a deputy.

United could return to Atletico for 24-year-old Slovenian Jan Oblak, but being as though they are already linked with striker Antoine Griezmann, Atletico manager Diego Simeone is unlikely to want two prize assets presented to Old Trafford.

Another Slovenian, Inter Milan's 32-year-old Samir Handanovic, has a good reputation while AC Milan's brilliant 18-year-old Gianluigi Donnarumma is regarded as the world's best young keeper and is reportedly involved in contract negotiations with his club.

United's preference will surely be to keep De Gea - but if he goes there must be a high-end replacement.

Ditch the draws to find success
One statistic stands out when it comes to analysing Manchester United's failure to mount a title challenge - 13 draws from 33 league games.

United's run of 24 unbeaten league games stretching back to October should have them in the title mix with Chelsea and Spurs, but a lack of wins has sabotaged those ambitions.

And nine of those have come at Old Trafford, with the likes of Stoke City, Burnley, West Ham United, Hull City, Bournemouth and West Bromwich Albion all leaving "The Theatre Of Dreams" unbeaten.

The margins are fine and many of those games could and should have been wins, but Mourinho must find a way to cure a serious problem.

Sprinkle stardust on Old Trafford
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, at 35, has proved a magnificent, charismatic addition on a free transfer with 28 goals following his move from Paris St-Germain.

Sadly, there must be doubts over his future after sustaining a serious knee injury in the Europa League quarter-final win against Anderlecht.

Wayne Rooney, an unused substitute at Manchester City, is also surely coming to the end of his 251-goal Manchester United career at the end of the season. He is 31 and his time at United, stretching back to 2004, looks done.

Mourinho has attacking resources in the exciting Marcus Rashford and Antony Martial, as well as goal threat from the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan. But he needs another a game-changing superstar to add gold dust and goals to raise United's level - and maybe stop those damaging draws.

One man stands out as a potential target - 26-year-old Griezmann.

The France striker would cost a fee in the region of the £89m it required to bring Paul Pogba from Juventus, and there must be questions about whether the he would even entertain a move to United if they were not in the Champions League next season.

'Let Manchester United off the leash'
Is the fact United have drawn so many games a sign that Jose Mourinho applies the handbrake to his players?

Waddle thinks so and told BBC Sport after the derby: "There is a reason they have drawn too many games. Next season, Mourinho has got to know when to be a little bit more attack-minded against certain teams.

"It is against the lesser sides that United have struggled, and that is where Mourinho needs to change. He has got to have more players in his team who can open doors and score goals.

"He might argue that his side dominate possession every time they play at Old Trafford without getting the rewards.

"Mourinho is great at organising his teams against the top sides but he has to let them off the leash more if he wants to get results. Creativity is the hardest thing to bring to a team.

"The way he sets up, his wide men are not luxury players - he wants them up and down that flank and it is hard work for a winger to do that all game, making 70, 80 yard runs all the time."

City and United are locked in a battle for places in the league's top four - but managers of the pedigree of Guardiola and Mourinho must deliver more.

Credit: BBC Sports

Manchester United Tribute To Nigerian Fans Killed In Calabar

Manchester United has revealed plans to honour Nigerian football fans who died last week following an accident in the south-eastern city of Calabar.

The tragedy, which claimed the lives of at least seven people, happened when an electric cable fell on fans watching a Manchester United match on TV.

The English club tweeted that its players will wear black armbands on Sunday in memory of the victims.

English football has a large and passionate following in Nigeria.

The high-tension cable fell on a crowded shack which was showing the Europa League quarter-final against Anderlecht.

One witnesses said the building had a zinc roof which conducted the electricity to those watching inside.

In addition to the dead, at least 30 people were rushed to hospital by local ambulances.

Some eyewitnesses said the number of people who died was higher than the official toll of seven.

It is unclear what caused the electric cable to collapse. The BBC understands an investigation into the incident is underway.

Credit: BBC Sport

Mourinho Already Planning For Next Season

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is already preparing for the new Premier League season, and believes any summer signings will be joining a "strong group" of players at the club.

The Reds will travel to America for Tour 2017, presented by Aon, in preparation for the 2017/18 campaign, with games against the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona confirmed for the pre-season schedule.

Speaking after Thursday's goalless draw against Manchester City, another of our opponents in July, Mourinho says he is looking ahead to the summer and believes his side will compete for "big things" next season.

"The group was a nice group [when I arrived at United]," he told reporters. "Good people, good boys, committed people. So I think Mr. van Gaal left a good group of boys here with very good relations between them, and I've got that in my hands. 

"I think they missed happiness, they missed trust, they missed belief and they missed this extra bit that brings resilience and brings you fight. And [now] they have it, so the group that will meet again on 9 July for next season is a stronger group. 

"The new players, when they arrive, will find a group more ready to go for big things. But the reality is we are fighting to win the Europa League and fighting to finish fourth, so let’s go."

Team News Update For United v Swansea

Jose Mourinho has provided a detailed update on the fitness and availability of a number of key players as the Manchester United boss juggles injury and suspension issues.

The Reds manager spoke to the press after Thursday's goalless draw at Manchester City and confirmed that Tim Fosu-Mensah has joined the injury list, while Marouane Fellaini will now miss the next three games following his derby dismissal.

There was some better news for the Reds when Mourinho confirmed that Juan Mata is edging closer to a return and Paul Pogba is likely to be back for the trip to Celta Vigo next Thursday.

Mourinho also discussed the possibility of Wayne Rooney playing in midfield against Swansea at Old Trafford, saying: "It's an option. We have Herrera and Carrick and nothing else. Tim is another one that we miss so we are in trouble but we will fight that’s for sure.

"I think the first one to be back is Mata, which gives us another option in attack but, in reality, what we need now is one of the two central defenders to be back."

The boss was asked about the possibility of resting the in-form Eric Bailly for Sunday's match and giving a run-out to promising young defender Axel Tuanzebe. Such is United's lack of central defenders at present, the manager joked he might even play himself!

"I am also training hard in the gym so I can be an option also – Mourinho and Tuanzebe against Swansea! 

"In this moment, Eric is the only option we have – it’s Axel, Eric and Daley [Blind]. I think Eric and Daley played again absolutely amazing [against City]. I have to speak with them and see how they are and see how they feel."

