Man. United - Valerenga Talking Points

Manchester United continued their pre-season preparations with a comfortable 3-0 win over Valerenga on Sunday. We look at the talking points from the match…

Pogba stands out

This was another strong pre-season performance from Paul Pogba, who ran the game, particularly in the first half, as United set the tempo and dominated possession.

The France international popped up all over the pitch, looked composed and strong on the ball, won tackles and went close to scoring with a left-footed shot that struck the post. He seemed to relish playing in a free role on the left of the midfield three and was given the captain's armband in the second half.

Will the expected arrival of Nemanja Matic allow Pogba to break and get forward more? If it does that can surely only be a good thing for United, but whatever happens, Pogba's pre-season form suggests he is going to be integral in the 2017/18 campaign.

McTominay off the mark


One of United's most impressive pre-season performers, Scott McTominay netted his first senior goal against Valerenga.

The build-up was a little scrappy as the ball broke for him in the box, but the finish was composed and accurate as he slotted into the far corner on the half volley.

He could have scored again as well as he saw a shot blocked with the 'keeper out of his goal and then had another effort charged down late in the game after starting an attack with a good ball out to the wing.

His promising form might have some Premier League clubs enquiring about the potential for a loan deal this season.

Case for the defence

Aside from one clear chance in the second half, United looked completely untroubled in defence as they comfortably dealt with everything Valerenga had going forward.

Phil Jones and Eric Bailly started the match in a back four and they appear to be the favourites for the centre-back pairing in United's opening match of the Premier League season against West Ham.

Summer signing Victor Lindelof, who played in a back three in the second half, might have been expected to go straight into the starting XI, but Jose Mourinho has suggested he is still adapting after his move from Benfica.

"He needs time and we are going to give him his time to develop," said the United manager. "Such a young player needs time. Manchester United is a huge club with huge responsibility; the Premier League is the same. So let's give him time, but we're happy with what he is doing, step by step."

Lukaku scores again

For all their domination of the game, United somewhat laboured in attack at times in the first half against a packed Valerenga defence, with Marcus Rashford struggling to have an impact on proceedings.

Romelu Lukaku did not take long to make his impact after coming on at half-time, though, heading in from a corner to score his third goal of pre-season after his big-money move from Everton.

Lukaku also went close with a powerful drive that flashed across goal and appeared motivated for more, shouting instructions at team-mates even as the game petered out.

While it is not clear who else will play in attack on the opening day - Anthony Martial again showed flashes, Henrikh Mkhitaryan put in a good cross for the first goal and Juan Mata was largely quiet on his return - it is clear that Lukaku is going to be a key player for United this season.

Fellaini's timely reminder

After reports on Saturday that Galatasaray were after Marouane Fellaini, there followed suggestions that this could be the midfielder's last game for Manchester United.

Yet if that was going to be the case it would have been unusual for Mourinho to name him in his starting XI.

And Fellaini was one of United's better performers, showing his strength on several occasions to win possession and also distributing well from the start.

He broke Valerenga's resistance when he headed in just before half-time with the help of a deflection, and Mourinho was clear afterwards that he wants Fellaini to stay.

"It's easier for Galatasaray to get me than Marouane," he said. "If they need a manager, they have a chance, but Marouane? Forget it. He is too important to me."

For all his critics, Fellaini was a key player at crucial times for United last season, and Mourinho's words suggest he could be again in 2017/18.

Credit: Skysports.com

Jose: Fellaini Not Leaving Manchester United

Jose Mourinho has dismissed speculation that Marouane Fellaini could leave Manchester United for Galatasaray, saying he is "too important".

Fellaini has a year left on his contract and, with Nemanja Matic seemingly on his way to Old Trafford, might face more of a fight for a starting role next season.

He has been linked with a move to Galatasaray, but, after Fellaini scored in a 3-0 pre-season win over Valerenga on Sunday, Mourinho was clear in his stance on the midfielder.

"It's easier for Galatasaray to get me than Marouane," he said. "If they need a manager, they have a chance, but Marouane? Forget it. He is too important to me."

Mourinho was also asked about a move for Matic, who is understood to be close to joining United from Chelsea.

"I'm waiting for news," he said. "I know that he wants that very, very much and when a player wants very, very much the chance is bigger, so I think we have a chance, but in football until it's official, I have seen so many things happen that I refuse to say more than I am telling you now."

There have been pictures on social media showing Matic wearing a Manchester United shirt with the number 31.

But Mourinho again refused to comment, saying: "I don't know because I was not there. Number 31 is a free number. It was [Bastian] Schweinsteiger. It's a free jersey, we have a few free and 31 is one of them."

Credit: Skysports.com

Herrera Feels Back To Full Fitness

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera says he's back to full fitness after picking up an injury in America, and admits he's already thinking about the UEFA Super Cup clash with Real Madrid.

The Spaniard played for the second 45 minutes of the Reds' 3-0 pre-season win over Valerenga in Oslo on Sunday evening, and looked lively in midfield alongside goalscorer Scott McTominay.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Herrera said he's now ready to kick on again after making a speedy recovery, with just one match remaining on Tour 2017, presented by Aon, before the Super Cup match.

"I'm good," he said. "It was okay because [the knock] was not so painful, just a kick on my hip. The first two days I was really bad but now I’m better again and feel that I can play more than 45 minutes. I’m happy, but now we have to be ready for the UEFA Super Cup, which is another title to fight for.

"I know we have to improve in the Premier League, but we were the only team to win three pieces of silverware last season so we have to say that as well. In the Premier League we have to improve, we want to fight for the title, but we know it’s not going to be easy to repeat the three titles."

Asked about United's Norwegian opponents on Sunday, Ander added: "I think they are a good team. They have a lot of dynamic players, they move a lot and I don’t know their exact ages but they looked like a young team.

"They’re very active and very quick, so I think they all have a good future. Hopefully they have a good season, I wish them all the best."

McTominay Savours First Senior Goal

Scott McTominay scored his first goal for Manchester United's first team in the 3-0 victory over Valerenga in Oslo and is clearly enjoying life on his first pre-season tour with the senior squad.

Speaking to MUTV after the game, the 20-year-old Academy graduate reflected on a momentous step in his burgeoning career.

"Coming over with the first team for a start and just playing games with them in pre-season and then obviously to get my first senior goal - it's the best feeling in the world," said McTominay.

"It’s the best moment of my life so you just want more and more of this. This is what you work for every single day in training, dedicating yourself. I’m just going to enjoy it now and push forward to do my best."

Referring to the goal and the game, the young midfielder commented: "The ball just broke and there was a little bounce and I’ve just whipped it in the far corner. It was brilliant; like I say, it was the best feeling.

"Valerenga were a really good team. It was a tough first half. In the first 20 minutes they were tough to break down and kept the ball, but eventually our quality showed and we got the goals and it was a pleasing night.”

McTominay moved on to speak about the benefits of being surrounded by some of his more experienced colleagues.

"For me, it’s brilliant to be away with them,” he added. “Seeing how they prepare, what they do before games and during training, watching players like Paul Pogba or, in my position, Michael Carrick, and just learning as much as I can from them. I couldn’t be at a better place."

When asked about the best advice he has been offered by his senior team-mates, McTominay responded: "Just to be yourself, play your normal game and work hard, because that’s what they did. Just enjoy it and enjoy playing football for this club because there is nothing better.

"The pre-season in general just gives you a taste for going forward and, hopefully, things to come. If I can keep impressing and doing what I’m doing on the pitch then who knows where it can take you."

Rui Pleased With Pre-season Progress

Manchester United assistant manager Rui Faria says the players are making excellent progress with their fitness regime ahead of the season, following another impressive pre-season victory.

The Reds ran out 3-0 winners over Norwegian side Valerenga on Sunday evening after four wins from five in the United States as part of Tour 2017, presented by Aon.

Rui spoke exclusively to MUTV after the victory in Oslo and explained how the squad has been improving game by game, and in exactly the way Jose Mourinho and the coaching staff had hoped.

“We never look to these matches and just worry about the results,” explained Faria. “Other aspects are more important than the results. Of course, if we can add the result to the performance, it’s always better. The players are doing well, they are doing what we want them to do. Every minute is important for them.

“They know that the matches are big tests for their preparations. They are doing well and we are very happy with all the players and the way they are committed to getting the best performances. In the end, it works for them and we’ll try to have them the best we can for the first important match of the season.

“It’s good to see some players’ improvement in their performance and this match was after coming from the States with people trying to adapt their sleeping to a big time difference,” he added. “So, this game went well. We could give 45 minutes to most of the players and, to some, a little bit more and everything went the way we wanted.”

The Reds claimed the win in Norway thanks to goals from Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay, who netted his first-ever senior goal for United.

“Scott is a good professional and a talented kid, so he knows what he needs to do to have a career and a proper future,” continued Rui.

“We can see that playing football is something that he loves. The tour was very important for the kid because it helps his motivation and belief.”

Mourinho's Views On Victory Over Valerenga

The Manchester United squad headed to Oslo on Sunday for the European leg of Tour 2017, presented by Aon, and Jose Mourinho was pleased to see his side run out comfortable winners over Norwegian side Valerenga.

Here's what the manager had to say about the match and the performances of his two summer signings so far, when speaking to reporters at his post-match press conference...

OVERALL THOUGHTS

"I am satisfied. I thank Ronny [Deila] and these boys [Valerenga] for the game they gave us and I thank the ref because they had a very professional training session. Of course, Champions League referees are top quality referees. It was good for us because it was a good pitch and the opponents were very well organised, trying to play from the back. After the United States, and matches where we were struggling with jet lag, it was a good game for us where I could play each player for 45 minutes. Now, with one more step, a little rest and the Sampdoria match and then the official season starts and, until now, we have no injuries. So let’s see if we can start the official season with this positive situation."

