Your Tour Briefing: Friday's United News

Your Tour Briefing is a daily update that keeps you informed of the news around Manchester United during the club’s time in the USA. Here’s what you need to know from Friday…

1: SHIRT NUMBERS CONFIRMED
Friday began with our confirmation that new signings Victor Lindelof and Romelu Lukaku will wear squad numbers two and nine for the club. Both men could wear their new numbers if they make their unofficial debuts in Saturday’s first game of Tour 2017, presented by Aon, against LA Galaxy.

2: TWO TEAMS TO FACE GALAXY
Jose Mourinho put the players through another intense session at UCLA, which was watched by the world’s media. Later, speaking to MUTV, the boss discussed his approach to team selection for the game. “I am going to play with two different teams tomorrow, 45 minutes for each player,” he said. 

3: WHY WE SIGNED LUKAKU
A pre-match press conference was held in the afternoon and Mourinho began by explaining why he signed Romelu Lukaku from Everton, highlighting his Premier League experience and proven track record of scoring goals as the telling factors. He also discussed his relationship with the player he once sold at Chelsea, revealing he phoned the Belgian once the transfer was completed to discuss the season ahead and reassure him that he would be an important player in the team.

4: TWO MORE SIGNINGS, PLEASE
Asked about his transfer plans, Jose said he’d like two more additions to the squad but admitted the market is difficult this summer. “We don't have our door closed,” he said. "Everything is so difficult. I would not like to be in Ed Woodward's position of negotiation because everything is really difficult.”

5: LINGARD AT THE TOP TABLE
Jesse Lingard also held his own press conference following the manager and the Academy graduate was on good form, discussing his aims for the new season (score more goals, tally more assists, win more trophies) and backing Marcus Rashford to enjoy another stellar campaign up front. He also joked about fending off the powerful Lukaku in training, which can’t be an easy task! 

6: THOUGHTS ARE WITH NOURI
Tim Fosu-Mensah told us this week has been difficult for him in light of his former AFC Ajax team-mate Abdelhak Nouri suffering brain damage while playing for the Dutch club on Saturday. “I played with him since the age of eight so it is very sad, and this a very difficult time for me,” he said.

7: TWO GARYS AT TRAINING
Hollywood actor Gary Oldman watched the session and had his pictures taken with the players, but it was a former Red who truly made his day – Paddy Crerand! The Dark Knight and Harry Potter actor grew up watching Sir Matt Busby’s Reds in the 1960s, and duly peppered Paddy with questions.

Later, Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody turned up to watch his United heroes and the Northern Irishman explained to MUTV his all-time hero is, perhaps unsurprisingly, Norman Whiteside. For fans of the band, he also revealed their long-awaited new album is almost finished.

8: ANOTHER LOAN FOR JOHNSTONE
To finish, let’s remind you that young goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has signed up for another season-long loan at Aston Villa – the club where he spent time in 2016/17. He will work under the management of ex-Red Steve Bruce, and notably play alongside Chelsea legend John Terry.