Jose: Pogba Injury Long Term

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has bracketed Paul Pogba's injury as "long term" - comparing it to those Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo are recovering from.

The severity of the hamstring issue that caused the 24-year-old to limp off early in the club's Champions League return against Basel has been shrouded in mystery.

Mourinho, whose side face Crystal Palace on Saturday, has repeatedly claimed not to know how bad Pogba's injury is as the club continued to assess him in-house, as well as seeking specialist advice.

The Manchester United manager is still unwilling to put a timescale on the injury, but 17 days on from the France international's setback Mourinho has revealed it is a long-term issue.

"He's injured, he cannot play on Saturday and it's not an injury that I can have the hope like I have with Antonio Valencia or Phil Jones," Mourinho said of Pogba.

"I have the hope to see them in training and to have a positive answer, so long-term injuries I don't speak about them.

"So Ibra and Pogba and Rojo, these players I don't think about them."

Pogba, Rojo and Ibrahimovic are joined on the sidelines by Michael Carrick, while Jones and Valencia are to be assessed having missed the midweek Champions League match at CSKA Moscow.

Marouane Fellaini also missed out with an ankle injury that is still under assessment, while Anthony Martial went off in the 4-1 win in Russia.

"We have to train and to make decisions after training, but I hope some of the players that couldn't play in Moscow (can play)," he said.

"I hope maybe not all of them but some can recover. They were out and Saturday some will be out.

"What I am saying is that from all the injuries we have, I hope we can have some players available Saturday."

Credit: Skysports.com

Mourinho Summoned By Madrid Court

Jose Mourinho has been summoned to appear in a Madrid court in November over accusations of tax fraud, just 48 hours before Manchester United travel to Chelsea in the Premier League.

In June this year, Mourinho was accused of defrauding Spain's Tax Office of €3.3m (£2.9m) in 2011 and 2012 by the country's state prosecutors.

The money in question does not involve Mourinho's salary from when he coached Madrid between 2010 and 2013, but rather revenues from image rights.

A Spanish judge has now summoned Mourinho to answer questions regarding the accusations in a Madrid-based court on November 3, just two days before United are due to travel to Stamford Bridge on November 5.

Mourinho issued a statement defending his tax history in Spain after the authorities' allegations in the summer, insisting he paid more than £23m in tax and said he had not been informed of any new case against him.

His statement in June said: "Jose Mourinho has not received any notification with regards to the news published today.

"To this date, neither the Spanish tax authorities nor the public prosecutor have contacted Jose Mourinho or his advisers who were hired for the inspection process.

"Jose Mourinho, who lived in Spain from June 2010 until May 2013, paid more than €26m in taxes with an average rate over 41 per cent, and accepted the regularisation proposals made by the Spanish tax authorities in 2015 regarding the years 2011 and 2012, and entered into a settlement agreement regarding 2013.

"The Spanish government in turn, through the tax department, issued a certificate in which it attested that he had regularised his position and was in compliance with all his tax obligations."

Credit: Skysports.com

Young: Manchester United Will Battle On All Fronts

Manchester United have their sights set on winning every competition they are in this season, says Ashley Young.

Jose Mourinho's side continued their impressive start to the season as they strolled to a 4-1 victory away at CSKA in the Champions League on Wednesday night - putting them top of Group A.

Last year, Mourinho had to prioritise the Europa League, leaving him to rest players for the Premier League which saw them finishing in sixth place.

However, Young insists this will not be the case this season, saying the squad are confident they can succeed on all fronts.

"Everyone wants to win every competition we are in," said Young.

"There's not a competition that we are going to prioritise. We want to go at it on all fronts, whether that be in Europe or domestically.

"We were delighted to win what we did last season but if we can add the Premier League, the League Cup again or the FA Cup, or Champions League then, of course, you play in these big competitions to go and win them.

"That is exactly what we are looking to do and I think we've got the squad to do it."

Young, who has captained the side on numerous occasions this term, has eight months left on his current contract but refuses to be distracted by renewal discussions maintaining he is focused on the team's success.

"I'm not here to talk about my contract," he added.

"Of course it is exciting times here and I want to be part of the success.

"As a footballer, you want to win trophies and be part of a successful team and for me, Manchester United is that club.

"The most successful club in England and hopefully we can add to the trophies we won last season and hopefully win some more.

"I feel really good. Obviously getting the armband is a proud moment to captain Manchester United.

"It is an honour for me. It shows the manager has trust in me and I've got to repay him and I think I've been doing that in the games I've played."

Credit: Skysports.com

Smalling Hails Dominant Reds Performance

Chris Smalling believes Manchester United’s 4-1 Champions League demolition of CSKA Moscow on Wednesday night was the most dominant performance of the season so far.

A Romelu Lukaku brace and a composed penalty by Anthony Martial, who later claimed the Man-of-the-Match award, handed the Reds a 3-0 half-time lead at the VEB Arena, silencing the boisterous home crowd.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan then slotted home in the 57th minute to make it 4-0, before second-half substitute Konstantin Kuchaev netted a late consolation goal for the hosts, though it did not stop United extending the lead at the top of Group A.
There is no doubt that conceding late, and having a clean sheet spoiled, would have vexed Smalling, but the England defender was still in a jubilant mood following the victory in Russia.

“I think that’s as dominant as we have been,” Smalling told BT Sport after the match. “Scoring those goals in the first half, it was probably the best first half we have played all season.

“To come here with this atmosphere, in arguably one of our toughest games in the group, I think it is a true testament to our team,” he continued. “We’re showing we can adapt, we can change formation and we can come to different atmospheres and play in different ways.
“I think [the win] is a big step towards qualifying, it sets us up nicely and we can’t ask for any more. If we can keep this form up, hopefully we can finish top of the group.”

The 31-time England international also heralded the performances of Lukaku and Martial, who were the chief destroyers in Moscow, during his post-match interview with MUTV.

“He’s just a beast,” Smalling said of Lukaku. “You can play it into him and he can hold it up, people can run off him, and he’s just a nightmare to play against.

“Right from pre-season, Anthony’s been leading the way in training,” he added. “He’s terrifying one-v-one, as we’ve seen tonight, I’m glad he’s on my team.”

Smalling was also keen to praise the travelling Reds who trekked all the way to Moscow, to support their beloved United, as well as looking ahead to Saturday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

“The fans were brilliant,” he said. “The commitment they showed to travel all this way, it’s brilliant. So we’re thankful we could put on a performance that warrants that journey.

“It’s always nice to be able to play at home, our home form has been brilliant and if we can finish this month strongly and go into the internationals on the back of another great win, then it’s been a great month.”

Mourinho's Team News For Palace Clash

Jose Mourinho has confirmed that both Michael Carrick and Phil Jones will miss Manchester United's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Carrick and Jones were absent from Wednesday's 4-1 Champions League win over CSKA Moscow in Russia and during his press conference on Friday, Mourinho told reporters that the pair remain unavailable.

"They are out. They were out and tomorrow some will be out. What I'm saying is that from all the injuries we had, I hope that I can have some players available for tomorrow.

"We have to train and make decisions after training [today]," he continued. "But I hope some of the players that couldn't play in Moscow can recover."

One of those could be Antonio Valencia, who also missed the win in Moscow. “Maybe," said Mourinho, when questioned by MUTV if the full-back would be fit for Saturday's game. "We have to train but, maybe, yes.” 

When asked for the latest update on hamstring-victim Paul Pogba, Mourinho added: "He's injured. He cannot play tomorrow and it's not an injury that I can have the hope like I can have with Jones or Antonio Valencia. With them, I have the hope to see them training and to have a positive answer. For long-term injuries, I don't speak about them, so Ibra, Pogba, Rojo and these players, I don't think about them."