United's lack of options through injury and suspension in midfield led to reporters questioning Mourinho about whether or not it was a mistake to let Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger leave.

"To have lots of players without playing is something the players don’t want," said the manager. "We didn’t tell Morgan we wanted to sell him. Morgan asked, 'Please sell me, I want to go. I want to play every game.'

"Sometimes there is always this dilemma, to keep a bigger squad but the players don’t want to stay. Even young players, when they’re not playing, they ask to leave so it is very hard. 

"We’re arriving at an extreme situation where I think it must be unique in football with two cruciate ligament injuries in the same match. In my career, I had one player in 17 years [injuring his cruciate]. Now, against Anderlecht, I have two in one match and we are very unlucky, it’s the only thing we can say.

"The other small injuries – Pogba and [Antonio] Valencia in the last week - are injuries due to fatigue and the accumulation of matches, which is normal."

Manchester Derby 'Spidercam' Criticised

Fans watching the Manchester derby on Thursday say the game was spoiled by a new camera called "spidercam".

People took to Twitter to complain that the device made it look like match had been filmed "in space".

Others were angry the game seemed to have too many replays which made it hard to follow.

Sky Sports has told Newsbeat that this wasn't the first time the spidercam has been used during Premier League matches.

Spidercam is a camera suspended above the pitch by four wires attached to each corner of the ground.

It's controlled by an operator who follows the action and can hang between 10 and 40 metres above the pitch.

People targeted the Sky Sports Twitter account under a tweet the company put out promoting the game.

Sky Sports told Newsbeat that spidercam has been used at three other games this season.

In the first Premier League game the camera was used in, it captured Liverpool's James Milner scoring a penalty against Manchester United.

Fans reacted positively to that angle but many people on Thursday night were left confused by its use at corners.

That wasn't the only criticism of the coverage.

Other fans were left frustrated by the number of replays and a strange noise that could be heard in the background.

It isn't just football where the camera is used.

It's split opinion among fans and players in other sports too. Sir Andy Murray, for example, definitely isn't a fan.

Murray did requested the umpire to get spidercam moved because it's in line with his ball toss.

Sky Sports has told Newsbeat that it won't be commenting on the social media outrage.

Spidercam has told us it "cannot provide a statement or comment on the spidercam usage" at the game.

Credit: BBC Sport

Zabaleta Not Surprised Fellaini Headbutted Aguero

Pablo Zabaleta admits Marouane Fellaini's headbutt on Sergio Aguero is not surprising coming from the Belgian.

Fellaini was sent-off late in the goalless Manchester derby live on Sky Sports on Thursday after a fierce reaction on Aguero just seconds after being booked.

United boss Jose Mourinho said Aguero was "a smart, experienced Argentinian player" to go to ground after the incident and Zabaleta believes Mourinho's comments "marred" the game.

The full-back told Sky Sports: "Sometimes those things make the difference. It was a bit strange how Fellaini reacted on Aguero after being booked 20 seconds before.

"But I think coming from Fellaini it is something you're not really surprised (by).

"Sometimes you have to give calm in those moments but at the end of the day I think it was marred by Mourinho saying the Argentinian player (gave a reaction)."

Credit: Skysports.com

Manchester United On Brink Of Club Record Undefeated Run

Manchester United will set a new club record for their longest unbeaten run within a single top-flight season, should they avoid defeat against Swansea.

United's 0-0 draw with Manchester City on Thursday extended their current streak without defeat in the Premier League to 24 games, matching their best-ever single-season spell from 2010/11.

Now there's every chance Jose Mourinho's men can set a new benchmark on Sunday at home to a Swansea City side stuck in the relegation zone.

United's 24-game run is the eighth-best undefeated top-flight streak within a single season in history and stretches back to a 4-0 loss to Chelsea on October 23. Since then they've won 13 and drawn 11.

The best record of this kind, of course, belongs to Arsenal's Invincibles of 2003/04, who completed an entire 38-game Premier League campaign without suffering a loss.

England's other Invincibles, Preston North End, went 18 games without defeat in the first-ever Football League season, 1888/89.

Credit: Skysports.com

Neville On City, United Seasons

Gary Neville insists fourth and fifth is not acceptable for both Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola this season.

United and City played out a goalless draw at the Etihad on Thursday night as both managers look for a top-four place in the Premier League in their first seasons at their respective clubs.

Last season was the first in 24 that there were no Manchester clubs in the top three, and though that could be repeated again this season, Neville is confident both clubs are on the up.

He said on the Gary Neville Podcast: "I have no doubts these two will get into the top three in the next couple seasons. I think both managers, if you'd asked them at the start of the season, would be disappointed with where they are now, with these points.

"Both probably recognise the size of the job more than when they first came, maybe felt that investment in the summer would have had greater impact and pushed them to the top of the league.

"But they've fallen short. City have fallen short defensively I think in general, and United have fallen short in those really disappointing home draws where they should have killed teams off.

"Both these managers have been around the block, they're clinical and ruthless enough and are not going to wait. They are not going to give these players chances.

"The ones that have disappointed them will be gone, and there will be some turnaround in the summer in both squads to get them where they want to be, because both of these managers want to be number one.

"Four and five is not acceptable for Mourinho and Guardiola."

It may not have been the campaign they had imagined, but Neville says Mourinho and Guardiola would have already clearly identified where they need to improve next term.

With City, Neville believes the squad is beginning to get younger in the right way, while United are playing the way the manager will want, but perhaps without the perfect 'Mourinho' personnel at his disposal.

"I am more optimistic for both clubs, with the change of managers. I'm seeing a transition from an old team for City.

"We've said how are they going to replace Hart, Kompany, Toure, Aguero. He is starting to with the likes of Jesus, Stones, De Bruyne, Sterling, they're a younger team.

"I still look at the Man Utd squad and think of it as a concoction of different manager's players, and see that is it not fully a Jose Mourinho squad yet, but it is showing Jose Mourinho qualities. He's getting that resilience."

Credit: Skysports.com

Mourinho Tactics Debate

A battling derby draw saw Manchester United extend their unbeaten league run to 24 games, but Pete Hall wonders whether Jose Mourinho's stifling tactics will be good enough for United fans craving more excitement.

Louis van Gaal's time in Manchester will be remembered predominantly for two things: plentiful colourful soundbites and a brand of football that was greeted by a chorus of groans around Old Trafford week in, week out.