LUKAKU SCORED AGAIN

"It's nice. You know strikers, they like to score goals. It’s not important for me but probably it’s important for him. It’s important for his confidence and for his self-esteem. Strikers like to score goals; us managers, many times we are happy with them even when they don’t score, because of the way they participate in the team organisation and game plans. But, for them, to score their goals is always important."

LINDELOF'S PROGRESS SO FAR

"Step by step. Benfica is a giant club, I always think that players coming from Benfica come mentally ready because it is a big club and the responsibility to play for them makes players ready. But the Portuguese league is different and has different qualities. Benfica is one of the dominant teams, so he’s more used to playing with the ball than without the ball, so he needs his time and we are going to give him his time to develop. Such a young player needs time. Manchester United is a huge club with huge responsibility; the Premier League is the same. So let’s give him time, but we’re happy with what he is doing, step by step.

Friendly: Man. United 3 Valerenga 0

Manchester United eased to a serene 3-0 victory over Valerenga as the European leg of Tour 2017, presented in Aon, began in Norway.

Marouane Fellaini opened the scoring on the cusp of half-time with a deflected header and his compatriot Romelu Lukaku doubled the lead within minutes of the restart.

Scott McTominay capped a rewarding afternoon’s work for the Reds by clipping home a third in the 70th minute.

Jose Mourinho made six changes to the side that lost narrowly to Barcelona in Washington DC and the Reds, clad in grey, started brightly under gloomy, overcast Oslo skies.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan led the first assault on the Valerenga goal but could only find the keeper when sent clear by a probing Juan Mata pass in the third minute.

United dominated possession throughout a comfortable first half, with Paul Pogba as the chief inspiration. The effervescent Frenchman peppered the opposition goal with an array of shots, and his lifted, curling left-foot effort, which struck the Norwegians’ post, was the pick of United’s attempts prior to Fellaini’s opener.

The half appeared to be drifting towards a sedate close when the Belgian stooped to meet Mkhitaryan’s cross and head it home via a deflection to give United the lead.

Mourinho ordered nine changes at the break, as his team shifted from the 4-1-4-1 shape of the first period to 3-5-2.

A thunderous Lukaku header from a swirling Andreas Pereira corner made it 2-0 just after the restart and gave United’s imposing new striker his third pre-season goal.

Academy graduate Scott McTominay added a third after replacing the imperious Pogba, who delighted the rapt crowd throughout with his full repertoire of deft, creative touches. Valerenga barely threatened the United goal all evening, as the visitors made it five wins from six thus far during the pre-season period.

THE LINE-UPS

Valerenga: Kwaresey, Lundstrom (Gleditsch 64), Tollas, Jaager, Juklerod, Lekven, Agyiri, Zahid (Borchgrevink 80), Fredheim Holm, Ejuke, Finne.

Booked: Lundstrom, Ibrahim.

United first half: Romero, Darmian, Bailly, Jones, Blind, Carrick (c), Fellaini, Pogba, Mata, Mkhitaryan, Rashford.

United second half: Romero (J. Pereira 61), Fosu-Mensah, Lindelof, Smalling, Tuanzebe, Mitchell, Pogba (c) (McTominay 61), Herrera, A. Pereira, Martial, Lukaku.

Booked: A. Pereira.

TALKING POINT: POGBA IN MESMERISING FORM

After United were defeated by Barcelona in the final match of the tour's US leg, Jose Mourinho boldly remarked that Paul Pogba had showed he belonged at the ‘level’ of Messi, Neymar, Suarez et al. And few among an awed crowd at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo would disagree with that assertion on this evening’s evidence. Pogba’s 61 minutes on the pitch lent a certain air of electricity to what was otherwise a somewhat placid workout for the Reds. United’s world-record signing displayed a dizzying catalogue of swivels, feints and ingenious touches and looks to be benefiting from the kind of full pre-season that he missed out on in 2016. Familiarly, Pogba found the woodwork with his best effort on goal, but the midfielder appears to be in fine fettle as the Reds build up to the UEFA Super Cup final and the start of the Premier League campaign.

Manchester United Close To Signing Matic

Manchester United are close to signing Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic, according to Sky sources.

United hope to complete a deal for the 28-year-old in the coming days as Jose Mourinho continues his summer spending spree at Old Trafford.

Sky sources understand the United hierarchy have agreed a £40million fee for Matic, who made 40 appearances in all competitions last season.

Serie A champions Juventus have given up on their pursuit of Matic and have instead turned their attention to Paris Saint-Germain's Blaise Matuidi, as well as Sevilla midfielder Steven N'Zonzi, according to Sky Italia.

Tiemoue Bakayoko's arrival at Stamford Bridge has paved the way for Matic to reunite with former Blues boss Mourinho.

It is understood Chelsea have allowed Matic to join United as a goodwill gesture because of his contribution to the club's two Premier League titles in the last three years.

Sky sources understand the Blues would have preferred to have sold Matic to Juventus rather than a domestic rival, but the Serbia international, who was given permission to not travel with the rest of the Chelsea squad on their pre-season tour of China, wants to move to United instead.

Matic is set to become the third new face at Old Trafford this summer following the arrival of Victor Lindelöf and Romelu Lukaku from Benfica and Everton respectively.

Sky sources understand the midfielder has been training at Chelsea's Cobham base this week and could join up with United in time to face Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup on August 8.

Mourinho's side continue their pre-season schedule against Norwegian club Valerenga on Sunday before they face Sampdoria on August 2.

Credit: Skysports.com

Mitchell Making Good Progress With United

Manchester United defender Demi Mitchell is thoroughly enjoying his first pre-season experience with the Reds' senior squad, and says he's developing all the time as a player.

The 20-year-old full-back made his first-team debut in the final Premier League game of last season, against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in May, and has since featured in this month's tour victories over LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake in the United States.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's clash with Norwegian side Valerenga in Oslo, Mitchell told ManUtd.com: "It’s a great experience, being involved with the first team.

"The first part of the tour was also the first time I’d been to America. It’s all new to me, and being around the first team makes you feel like a part of the group after stepping up from the Reserves.

"I didn’t know until the last minute that I would be going on the tour, so it was all a bit of a shock, but I’ve really enjoyed it so far."

Asked about the physical ability he showed against LA Galaxy, the former winger laughed: "It shows I’m a proper left-back now! I’m adapting to the position. You've got to be ready to come on, it could be after five minutes or it could be after 25 minutes. You’ve got to be prepared for any scenario and ready to make an impact.

"Any position I get asked to play, if the coaches think it’s right then I’ll give it a good shot. I’ve been playing there [at left-back] for a good seven or eight months now, so for me to be here [with the first team] after that amount of time, it just shows how much progress I can make.

"It was funny because when I went to play on the wing against Real Salt Lake, it was new to me again! I thought ‘I’ve not been here for a while’, and then after about five minutes Antonio [Valencia] got sent off which meant I was back at left-back. I felt at home there, though."

How United Prodigy Gomes Used To Copy Nani

The 2017/18 season promises to be a big one for Manchester United Academy product Angel Gomes, who does not turn 17 until the end of August.

The teenager already has a first-team debut under his belt, with his late outing as a substitute against Crystal Palace in May making him the first player born since 2000 to appear in the Premier League.

It is a moment that Gomes still has to pinch himself about, being selected by Jose Mourinho to come on for Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford, in an exciting glimpse of the future for the 75,000 fans watching from the stands.

"That moment has been with me a long time," Angel told MUTV recently, at United's Reserves and Academy training camp in Obertraun, Austria.

"There are times when I am sat at home and I'll just be drifting away when I think of the game and how everything happened so quickly. It feels great to say that I am the club's youngest Premier League player."

Actually the youngest player in United's first team since the legendary Duncan Edwards in the 1950s, Gomes had a 2016/17 season to remember and rarely can anybody have had one campaign that was so diverse. The young midfielder also performed as a goalkeeper - when regular no.1 Ilias Moutha-Sebtaoui was injured, Gomes donned the gloves as the Reds won the Mercedes-Benz Junior Cup - and as an Old Trafford ball-boy, along with team-mate Aidan Barlow, for the Emirates FA Cup tie against Wigan Athletic.

"Yes, I was in goal in the indoor tournament we won in Germany and I was a ball-boy as well, in the FA Cup," he confirmed. "To go from being a ball-boy to coming on for Wayne Rooney was amazing. What a player to come on for. Wayne Rooney is a club legend who I think will do amazing [things] at Everton. He helped me and spoke to me, when I was coming on, so it was nice."

London-born Gomes revealed some details about his background, including his relationship with former United winger Nani and laughed as he remembered trying to copy the Euro 2016 winner's acrobatic celebrations as child.

"I'm a Salford lad at heart," he said. "I love being from Salford. It's where I grew up so I always say that's where I'm from. My dad [Gil Gomes] played at the Under-23 World Cup and is well known in Portugal as they won it and he played with some great players as well. It's nice to be following in his footsteps really.

"Nani is my godfather. He's been amazing to me and gives me lots of advice. I am just lucky to have someone like that in my life. When I was younger, he used to be my idol. I used to watch him and even practice his backflips on the trampoline. I know I can't do that now!"

As captain of England at youth levels, Gomes's potential has been clear for some time but the 16-year-old's feet remain firmly on the ground. From his interview with MUTV, it's obvious he has been brought up the Manchester United way and this will stand him in good stead.

"I've been here a long time," he said. "I started at the Under-6s and progressed up really. I used to play down [an age group] because of my height and physicality obviously but I was lucky to kick on since the Under-13s and it's been amazing.