United Can Equal Clean-sheet Record

Jose Mourinho's team will equal Manchester United's best-ever start to a Premier League campaign in terms of clean sheets, if Crystal Palace are prevented from scoring on Saturday.

The Reds have kept out the opposition in five of the opening six league fixtures thus far, with the only blemish on the defence’s otherwise perfect record being the two goals conceded against Stoke City in the 2-2 draw at the beginning of September.

So, if Roy Hodgson’s side are denied a goal at Old Trafford, the Reds will have kept six clean sheets from the first seven Premier League matches, a feat the club has achieved only once before, in 1997/98.

In that campaign, United only conceded one goal in seven games, to West Ham's John Hartson. By the end of the season, the team had kept 20 clean sheets overall, even if it was not enough to stop Arsenal winning the title by a single point.

However, the Reds still have some way to go before matching the best opening run of clean sheets at Old Trafford as, in the 1994/95 season, it was not until the 10th home league game that an opponent breached the defence with Nottingham Forest scoring twice.

Palace, meanwhile, are trying to avoid extending their own unwanted record of failing to score in each of their opening six matches but they were unlucky not to find the net in their last outing at Manchester City.

Bigger Picture: United's Euro Win In Context

Manchester United continued the scintillating start to 2017/18 on Wednesday night, with a 4-1 win over CSKA Moscow in Russia, but was there more to the result than meets the eye?

Pundits and fans alike regarded the thrashing at the VEB Arena as another impressive attacking performance from Jose Mourinho’s side, as has been pretty much the norm this term. Which, of course, it was. After all, the rampant Reds have scored four times in half of our matches in 2017/18.

However, the fact it was only the seventh time in the club's history that United have scored four goals or more away from home in the Champions League or European Cup, illustrates how special a result it really was.

Also, to highlight the achievement - the Reds scored their first three goals against CSKA inside the opening 27 minutes - the shortest time ever taken for United to score three goals in an away Champions League tie. Admittedly, Sir Matt Busby’s Reds did once famously score three goals inside the first 16 minutes against Benfica in the quarter-finals of the 1955/56 European Cup.

Busby's boys also scored four times in the final itself in 1968, of course, at Wembley, again past our next European opponents Benfica but that is obviously not considered to be an away tie.

We take a look back on United’s highest-scoring shows in Champions League and European Cup away fixtures...

Shamrock Rovers 0-6 Manchester United, 25/09/57
(Whelan 36,51, Taylor 56,80, Berry 85, Pegg 86)
The Busby Babes got their 1957/58 European Cup campaign off to a flier with a 6-0 qualifying round thumping of Shamrock Rovers. Despite only leading 1-0 at the break, two goals shortly afterwards, and a devastating final 10 minutes saw the Reds thump the Irish club and claim the record European away win.

Benfica 1-5 Manchester United, 09/03/66
(Best 6,13, Connelly 16, Crerand 80, Charlton 89)
United held a 3-2 lead from the first leg going into this encounter, and George Best quickly set about extending the lead by scoring two superb goals in the opening 13 minutes. John Connelly added another shortly after, before Pat Crerand and Bobby Charlton both netted late on to ensure the Reds’ passage into the semi-finals, where they were knocked out by Partizan Belgrade.

Brondby 2-6 Manchester United, 21/10/98
(Giggs 2,21, Cole 28, Keane 55, Yorke 60, Solskjaer 62)
While en-route to claiming the 1998/99 Champions League crown, there were many memorable group-stage matches, and this battering in Denmark, was one of them. Ryan Giggs, Andy Cole, Roy Keane, Dwight Yorke and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were all on the scoresheet at the Parkon Stadium, before Sir Alex Ferguson’s side followed it up with another 5-0 beating at Old Trafford two weeks later.

Dynamo Kiev 2-4 Manchester United, 23/10/07
(Ferdinand 10, Rooney 18, Ronaldo 41,68)
This big win also came on the Reds' road to glory, as, in the 2007/08 Champions League group stages, United beat Kiev 4-2 at the Olympic Stadium. Rio Ferdinand headed United into an early lead, before Wayne Rooney tapped in on 18 minutes, and Cristiano Ronaldo later nodded in the third, before converting from the spot to complete the rout.

Bayer Leverkusen 0-5 Manchester United, 27/11/13
(Valencia 22, Spahic o.g. 30, Evans 65, Smalling 77, Nani 88)
In one of the highlights of David Moyes’ reign, the Reds cruised to a 5-0 win over Sami Hyypia’s Leverkusen side. Antonio Valencia slid in at the back post to open the scoring, before headers from Emir Spahic, an own goal, and Jonny Evans, plus a tap in from Chris Smalling made it 4-0. Nani then added gloss to the scoreline by rounding Bernd Leno and chipping home in the dying moments.

Club Brugge 0-4 Manchester United, 26/08/15
(Rooney 20,49,57, Herrera 63)
This fine qualifying round win in Belgium secured United’s passage into the group stages of the 2014/15 Champions League, and it was a real bright spot. Rooney’s hat-trick was his first in Europe since his debut, and his first overall since 2011, while Ander Herrera bagged his first European goal for the club with an impressive strike on the hour-mark.

Early United Team News For Palace

Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Michael Carrick will miss Manchester United's Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The club captain was also ruled out of the Reds' 4-1 win over CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.

Phil Jones and Marouane Fellaini also missed the trip to Russia after picking up injuries in the 1-0 victory over Southampton last weekend.

Speaking to BT Sport after United’s success in the Russian capital, when asked if the trio would be fit to face Palace, Mourinho said: “I think Carrick has no chance. I think Jones, I have many doubts, and Fellaini, I have a hope but just a hope.”

There is, however, no update on Antonio Valencia, who didn’t fly out to Moscow, or Paul Pogba, who has missed the last four games after sustaining a hamstring injury in United’s first Champions League match against Basel on 12 September.

Man of the Match in Moscow, Anthony Martial, was withdrawn on 72 minutes as a precaution against CSKA with Mourinho admitting afterwards: "It was a pity he couldn’t play for 90 minutes because I was ready to leave him on the pitch for the whole game."

The United boss is expected to provide further news at his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of the clash with Palace. The Reds, who are joint-top of the Premier League with Manchester City, will be favourites to record a sixth win in seven league games when welcoming Roy Hodgson’s side, who are without a goal or a point so far this season, to the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Manchester United Show Strength In Depth In Win Over CSKA Moscow

Manchester United took another step towards the Champions League knockout stages with a 4-1 thrashing of CSKA Moscow. The impressive performance underlined their strength in depth, writes Nick Wright.

Manchester United had a long list of absentees for their trip to CSKA Moscow.

Paul Pogba was joined on the sidelines by Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick after Saturday's win at Southampton. Phil Jones and Antonio Valencia, who are yet to miss a minute in the Premier League this season, were also left at home.

Jose Mourinho made five changes to the team that triumphed at St Mary's Stadium, but if this was a test of their squad depth, it is safe to say they passed it.

Romelu Lukaku will take the headlines for the ninth and tenth goals of his Manchester United career, but his continued excellence was just one of many positives for Mourinho.

Anthony Martial was perhaps even more impressive.

The Frenchman has struggled for game-time this season, with Mourinho preferring Juan Mata, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marcus Rashford behind Lukaku, but after four goals and two assists in his previous seven appearances - four of which came from the bench - he made the most of a rare starting opportunity at the CSKA Arena.

Martial set the tone for the evening with an eye-catching backheel to release Mkhitaryan in the third minute, and he created the opening goal less than 60 seconds after that. Cutting in from the left flank, his inswinging cross to the far post was perfect for Lukaku to head home.