Jose Mourinho isn't exactly known for is high-octane, exhilarating attacking football either, but United fans have been keen to get the message across that the Portuguese has got United playing "the way they should" nonetheless.

While there has been more attacking impetus this season, Mourinho has remained fundamentally more negative in order to earn a draw against a top six side away from home, nullifying his opponents with a well drilled, solid system. Thursday's stalemate at the Etihad was no different.

"They definitely played for that," Frank Lampard said post-match in the Sky Sports studio. "They [United] didn't overcommit players at any time. [Anthony] Martial played like a left-back at times. When you look at the table, maybe you see why they played for it, as the top four is in their hands still."

That final statement from Lampard certainly rings true. A place in the top four is in United's hands after the draw at the Etihad, but with a little more endeavour shown in east Manchester, just enough to snatch a victory, a spot in the top four would, for now at least, have been theirs.

Marcus Rashford showed City defenders a clean pair of heels on a few occasions early on as United looked to catch City on the break, but as the game wore on, United sat deeper and deeper, committing very few bodies forward, more content with a point as the minutes ticked by.

A look at the average position of the United players shows just how conservatively Mourinho had set his side up to play. Only Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Rashford finished with an average position over the halfway line, with neither anywhere near the City defenders too often.

For all Van Gaal's moribund football, even he masterminded 1-0 victories at Anfield and the Etihad last season. This time around, United could only manage a meek two shots on target in 180 minutes against their great rivals combined.

"Step two is to go and score a goal," Sky Sports' Gary Neville said post-match. "In 12 months' time if I was sat here, if Jose Mourinho was sat here, he would say the next stage is to go on and win those games. He did it at Chelsea with that resilience, robustness, that tough mentality. Twenty-four games unbeaten is a fantastic achievement, but the next step is to go on and win those games, and that seems to be a little bit further away."

A mini league of the top six gives us a clearer view of the positives and negatives for United this season. Mourinho has made United so much more formidable, as no team in clashes between the top six teams have conceded fewer goals than United, but on the other side of the coin, Mourinho's men have scored just six goals in eight fixtures against sides in the top six - three fewer than anyone else.

United missed Paul Pogba's ability on the ball in midfield. No United midfielder finished the game with a passing accuracy of over 77 per cent, but it was further forward that Pogba's absence was telling. The France international produced 47 passes to players in the opposition's half in the win over Chelsea and 33 against Burnley at the weekend. Ander Herrera had the most at the Etihad of any red with 21 - the same as David de Gea.

Late in games used to be when United teams of old would often snatch a dramatic, often undeserved winning goal to pick up another crucial three points in their respective title tilt, enthralling travelling United fans in a way only late drama can. At the Etihad there was no danger of that happening; United completed seven passes in the final third in the second half, compared to City's 117.

"Their problem all season has been scoring goals," Sky Sports' Thierry Henry said post-match. "They are doing the defending but not the other side of it. They are going to White Hart Lane where a point may be a great result, but it might not be enough."

Mourinho eluded to the fact that the draw at the Etihad is a good one post-match, and could prove vital at the end of the season but, as Henry points out, with margins in the top-four race so tight, one win over a rival could make all the difference.

With trips to Arsenal and Tottenham still to come, there is still plenty to give in the top-four race. A win in either of those could be the difference between another season in the Europa League and a return to Europe's top table. Will Mourinho stick to his guns? United fans need entertaining. Another 0-0 may sway their attitude towards the Portuguese.

Credit: Skysports.com

Darmian: We Must Be Ready For Swansea

Matteo Darmian admitted it will be difficult for Manchester United to face Swansea City so soon after another Thursday night game but insists he and his team-mates must be ready to go again.

The Reds take on the relegation-threatened Swans at Old Trafford at midday on Sunday, just 62 hours after the final whistle in the goalless derby draw at Manchester City.

It's the third of five successive weeks in which United must handle a Sunday game immediately after playing on Thursday, but Darmian, who has started five of the last six matches, feels the Reds must continue to focus on the task in hand.

The versatile Italian told MUTV: “Yes, we haven't got too much time for recovery and to prepare for the game but, from now until the end of the season, we play every few days, so we have to be ready.
Everyone is important so we have to be focused, play on Sunday and win.”

The stalemate at the Etihad Stadium left the Reds, who are unbeaten in 24 Premier League matches, just a point behind fourth-placed City, with five league games remaining for both teams.

But, despite two testing trips to north London to face Arsenal and Tottenham to come after Swansea, Darmian is still very hopeful that United can continue to breathe down the necks of the top-four rivals and achieve the aim of Champions League qualification.

“Yes, of course. It's our objective to finish in the top four. We are there, five games to go, we have to win and put pressure on Manchester City and Liverpool,” he said.

United currently have a number of absentees, with Marouane Fellaini and Tim Fosu-Mensah adding to the lengthy list after the game against City, but the players illustrated their togetherness with a show of support for the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo by wearing T-shirts with their names on the back in the warm-up before last weekend's win at Burnley.

When asked if team spirit is high at the moment, Darmian said: “Yes. I think, from the beginning, the team spirit is very good and it's a good thing.” 

The defender put in another solid display at left-back against City and described the result as "a good point" but maintained the players must be ready for another tough outing against a Swansea side who are fighting to stay up under new boss Paul Clement.  

Reflecting on holding Pep Guardiola's City, he commented: “I think we didn't concede a lot of chances away, so we were in control. We were good in defence. Of course, we can do better up front but it was okay and now we have to be focused on Sunday against Swansea and another difficult game but we have to win.”

Carrick: A Good Point

Michael Carrick felt it was very much a point gained for Manchester United after the 174th local derby with rivals City ended in a goalless draw.

The Reds defended magnificently to keep the Blues from hitting the back of the net, despite going down to ten men after Marouane Fellaini was sent off after a clash with Sergio Aguero with four minutes of normal time and a further six of injury time still to go. The squad came together in those tense closing stages and secured what Carrick feels could prove to be an important result.

“We defended well and got stuck in,” said United's derby captain, in a post-match interview with MUTV. “In the end a point is a point so when you look at the bigger picture of the table it could count for an awful lot.

"It’s a good point and it’s a point gained on Liverpool. There was a lot going into this game including the rivalry. It was make or break for us and for City.