"I think people forget how young I am really. Of course, it would be a great experience to get a few more minutes in the first team under my belt at some point but I'll just try to kick on in the Under-18s and Under-23s and learn a lot of things.

"I hope to gain a lot of experience in the UEFA Youth League, for example, and the Reserves have a new coach in Ricky [Sbragia] so it'll be great to work under him too."

"Last season, we played some high quality football, but didn't end up doing the ultimate thing of winning trophies. We want to win more this season."

Spalletti 'Strongly Opposes' Sale Of Ivan Perisic To Manchester United

Inter Milan boss Luciano Spalletti says he will "strongly oppose" any move for Ivan Perisic if Manchester United make a firm offer for the Croatia winger.

Sky Sports News reported earlier in the month that United were close to agreeing a fee for Perisic, with Inter holding out for a £48m transfer fee or a deal that would see Anthony Martial head to the Serie A club.

But Perisic has gone on Inter's pre-season tour of Asia, impressing in the 2-0 win over Bayern Munich, and Spalletti says the lack of time to find a replacement would make a transfer even more difficult.

Perisic joined Inter from Wolfsburg in 2015 and enjoyed a fine second campaign in Serie A last season, contributing 11 goals and six assists.

"Until now, there hasn't been any important contact," Spalletti said.

"There was something you already know about at the beginning of the window (but) there was no follow-up and so, for me, the topic is over.

"It's true as time goes by, it becomes more and more difficult to replace him with another player.

"I will strongly oppose the sale of Perisic if an offer comes."

Credit: Skysports.com

Phelan: United Have Improved

Former Manchester United assistant coach Mike Phelan believes that the club has improved their squad and will be "competitive" next year.

When asked whether United's new recruits have enhanced their squad, Phelan told Sky Sports: "You would like to think so. They have definitely added to what they have already got. They had an impressive season, really, last season, everybody was looking at them and scrutinising what they could do and couldn't do.

"I think winning a couple of trophies was excellent and they will have to build on that, but having said that, all the other Premier League clubs are doing the same.

"But it makes it interesting, they have to adapt a little bit more because they are back in Europe - that's a big plus for them and the squad needs to get bigger and better."

Jose Mourinho's side has, so far, completed the summer signings of Romelu Lukaku, for a fee of £90m, and Victor Lindelof for £30.7m from Everton and Benfica respectively.

Phelan, who was the first-team coach at between 2001 and 2008, believes that if the side can maintain their winning formula (after winning last season's Europa League) and with the right recruitment United can challenge for the league title.

"I think everybody will [challenge for the title]. I think that it is important that Manchester United improve year-on-year, you know, they've had a little down time, now they have had a little success they will want to improve on that, I'm sure, and it will be competitive because everyone else is looking for that elusive championship title," said Phelan.

This summer has so far seen several premier league clubs flexing their financial muscle; with United, Chelsea and Manchester City all spending more than £100m.

Phelan says the influx of cash to the league has led teams to pay inflated sums for players.

He said: "There is a lot of money in the Premier League now and it seems to be endless at the moment and keeps going up and up and up, with that the reality is that players' salaries and players' fees are going to go through the roof.

"You have to either be in it or out of it and football clubs have to make that decision; it is a very, very competitive league, the Premier League.

"I think it is an interesting league but you have to spend the cash at certain times in order to improve and the ones that do it is always a gamble, the ones that don't they are obviously happy with what they've got."

Credit: Skysports.com

10 Great Quotes On Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku's high-profile transfer to Manchester United from Everton was certainly a move that got people talking.

Confirmation that a fee had been agreed for the Belgian striker became the club's most retweeted Twitter post of all time within a matter of hours, while players, pundits and coaches alike lined up to have their say on the deal.

Lukaku has made an excellent start to life as a Red, impressing on United's pre-season tour of the US, and we've picked out 10 of the best quotes on our new no.9 since his signing nearly three weeks ago...

Michael Carrick - "I've tried to tackle him a few times and got nowhere near him, so at least I won’t have to do that too often! He's a big guy, he has a big presence and he scores goals. That is what we are going to need from him, that is what he is going to bring and I am sure he will have a great time here."

Andy Cole - "He’s a massive signing. They’re all big-money signings nowadays but he’s proven in the Premier League. He’ll get goals and that’s what United missed last season. I think he’s got plenty of those in him."

Kevin de Bruyne - "You just have to do your job and I think he will score 20 to 25 goals a season for United - that will speak for itself. If you see his ratio of goals, it's incredible. He's one of the best in the world and what is he, 24? You can say that about him at that age."

Ander Herrera - "He’s going to score a lot of goals for us, but I also want to speak about the work he does holding the ball for the team. He’s very strong and it’s very difficult to win the ball from him, so he’s going to be very important for us."

Vincent Kompany - "The one thing you get with Romelu is an incredible drive to improve and score goals. It's something really unique that I've been able to observe over the years because he was at Anderlecht, which is the same youth system where I come from and I've really followed his progress."

Jose Mourinho - "Romelu is a natural fit for United. He's a big personality and a big player. It is only natural that he wants to develop his career at the biggest club. He will be a great addition to the group - I'm really looking forward to working with him again."

Paul Pogba - "As players, we're all delighted that he's at United. We have always had the same dream, the same goals - he's one of my best friends off the pitch and a top-class player too. I'm very happy for him."

Marcus Rashford - "He's in a good place in his career and he has probably come here at the right time. We are still getting to know each other off the pitch and that's what a team is: we have to get to know each other on and off the pitch."

Wayne Rooney - "United are a football club that demands success. Romelu has to be strong enough to take up that challenge. If he does that then, with the ability he has got, he will be a success."

Ruud van Nistelrooy - "I expect he’ll start hitting his peak now. From the club's point of view, it’s the perfect time to sign him. Over the next six, seven or eight years, United will hopefully have a great centre-forward in Romelu."

Jose: Ibra's Injury Forced Us To Spend

Jose Mourinho has admitted Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s injury forced the club to spend big on Romelu Lukaku this summer, but hinted the 35-year-old could yet return to Old Trafford.

Manchester United signed Lukaku from Everton for an initial £75m earlier this month and Mourinho revealed the deal was needed to ensure the club did not go without a "strong striker" for six months.

Ibrahimovic suffered a knee injury in April, bringing his season to an abrupt end following a hugely successful first campaign at Old Trafford in which he scored 28 goals.

Addressing the team's current attacking options, Mourinho said: "We spent big money on a striker because, with strikers, you either spend or you don't get.

"We spent because of what happened to Zlatan and we cannot allow ourselves to be without an important, strong striker for the first six months of the season."

Mourinho highlighted his plans to develop the side's emerging youth talent, having used seven players in United's pre-season tour of the US from the club's academy and youth teams.

The former Real head coach's commitment to develop youth players has at times come into question, but Mourinho pointed to Real Madrid's line-up against United in Santa Clara as an example of the trust he placed in youth players during his time in charge at the Bernabeu.

"More than half of their team - which is their first team because they were only missing Ronaldo and Ramos - all these guys started with me and had debuts with me," he added.

"They came into the first team with me, trained with me at 15 and 16 years old. Nacho, Casemiro, Carvajal, Morata, Marcelo was 20.

"So probably in a few years Manchester United will also have half a dozen of these kids.

"I think Scott McTominay and Demetri Mitchell are also kids to have a future in the club. And Andreas Pereira is back. So when the kids are good and have potential, there is no problem."

Credit: Skysports.com

Valverde: Manchester United Can Win The Champions League

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde says Manchester United are "contenders to win" the Champions League this season.

Neymar's first-half strike was the difference in Barca's 1-0 International Champions Cup win over United in Washington on Wednesday but the La Liga giants may have had more, had David de Gea not produced a string of fine saves to thwart their ever-impressive attack.

Despite beating Jose Mourinho's men, Valverde believes United, who qualified for the Champions League through their Europa League triumph, are back on the up and feels their overall performance and recruitment power will make them a side to be reckoned with.

"Obviously it hasn't been well lately, but I mean they won the Europa League," he said.

"This year they are going to be in the Champions League. Their presence by itself is impressive. They impress. I think they are going to be a really hard team to beat.


"For me, they are contenders to win and they are going to be hard to beat in the Premier League and the Champions League.

"I wouldn't want to face them in the Champions League."

United provided more of a threat in the second half, after Barca made a number of changes at the interval.

Neymar was one of 10 players substituted at half-time, having added to his double in the pre-season victory over Juventus.

The Brazil forward has been strongly linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, but the Barca head coach dismissed talks of a move away from the Nou Camp.

"Neymar was very happy talking to his Manchester United friends outside the locker room just right now," he said. "He is still with us.

"Concerning the game, I am happy with the performance and I am happy that we won against a powerful team such as Manchester United.

"In the first half, I think there was a high rhythm in regards to both teams having chances in both boxes.

"It is clear that even though it is a friendly, both teams wanted to win tonight."

Credit: Skysports.com

Barca - Man. United Talking Points

Romelu Lukaku isolated, the goalkeepers impress and some more Neymar magic... we bring you the main talking points from Man Utd's defeat by Barcelona.

Neymar's first-half strike gave Barcelona a 1-0 victory in the International Champions Cup in Maryland, United's first defeat in their pre-season campaign.

What did we learn? And what could United improve before the start of the competitive season?

The fight for No 1

He's possibly the best No 2 goalkeeper in the world, but it was a rather bittersweet night for Sergio Romero in his bid to shove David de Gea off the No 1 spot at United.

Jose Mourinho said earlier in the week that Romero would be competing even more with the Spaniard this season, and after coming on at half-time, keeping a clean sheet and producing a super save from Paco Alcacer's one-versus-one effort, you would have thought the Argentine's stock had risen.