Martial had a hand in every one of United's goals. He doubled their lead with a calmly-taken penalty after Mkhitaryan was clumsily fouled by Georgi Shchennikov, and he set up the third with another cross for Lukaku shortly afterwards.

For the fourth, it was his initial effort which allowed Mkhitaryan to dispatch the rebound.

Martial caused havoc from start to finish, charging through CSKA's right flank at will and popping up in central areas, too.

Mourinho bemoaned the 21-year-old's lack of confidence on more than one occasion last season, but there was little evidence of that in this purposeful performance.

Martial completed three times as many dribbles as any of his team-mates (six) and created five scoring chances. For context, no United player has created more in a single game this season. CSKA offered little resistance, but the stats underlined Martial's effectiveness nonetheless.

Behind him, United's midfield injury problems afforded Ander Herrera only his fourth start of the season. The Spaniard has been pushed down the pecking order by Nemanja Matic this season, but his impressive display alongside the Serb was a reminder of why he won United's player of the year award last season.

Herrera had more touches (118) than any other player and only misplaced seven of his 102 passes. His measured distribution helped United dominate possession, and when they didn't have it he was typically tenacious.

Herrera snapped into tackles and interceptions in front of United's defence, making more ball recoveries (11) than any of his team-mates.

With two members of his favoured back four back in Manchester, Mourinho also changed up his defence, with Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling joining Eric Bailly in an unfamiliar back three. Konstantin Kuchaev's late strike scuppered United's clean sheet, but it was still an assured defensive display overall.

Mourinho reiterated the need to give £30.7m signing Lindelof time after he struggled during United's Carabao Cup meeting with Burton Albion, but the Swede fared better with the added security of a 3-4-2-1 formation. United will hope it boosts his confidence in the weeks ahead.

All in all, then, it was a satisfying night for Mourinho, who could still call on Rashford, Darmian, Lingard and Mata from the bench despite his diminished options. Far tougher tests lie ahead, but United can approach them knowing they are well-equipped.

Credit: Skysports.com

Man Of The Match: Mesmerising Martial

Anthony Martial has claimed Manchester United's Man of the Match award after an eye-catching display to help the Reds see off CSKA Moscow in style in Russia on Wednesday night.

The Frenchman was the overwhelming winner of the poll conducted on our Twitter account with 85 per cent of the final vote, ahead of Romelu Lukaku (10 per cent) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (five per cent) who were also nominated by MUTV pundits Ron Atkinson and Lee Sharpe.

Martial was involved in all four of United's goals in the commanding 4-1 victory in the Russian capital, providing a pinpoint cross for Lukaku’s opening goal early on before scoring the second from the penalty spot. He then laid on the third goal for Lukaku before his shot was saved by CSKA goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, allowing Mkhitaryan to slot home the fourth of the night.

As well as causing the CSKA defence all kinds of problems with his pace and trickery, the forward took his tally to five goals already this season, just three behind his total for the whole of last season, and certainly impressed Jose Mourinho.

The boss told BT Sport: “He is understanding and appreciating what I want. I think the game also adapted to his qualities, the way we played adapted to his qualities too. He had lots of freedom and lots of support, lots of quality around him too and I’m happy.

“Okay, a goal is always important, even from a penalty, but his contribution was good. It was a pity he couldn’t play for 90 minutes because I was ready to let him on the pitch for the whole game.”

Four Reds Shine In Dominant Display

To achieve success in the Champions League, your big-game players must perform and that was certainly the case for Manchester United during Wednesday’s 4-1 win at CSKA Moscow.

Yes, the Reds won in Russia because of a powerful and dominant team display, but there were a number of individual performances that were potent enough to strike fear into the minds of future opponents.

Romelu Lukaku, signed from Everton in July, enhanced his burgeoning reputation on the elite stage by scoring his ninth and 10th goals for the club. Considering the Belgian has only made nine appearances in all competitions, he already looks like a bargain at a reported fee of £75million.

The fact that Lukaku finished with his very first touch of the ball, a downward header from close range on four minutes, also emphasised his increasingly-impressive prowess inside the penalty area. His second effort did that too, after he capitalised on a defensive error to slot home from yards out.

There are traits of Ruud van Nistelrooy in the way that he consistently nets simple, clinical and vital goals, but it is still too early to truly compare him with the great Dutchman of 150 finishes.

A striker of Lukaku’s quality is a genuine gift, however a winning side always requires somebody at the other end of the pitch to prevent goals from going in and United have the world’s finest goalkeeper in David De Gea. His one-handed save to deny Alan Dzagoev shortly after Romelu’s opener was stunning and it crucially prevented CSKA from equalising straightaway, which would have encouraged their intimidatingly-excellent fans at the newly-built, 30,000-seat VEB Arena.

Later in the first half, the Spaniard produced another excellent stop to frustrate Fedor Chalov, leaving this writer in wonder at why he was omitted from FIFA’s recent three-man shortlist for their Goalkeeper of the Year award. Those who watch him week in, week out, will surely agree with that opinion.

Elsewhere in Moscow, Anthony Martial was unquestionably magnificent up front, ghosting past markers with frightening ease, providing both of the crosses that led to Lukaku’s first-half goals, calmly slotting home his penalty and hitting the shot that led to Henrikh Mkhitaryan netting on the rebound.

That added up to another wholly influential performance from Martial that showed Jose Mourinho was right to start him in Russia ahead of his eventual second-half replacement Marcus Rashford.

Then there was of course Mkhitaryan, who lived up to his reputation as a master of European football by scoring an opportunistic second-half goal, adding to his impressive tally of continental strikes – last season he netted at Zorya Luhansk, Saint-Etienne, FC Rostov, Anderlecht and against AFC Ajax in Sweden.

Crucially, Wednesday’s win has put United firmly in control of Group A on six points after FC Basel secured a comfortable home win over Benfica. The Portuguese side are our next opponents in an anticipated double-header that coincidentally occurs 50 seasons on from our 1968 European Cup final win at Wembley. Should we beat them twice, qualification to the last 16 would surely be guaranteed.

The knockout stages of the Champions League are then an unpredictable affair and it remains to be seen how far United can progress in the competition this season. But with so many big-name players producing, as part of an effective team display, fans can rightly feel optimistic about the campaign to come.

Mourinho's Verdict On Moscow Triumph

Jose Mourinho was pleased with his team's application as Manchester United eased past CSKA Moscow to continue an impressive start to the UEFA Champions League campaign.

The rampant Reds hit four goals for the fifth time already this term as Romelu Lukaku scored twice to reach double figures for the club, Anthony Martial netted a penalty and Henrikh Mkhitaryan was also on target in a dominant 4-1 win in the Russian capital.

United sit top of Group A with two wins from two, much to the delight of the boss. Here's what he had to say in an interview with BT Sport and his post-match press conference...

WE MADE IT LOOK EASY
“I think we made it look easy. We started so strongly, I think we surprised them with our attitude and we were really strong. We killed the game. They didn’t look as good as they are, but I think because of us.”

UNEXPECTED BUT REALLY GOOD
"It was unexpected, 3-0 at half-time was unexpected. But we started strongly, we were really strong, we pressed them, we recovered the ball and our counter-attack was always fast and dangerous. In the first 30 minutes we had four shots, three goals and the goalkeeper made a phenomenal save from Mkhitaryan's first-post shot. So we started really strongly and by winning 3-0 we had the game in our hands. [Then] it was just control, so it was really good."