“We’ve got some tough games to play and we’re in a better position now than we were at the start of the night. We can take the positives from it.”

The last minute of the first half presented a huge goalscoring chance for the Reds as his fellow midfielder Ander Herrera headed just wide but such opportunities became harder to create in the second half, as Carrick acknowledged.

“As the game went on it proved more difficult to get forward really,” he said. “In the end you’ve got to adapt to the game and we had a couple of chances as did City.”

United have now equalled a club record of 24 league games unbeaten in the same season and the midfielder congratulated his colleagues for the achievement.

“Credit to the boys,” he said. “It’s never easy when you’ve got injuries - especially to key players. Everyone’s done a terrific job and shown how important the squad is.”

In the build-up to the derby, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola described Carrick as one of the best holding midfielders he’s ever seen in his life. The 35-year-old appreciated the comment and the pair were seen talking to each other after the final whistle at the Etihad Stadium.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for him,” said Carrick. “He obviously was a world-class player and he’s gone on to do some amazing things as a manager and sadly against us a couple of times [the Champions League finals of 2009 and 2011] but it was nice to speak to him.”

Next, United face Swansea City at Old Trafford this Sunday with kick-off at midday and Carrick believes the team will be ready for the fixture.

“It’s not ideal,” he admitted, referring to the early start. “We’ll have to be ready for Sunday. It’s what we do and it’s what we’re here for. It [the kick-off time] is no excuse.”

Fosu-Mensah Added To United's Injury List

Jose Mourinho will have two more absences to overcome when he selects his United team to face Swansea City this weekend, after a dismissal and an injury blighted the latter stages of Thursday's draw with Manchester City.

Marouane Fellaini's straight red card following a clash with City striker Sergio Aguero means he will be suspended for Sunday's Premier League match and one of the players who came on for United in the aftermath, Tim Fosu-Mensah, was subsequently injured.

The young Dutch defender replaced Armenian attacker Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the 86th minute, just after Fellaini was sent off, as Mourinho looked to secure a point with one less player on the pitch.

"Tim Fosu-Mensah is injured," the United manager told Sky Sports.

"He’s really injured in the last action of the game, in the last tackle he was on the floor, and it's also an important injury."

The blow to Fosu-Mensah follows the confirmation that Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo both suffered significant knee injuries in the previous Thursday's match against Anderlecht in the Europa League. On a more positive note, Juan Mata revealed in his weekly blog that "I’m feeling much better now and I hope to be back with the team soon, to try to help in the last spell of the season."

Mourinho's Verdict On Derby Draw

Jose Mourinho was content with a point after Manchester United’s goalless derby draw against rivals City at the Etihad Stadium.    

The Reds, who had Marouane Fellaini sent off late on, remain a point behind fourth-placed City in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League after Thursday night’s stalemate.

Here is what the boss had to say in his post-match interviews with MUTV, Sky Sports and BBC Sport.

PLEASED WITH ‘VERY GOOD’ FIRST HALF

"With the resilience, the character, the personality, the desire and all the objectives we can find, I am super happy with the boys. In the first half, we were very good. We controlled them totally, easily, and we were dangerous in the counter attack. We had a couple of good chances to score in the first half. If we repeat that in the second half, we win it."

SECOND-HALF DIFFICULTIES

"They started strong, they pushed hard and pressed us higher. At the same time, we were not able to have the ball and move the ball well. I promise not to speak about players who are not playing, that’s why I’m not going to do it. I prefer to say that with the qualities of the players on the pitch, especially in midfield, we missed a little bit of that quality to have the ball, to start moving the ball, to start from the back, to connect with the attacking players.

"In the first half we were direct, we explored a few good positions behind their defenders. They stopped us with a lot of fouls, fouls of intelligent, experienced people like Otamendi, like Kompany. Fouls that the referee doesn’t give because they are really clever at it. But in the first half, I could feel we were always dangerous, [albeit] not with big occasions. We had a couple of movements that could have been the start of something important. In the second half, we didn’t have that. We lost many balls and, in the second half, City were stronger than us."

FELLAINI RED CARD

"I don’t say because I didn’t watch it on TV. I spoke with Marouane, he’s very disappointed, he feels that it’s a red card because he’s Marouane Fellaini. I spoke with Martin [Atkinson, the referee] and Martin told me that in his opinion it was a red card. I didn’t watch but probably I can guess it is a bit of a red card and it is a bit of a very experienced, smart Argentinian player. He says that Sergio Aguero was intelligent, the way he reacted, but the only thing I know is that we had to play almost 15 minutes with a tired team."

UNBEATEN RUN SHOWS RESILIENCE

"Of course and today we showed exactly that against a good team, against a strong team that wants to win the match at home. Playing with 10 men, without any midfield players to make any kind of change because I didn’t have any midfield players on the bench. I played Tim Fosu-Mensah in that extreme situation. The team is in trouble, the team has a lot of problems and to play a big derby like this one the way we did shows resilience, shows big character from the players.

"Today a lot of people were focused on the difference of points between us and Man City but I think some people forgot to look at the distance to Liverpool and this point can be a very important point for us. Twenty-four matches unbeaten in the Premier League is not the same as 24 matches unbeaten in another league. It means a lot. That desire means a lot for everyone."

GETTING READY FOR SWANSEA ON SUNDAY

"It’s going to be very difficult, it’s very very difficult. But what can we do? We go with 11 and for sure the 11 on the pitch are going to give everything, that’s for sure. So, we know we play our lives on Thursday in Vigo because we have to consider that the most important match of the season as we have reached a European semi-final. But against Swansea, with the support of Old Trafford, with these 24 matches unbeaten, we are going to go again and give everything."

Premier League: Man. City 0 Man. United 0

It was honours even in Thursday night’s Manchester derby as United held firm to claim a vital point against City at the Etihad Stadium, despite being reduced to 10 men late on.

The Blues dominated what was, at times, a fiery game and the Reds were forced to play the final 10 minutes of normal and added time after Marouane Fellaini was dismissed for a clash with Sergio Aguero.

The result leaves the Manchester rivals still well-placed in the race for a top-four finish, with both sides hot on the heels of Liverpool having played a game less than the Merseysiders.

Mourinho made four changes to the side which won so comfortably away at Burnley four days earlier with Antonio Valencia, Michael Carrick, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marcus Rashford coming in for Ashley Young, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Wayne Rooney.