But De Gea's first-half performance was world class, showing why he's still the man at Old Trafford and will take some beating.

As Barca peppered his goal, De Gea saved superbly down to his left from Luis Suarez, again from Neymar at a tight angle. He left the best for last, tipping away Suarez's overhead kick with what would have been up there for save of the season if in the Premier League.

Delivery is key

Is it any wonder United are desperately trying to sign Ivan Perisic, the man who crosses almost five times more than the current wingers at Old Trafford?

Yes, this was only a friendly, and yes, this was against Barcelona, but United all too often delivered from far too deep out wide for Romelu Lukaku.

That ball had to be perfect for Lukaku to attack, such was Barca's awareness of the Belgian's aerial strengths, but on several occasions it was more a hit and hope from United's wide players.

And the hopeful balls didn't just come from out wide; United regularly went back to front with a long drive and failed to make it stick with an isolated Lukaku. Granted, they won't face many better defences than Barcelona's, but Mourinho will be looking for more variety.

Lingard in the hole

It's easy to assume Jesse Lingard is still a youngster, but at 24, the Manchester-born forward has made the transition from a prospect to a senior player.

He looked confident in the first half, opening up space in front of the Barca defence with some superb movement as United had a few spells of pressure in Maryland.

As well as running at defenders with the ball at pace, Lingard's intelligent runs off the ball did not go unnoticed; that pocket of space in between midfield and defence causes the opposition nightmares and Lingard ghosts into them with ease.

It's a big season for Lingard. He played over 40 games in each of the past two terms, but with a seemingly open chequebook for Mourinho, he'll need to show more signs of progression over the next 12 months if he wants a long United career.

There's more to Neymar

He may have only played 45 minutes, but the Brazilian was at his best for Barcelona, showing exactly what they'd be missing if he signed for PSG.

Neymar gave Antonio Valencia a tough time on the left in the first half, forcing the Ecuadorian into a mistake for the only goal of the game, but his all-round attacking game was superb.

Why does the Messi-Neymar-Suarez triumvirate work so well? Pure ability, of course, but also unselfishness.

The trio always pick the best pass and make the best runs for the team, not for themselves, evident in the first half as Barca produced a flurry of clear-cut chances via some lightning quick pass and move.

Neymar has a box of tricks, we know, but he's much more than that, and his teamwork is often underestimated. He'll be extremely difficult to replace if the world-record move goes ahead.

Mourinho: Pogba At Messi's Level

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho insists that Paul Pogba "belongs at the same level" as Barcelona forwards Lionel Messi and Neymar.

The Reds suffered a first defeat during Tour 2017, presented by Aon, at the hands of the Catalan giants on Wednesday, going down to Neymar's first-half effort in Washington DC, having beaten European champions Real Madrid on penalties on Sunday.

Speaking in his post-match press conference after the Barcelona game, Mourinho was asked about the quality of the opposition during this summer's trip to America. And although he admitted it was "beautiful" to watch Barça's stars from the touchline, the boss reserved special praise for Pogba.

"With Messi and Neymar, there is only one [of each], there are not two," he said. "Suarez, Iniesta, Pique, Ronaldo, Bale, Modric, Toni Kroos, there is only one of them. So they can only play for one club and not two.

"We cannot have them. They belong to the clubs. You can be working very hard tactically to improve your team, to improve your players, but some players are special and against that nature there is nothing you can do. In the real matches you try to compensate for the difference in quality with a certain tactical organisation, and with that you can win.

"In football it is possible for a team to be better than the sum of the parts. But the parts are amazing. Their [Barcelona's] relationship with the ball is amazing. You can argue about the occupation of space, tactics and compact blocks, but the player's relationship with the ball is still the most important thing.

"Even as an opponent on the bench like I am, it is beautiful to see the guys' relationship with the ball. Today, one of my players, Paul Pogba, showed the level. He showed that he belongs at that level."

Pereira: Barcelona Game Was A Good Test

Manchester United's Brazilian prospect Andreas Pereira strongly believes the Reds will benefit from the experience of facing FC Barcelona in Maryland, despite losing 1-0 to Neymar’s first-half goal.

The result at FedEx Field - home of NFL team Washington Redskins - is the club’s first defeat of Tour 2017, presented by Aon, after the four wins over LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, Manchester City and Real Madrid.

While it is disappointing to have lost the unbeaten run in the United States, substitute Pereira was positive and upbeat when he spoke to MUTV at pitchside following the final whistle.

“It was a good test, it was good for us in the preparation period and we will definitely use that when the real competitions start,” said Andreas on Wednesday night. “Playing against such strong teams works you harder, you get more focus for the games and it is a good test for us, as well as them.

“The games have been getting harder each time and it is good for us, as we have an important match in the Super Cup against Real Madrid next month.

“We are testing ourselves as much as possible. We will definitely use this experience as we have the Champions League to play in this season. Now we know what to do against Barcelona if we play them in that.”

Pereira faced Barcelona twice in 2016/17 while on loan at Spanish club Granada and, now back at United, the young Brazilian is determined to force his way into Jose Mourinho’s plans.

Following five appearances in the US, Andreas is pleased with his progress. “For me it is going well,” he explained. “I am doing my best, I want to get into the team this season, I want to help my team and hopefully we can achieve a lot this season.”

Jose Reflects On Final US Game

Before Manchester United headed home after a memorable stay in the United States for Tour 2017, presented by Aon, Jose Mourinho spoke to MUTV and to reporters at a post-match press conference. Here's what the manager had to say about the slender 1-0 defeat to Barcelona at FedEx Field...

REFLECTIONS ON THE MATCH

"It's very important to lose a match in pre-season. You don't like to lose but I think it's very important. I think it would be very bad for us to leave the US without a defeat, playing against teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, it would be very bad to go home with just victories. So the defeat is good. But I think in the game we did some very good things and we did bad things. The very good things are to keep and the bad things are to improve."

POSITIVES IN DEFEAT

"I think for the crowd it was good. I think in pre-season it is important also to play for that. When you come to the US and you have a stadium with a few thousand, very enthusiastic fans, this is what they want. They want Messi, Neymar, Pogba, the best players to show what they are and I think that happened. The first half was 1-0 but it could have been 2-2, 3-3 or 4-0. In the second half there were lots of changes but both teams were playing for a result, despite it being a friendly when the result is not the most important thing. We tried to equalise, they kept the ball and possession, and defended well. Even in the second half the match was positive."

KEPT GOING IN THE SECOND HALF

"The attitude was good and in the second half we defended much better. I know that one thing is to defend against Messi, Suarez and Neymar, another thing is to defend against three good players but not three of the best players in the world. But we were much more confident, we pushed the line up, Jones and Bailly they pressed really high, we brought the game to their side. We arrived into dangerous positions and we could have scored."

A GOOD MEASURE OF OUR LEVEL

"The level of my team? If you want to compare with Real Madrid or Barcelona, it is easy to compare the level of the players and quality of the team. But we don't play in the same competition as them unless we meet in Europe, so we prefer not to compare ourselves with them. We prefer to compare with teams in the Premier League and we are much more adapted to that very hard competition. It has a different style, a different kind of player. In this moment the best players are in these two clubs and you have to accept that as a reality. But for us to play against both in pre-season without pressure or being worried about a result, just trying to play the best we can, was very good for us. Both played with their best team. Barcelona did. Only Pique was on the bench. Real Madrid, only Ronaldo and Ramos didn't play. So it is very, very good for us to measure against them."

LINDELOF AND SMALLING AS A PAIR

"I think we will understand the reason in a couple of days. [Eric] Bailly is suspended for the first two matches in Europe as you know, and in the next couple of days you will have the understanding of why I am playing [Victor] Lindelof and [Chris] Smalling."

POGBA AT SAME LEVEL AS REAL AND BARCA STARS

"With Messi and Neymar, there is only one [of each]. There are not two. Suarez, Iniesta, Pique, Ronaldo, Bale, Modric, Toni Kroos, there is only one of them. So they can only play for one club and not two. We cannot have them. They belong to the clubs. You can be working very hard tactically to improve your team, to improve your players, but some players are special and against that nature there is nothing you can do. In the real matches you try to compensate the difference in quality with a certain tactical organisation, and with that you can win. In football it is possible for a team to be better than the sum of the parts. But the parts are amazing. Their relationship with the ball is amazing. You can argue about the occupation of space, tactics and compact blocks, but the player's relationship with the ball is still the most important thing. Even as an opponent on the bench like I am, it is beautiful to see the guys' relationship with the ball. Today, one of my players, Paul Pogba, showed the level. He showed that he belongs at that level."

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS MOVING FROM MID-SEASON TO SUMMER

"I have to read the changes and understand the changes. If that [the date change] is the change then it is perfect for us, because it is hard in the middle of the season to lose players like we do. With so many African players in the best competitions in Europe, it is not good for the players, clubs or competitions. If we can have it in the European break then it is a fantastic change."

OVERALL THOUGHTS ON PRE-SEASON PROGRESS

"I am very happy. No injuries because Mata and Herrera in this moment, I don't think we are talking about injuries. They will be back to training I think next Saturday, no problem to be back to training, so no injuries, a fantastic atmosphere, a fantastic working ethic, great organisation. So now we just need to land safely in Manchester and this part of the pre-season was perfect."

Friendly: Barcelona 1 Man. United 0

Manchester United suffered a first defeat of Tour 2017, presented by Aon, but it mattered little as Jose Mourinho was left to reflect on an extremely positive and productive stay in the United States.

After claiming four wins from the opening four tour matches, the Reds were narrowly beaten by Barcelona at FedEx Field, courtesy of a first-half strike by Neymar.

David De Gea had to be alert in the opening exchanges, making smart saves from the matchwinner and Lionel Messi, and another excellent stop to thwart Luis Suarez.