STRONGEST PERFORMANCE IN RUSSIA
"This was my best team [which has faced CSKA Moscow]. I came here, of course, with very good teams - Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid - but I think this was the strongest performance. With Real Madrid and Inter, we came for the knockout phase. We came to play for a very specific result that we were happy with. With the away goal, we were happy with the 1-0, the 1-1. Today, we were really strong, it was my strongest performance here."

RED ROM IN FINE FORM
“He’s having a great record. We know that he’s a very good player, he can score lots of goals and playing in a team surrounded by quality players, [it is] even easier to do that. But I have to admit that he’s scoring really important goals and almost every game. For me, the important thing is not that [how much he costs] but the important thing is two matches, six points and a good position in the Champions League. Four more matches to play but we start really strongly and we are almost there.”

MARTIAL CATCHES THE EYE
“Yes, he is understanding and appreciating what I want. I think the game also adapted to his qualities, the way we played adapted to his qualities too. He had lots of freedom and lots of support, lots of quality around him too and I’m happy.”

RELAXATION WAS NORMAL
“I didn’t see that [PlayStation football] as much, just a little bit of relaxation, a reaction by the home team with the normal pride to try to score, to try to have a different result and we just relaxed a little bit. We had a couple of good chances but I think it’s normal. We have a game on Saturday. Liverpool are luckier than us, they play Tuesday and Sunday, we have to play on Wednesday and on Saturday at 3pm. So I think it’s normal, a little bit of relaxation.”

UEFA Champions League: CSKA Moscow 1 Man. United 4

Manchester United seized control of UEFA Champions League Group A in merciless style on Wednesday night, putting fellow matchday-one victors CSKA Moscow to the sword with Romelu Lukaku's double, Anthony Martial's penalty and a Henrikh Mkhitaryan strike. Konstantin Kuchaev's injury-time reply was scant consolation for the hosts.

Three of United's goals came in a superb first period for Jose Mourinho’s men and it was Lukaku who began the rout with a comfortable far-post header from Anthony Martial’s left-wing cross. The ecstatic 600 Reds fans gathered in the top tier of the stand above him had an early reward for their loyalty.

The Army Men almost found an instant reply with Alan Dzagoev thundering a low drive towards goal and David De Gea stretching out his right hand to divert it wide. That attack was a unique early foray into United’s half by the hosts, who were otherwise hemmed in at the back by the aggressive running of Martial, Lukaku and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in particular, with the Armenian again making an art form of performing on the European stage.

Mkhitaryan was denied a goal that his early sparkle merited when left wing-back Daley Blind returned the ball to him in the box and his finish was kept out by the legs of the experienced CSKA goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev. The no.22’s penalty-area presence did pay off soon after, however, when he was brought down by Georgi Schennikov and Martial stepped up to send Akinfeev the wrong way from the spot.

Aleksandr Golovin had inadvertently teed up the earlier shot on target from Dzagoev with an embarrassing air-kick but the much talked-about 21-year-old certainly connected with the ball when he drifted in from the left, only to see his shot bend beyond the far post.

That fleeting moment of youthful rebellion seemed to tweak the tails of United’s tigerish attackers, with Lukaku pouncing on another Moscow mis-kick to put his team further ahead. CSKA centre-back Vasili Berezutski swung a boot inaccurately towards Martial’s less than deadly cross and the Reds’ no.9 moved on to 10 goals for the season with probably his most simple finish for the club so far.

As if going 3-0 down wasn’t demoralising enough for CSKA, they had more discouragement when De Gea brilliantly tipped over a Fedor Chalov shot that might have beaten a weaker goalkeeper, while Vitinho’s powerful effort into his grasp and another low drive from Dzagoev were mere meat and drink for the Spaniard.

Akinfeev’s parry to prevent Lukaku claiming a hat-trick while half-time coffees were still being drained was a more spectacular save and he seemed to have his goal covered when Blind rose highest to head captain Ashley Young’s cross over the bar.

The CSKA goalkeeper was exposed when his fine stop thwarted Martial but gifted Mkhitaryan with an irresistible opportunity to make it 4-0 on the rebound.

The Armenian’s replacement on the hour-mark, Jesse Lingard, immediately tried to get in on the act from Martial’s through-ball but Akinfeev brilliantly denied him and ultimately was the reason why the Reds didn’t quite rack up a bigger score.

The final say in terms of the scoresheet was had by CSKA substitute Konstanti Kuchaev as the no.89 breached the United rearguard to finally put the ball in De Gea's net, but it was only the smallest of dents in what was a very decent night's work in Russia for Mourinho's rampaging Reds.

THE LINE-UPS

CSKA Moscow: Akinfeev (c); Vasin, V Berezutski, Ignashevich; Wernbloom; Fernandes, Dzagoev (Milanov 72), Golovin, Schennikov; Vitinho (Kuchaev 84), Chalov (Zhamaletdinov 66).

Subs not used: Pomazun (GK), A Berezutski, Nababkin, Natcho.

United: De Gea; Young (c) (Darmian 66), Lindelof, Bailly, Smalling, Blind; Matic, Herrera; Mkhitaryan (Lingard 60), Martial (Rashford 72); Lukaku.

Subs: Romero, Tuanzebe, McTominay, Mata.

WHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?

The Reds return to action sooner than is ideal after arriving home from a long Champions League trip at 4am on Thursday morning – the next game is at 3pm on Saturday afternoon, the club’s first traditional kick-off time of the season. At least Jose Mourinho’s men are at home and the opposition could be tougher than a Crystal Palace team still seeking their first goal of the Premier League campaign after six games, four under the fired Frank de Boer and two under his replacement Roy Hodgson.

Mkhitaryan Keen To Improve To Keep Starting Place

Henrikh Mkhitaryan feels much more comfortable in his second season at Manchester United but says he must keep improving to stay in Jose Mourinho’s starting lineup.

The Armenian midfielder has started all six games for United in the Premier League this season, scoring once and adding five assists.

His bright start is in contrast to last season when he struggled to adapt to the demands of English football.

"I can say last season I started not good as I had lots of injuries and I didn't feel good playing games," Mkhitaryan said.

"But this season is different because I started playing well and the connection and understanding with other players, especially [Romelu] Lukaku, is great and I hope we can score many goals in the coming games.

"I've worked very hard to get a place in the Premier League games and I must continue to train hard to convince the manager he can trust me to play Premier League games.

"I know there is no limit to the work I can do and I just want to provide as many assists and goals as I can."

Mkhitaryan is currently in Russia with United as they prepare for their Champions League game against CSKA Moscow on Wednesday night.

United sit top of Group A after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Basel in their opening match.

Mourinho criticised his squad for playing "Playstation" football after that win and Mkhitaryan admits the United boss sets very high standards.

"Of course everyone knows that Jose Mourinho is very demanding and what he said after the Basel game was right," Mkhitaryan said.

"He didn't exactly name names but everyone thinks they have done something bad or made a mistake and we are trying to improve that aspect and stay more focused during the whole game and not be doing fantasy football or, as he said, PlayStation for the last 25 minutes."

Mkhitaryan was speaking at United's pre-match press conference, where traditionally the player who talks to the media goes on to start the upcoming game.

However, Mourinho was keen to emphasise Mkhitaryan is not a guaranteed starter at Arena CSKA.

"First of all, let me make it clear, that normally we bring here players that are starting the match the next day," said Mourinho.

"Mkhitaryan is coming because he speaks Russian. I try to make life easier for all of you especially the Russian media.

"I'm not saying that Mkhitaryan starts tomorrow. Maybe he does, maybe he doesn't.

"The reason he comes because I want to make life easier for you. You are right, he played well last season in the Europa League but last season was last season.

"This season is another story and we need him to perform. Champions League is a different level, the quality is better, difficulties are higher.