United were on the attack from the off with the front three of Mkhitaryan, Rashford and Anthony Martial interchanging nicely, but it was City who had the first clear-cut chance when Kevin De Bruyne got in down the right on nine minutes. His low cross found the menacing Sergio Aguero who struck the outside of the post with his shot.

At the other end, the pace of Rashford and Martial kept the City defenders on their toes and a cross from Martial on 25 minutes almost led to the opener for the Reds. Claudio Bravo could only palm the centre into the path of Mkhitaryan, but the City goalkeeper recovered to block the Armenian’s shot.

Despite Eric Bailly being in imperious form at the heart of United’s backline, David De Gea was the busier of the two keepers in the first period and he dealt well with long-range efforts from Aguero and Aleksandar Kolarov as half-time drew closer.

Arguably the best opportunity of the half fell to the lively Ander Herrera when he rose unmarked to meet a Rashford free-kick at the back post, but the Spaniard found the wrong side of the post with his header.

HALF-TIME STATS
Possession: City 63% United 37%
Shots: City 10 United 2
Shots on target: City 3 United 1 
Corners: City 3 United 3
City were the brighter side after the break with Aguero and Sterling both having early sighters. The Blues’ possession count and shots from distance increased as the clock ticked towards the hour-mark, but the Reds held firm at the back.

A Nicolas Otamendi header from a corner deflected off Bailly and just over the bar as City continued to put United under pressure.

An injury to Bravo resulted in a change in goal for City as Willy Cabellero came on in the 79th minute. Jesus Navas also entered the fray and the Reds followed suit with a switch as Martial made way for Lingard.

There was another change to the on-pitch personnel five minutes from time, but it was of an unwanted kind for the Reds as Fellaini, a minute after being booked for a foul on Aguero, received his marching orders after squaring up to the same player.

Mkhitaryan was sacrificed from the attack as Mourinho’s men looked to shore up for a point by bringing on young defender Tim Fosu-Mensah. Six minutes of injury time followed as did a disallowed goal from Gabriel Jesus who headed home from an offside position much to United's relief.

The draw leaves the two sides a point apart in the table – City in fourth place and United in fifth - after playing the same number of matches. Both have a game in hand on third-placed Liverpool who lie a point above the Blues. It remains all to play for in the race for a top-four spot in the Premier League.

FULL-TIME STATS
Possession: City 69% United 31%
Shots: City 19 United 3
Shots on target: City 6 United 1
Corners: City 7 United 4

TEAMS

Manchester City: Bravo (Caballero 79), Zabaleta, Kompany (c), Otamendi, Kolarov, Fernandinho, Yaya Toure, Sterling (Jesus 86), De Bruyne, Sane (Navas 80), Aguero.

Subs not used: Sagna, Fernando, Clichy, A. Garcia.

Booked: Jesus

United: De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Blind, Darmian; Carrick (c), Fellaini, Herrera; Mkhitaryan (Fosu-Mensah 85), Rashford (Young 90+3), Martial (Lingard 80).

Subs not used: Romero, Shaw, Tuanzebe, Rooney.

Sent off: Fellaini

Rooney: I Have Got A Lot To Give

Wayne Rooney insists he has quality and experience in abundance to provide to Manchester United for the end of the season.

United, who are fighting for the top four in the Premier League and also Europa League glory, have lost striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to a knee injury for the rest of this season, giving Rooney a chance to step in.

Rooney started for the first time since March in the 2-0 win at Burnley on Super Sunday, and during a sit-down with Sky Sports' Geoff Shreeves before Thursday's Manchester derby, the 31-year-old was adamant he can play at the top level for another three years at least.

He said: "I feel I can contribute quality, composure, experience, and know-how, how to get over the line, whether it's to win the league or finish top four or get to the final. That's a lot of experience I can contribute to the team.

"Of course it's good to be back. I want to be back playing, and hopefully between now and the end of the season and leave a mark on the games I play."

Asked if he can still play at the top for another two or three years, Rooney replied: "Yes. Even longer I think. Everyone mentions that age, I'm 31, not an old person. Of course, I've played a lot of games.

"Who knows, not playing so many games this season might benefit me."

Several obituaries have been written on Rooney in recent years, but the United captain insists he has kept his head down, trained hard and waited for his chances under Jose Mourinho.

He remains willing to fight for his chance, but also respects the opinions of all those who have written him off.

Rooney said: "I think that's happened for the last few years. All I can do is keep working, keep trying to prove people wrong. I work hard in training, and I just have to wait and get my chance, as I did against Burnley.

"I know I'm good enough to play at the top level. People have their opinions, which I respect, and I have mine."

Regarding his future at Manchester United specifically, Rooney was again tight-lipped about the next chapter in his glittering career, and remains focused on the remainder of the season.

"I think I answered that question in February," he added. "My focus at the minute is helping us reach the Europa League final, and to win it, and help us get to the top four. That's my focus at the minute.

"I think I've got a lot to offer, and as I keep saying, I'm looking forward to these next few games, get a few under my belt, and get to where I want to be at the end of the season and see what happens there."

Credit: Skysports.com

Jose Unhappy With 'Cautious' Duo

Jose Mourinho has again criticised Phil Jones and Chris Smalling for being “cautious” in their recoveries from injury but says they do have a future at Manchester United next season.

Smalling (knee) and Jones (foot) have missed United's last seven matches and on Sunday Mourinho urged them to "be brave" by making themselves available for Thursday's crucial derby clash with Manchester City, which is live on Sky Sports.

However, neither has recovered in time, meaning Daley Blind is likely to start alongside Eric Bailly at the heart of United's defence.

Mourinho considered a move for Benfica's Victor Lindelof in January and his frustration with the lengthy recoveries of Jones and Smalling has led to questions about whether he may be tempted to replace one or both in the summer.

But when asked if the England international duo had a future under him next season, Mourinho replied: "Of course they have. I hope this season.

"It's not just about them. It's about the philosophy and mentality around them. Cautious. Cautious. Cautious. Just a cautious approach.

"It's a profile, it's the philosophy of work. Just that."

When quizzed as to whether he thought players were less inclined to put their bodies on the line nowadays, he added: "Professional football at a high level? Yeah."