The Spain goalkeeper needed the help of the post on 13 minutes when Messi took aim from the edge of the area, as the effort cannoned off the outside of the woodwork.

After soaking up some early pressure, Paul Pogba unleashed a powerful shot which was claimed by Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, before Henrikh Mkhitaryan fired another attempt just wide of the post. Jesse Lingard then tried his luck from distance but saw the ball deflected wide.

The Reds were visibly growing in confidence and Marcus Rashford dribbled into the box but could only shoot straight at the well-placed Cillessen.

A minute after the half-hour mark, Barcelona took the lead. Having denied Neymar a few minutes earlier, De Gea was powerless when Antonio Valencia lost his footing and the Brazilian star took full advantage to slot home from close range.

Messi fired a free-kick just over the bar soon after, before Suarez forced De Gea into another top save with a shot on the turn.

Pogba’s dangerous centre almost found Romelu Lukaku, but the Belgium striker just couldn’t stretch to make it.

Both sides made changes at the break, with Barcelona replacing all 10 outfield players. After a somewhat subdued start to the second period, substitute Anthony Martial flashed an effort over, before Sergio Romero dived to his left to brilliantly deny Paco Alcacer.

Andreas Pereira tried his luck twice from outside the box but saw the first shot fly over and the second one well claimed by Cillessen. Seconds later, the Barca keeper denied Pogba after a driving run forward. Despite further pressure from the Reds, Barça held out for the win, with Neymar's strike ultimately proving decisive.

THE LINE-UPS

United: De Gea (Romero 46), Valencia (Tuanzebe 84), Smalling (Bailly 46), Lindelof (Jones 46), Blind (Darmian 46), Carrick (c) (Fellaini 46), Pogba, Mkhitaryan (A. Pereira 62), Rashford, Lingard (Martial 62), Lukaku.

Substitutes: J. Pereira, Fosu-Mensah, Mitchell, McTominay.

Booked: Fellaini

Barcelona first half: Cillessen, Semedo, Umtiti, Mascherano, Jordi Alba, Busquets, Alena, Rakitic, Messi (c), Neymar, Suarez.

Barcelona second half: Cillessen, Pique, Denis, Arda, Iniesta, Vermaelen, Alcacer, Digne, Roberto (Samper 85), A.Vidal, Munir.

TALKING POINT - WHICH TOUR MATCH HAS BEEN THE BEST?

While Jose Mourinho has always insisted results do not matter to him during pre-season, the United manager will still have been pleased to see his players leave the States with an impressive four wins from five matches. But which match did you enjoy the most? Five goals against LA Galaxy were great to watch, while the win over Real Salt Lake was notable for Romelu Lukaku's first strike as a Red. Winning the first Manchester derby on foreign soil was very satisfying and a victory against Real Madrid, albeit on penalties, in the dress rehearsal for the UEFA Super Cup was an enjoyable one for fans. Losing to Barça in the final match was a slight blot on the tour copybook but overall, as Mourinho himself told MUTV and reporters a few days ago, the trip as a whole has been "perfect".

INJURED PLAYERS MAKING PROGRESS

Juan Mata and Ashley Young arrived at the stadium ahead of the rest of the squad and the pair were joined on the pitch by one of the medical staff for some light training, which included some work with the ball. Mourinho told MUTV on Tuesday that Mata is expected to be back for Sunday’s trip to Oslo, as is Ander Herrera, who was forced off against Real Madrid. Meanwhile, the United boss suggested Young will return in October and it was certainly great to see him and Mata back with a ball at their feet.

TRENDING TOPIC

#MUTOUR was once again a popular topic on social media as the Reds played the final match in the US. Predictably, after his first-half theatrics, #DeGea was the man everyone was tweeting about, while #Rashford, after his impressive effort in the opening half, also featured as did #Suarez.

TOUR 2017 NOT OVER YET

This might be United's last tour match in the States, but it's not the final one of Tour 2017, presented by Aon. Next up for the Reds is a trip to Oslo on Sunday to face Norwegian side Valerenga, before a final friendly in Dublin against Italian outfit Sampdoria. Jose Mourinho's men can claim a first trophy of the season on 8 August when the Reds face Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup final, then the campaign begins for real.

Mourinho Hits Out At 'Strange' Transfer Market

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has spoken of a “very strange and out of control market”, despite spending around £121m on players this summer.

Romelu Lukaku cost £90m to bring to Old Trafford from Everton, while Mourinho has also spent £31m on Benfica defender Victor Lindelof.

But speaking ahead of United's International Champions Cup clash with Barcelona in the early hours of Thursday morning, Mourinho hit out at the high fees being paid for players.

"Every club is getting good players, every club is investing a lot and some clubs are paying too much and by paying too much they create a very strange and out of control market," he told the BBC.

"But this is the reality now."

Mourinho added that he does not like the excessive transfer fees that are currently being paid for players that do not fall into the world-class category.

"I always thought the problem is not what you pay for these kind of (top) players, I don't think the problem is what you pay for Pogba, I don't think the problem is going to pay crazy for Neymar," the Portuguese told several national newspapers.

"I think the problem is with the other group which is a big group because players like Pogba, there is one or two (big) transfers (like that) per transfer window. The other ones are where you have 100 transfers and for me that is the dangerous area of the market.

"Some clubs are paying or they don't buy because they don't accept the numbers that are now ruling the market, or to do it they have to go the same levels and for me that's what worries me a little bit because now we speak about £30m, £40m, £50m in such an easy way."

Credit: Skysports.com

A Big Season For Mourinho

Jose Mourinho claimed three trophies in his first season at Manchester United but more will be expected in his second year in charge. We put Mourinho under the spotlight in our series looking at the managers of the Premier League's top six.

What happened last year?

United won the Community Shield against Leicester City at Wembley in Mourinho's first game in charge and ended the campaign with Europa League glory as they beat Ajax in Stockholm. In between they also saw off Southampton in an entertaining EFL Cup final, winning 3-2 thanks to Zlatan Ibrahimovic's late winner.

Cup success came at a price. United made little inroads in the Premier League, finishing sixth after falling behind early on. A failure to beat bottom-half teams at Old Trafford proved damaging and as the fixtures piled up, Mourinho shifted priorities to salvage the season. It worked and Champions League qualification was secured through the Europa League win.

What are the expectations?

While United's recent history in the league is disappointing - seventh, fourth, fifth and sixth since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement - the expectation is that Mourinho can significantly improve upon that in his second season at the helm. After all, he won the league title in his second season at Porto, Inter, Real Madrid and both of his spells at Chelsea.

Mourinho also finds himself back in the Champions League, a competition he has won twice and reached the semi-finals of on a record eight occasions. Adding a ninth last-four appearance will be a target this season but United fans might settle for getting through the group stages - Louis van Gaal did not manage to do that in 2015.

What has he done in the transfer window?

The summer has been marked by the departure of captain Wayne Rooney after 13 years at United but there have been some big signings to excite supporters once again. With Ibrahimovic also needing to be replaced, Mourinho has turned to Romelu Lukaku to score the goals this coming season, a player he knew from their time together at Chelsea.

At the back, the hope will be that another new signing, Sweden international Victor Lindelof from Benfica, can form a strong partnership with Eric Bailly in the centre of defence. Expect midfield to be strengthen too with a number of high-profile targets, including Nemanja Matic and Eric Dier, reportedly on Mourinho's radar.

Mourinho has admitted that area of the pitch remains his focus but conceded he may only land one more target.

"I'm happy with my squad but I would like to have two more players ... a midfield player would give me more options to balance the team and an attacking player, especially that can play through the wings, to give me more attacking options," he told reporters on the club's pre-season US tour. "I would like two more players but probably I only get one."

What are the big issues to address?

Having been outscored by Bournemouth let alone the rest of the top six, United will need to boost their firepower significantly if they are to figure in the title race. Lukaku cannot do that alone and will need better service to make an impact. More creativity on the flanks and through midfield will be a priority - with Mourinho stating that two targets remain - and much will be expected of Paul Pogba.

In winning two cup finals and keeping clean sheets against every team in the top four last season, Mourinho showed once more that he knows how to set up his side in the big games. But a total of eight home wins was nowhere near good enough and United even failed to score against West Brom, Burnley and Hull at Old Trafford. A solution simply must be found.

So what happens next?

United are the 100/30 second favourites to win the Premier League with Sky Bet. That would be some turnaround having finished sixth last season but each of the past two champions have made bigger leaps to top the table. Mourinho has been backed in the transfer market and the club will hope to see the benefit of that as his team takes shape.

Credit: Skysports.com

Jose: Rooney Exit Was Emotional

Jose Mourinho claims he got “emotional” when Wayne Rooney ended his 13-year stay at Manchester United to re-join his boyhood club Everton.

The 31-year-old left United earlier this month as part of the deal that saw Romelu Lukaku move in the opposite direction.

Rooney was limited to just five goals in 25 Premier League appearances (15 starts) in Mourinho's first season in charge and assumed an increasingly peripheral role as the season progressed.

The United manager accepts it was in Rooney's best interests to move on in search of more regular playing time but insists the club were happy for him to stay.

"I miss him a lot," said Mourinho. "I think he's a fantastic guy. I'm not the kind of guy that gets normally emotional in my job and I did it with him when he left.

"But I'm sure that he's going to be very, very good for Everton and Everton is going to be very, very good for him.

"It was not difficult [to let him go] because he deserves that, it's not difficult. He deserves what he got and what he got was our desire for him to stay and our respect by letting it be completely clear that we would like him to stay.

"And at the same time, the respect that allows him to be happy - allow him to try to play every game, every minute which honestly I think he needs.