"Matches away from home are even more difficult. Of course we need the best of our players."

Credit: Skysports.com

Mourinho 'Happy' At Escaping Ban

Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho is "happy" he can be "doing my work normally against Crystal Palace" after avoiding an FA ban following his sending off at Southampton.

The Manchester United boss is in Russia for Wednesday's Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow and was asked about the FA's decision not to take further action for being sent to the stands near the end of Saturday's 1-0 win at St Mary's.

"If I am not punished, it is because there were no reasons for the sending-off," Mourinho said.

"I am happy that was recognised and that I can be doing my work normally against Crystal Palace. That is enough for me."

Craig Pawson, the referee involved on the south coast at the weekend, received praise from the United boss, who does not blame him for only showing Shane Long a yellow card for his tackle that costs Marouane Fellaini the chance to play in Russia.

"Craig Pawson is one of the big talents in England," Mourinho added. "He had an amazing game. He was so calm and in control. After I watch it on TV, no camera on Craig and he made that decision."

Credit: Skysports.com

Jose: Different Styles Combat Difficulties

Jose Mourinho insists that his Manchester United team must be able to deal with every scenario that can arise on the pitch during matches.

The in-form Reds have enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign in all competitions, which continued with last Saturday's hard-fought 1-0 win at Southampton, courtesy of Romelu Lukaku's first-half strike.

Unlike many games so far this term, United had to battle all the way at St Mary's to secure victory, and the boss feels his players must be ready to show different sides to their game when faced with difficult scenarios on the pitch.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of the Reds' UEFA Champions League clash away to CSKA Moscow tonight (Wednesday), Mourinho said: "We try to play well but, in some moments of the match, if the opponent has moments of superiority, we have to be humble like we were against Southampton. We have to cope with the difficult moments of the game.

"I think it's a mixture of our quality, and being dominant like we always want to be, and accepting the reality of high-level football that, when the opponent has a strong moment, you have to cope with it."

When asked what the key is to maintaining the early-season form, he added: "We cannot guarantee this line of success but the way to try to keep it is to do what we are doing."

The Reds have spent time adapting to new surroundings in the Russian capital ahead of the club's second Group A game against CSKA at the spectacular VEB Arena – and Mourinho has certainly been impressed by what he has seen.

He told MUTV: "[It's been] good, a beautiful stadium, absolutely beautiful, and the pitch looks good, probably the best I've had in Russia."

United travelled to Moscow on Monday, a day earlier than usual for a European trip, in order to maximise preparation time for the game in the Russian capital.

When asked if the early flight was due to the distance involved, the boss said: "Yes, and we feel good together, so we prepare for the game, we are together and we focus on this last week before another international break."

Bailly Excited By UEFA Champions League Bow

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly is excited by the prospect of making his UEFA Champions League debut, admitting it's something he has always dreamed about.

The Ivorian missed the Reds' 3-0 win over Swiss champions FC Basel at Old Trafford a fortnight ago, as he completed a UEFA ban following his red card against Celta Vigo in the Europa League last term.

The centre-back, who has been an ever-present in the Premier League this season, is expected to start as Jose Mourinho's men take on CSKA Moscow on Wednesday night in the second Group A game. Speaking in an interview with MUTV recently, he couldn't contain his excitement about appearing in Europe's elite competition for the first time.

"With regards to the Champions League, I'm available," he said. "My suspension has finished now and I am very happy. It's something I've been looking forward to so much. I am content and I hope I will be in the team."

The Reds are back in the Champions League this term, by virtue of winning the Europa League last season, and Bailly insists he will be focusing on the competition as he fulfils a career ambition.

"For me, it is very, very important because I've always dreamed of playing in the Champions League but I have only made the Europa League until now," said Bailly, who didn't play in the top competition with his previous club Villarreal.

"My dream of the Champions League is about to come true. I am happy and I am mentally ready for the game."

Bailly has watched many Champions League matches with envy over the years and our no.3 believes taking in lots of games has inspired him ahead of his first outing in the competition.

"There are Champions League matches that have really wowed me – like when I saw the final [last season] between Real Madrid and Juventus," the 23-year-old recalled. "There are plenty of other matches too, it's also something that motivates me.

"To see that tournament is really important for me, to draw experience from it until the moment when I have the opportunity to be involved in the team and play in the Champions League myself."

Talking Points: CSKA Moscow v United

Manchester United will take on CKSA Moscow in the UEFA Champions League tonight and, as ever, there is plenty to discuss ahead of kick-off. Here are six key talking points for Reds…

1: BATTLE TO TOP GROUP A
United made an excellent start to the European campaign by recording a 3-0 win over FC Basel at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford. That victory has put the Reds on top of Group A on goal difference after CSKA shocked everybody by registering a shock 2-1 away win against Portuguese giants Benfica. As such, the result in Russia this week will determine which of the teams will sit in first place heading into matchday three.

2: FOUR INJURIES FOR UNITED
Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba have not travelled to Moscow, which has added further intrigue into Jose Mourinho’s plans for central midfield. Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera are most likely to start, but Scott McTominay also has a chance of featuring after boarding the plane.

Meanwhile, Phil Jones has also remained in Manchester due to a slight injury that he picked up against Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday. That suggests Eric Bailly could make his Champions League debut alongside one of Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof or Axel Tuanzebe.

3: WHO WILL BE CAPTAIN?
With regular skippers Carrick and Antonio Valencia at home, as well as previous leaders Pogba and Fellaini, it will be interesting to see who wears the armband against CSKA. David De Gea and Smalling have previously worn it on occasion, while Herrera could also be an outside choice.

4: JOSE COY ON MICKI
Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored in four Europa League away matches last season, as well as the decider during the final that was officially played on ‘neutral’ territory in Stockholm, Sweden. Yes, his form on the continent is excellent, however the boss has refused to confirm if he was start tonight.

“Mkhitaryan does the press conference because he speaks Russian,” Jose told reporters on Tuesday afternoon. “I’m not saying that he starts. Maybe he does, maybe he doesn’t.” Watch this space…

5: A TROPHY-SHAPED VENUE
CSKA have built a new stadium since United were last in town two years ago, back in December 2015. It is called the VEB Arena and, amazingly, it sits in the shadow of a skyscraper that has been designed to resemble the UEFA Europa League trophy in tribute to the Russian club's 2005 triumph.

6: TOUGH TRIP FOR REDS
Around 600 Reds supporters will complete the long journey to Moscow, after completing the detailed process of gaining VISAs and working out travel arrangements. It will, of course, conjure memories of the club's 2008 Champions League final success in the Russian capital and provides another new stadium for fans to visit. Make no mistake, though, this is one for the hardcore Reds.

Team News Ahead Of CSKA Moscow Clash

Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Phil Jones will all miss Wednesday's Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow as the trio join midfielder Paul Pogba on the sidelines.

Jose Mourinho confirmed Carrick and Fellaini will not be available for the Group A game at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, and he also told MUTV that Jones will also be missing. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo also remain sidelined as they continue their recoveries from long-term injuries.

"I won't have Fellaini, I won't have Pogba, we won't have Carrick, so all three midfield players that we lose for this match," the boss told reporters. "So there are not many solutions, but we try not to focus on individual battles or in specific areas on the pitch. We try to focus on the globality [team as a whole] and we are going to have a team with quality, with balance, to try to win the match which is our objective."

Fellaini is also set to miss the weekend meeting with Crystal Palace in the Premier League after being hurt in a challenge from behind by Shane Long at Southampton.

"It was only when I saw it on TV that I realised that Fellaini was very lucky [not to have a serious injury]," added the boss. "I do not expect him to be out for long."