Credit: Skysports.com

Manchester United Squad Tops Premier League For Transfer Cost Per Point

Manchester United have won 63 points in the Premier League so far this season - but they've come at a price.

The Old Trafford club spent £495.5m assembling their current squad, meaning each point they've won this season has cost £7.86m so far.

In contrast, overachieving West Brom's haul of 44 points has cost a league-low £1.47m in transfer fees, followed by Burnley (£1.57m per point), Hull City (£1.70m) and Bournemouth (£1.75m).

United splashed a world record £93.25m on Paul Pogba last summer - exceeding the total cost of squads at Hull (£56.1m), Burnley (£56.4m), Middlesbrough (£57.7m, West Brom (£64.5m), Bournemouth (£66.5m), Swansea (£71.8m), Watford (£73.7m) and Sunderland (£82.1m).

Mourinho's men face Manchester City, live on Sky Sports this Thursday, and Pep Guardiola's squad actually cost £1m more than United's to assemble, with their 64 points each costing £7.76m - only £107,254 less than their rivals.

Arsenal's £306.1m squad averages at £5.10m for each of their 60 Premier League points this season, which currently places them sixth in the league table.

League leaders Chelsea's £342.7m squad has cost £4.39m per point, while Liverpool's £260.5m squad averages at £3.95m per point.

However, Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino deserves plenty of praise for the work he's done this season, considering second-placed Spurs' squad cost under £200m to put together.

Their 74 points have cost only £2.70m each - significantly below the league average of £3.37m.

Credit: Skysports.com

City Vs United: Bigger Underachiever?

We asked Phil Thompson which Manchester side has underachieved more this season ahead of Thursday's derby, live on Sky Sports.

Both teams have slipped off the title pace this season despite being Europe's top spenders, with Champions League qualification the focus when the sides meet at the Etihad.

City are one point ahead of their neighbours but Thommo insists it is Pep Guardiola's side that should be more disappointed with their campaign.

He told Sky Sports: "I think the way it has now panned out, Manchester City have probably underachieved to a greater extent this season.

"With the injuries they've had and having missed out on Champions League football last season, United have had more to contend with, but both sides would have expected a lot more from this campaign having spent huge amounts of money in the summer.

"Jose Mourinho has a trophy on his mantle and a good chance of claiming another one, whereas Guardiola is facing his first campaign without winning anything as a manager.

"It will also be a big concern that they've failed to secure a top-four finish by this stage of the season. I think Pep was eluding to that at the weekend, saying the top brass won't be happy.

"City should have won the FA Cup semi-final with Arsenal and they were also in a decent position in their Champions League last-16 tie, so it will be a tough campaign for Pep to reflect on when he sits down at the end of the season.

"I'd have still expected a bit more from Manchester United as well, though. In my pre-season prediction, I had them second behind City and to comfortably secure a top-four finish.

"I don't think either manager's job is under pressure because it is early days in their respective projects. They will spend a lot of money this summer, just like the other top-six sides, so it will be a busy one."

Thommo believes consistency is going to be key for City next season, while United will face a tough task replacing Zlatan Ibrahimovic should he depart.

"Leroy Sane has been on fire after a bit of a slow burner, and I'm excited to see whether Gabriel Jesus can pick up where he left off," he added.

"Raheem Sterling has had a decent season but you still expect a lot more from him in terms of consistency, but defensively massive problems.

"Vincent Kompany's absence has been the main issue. The rest of them have had to battle for their places and that lack of continuity hasn't helped them at all, while Pep will have to take responsibility for the goalkeeper issue.

"In terms of United's signings, you'd say Paul Pogba needs to do better but Ibrahimovic has been outstanding and is going to be a big miss. Marcus Rashford has come to the fore late on, like he did last season.

"I think one of the things, particularly when it wasn't going well, was the reintroduction of Michael Carrick.

"He really did help turn things around and he played a major part, while Ander Herrera has also proved he deserves his place."

Credit: Skysports.com

Herrera Growing In Importance To Manchester United

Paul Pogba's absence will place extra emphasis on Ander Herrera in the Manchester derby. Fortunately for Jose Mourinho, the Spanish midfielder has a habit of rising to the big occasion. We examine his growing influence at Manchester United.

Manchester United do not have fond memories of their last Premier League meeting with City, but for Ander Herrera the 2-1 defeat marked a significant turning point. The Spaniard came off the bench and helped stabilise his side that day at Old Trafford, with Jose Mourinho praising his performance and lauding his "phenomenal attitude" after the game.

Herrera had only started one of United's first five games of the season at that point, but he has been one of the first names on the team sheet ever since, adapting swiftly to a deep-lying midfield role and displaying the kind of commitment Mourinho craves. "I have to keep working, performing and giving what the manager wants me to give," he said last week.

That work ethic was more apparent than ever in United's recent victory over Chelsea, when he marked Eden Hazard out of the game in a way no other player has managed all season. With Herrera diligently shadowing his every move, the brilliant Belgian did not complete a single dribble or even attempt a shot on goal.

For Herrera, it required discipline and sacrifice. Indeed, there were several moments during the game when he played a forward pass to one of his team-mates, only to look over his shoulder and hurry back to Hazard.

But Herrera was decisive with the ball too, providing the inch-perfect pass for Marcus Rashford's opener and scoring the second himself on a rare foray forward after the break. "He was the engine, the goal-scorer and the assister," said Gary Neville in the Sky Sports commentary box. "He was the man of the match."

It highlighted the extent of Herrera's influence in Mourinho's side. The stats show he has made more tackles and more interceptions than any other United player this season, but he also ranks top for assists. Indeed, while Paul Pogba's injury absence is an undoubted blow for Thursday's return game with City, Herrera has arguably been more important.

His impressive display against Chelsea was not the first time he has starred against one of the top teams this season. Back in October, when United travelled to Anfield to face a Liverpool side who had scored 26 goals in their first nine games of the campaign, Herrera was instrumental in securing a goalless draw.

Mourinho was criticised for his smothering tactics, but there was no questioning Herrera's effectiveness. As well as making seven tackles - more than anyone else on the pitch - there were 10 interceptions - the most by any player in a single Premier League game all season. Jurgen Klopp's side dominated possession, but finding a way past Herrera was a different question.