"At his age, I think with his genetic, with his body, with his personality too, I don't think he's the kind of player to be less motivated, not so happy because he's not playing every minute.

"I think with his body he needs to be working at high intensity every day, every match. So I think he deserves that respect from us: if you want to go, we have to make it easy for you to go."

Credit: Skysports.com

Boss Reacts To Bailly Missing The Super Cup

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly will miss the Super Cup match against Real Madrid on 8 August after his European ban was extended from one to three matches by UEFA, a punishment which Jose Mourinho accepts but still perceives to be harsh.

Bailly was sent off during the closing stages of the Reds' tense Europa League semi-final second leg against Celta Vigo back in May and that dismissal ruled him out of the final against AFC Ajax in Stockholm.

UEFA have this week extended the Ivorian's ban to three games, meaning he will now miss the Super Cup meeting in Skopje and United's first Champions League group stage match in September.

Mourinho spoke at a press conference in Washington DC on Tuesday afternoon to preview the International Champions Cup tie against FC Barcelona, where he was also asked for his reaction to Bailly's ban.

“You know my view is that, normally with UEFA, what you get is what you get," the manager explained. "You accept with a happy face or with a bad face, but you must always accept. It was a red card in the semi-final and I think the punishment of not playing in the final is enough.

"It is a big punishment not to play in the final. I say that normally he would deserve a clean slate and start the next season with a clean slate, and be ready to play the Super Cup. Now he is an important player for us who is not able to play the Super Cup and also the first match of the Champions League group stage. But not to play the Europa League final and the European Super Cup is a very, very harsh punishment.”

Mourinho Denies Chicharito Was A Target

Jose Mourinho has revealed Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez was never a transfer target of his, although the Manchester United boss is full of praise for the popular former Reds striker.

Chicha scored 59 goals in 157 appearances for the club between 2010 and 2015, before departing for Bundesliga side Bayern Leverkusen. The Mexico international was a smash hit in Germany, and this week secured a big-money move back to the Premier League with West Ham United.

After Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney both left United earlier this summer, some fans had wondered whether Hernandez could be in line for a sensational return. However, while speaking at a press conference in Washington DC on Tuesday afternoon, Mourinho played that rumour down.

Asked if Javier has ever been a transfer target of his, the manager told journalists: “No, because he left the club a few years ago. I am not sure if it was his decision or the manager's decision [Louis van Gaal]. But he is a good player who will always score goals, and I would always welcome him in my squad because he is a player who doesn't need many minutes on the pitch to score a goal.

“We moved in another direction with a younger player in Romelu Lukaku and we have Marcus Rashford, who can also be a striker, so we didn’t feel that need. But, no doubt, for West Ham to get a player with his experience and quality is very, very good.”

Pogba: I Want To Be A Leader

Paul Pogba says he is focused on helping Manchester United achieve more success, but also on being a real leader for the team.

The midfielder was asked about the loss of two of the biggest characters in the dressing room, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, during a press conference at Georgetown University ahead of Wednesday’s match against Barcelona - the final fixture in the US ahead of two games in Europe on Tour 2017, presented by Aon.

In reply, the France international explained the importance of learning from players like Rooney, Ibrahimovic and current captain Michael Carrick and he hopes he can one day become a renowned leader within the team.

“Obviously, Zlatan was a leader, he was a big leader, because he always helped the team and even when he wasn’t playing he was a leader outside of the pitch," declared Pogba.

"I have been here for one season and I came here to hopefully be a leader for the team. That is the objective, that is how you should be. You want to grow up as a player and as a leader as well. Hopefully I can learn from Wayne, from Carras, from all of the players and become a leader."

When asked to look back on his transfer-record arrival last summer, Pogba admitted: "It was a big challenge for me. I knew that I wouldn’t be playing in the Champions League but I said to myself that I want Manchester United to be the Manchester United that I knew back in the day.

"I think we are on the way [towards that]. We won three trophies last season, we are back in the Champions League and the team is improving a lot again. So I hope that we are going to continue in that way, and improve and improve."

Jose: Barcelona's The Best End To US Trip

Jose Mourinho says matches against Real Madrid and Barcelona are "the best way to finish" the United States leg of Tour 2017, presented by Aon.

The Reds have so far claimed four wins from four during the pre-season visit across the pond and Barcelona are United’s final opponents on American soil, in Washington DC on Wednesday night.

After overcoming Real Madrid on penalties, Mourinho is looking forward to another strong test against a side from La Liga and says he will ensure his squad clock up more valuable minutes ahead of the start of the new campaign.

"It is the best way to finish [this trip to the US]," he declared. "We started by playing against MLS teams which was a very good experience for us because they are in the middle of their competition. Then we got a good English team [Manchester City] and then Real Madrid and Barcelona.

"Real Madrid in the first half almost played their best team. Only Ramos and Ronaldo didn't play. Now with Barcelona, it looks to me that everybody is here with a new manager and new players. So I think it is the best way to finish the pre-season, to play against the best players, the best teams, and it is an experience we want to live.

"Against Real Madrid I had players that played 90 minutes and the same against City. I also had players that played 75 or 60 or 45 and it will be more of the same. [Marouane] Fellaini and [Anthony] Martial played 90 minutes against Madrid so they won’t play 90 against Barcelona. I will do this kind of rotation with everyone again and I am going to play every player.

"I am not obsessed with the result. It's more important to train well and give minutes to everybody. But we want to play and it is good for us. I know that we cannot play Barcelona in the Champions League group phase because we are in the same level for the draw so it is even better to play now."

Mourinho reflected on a highly successful stay in the States and praised the club’s planning and execution of the tour.

"The facilities, organisation, the people in the club work hard, the players work hard... everything was good. The two injuries [Mata and Herrera] were small so if we manage to go home tomorrow with no injuries and everything so well organised like we've had then I'm really happy with the pre-season. It's magnificent."

The United boss was also asked whether he is already starting to formulate his starting XI for the opening match of the Premier League, but he insisted there are many variables involved in picking his team.

"It depends on opponents, it depends on matches, depends on moments," he explained. "The squad is okay and if you manage to have one or two players more then it will be perfect with great balance and lots of options.

"I can't say now that I know the team that is going play the first match against West Ham because honestly I know nothing about West Ham. I just know who they have bought but I haven’t analysed them and I don’t know what to say now. What I can say is we have almost a very good and balanced squad that gives me options and that's good."

Mata And Herrera Set To Return In Norway

Spain internationals Juan Mata and Ander Herrera should return from injury in Sunday’s match against Valerenga in Oslo, Norway, according to Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.

Mata has not played for the Reds since picking up an ankle injury in the second half of the 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake at the visually-impressive Rio Tinto Stadium in Utah.

Herrera later suffered a problem of his own in the game against Real Madrid in Santa Clara, leaving the action just four minutes after he was introduced as a half-time substitute.

Both players have trained individually at the club’s Georgetown University base in Washington DC this week, but they are not yet fit enough to feature in Wednesday’s tie with FC Barcelona.

However, while speaking to MUTV, Mourinho provided this positive update on the duo: “They cannot play tomorrow [against Barcelona] but I think they will recover in time to be integrated with the team when we go back to work next Saturday. They will probably play on Sunday [against Valerenga].”

HOW ARE THE OTHER INJURED REDS?

Earlier this week, the boss discussed the progress of injured trio Luke Shaw, Ashley Young and Marcos Rojo, who have all been part of the Tour 2017, presented by Aon, squad this summer.

Despite not being able to play, Mourinho wanted the three players to be part of the travelling group and he is pleased with how their recoveries are coming along. “It’s good to have them here, it’s been good for them to be with us and recover with the group," he told reporters in San Jose on Saturday.

“They have no chance for the beginning of the Premier League season. Luke Shaw is the first one to recover, Marcos will be last and Ash will be in between. Luke is September, Young is October and Rojo is December, or maybe January. The group is really strong and it’s good to be together. It’s important for them to be with us and not be in Manchester working at home.”

Jose Discusses United's Transfer Targets

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is “waiting for good news” about transfers, but he is not panicking, stating: “I like my players, I like my squad, I trust them and I am calm.”

Victor Lindelof and Romelu Lukaku joined the club earlier this summer, and the boss has revealed several times on Tour 2017, presented by Aon, that he would like to add two more signings to his talented group.

Speaking at a press conference in Washington DC on Tuesday to preview the upcoming match against FC Barcelona, Mourinho was asked if there is any update on the club’s transfer business.

“I don't know,” he explained at Georgetown University. "Ed Woodward is in control. He did Lindelof and Lukaku. He knows that I would like two more players but he also knows that I have balance, I understand the situation, I understand the market and if my club is not able to do two players and just one then I will accept that as a consequence of the market now.

“Our relationship is good and I just wait for good news. For me, good news is to have the players, or in this case maybe just the player, as soon as possible to work together with the team as that is important. But I am calm, I like my players, I like my squad, I trust them so I am calm and that is all.”

Interestingly, Mourinho later revealed the two positions he hopes to strengthen. “I am happy with my squad but I would like to have two more players,” Jose said. “One player would be a midfield player that would give me more options and more balance to the team. Another one would be an attacking player - especially that can play through the wings to give me more attacking options.

“I never speak about players who belong to other teams. I don't like it if a manager comes out and says he likes one of my players. That is not correct. So I would like two more players but probably I get only one.”

Wes Brown Expecting Big Things From United

Wes Brown feels the competition for places in the Manchester United defence this season will bring the best out of everybody, following the signing of Victor Lindelof and emergence of Axel Tuanzebe.

Lindelof shares certain qualities with former Reds star Brown, who is taking part in the Legends game against Barcelona on 2 September at Old Trafford. Tuanzebe, like the ex-England international, is a homegrown talent who has come through the ranks at United.