Mourinho reflected on his past meetings with CSKA Moscow and believes Wednesday's match will be the strongest CSKA side he has faced in his career.

"I play against CSKA with Real Madrid, with Inter, with Chelsea and now with Manchester United, so it's something normal in my Champions League career," he explained. "To be honest, I always like to be back because it [Moscow] is a beautiful city. Every time I come it's better and better and better so I have to say that it's a pleasure.

"Opponents wise, I think it's the best CSKA that I'm going to play against. I think it's the best team that I face with CSKA as an opponent."

CSKA Coach: Reds At Their Best Since Sir Alex

CSKA Moscow will face the best Manchester United team for at least four years, according to the Russian club's head coach, when the sides meet in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday evening.

Viktor Goncharenko provided that assessment at Tuesday's pre-match press conference, where he was joined by one of his star players, midfielder Aleksandr Golovin.

"Since Sir Alex Ferguson left [in 2013], this current version of Manchester United is without any doubt, their strongest team," said Goncharenko.

"Sir Alex Ferguson created so many strong versions of Manchester United. We can compare it [the current side] with the 1999 version, the 2003 team... they have had a lot of great squads and great teams. The transfer policy that Manchester United is developing now is good and clear so they are making themselves stronger. In great clubs, it must be exactly like this."

Golovin was equally respectful of the Reds, when he was asked if there are any defenders he looks forward to pitting his attacking wits against.

"I wouldn't like to point out anyone personally because we all know that we are going to face a strong group of players," said the 21-year-old Russia international.

"We need to be as strong as possible in every part of the pitch. We need to be ready to encounter them in every area because they are so strong as a team."

CSKA's press conference followed United's media briefing, in which Jose Mourinho confirmed that three midfielders - Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba - have missed the trip. Not that Goncharenko is taking any encouragement from the absences, saying: "The characteristics of a great club is that if they lose some top players, they can compensate by bringing in other strong players.

"The players who come into the team, like [Ander] Herrera, may have different characteristics to the players who are missing, like Fellaini, but it doesn't mean that the level of the team's performance will be decreased. Maybe some things will change with respect to the set-pieces but we still won't find any weakness in our opponents there."

As for his own team's strengths, Goncharenko commented: "I have no doubts that we have a lot of experience and class. Our task is to find some weak points in the opposition and put pressure there.

"We know there will be a great atmosphere at our wonderful stadium and we will be well supported. Our team is going to be so hugely motivated and focused on the match.

"Despite having spoken a lot about the strong qualities of Manchester United, in any game against any opponent, we can change the course of the match.

"We have to keep looking for our chances and soon as our supporters are feeling that we are close to achieving a great performance and a great result, then I am sure that we can succeed a lot."

Why Is Mkhitaryan So Magical In Europe?

When CSKA Moscow manager Viktor Goncharenko sat down to assess the Manchester United squad, the Belarusian boss could have highlighted any number of players to worry about.

Jose Mourinho has assembled a powerful, star-studded squad that poses a threat from many areas of the pitch. The most obvious dangerman is Romelu Lukaku, following his sensational start to the season in a red shirt, after scoring eight goals in as many games across all competitions.

Goncharenko might also have studied the startlingly good form of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, following their lightning-fast performances in the early stages of the campaign. Their speed could also cause problems for an ageing CSKA three-man defence that has a combined age of 108.

However, it is highly probable that CSKA's manager has instructed his players to pay closer attention to Henrikh Mkhitaryan, our midfield Armenian who has become an expert in Europe, particularly in tricky away matches when he has regularly contributed to defining moments on several occasions.

Throughout last season's successful UEFA Europa League campaign, Micki scored in four troublesome away ties at Zorya Luhansk in Ukraine, Saint-Etienne in France, FC Rostov in Russia and Anderlecht in Belgium. Famously, the former Borussia Dortmund man also netted the final goal of the memorable 2-0 win over AFC Ajax in the competition's showpiece final in Stockholm, Sweden.

Mkhitaryan was later nominated for the Europa League Player of the Year trophy and was perhaps unlucky to lose out to team-mate Paul Pogba, whose opening goal at the Friends Arena could have swayed the vote. But, make no mistake, Mkhitaryan is absolutely lethal in European competition.

WHY IS MICKI SO MAGICAL IN EUROPE?

Henrikh spoke at a press conference on Tuesday and gave a positive response when asked why he has been so effective in European competition for United. "Of course the Champions League is not the same tournament, the Europa League is a bit different," Micki said.

"I did very well last season, I'm very happy for that, I'm very glad, but this season it's a bit different because we're playing in the Champions League and the tournament is more difficult. But it's not the first time I'm going to play in Champions League, I know how to deal with it, and I'm going to try to do my best to perform well as well."

JOSE COY ON MICKI'S INVOLVEMENT

In his own press conference, the boss refused to confirm whether Mkhitaryan would start against CSKA - stating he had merely selected the player for media duty because he is fluent in Russian.

"Let me make it clear that normally we bring players here that are starting the match the next day," the boss said. "Mkhitaryan is coming because he speaks Russian. I try to make life easier for you, especially the Russian media. I'm not saying Mkhitaryan starts the match tomorrow. Maybe he does, maybe he doesn't, but the reason he comes is that I want to make life easier for you."

Mourinho added: "He played well last season in the Europa League. But last season was last season. This season is another season and we need him to perform well again. Champions League is a different level and the quality is higher, difficulties are higher. Matches away from home are even more difficult and of course we need the best of our players."

Manchester United Travel To Moscow Without Marouane Fellaini

Manchester United have travelled to Russia for their Champions League game against CSKA Moscow without Marouane Fellaini.

The Belgian midfielder has not recovered from an ankle injury he suffered in a tackle by Shane Long in the 1-0 win over Southampton on Saturday.

Jose Mourinho has included 20-year-old Scott McTominay in Fellaini's absence along with another player who has no Champions League experience, 19-year-old defender Axel Tuanzebe.

Nemanja Matic, who also picked up a knock against Southampton, flew out with the rest of the squad along with defender Eric Bailly who could make his Champions League debut for the club.

United will again be without Paul Pogba who suffered a hamstring strain in the 3-0 win over Basel.

Mourinho's team remain unbeaten this season and are joint top of the Premier League with Manchester City but Juan Mata says they must not get carried away.

The Spanish midfielder predicted in his weekly blog that United would face a "very difficult game" against CSKA who beat Benfica 2-1 in their opening group game in Portugal.

He wrote: "CSKA Moscow is a classic in European football. They won all their games in the two previous ties before the group stage, which they have started with an extraordinary victory in Lisbon.

"It's a long trip with two hours of time difference that will demand a quick adjustment.

"We know how excited you are about this competition and we will give everything we have to live up to your expectations."

Credit: Skysports.com

No FA Action For Mourinho

Jose Mourinho will face no further action from the FA after he was sent off during Manchester United's win at Southampton.

The United boss claimed he was baffled when he was sent to the stands by referee Craig Pawson near the end of Saturday's Premier League clash at St Mary's.

Mourinho had stepped out of his technical area onto the edge of the pitch, only to be pulled back by fourth official Mike Jones, who then called Pawson over once play had been stopped.

After being told to leave, Mourinho shook hands with members of the Saints staff and said afterwards of the incident: "I don't know. I don't know. Craig [Pawson] told me to leave, and I left."

The United boss was sanctioned twice last season, being given a touchline ban and a £50,000 fine for two incidents in November - he was sent to the stands by Mark Clattenburg during their clash with Burnley and then fined for comments he made about another official, Anthony Taylor, before United faced Liverpool.

Those charges could have been taken into account as they happened in the previous 12 months, but the FA have elected to impose no further sanction on this occasion.