It was a similar story for Tottenham two months later. Herrera was relentlessly energetic alongside Michael Carrick in the 1-0 win, stealing possession repeatedly and covering more ground than any of his team-mates. Crucially, he also had the technical quality to set up Henrikh Mkhitaryan's winner with an incisive pass between Victor Wanyama and Jan Vertonghen.

Even in United's meeting with Arsenal at Old Trafford in November, a game which ended with a frustrating late equaliser from Olivier Giroud, it was Herrera who dominated the midfield, and it was he who set up the Juan Mata goal that seemed to be sending United to victory.

It's little wonder Mourinho has placed his trust in him - and the admiration is mutual. "I am very thankful to him," said Herrera last week. "This season has been the most regular one for me at the club and that is with Mourinho on the bench. From the first day, he gave me a lot of confidence and told me I was going to be an important player for him."

Herrera can further endear himself to Mourinho at the Etihad Stadium. The manager was eager to play down Herrera's comment that Thursday's derby is United's "game of the season", but perhaps he needn't have bothered. Because when the stakes are high, Herrera can usually be trusted to deliver.

Credit: Skysports.com

Lingard: Why The Local Derby Means So Much

Jesse Lingard is eagerly awaiting Thursday's Manchester derby with a full appreciation of what the match means to the United players, staff and supporters.

The Warrington-born midfielder was outstanding in last season's 1-0 away win over City, when Marcus Rashford scored the only goal and the pair of Academy graduates made their maiden appearances at the Etihad Stadium. 

"I played in the derby at their place last season and we got the win in a good, feisty game," said Lingard, in an exclusive pre-match interview with MUTV. 

"It was the first time Marcus and I had played there [in the first team] and it was a great feeling to win with the away fans there behind us.

"This is a massive game. Obviously, as a local lad growing up you know what it means. Coming through the ranks, playing at every level against City, you know what it means to everyone in the team and the staff to get the win on the day.

"It's massive not just for me, but for the whole club, the staff and the supporters. To come away with three points for us and our fans as well is really big for us. The lads will be 100 per cent up for the game."

After signing a new contract recently, the 24-year-old is in great heart and anticipating a special occasion with the Reds aiming to go above City in the table with what would be a victory to savour on the Blues' home turf.

"Obviously coming into the game on the back of three wins is massive for us," added Lingard, who has started the last eight games for Jose Mourinho's men.

"We had a solid and professional performance in the Burnley game the other day. It gives us great confidence going into the derby."

Is Mourinho Plotting Another Masterclass?

Jose Mourinho has proved at Manchester United that he is the master tactician and capable of springing a new system or positional tweak that can outfox even the wiliest of opponents.

The Reds approach Thursday's Manchester derby in great heart after extending the unbeaten Premier League run to 23 games and setting up a two-legged semi-final clash with Celta Vigo in the Europa League.
And the fans are in fine spirits too, buoyed by seeing the team embrace a busy schedule head on with the manager putting his pieces into place like a top chess player.

Against Chelsea, the decision to mark Eden Hazard with Ander Herrera and shadow Pedro with Matteo Darmian was an inspired move. The leaders were completely out-thought with Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford wreaking havoc in attack as the Blues were soundly beaten 2-0.

Although United needed extra-time to see off Anderlecht on the following Thursday, and lost Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo to serious knee injuries in the process, the boss was still able to organise his troops to pull off a comfortable win at Burnley soon afterwards.

The Clarets have been a force at Turf Moor but were undone by first-half goals from the recalled Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney. However, if their impact was decisive, it was the selection of Marouane Fellaini in a withdrawn midfield role that was also crucial in gaining the upper hand.

Noting that Sean Dyche's side liked to attack with long balls towards their strikers, the Belgian's presence nullified this tactic - he won 12 aerial duels in total and stopped Burnley building any real momentum. In both league games (against Chelsea and Burnley), the opposition failed to muster a single shot on target - testament to the effectiveness in the way United are defending as a team.

Such tactical masterstrokes have long been Mourinho's hallmark and his nous spreads great confidence that no task is beyond any line-up he chooses. Even if the schedule is an exhausting one, there may be the hope City's extra-time defeat to Arsenal in the Emirates FA Cup semi-final at Wembley took something out of Pep Guardiola's side. Admittedly, this is only the second Premier League match this year where our opponents played their previous fixture closer to kick-off time than United did, and City's overall programme has been less demanding, but it may aid the Reds' cause in a small way.

That said, United would have no time to bask in any glorious derby-day triumph with a noon start to follow against Swansea City at Old Trafford on Sunday. There is certainly no let-up but a belief is growing that Mourinho's United is already starting to take shape by acquiring the mentality required to pull off positive results in the biggest games.

Even if the clash with Liverpool at Anfield came early in his tenure, the boss still had the expertise to orchestrate a solid away display that stopped an in-form, free-flowing team chasing a fifth successive win, in its tracks. The Merseysiders were largely subdued and, even if David De Gea did pull off two good saves, Ibrahimovic could have won it with a headed opportunity for United.

Two fixtures later, the concession of a first-minute goal at Chelsea presumably blew any game plan but, ahead of the most challenging of domestic trips to the Etihad Stadium, Arsenal's Emirates Stadium and Tottenham's White Hart Lane, there is every reason to believe Mourinho can implement another strategy that can surprise the home sides.

Football fans and pundits alike appreciate seeing a great mind at work, coming up with solutions to produce results in key fixtures. It has been refreshing to read such analysis of formations and tactics of late, as opposed to wild transfer stories that still tend to dominate in some media outlets, despite their untimely nature during a spell when what happens on the field is even more important than ever.

We're at the business end of the campaign and Jose's not only got us playing the way United should. It's also a way we knew Jose was always capable of playing when the stakes are at their highest. Starting with the derby, let's hope for more of the same. 

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

Credit: Manutd.com

United Players Working Overtime For Derby

Jose Mourinho says Manchester United's players are being galvanised by the draining fixture schedule because of the prizes still available to the Reds.

United approach the derby against Manchester City on Thursday only a point behind the Blues in the battle for a top-four spot. Mourinho's men also face a two-legged Europa League semi-final with Celta Vigo, beginning next week, with a Champions League berth in 2017/18 still very much in the club's sights.

While the run-in is looking like a test of endurance for the players, the boss explained how fully motivated his charges are to finish the campaign on a real high note, starting with a positive result at the Etihad Stadium.