With attacking recruit Romelu Lukaku showing real promise in pre-season with his goalscoring ability, the signs are certainly looking positive for Jose Mourinho's men ahead of 2017/18.

"I think we'll do better," Brown told MUTV last week. "Obviously, with the signings that we've made, I'm sure the gaffer will want some more. But I think that they are two great signings at the moment - especially Lukaku with the goals he can produce. We could do with a few of those goals at home as well, where we did draw a lot last season. 

"I've seen a little bit of Lindelof and he's very calm and looks strong on the ball. I think it will be him and Eric Bailly to start with and hopefully they can start to understand each other very early on, so it can become a good partnership and they can go on from there. That can be the base.

"Axel did well last season and it's brilliant. I feel it's good that he [Mourinho] is still putting the young lads in. It gives them a great opportunity."

Brown knows there is a need to instantly adapt to top-flight football in order to push on at United and agrees with Head of Academy Nicky Butt's assessment that this is even harder than making that initial breakthrough.

"It happened to me and if they can just take it and focus on that, I'm sure they will do well and have great futures in their careers," Brown said of the younger players. 

"I remember that night before I made my debut [in 1998] perfectly now. I didn't sleep that night, it was probably the only time that happened, yet I didn't actually start against Leeds because I came on as a sub. But it was a great experience, marking Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and I just really wanted to do well.

"I have seen a lot of youngsters have a few games where you know they're good players but it's just not quite happened for them and, at a big club like Manchester United, you have to take your chance early rather than later."
Brown believes the current crop of Academy products are in the right hands with Butt in charge of the youth system.

"I'm sure Nicky will be looking at everything spot-on and giving his best knowledge about the lads to the gaffer," he added. "It's great that he's there because he knows all the ins and outs and obviously he's a legend.

"I think we have a good set-up here. I know Chelsea and Manchester City have done well in the last few years in the FA Youth Cup but we are still producing some good players. As long as one or two a year can push into the first-team training then it's an achievement."

Shaw Impressed By Attacking Exploits

Luke Shaw might have been forced to watch Tour 2017, presented by Aon, from the sidelines as he continues his recuperation from injury, but the Manchester United defender has been impressed by what he’s seen from his team-mates, particularly from an attacking point of view.

The Reds have won four matches out of four so far in pre-season and netted some fine goals. Romelu Lukaku has opened his account already for his new club, while Marcus Rashford, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Jesse Lingard have also got themselves on the scoresheet.

Shaw picked out Lingard as his star performer, but says all the forward players have looked exciting ahead of the new campaign.

"You look at the pace and skill we have up top and the finishing ability and it’s frightening," he told MUTV. "The attacking players have shown a lot of quality on tour, especially when you look at Rom’s goal against City. It wasn’t an easy finish and Marcus has been in great form too and has scored a few goals. Micki's also scored and played how he always plays and Martial – wow, the skill for the goal [against Real Madrid] was fantastic.

"You can’t forget Jesse as well; for me, Jesse is my standout player so far on this tour. He’s everywhere and always willing to set up the play and chip in with a goal or an assist. Hopefully all the boys can carry on doing their thing."

Shaw and his fellow team-mates Ashley Young and Marcos Rojo, who are also recovering from injury, are making good progress and Shaw says it’s been very beneficial to be part of the travelling group.

"It’s been great to all be together and that’s why it was a positive thing that me, Ash and Marcos came on the trip," he added. "We’ve been together as a group for a while now but obviously each summer there are new lads that come in each season and it’s good to bond with them and get to know them. It’s good for the squad to build momentum and be around each other and get to know each other more and it builds more strength on the pitch.

"Romelu and Victor [Lindelof] have settled in very well. It’s good for Rom as he knew a few of the players before he came so it was pretty easy for him to settle and Victor was new to the group but he has settled really well and he’s enjoying it. The main thing now is to build up fitness and make sure everyone is in peak condition for the start of the season."

Lukaku 'Could Not Turn Down Manchester United'

Romelu Lukaku admitted he could not turn down the opportunity to join Manchester United after hearing Jose Mourinho's plan to "rebuild the club".

Chelsea had initially appeared to be strong favourites to sign the Belgium international from Everton, only for United to swoop in and secure his signature for a fee that Sky sources understand could rise to £90m.

Mourinho was in charge when Lukaku was given the green light to leave Stamford Bridge, but three years on he now sees the striker as a key player at Old Trafford.

Despite videos appearing on social media of Lukaku in Los Angeles with his good friend and United midfielder Paul Pogba, the striker insists it was the influence of Mourinho rather than the France international that made him want to move to Old Trafford.

"We were just on holiday together," Lukaku said of the United and France midfielder. "At the end of the day, I had to make my own choices.

"It was the conversation I had with the manager that really convinced me the most, the plans and how he wanted to rebuild the club and he wanted me to be part of it.

"I am grateful for the chance."

Lukaku will be tasked with filling the hole by last season's top-scorer top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as well as the club's all-time leading marksman Wayne Rooney, following his return to Everton.

The 24-year-old's impressive goals ratio for Everton suggests he is ready to step up at Old Trafford, however, and the striker is keen to get started.

"It feels great [to be a United player]," Lukaku said in Washington. "It is something I always wanted.

"I always wanted to play for a club of this stature. Now I am here I want to take my chance and try to deliver as much as I could for the club.

"I don't want to talk about personal ambitions. I just want to work hard on a daily basis and win as many games as I can."

Credit: Skysports.com

Lukaku Rejects Comparison With Didier Drogba

Romelu Lukaku has rejected suggestions he is a player in the mould of Didier Drogba and insisted he has a long way to go before he reaches his peak.

The Manchester United striker has scored twice during their US tour and is likely to feature in their International Champions Cup clash against Barcelona in Maryland in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Lukaku could end up costing United £90m, Sky Sports News understands, but the Belgium international has been keen to stress he is not a mere clone of Drogba, a player United boss Jose Mourinho managed with great success during his time at Chelsea.

"I am different. Drogba is more of a target man, I am a player that has the ball into feet, who runs in behind," said Lukaku.

"There are physical similarities but we are totally different players. I am Romelu Lukaku and I want to create my own history.

"He was at Chelsea, I am at Manchester United. That is the difference."

Lukaku also rejected the notion he is at the same level of Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski, and reiterated his desire to improve as a player at Old Trafford.

"I am far from that level but that is where I want to aim," he said of the comparisons.

"It is all about the team for me, I want the team to win trophies and I will do everybody in my power to make sure the team wins.

"There is always room for improvement and I just want to be the best person I can be.

"I'm 24 years of age, I cannot say I am the complete package, I can't say I'm in my prime.

"There is still a lot of work to be done and I am delighted there is still a lot of work to be done. That means I can become even better than I am now."

Credit: Skysports.com

Tour Briefing: First Day In Washington DC

Your Tour Briefing is a daily update that keeps you informed of the news around Manchester United during the trip to the USA. Here’s what you need to know from Monday 24 July…

1: ARRIVAL IN WASHINGTON DC
The Reds earned a penalty shootout win over Real Madrid on Sunday and, immediately afterwards, flew from San Jose to Washington DC. Jose Mourinho’s men checked in to the team hotel in the small hours of Monday morning, ready for the final leg of this summer’s trip to the States.

2: LIGHT SESSION AHEAD OF BARCA
After the long night of travel, the squad rested in the morning before travelling to Georgetown University for a light training session at the impressive facility. The session was shorter than normal as the players warmed down from the Real match, with the game against Barcelona to come.

3: MATA BACK IN TRAINING
There was a positive sight at training in the afternoon when Juan appeared back on the pitch. The Spaniard took part in some light individual work with a member of the medical department, while the rest of the players worked out nearby. He has missed the last two tour games due to an ankle injury, picked up against Real Salt Lake, but the signs look to be positive on his recovery. Watch our video here.

4: HERRERA NOT INVOLVED
Ander was forced to exit the game against Real Madrid at the Levi’s Stadium with an injury, just four minutes after coming on at half-time. As a result, he did not take part in training on Monday and it remains to be seen how severe his problem is. The manager may discuss it in his press conference on Tuesday.

5: HOW POGBA CONVINCED LUKAKU
Here on ManUtd.com, we published part of our big interview with Romelu Lukaku that will soon appear in full on MUTV. As part of the lengthy chat, the Belgium international revealed how his good friend Paul Pogba played a subtle role in his transfer to United. “Me and Paul, we’d go to the city to have dinner and he’d drive past Old Trafford on purpose afterwards,” he told us. Read more here.

6: REDS BECOME HISTORY BOYS
Victor Lindelof, Scott McTominay, Joel Pereira, Andreas Pereira, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Matteo Darmian and Chris Smalling all became tourists for the afternoon when they boarded a sight-seeing tour in the American capital.

Opinion: Why United Are Primed For 2017/18

Pre-season is not about results, it’s about fitness and team building. But let’s also get one thing straight: winning breeds confidence and it’s far better than losing.

When the final whistle blew after 90 minutes at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Manchester United should have departed Santa Clara with a satisfactory 1-1 draw against European champions Real Madrid. But this is America and a nation that does not appreciate 'ties', and so a penalty shootout was ordered in compliance with the International Champions Cup rules.

After a series of unfortunate misses, eye-catching saves and successful spot-kicks, increasingly-bearded goalkeeper David De Gea denied Casamiro to earn a fourth straight tour win for the Reds, after the previous successes against LA Galaxy (5-2), Real Salt Lake (2-1) and Manchester City (2-0).

As we prepare for the fifth and final outing in the USA, against the much-admired FC Barcelona in Washington DC, there is a definite feeling that Jose Mourinho’s men are gaining momentum ahead of an increasingly-fascinating 2017/18 season that promises so much for this improving team.