Credit: Skysports.com

Young: I Can Read The Game Better

Ashley Young feels he has the capability to be able to read the game more, now he is one of the most experienced players in the Manchester United squad and following his run-outs in attack and defence.

The 32-year-old, who can play on the wing or further back, has impressed in both full-back positions since his return from injury, starting three of the last four games for the Reds.

Young is currently one of the club's longest-serving players, having arrived at Old Trafford in 2011, and believes he has the intelligence and know-how to understand patterns of play and what his role requires.

"At my age, you have to read the game more, and at full-back you have to read the game more, I think I've got a good footballing brain to be able to do that," Young told MUTV. "I'm just happy to be out there playing and whenever I'm called upon I'll give 100 per cent."

The Reds have enjoyed a flying start to the season and are currently joint-leaders of the Premier League with Manchester City, have progressed to the last 16 of the Carabao Cup and made a winning start to the UEFA Champions League campaign.

United have netted 25 goals in nine matches in all competitions so far in 2017/18, shared between eight different scorers – something Young feels is an important factor.

Having set up Marouane Fellaini's opener against FC Basel and provided the cross which led to Romelu Lukaku's winner against Southampton last weekend, the no.18 hopes to add his name to that list but is satisfied if he is contributing to the cause in some way.

"I have thought it's about time I get back on the scoresheet," said Young, who hasn't scored since netting United's final league goal of 2015/16 in a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth. "But as long as I’m performing and playing well that's all that matters.

"There's been eight different goalscorers so we've had goals from all over the team. I think that's ideal, it's what you need to take you forward and help you to win things. Goals from all round the park do help and Valencia's [strike against Everton] will be right up there for the goal of the season, I think."

After getting off to a fine start in Group A with a 3-0 win over Swiss champions FC Basel at Old Trafford a fortnight ago, the Reds face a stern test away to CSKA Moscow on Wednesday night.

But Young, who will be hoping to keep his place in the team, admitted United must be able to cope with the challenge that awaits in the Russia capital and he has high hopes of progressing far in the competition.

"That's the Champions League for you," he said. "You get drawn against different teams and have to travel to different places. You just have to deal with it. It will probably be a hostile place – it has been before, so we've just got to be prepared.

"It'll be a good thing if we can get a win, but it wouldn't be a bad thing getting a draw. But, whether we’re home or away, we’re looking to get the three points."

Young added: "A club of our size should always be fighting for the Champions League, fighting for titles and everyone's delighted we've got Champions League football back. But, it’s not just one of those things to be back in it, we want to go as far as we can in it."

Mata Enjoys Winning Habit

Each and every Monday during the season, Manchester United star Juan Mata pens a personal blog. In his latest entry, the Spanish star discusses the Reds' winning habit and the upcoming trip to Moscow.

Hi everyone,

I’m getting used to writing to you after a victory, and I know we all like it. What a great routine that is! In this case – last Saturday in Southampton – the win was really tough to get, they didn’t let us play our game and they had chances to tie the score until the end. The truth is they didn’t deserve to lose but football is like that sometimes. We know a couple of things about it, since we were in the same situation several times last season. It was not our best game, that’s for sure, but luckily we managed to get the three points. This kind of games can make the difference between reaching the end of the season with a chance to fight for the title or not. We did a good work defensively and that was the key to win.

The three points keep us up in the table and with a high level of confidence, but that’s the past already. The schedule doesn’t allow for a break and we’re now focused on the Champions League. This Monday we pack our bags and travel to Moscow, where we play on Wednesday. It’s a long trip with two hours of time difference that will demand a quick adjustment. After winning the first game in the group stage it would be great to do the same in such a top clash.

CSKA Moscow is a classic in European football. They won all their games in the two previous ties before the group stage, which they have started with an extraordinary victory in Lisbon. Needless to say, it’s going to be a very difficult game, as they all are in the Champions League anyway. We know how excited you are about this competition and we will give everything we have to live up to your expectations.

Have a nice week, and may the winning streak continue!

Hugs,

Juan

Credit: Manutd.com

Manchester United Rejected Ribery Transfer Under Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson rejected the chance to sign Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery for Manchester United back in 2006 after watching him for only 45 minutes.

The revelation is one of a number to be made in the latest set of diaries published by Tony Blair's former communications chief Alastair Campbell, a close friend of the former Old Trafford chief.

According to The Sunday Times, Campbell was with the United boss when Ribery, then playing for Marseille, faced Bolton Wanderers in the UEFA Cup in February 2006.

But Ferguson did not take too long to make his mind up about the France international, then 22, and about to be named Ligue 1's Young Player of the Year.

Campbell wrote: "Alex was watching Franck Ribery, the Marseille winger, but decided by half-time he was not good enough for United."

Ribery would have one more season with Marseille and in June 2007 he secured a move to Munich, after also being heavily linked with Arsenal.

Since then, Ribery has gone on to win seven Bundesliga titles with Bayern and he was part of their Champions League-winning team at the end of the 2012-13 season.

The diaries also include further revelations about Ferguson's tempestuous relationship with Roy Keane.

Ferguson savaged the former United captain in his own autobiography and Campbell wrote: "He [Ferguson] felt Keane had what it took in so many ways but he had demons and they would come out.

"He was actually someone who didn't like people that much unless they met his own standards.

"I said you used to say he was the most intelligent player you'd had and the one likeliest to be a top manager. He went 'Wrong. There is something not right there.'"

Credit: Skysports.com

Mourinho Awaits Ref Report

Jose Mourinho is waiting to find out if the will face action from the Football Association following his sending-off on Saturday.

The Manchester United boss was left perplexed near the end of the 1-0 win over Southampton at St Mary's when he was sent to the stands by referee Craig Pawson.

Mourinho had stepped out of his technical area on to the edge of the pitch, only to be pulled back by fourth official Mike Jones, who then called Pawson over once play had been stopped.

After being told to leave, Mourinho shook hands with members of the Southampton staff and said afterwards of the incident: "I don't know. I don't know. Craig [Pawson] told me to leave, and I left."

Mourinho now has to wait for Pawson's report to land with the FA and find out whether he has filed an extraordinary incident report.

That report could then lead to a charge, a warning, a reminder of responsibilities, or no action depending on how serious the incident was viewed.

The United boss was sanctioned twice last season, being given a touchline ban and a £50,000 fine for two incidents in November - he was sent to the stands by Mark Clattenburg during their clash with Burnley and fined for comments he made about another official, Anthony Taylor, before United faced Liverpool.

Those charges could also be taken into account as they happened in the previous 12 months.

However, speaking on Sunday Supplement, The People's Steve Bates said: "It's hardly crime of the century. The game was in its closing moments and I don't think there was any intent by Mourinho to create a situation.

"I think he was just wrapped up in the fact that his team were under the cosh a little bit and he wanted to see the game out. I'm not certain it will lead to any huge ban. He might get one match."

Credit: Skysports.com

Robson: Mourinho Dismissal Was Ridiculous

Former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson would be "amazed" if further sanctions follow for Jose Mourinho, after the Reds boss was sent to the stands in the dying moments of Saturday’s match.

The manager was punished by referee Craig Pawson for encroaching onto the pitch at Southampton in injury time, when his team were resolutely defending a slender 1-0 lead. Robson, like other observers, was aghast when he saw the official direct Mourinho away from the dugout, especially when he later discovered the reason why.

"When I saw it on TV, I thought it was an absolute joke," Robson told ManUtd.com. "I'll be amazed if he gets a ban or a fine for that. I think the officials went way overboard by sending him to the stand.