"I think the boys that are available have a great feeling, you know," said the manager. "They know that they are important and that they can be important. Let’s follow the example of Wayne [Rooney] and [Anthony] Martial; they come into a game that we really need to win [against Burnley] and they gave more than expected. 

"Wayne, I didn’t think it was possible [for him to play] 90 minutes and he played 90 minutes. I think the fact that we are still fighting for important things is a good motivation to keep people together and make people make an extra effort.

"The training session starts at three o’clock but when I arrived at half past ten this morning, some players were already here, taking care of little details, taking care of their recovery, going to the swimming pool, taking care of their body - that’s motivation."

Mourinho feels the available players will grasp their chance to impress and was pleased with the response to adversity from the team at Burnley, during the comfortable 2-0 victory last weekend.

"We go with the players we have," he added. "We have [Daley] Blind, who played so well the other day, we have [Eric] Bailly playing really well, we have Axel [Tuanzebe] waiting for an opportunity, we have [Tim] Fosu-Mensah, who plays for the [Dutch] Under-21 national team as a central defender. We go, we go. 

"I think maybe opponents look at us with different eyes because we don’t have Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] and Paul [Pogba] and Marcos [Rojo] and [Juan] Mata and [Phil] Jones and [Chris] Smalling, maybe they look at us with different eyes. But I think they are not stupid, they are not naive - they know we are going to give them a fight."

The High Stakes Of The Manchester Derby

This season was supposed to be a showdown between Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho for the Premier League title, but it has obviously not worked out that way.

They meet again at Etihad Stadium on Thursday, when Guardiola's Manchester City side will go for a repeat of their win over Mourinho's Manchester United in September.

That win put City top of the table, but it is a long time since either Manchester club was in that position.

It is a top-four finish that is now at stake, not any silverware.

It shows how competitive the division is that, even with the unbelievable resources they both have, two of the best managers in the world are struggling to secure Champions League football for next season.

Whether or not they qualify for the Champions League is what will define Guardiola and Mourinho's first season at their new clubs.

No trophy for Guardiola is no big deal, but missing out on the top four would be abject failure with what he has got and where Manchester City want to be.

I don't see that happening, but it would be interesting to hear Guardiola's assessment after a year in England if that is the situation he finds himself in.

I would not say he has misjudged the Premier League, but I don't think he ever quite got a handle on the fact there is no such game as an easy game here - home or away.

There was a spell for a couple of months before Christmas when City's performances were up and down because Guardiola kept changing their system as well as their personnel.

Things have settled down now but that illustrated perfectly the difference between Guardiola's approach and Mourinho's.

The first thing Mourinho does wherever he goes is sort the defence out, because he knows they can buy you time in games and sometimes help you win them in the end.

That has definitely been the case at United, who have been on this long league unbeaten run this season - they have not lost for 23 games since their 4-0 defeat against Chelsea on 23 October.

But I think Guardiola has maybe only realised it recently - and not being solid enough has cost City points in games they should have won.

If United win on Thursday, they will break into the top four for the first time since 15 September, and City will drop out for the first time since 12 February.

Three successive league wins have changed things a lot since Mourinho took stock of his side's situation at the start of April, and as good as admitted that winning the Europa League was their best route into the Champions League.

It is now feasible they could win that competition and also qualify via their league position.

Mourinho has already won the League Cup so - should they win the Europa League - would have two trophies and a top-four finish, and we would all be saying how fantastic he has done, despite the fact they have never been in touch with the title race.

On the other hand, if they finish fifth rather than fourth and fail to win the Europa League then people are going to reflect on his first season at Old Trafford very differently.

In that scenario, winning the League Cup is not enough and he will be the one we are calling a failure, even if it is by a hair's breadth.

No wonder United midfielder Ander Herrera is calling the derby the biggest game of United's season so far.

Their players clearly think they have now got a great chance of making the top four - especially if they beat City.

Of the two managers, Mourinho is the one most likely to adapt his tactics for such an important one-off match.

Even if Guardiola is without striker Sergio Aguero and playmaker David Silva, who are both injury doubts, I don't see him changing very much about the way City play, because it is always based around them having most of the possession.

Mourinho is different, in that he always has a specific plan for the opposition.

Where I think that gives him the slight edge here is we cannot be sure of what that will be.

Will it be all-out defence, like it was when they went to Anfield in October and surrendered possession to Liverpool in a 0-0 draw?

Or will they take the game to City the way they pressed and harried Chelsea high up the pitch in their 2-0 win over the leaders earlier this month?

Mourinho has surprised people before so you cannot be sure what he has got up his sleeve.

Yes, City are at home and have the better attacking players but they don't know what sort of United team and tactics they will be up against.

Will they park the bus, or will they try to have a go at City? I already feel it is a little bit 'advantage Mourinho' because of that unpredictability there is to him.

Psychologically, I am pretty sure City will be fine despite the disappointment of their extra-time defeat by Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final.

Of the two managers, there is possibly more pressure on Guardiola, if only because the top four is their only route into the Champions League.

But captain Vincent Kompany's return from injury has made a big difference to them defensively and they have been playing well in the Premier League, with convincing wins over Hull and Southampton in their past two games before their FA Cup exit.

Marcus Rashford's pace will unsettle City, although maybe not to the same extent as it did at Etihad Stadium last season, when he exposed Martin Demichelis to score the winner.

City have plenty of potential danger-men too, of course, but I would be surprised if United's unbeaten run ended on Thursday - with Mourinho involved it is going to be a tight game, and I am going to go for a draw.

Lawro's prediction: 1-1

Thursday is not make or break for a Champions League place for either side, because both of them will still have five more games remaining.

There are also two other teams in the race - Liverpool, and a rejuvenated Arsenal.

On the back of reaching the FA Cup final, I think the Gunners are going to get back a lot of the momentum and confidence they have been missing for several weeks.

I think City will finish third, behind Chelsea and Tottenham, but the race for fourth could go into the final week and even the last day of the season.

There are definitely more twists and turns to come. United have not lost for a long time, which is a great achievement, but their fixture list looks like it is the toughest of the teams in the running.

United still have to go to Arsenal and Tottenham, where I can see them dropping points one way or another.

The Gunners are down in seventh, albeit with three games in hand on Everton, but I see them making a late run too - I love the fact nothing can be decided for a while.

Mark Lawrenson was speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.

Credit: BBC Sport