The manager has repeatedly stated this summer that the UEFA Super Cup on 8 August and the opportunity to lift a trophy is the club’s first priority, much like he recognised the FA Community Shield as a serious target last campaign. He knows that winning – and lifting trophies – is habitual. After claiming three pieces of silverware in 2016/17, everybody is looking towards the next prize.

With that in mind, it is no coincidence that seven friendlies have been organised in a bid to develop match sharpness ahead of the big kick-off. It is a very deliberate move from the boss, and one that could pay dividends in Macedonia next month when Real will provide the opposition once more.

Sunday’s fixture at the 'Theatre of Jeans' was Los Blancos’ first of the summer and that was apparent at times, when United’s work was slicker and more purposeful. The same could be said in Houston when Pep Guardiola’s Blues returned to action and found themselves facing a much-sharper foe. With 15 days and three more friendlies to go until the Super Cup, Zinedine Zidane has time to amplify his squad’s form and fitness. But they will still have fewer minutes in the legs than us when kick-off in Macedonia arrives.

Mourinho has not just concerned himself with matches, of course. His training sessions at the welcoming UCLA facility in sunny Los Angeles were all exceptionally intense and sharp, as he worked the players hard and often twice a day throughout the successful two-week stay in Beverly Hills.

As attendees at the open media workouts observed, each workout was planned with meticulous care and the attention to detail was genuinely impressive. Every station had a clear purpose and offered variety for the players at a time when repetition can quite easily creep in. The days of running laps around the pitch, necking pasta and waving farewell to footballs are long gone.

The City of Angels also offered a very typical distraction for the Reds in the form of celebrity meetings. The Game of Thrones cast visiting the training ground caused a stir among fans of the show, including Paul Pogba and Victor Lindelof, while the presence of Jamie Foxx at an exclusive adidas party in Hollywood prompted our very own superstars to turn into selfie-hunting fans.

The most high-profile guest was undoubtedly Julia Roberts, the genuine A-list actress whose family was twice on the touchline at UCLA and later at the game against Real Madrid. Coincidentally, several club staff stayed at the hotel where Pretty Woman was filmed in 1982, and that was where the likes of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Bruno Mars, Ringo Starr and Iggy Pop were all spotted too.

The company of such stars has added glitz and glamour to the pre-season tour, also raising the club’s profile among those who prefer entertainment content over sport, yet is not the main objective of the summer. It is merely part of the commercial factor that Mourinho understands all too well.

Make no mistake about it - Tour 2017 is all about the manager building a platform for greater success in his second season at Manchester United and the early signs are encouraging.

Yes, fitness remains the key, but the opportunity to secure five wins in the US is extremely valuable.

Bailly Handed Three-game Ban

UEFA have suspended Manchester United defender Eric Bailly for three games following his red card in their Europa League semi-final, second leg game with Celta Vigo.

Bailly was initially handed a one-match ban following a brawl in the final minutes of the second leg at Old Trafford that ruled him out of the victory over Ajax in the final.

The Ivory Coast international was sent off after clashing with Celta's former Manchester City striker John Guidetti, with Facundo Roncaglia subsequently red carded for retaliation.

But following a UEFA hearing, Bailly's ban has been extended to three games, meaning he will miss the Super Cup against Real Madrid in Macedonia on August 8 and United's first game of the Champions League group stages.

The 23-year-old played the first half of United's International Champions Cup victory over Real Madrid in California, with Jose Mourinho's side winning 2-1 on penalties after the friendly finished 1-1 after 90 minutes.

United now play Barcelona in the final in the early hours of July 27, before taking on Valerenga and Sampdoria in further friendlies before their Super Cup clash with Real Madrid.

Credit: Skysports.com

Wilson On The Perfect Role Model

Mark Wilson spent seven years on Manchester United’s books, including 1999’s Treble-winning campaign, before leaving the club in 2001. His career subsequently took him stateside and he is currently regional director of youth coaching in the north-east of America, where he implores youngsters to take notes from United greats – including the Reds’ current club captain…

"I wish kids out here in the United States would learn from Michael Carrick. 

"After retiring, I moved into coaching youngsters in New York, and one of my current roles is Regional Director of Coaching for the New York Club Soccer & New England Premiership Player Development Program. It’s a job I thoroughly enjoy; one which can be incredibly rewarding at times.

"At the moment, however, there’s a blessing and a curse, if you like, of the three most commercialised players in the US: Lionel Messi, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo. They’re everywhere. They dominate the highlight reels and that’s why this country is producing a lot of good dribblers, but also players who aren’t always able to work in groups. Passing seems to be a lost art at the minute, because maybe kids are looking to the big three players, so they see dribbling as the be-all and end-all of the game.

"So when the kids play out here, they pretend to be one of those three. You won’t catch anybody being Michael Carrick, but he’s just the type of role model that I tell them they should watch. He is one of the best midfielders to play the game, and yet virtually no youngsters truly understand or value the qualities Michael has.

"He’s forever finding himself in space and, on the rare occasions he doesn’t, he never panics and rarely gives the ball away. He plays as many defensive line-breaking passes as anybody, and that’s a vital cog in any successful team.

"It seems to be a lost art at the moment in this country, regarding passing, creative movement, players off the ball helping the players on the ball, but Carrick is an example of somebody I tell my players to watch and absorb. When I talk to the kids out here, I freely admit that I go a little bit ‘old guard’. I talk to them about Giggsy, Scholesy, Roy Keane, Nicky Butt. If you want to watch a good full-back who rarely got beaten one-on-one then watch Gary Neville. Learn from the past. Go old school. 

"You teach what you know, of course, and United provided my educational foundation. It was a real privilege to be coached by the likes of Eric Harrison, Jim Ryan, Mike Phelan and Sir Alex Ferguson. The gaffer was the one manager who evolved his way of dealing with individuals over a 26-year period, and that part of his success isn’t written about enough. It’s very unique, how he adapted his frame of mind to different players; he would deal with foreign players or Millennials differently than he would Paul McGrath or Roy Keane. If you’ve been in that environment, you can only take stock of how he managed.

"I spent seven years at United between 14 and 21, and I value every second of it. I look back at the 10 games I managed to dig out, all the time I spent with the players in the first team, Reserves and youth team, and those experiences definitely built the foundations for my career now.

"English football is much more accessible these days, of course, and United are the biggest club out here. Even if you take the five boroughs of New York alone, I come across more United fans than City fans.  You go into New Jersey and there’s a mix of United, Liverpool and City, but United are ahead of them all, one of the largest sporting brands in the US, so the club is certainly influential out here.

"I just hope that when these kids watch United going up against Barcelona, Real Madrid and other teams during pre-season, they listen to my advice and don’t just look for the big three. Forget Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar; if they want to develop into perfectly-rounded footballers, they need to be watching Michael Carrick."

Pogba's Plan To Convince Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku has revealed to MUTV that Paul Pogba used to deliberately drive past Old Trafford after dinner to offer him a potential glimpse into his future.

The Frenchman's persuasive tactics clearly worked as Lukaku opted to join Jose Mourinho's side this summer after being Everton's leading goalscorer last term. The centre-forward has already made a positive impression in the red shirt and has spelled out this determination to win trophies, playing alongside his close friend Pogba and United's other stars.

"I spoke with Paul a lot, obviously," said the Belgium international. "We spent our holiday together and he said: ‘What do you want to do?’ I told him that I was thinking a lot about signing for United, something was telling me [to do it]. 

"I live near Manchester so, when I was coming to the city [centre], I would drive past Old Trafford and ask my mates what they thought. Me and Paul, we’d go to the city to have dinner and he’d drive past Old Trafford on purpose!"

Lukaku knew from day one that he had made the right decision to sign for United as he linked up again with Mourinho, his former boss at Chelsea.

"The first thing I noticed when I came to the meeting room on my first day with the team, the manager had a meeting and you just felt something special," he said. "Loads of the players were saying that this group is quite special; we’re all young, hungry players. 

"In training, everyone wants to be the best, everyone wants to win, so to be part of a team like that is great. Players like Marcus [Rashford], Jesse [Lingard], Micki [Henrikh Mkhitaryan], Juan [Mata], Ander [Herrera] – players like that are hungry to win trophies and it’s time for us. We need to work hard; the manager has a masterplan and we are here to follow it. Hopefully it’s going to take us to the top.

"That’s what I came here for [trophies]. Manchester United, for me, equals trophies. The biggest club in the world equals trophies. Growing up, I’ve seen United win the league every year, almost! You want to be a part of that history; it’s drilled into your head when you do training sessions with the players, you don’t want to be on the losing side. 

"You don’t want to be on the losing side in the training sessions, in the friendlies or the official games, you want to win constantly and improve year after year. That is something that I wanted to feel. I wanted to feel that pressure, I wanted to feel that hunger – to be here now, I’m really grateful. I’m grateful to be part of the biggest club in the world, but there is a lot of work to be done, and I know that I need to work much harder than I have until now. 

"I want to do it because, at the end of the day, I want the club to reach bigger heights, I want the players to win a lot of trophies and I want to create history with the club. Manchester United is the biggest club in the world, so we need to work hard to make sure the club gets there.

"You always have to work hard and believe that there’s something you can improve every year. Every year, at the end of the season, I will look to all of the games that I have played and I will look to the negatives, to the positives, and take it further into the next year. 

"I think the key to me scoring more and more every year is that I work during the off-season on my negative points and it helps me a lot. I don’t think I will peak now, and also in my mind I think it’s not how you start the race but it’s how you finish. In your career, you always have obstacles, but you need to make sure you have the consistency to go with it. I’m playing for the biggest club in the world, so I need to play like one of the best players and make sure that my team-mates win."