"I don't know what the officials are thinking about. Throughout the last year or so, I've seen managers like [Jurgen] Klopp and [Antonio] Conte run about like lunatics, out of their box, down the side of the pitch and not a thing has been made of it - it's called passion for the team.

"But because Mourinho stepped just over the touchline, they sent him to the stands. It'll be a disgrace if he gets fined or banned and made to watch games from the stands over the coming weeks."

Speaking from his experience of managing Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League, Robson feels that the context needs to be taken into consideration when referees enforce that particular rule about where a boss happens to be standing.

"The regulation is there and as a manager you know that," he accepted. "You basically stick to that and it does play on all the managers' minds that you can't step out of your box.

"In the heat of the game, you can stray outside your technical area - everybody does. But as long as it's not over the top where you're actually going onto the pitch, then you can't be sending managers off, banning them and fining them for the sort of incident we saw with Mourinho at St Mary's. That would be ridiculous.

"In that situation, when you’re 1-0 up in injury time, who's going to be looking at the white line? As a manager, you’re looking at the game and trying to get information to your players. If Mourinho had actually gone on to the pitch fully, then yes, ok - the guidelines are there and we all know the rules. But he didn't do that.

"I know that if we went back through videos of every single game of this season, every single manager would be sent to the stands for going out of their technical area and in a way that was much worse than what Mourinho did yesterday."

Although he’s clearly aggrieved about the incident, Robson believes the United boss will still be focused on the task in hand – maintaining the strong opening to the campaign, which continues with the midweek trip to CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Champions League.

"The manager will be annoyed by the situation at Southampton - it’s something he could have done without - but it will not distract him from preparing the team and getting on with the next game.

"It's been a great, solid start to the season. The group of players are working really hard for each other. Even when he's rotated the squad in certain games, the boys have all done their jobs. They look as if they're all enjoying their football. Hopefully they'll just keep concentrating, keep working and keep the run going."

Southampton 0-1 Manchester United: Talking Points

We round up the talking points from Manchester United's 1-0 win over Southampton at St Mary's Stadium.

Romelu Lukaku scored the only goal midway through the first half as Jose Mourinho's side kept pace with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.

From Lukaku's match-winning contribution to Rashford's return to the flank, here are four talking points from the game.

Lukaku the difference

Another game, another goal for Lukaku. The Belgian struck the winner from close range after overpowering Southampton defender Wesley Hoedt. Lukaku has now scored six times in his first six Premier League appearances for United - equalling Louis Saha's club record.

The goal was well-taken and his all-round performance was just as impressive. Lukaku's pace and power caused problems for Southampton from start to finish, and his hold-up play was effective too. Lukaku linked up well with Marcus Rashford and Henrikh Mkhitaryan and might have had an assist if it wasn't for Ander Herrera's wayward finishing.

United signed Lukaku with a view to improving their patchy record against Premier League sides outside of the top seven. Having already netted against West Ham, Swansea, Stoke and Southampton, it appears he is having the desired effect.

United's solid foundations

This was Manchester United's fifth clean sheet in six Premier League games and it owed a lot to Phil Jones and Eric Bailly. The duo only played five games together last season, but they have formed a solid partnership at the heart of Jose Mourinho's defence in the new campaign.

Bailly set the tone with a superb covering tackle to prevent a Southampton counter-attack in the opening minutes, but the best moments belonged to Jones. There was the superb recovery to block a Dusan Tadic cut-back midway through the second half, and soon after that he prevented Shane Long from equalising with a crucial clearing header from Ryan Bertrand's delivery.

Gareth Southgate raised a few eyebrows when he recently described the 25-year-old as England's best defender, but this performance certainly strengthened his case. The stats showed he made more clearances than any other player (10) and won all nine of his duels at St Mary's. Alongside Bailly, he was vital in preserving United's lead.

Goal shy Southampton

Southampton's struggles in front of goal continued. They have now failed to find the net in eight of their last nine home games in all competitions. This season, they have only scored three times in seven games in all competitions.

It's a big issue for Mauricio Pellegrino, who started with Shane Long as his lone striker against United. The Irishman did not muster a single shot on target, with substitutes Manolo Gabbiadini and Charlie Austin faring no better. Southampton have a relatively kind run of fixtures coming up, but they need to find their shooting boots as soon as possible.

Rashford back on the left

Marcus Rashford enjoyed a rare opportunity to lead the line against Burton Albion in midweek, scoring twice and providing a reminder of what he can offer in the position, but he was back on the left flank as Lukaku took centre stage at St Mary's.

Rashford didn't get too many opportunities to attack Southampton, who enjoyed over 60 per cent of the possession, but his pace caused them problems on the counter-attack and he was inches away from scoring with a well-struck free kick in the first half.

His manager will have been even more impressed by his defensive contribution. The 19-year-old diligently tracked back to help out left-back Ashley Young, on one occasion preventing a Bertrand cross with an impressive slide tackle near his own byline. Rashford might be more effective through the middle, but his versatility is valuable to Mourinho.

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Mourinho Sent Off

Jose Mourinho was bizarrely sent off for venturing onto the pitch in Man Utd's 1-0 win at Southampton on Saturday.

With United 1-0 up in the last minute of stoppage time, Mourinho stepped one foot onto the pitch while urging his team back to defend, only for fourth official Mike Jones to take notice.

Jones pulled Mourinho back behind the line, before calling over referee Craig Pawson when the ball went out of play.

Pawson then sent Mourinho to the stands for the final moment, but the United boss did not complain, instead going out of his way to shake hands with several members of the Southampton coaching staff.

When asked about the incident after the game, Mourinho said: "I don't know. I don't know. Craig [Pawson] told me to leave, and I left."

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United Statement On Supporters' Chant

Manchester United issued the following statement on Saturday evening, after a chant about Romelu Lukaku was heard in the crowd during the Reds' 1-0 Premier League win at Southampton...

Manchester United has a zero-tolerance stance on offensive chanting and behaviour. 

The club and player have been clear in asking for an end to the chant. 

The club has worked with relevant bodies and supporters groups in trying to eradicate any offensive behaviour and will take further action against individuals if this continues. 

The club is in discussion with the police and has asked for CCTV footage from Southampton and will try to identify those who disrespected the player's wishes not to sing the song.

Credit: Manutd.com

Jones Named United's Man Of The Match

Phil Jones was the winner of Manchester United's Man of the Match award on Saturday after his impressive defensive performance helped the Reds to win 1-0 at Southampton.

Jones received 67 per cent of the votes via @ManUtd on Twitter, ahead of Romelu Lukaku (24 per cent) and Marouane Fellaini (nine per cent) who were also nominated by MUTV's pundits.

The England international played a vital role in keeping out Southampton in the narrow victory, not only in the partnership with Eric Bailly which began the match but also among a trio of central defenders after substitute Chris Smalling joined the rearguard ranks for the latter stages.

Throughout the 90 minutes, Jones was strong and resolute in his efforts to ensure Saints striker Shane Long remained frustrated, denying him the service that was being knocked into the box from both wide areas as well as from deep.

After topping the Man of the Match poll, Jones received lots of praise from fans on Twitter. For example, Juan Camilo Torres Bonilla commented: "Magnificent defending! Thank you Phil! You did a great job today. Hope you keep your form."

Andy Shard said: "Been brilliant all season. Stays fit and is the best centre half in Europe if not the world. The bloke is class." Avzi added: "This guy is like a tank. Well played, Phil."

Jones has played in all of United's six Premier League matches so far this season, five of which have yielded a clean sheet for the Reds.

Views On United's Victory At Southampton

ManUtd.com has gathered a selection of post-match quotes from some of the key figures following Manchester United's hard-fought victory over Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

Defiant defending and Romelu Lukaku’s sixth league goal of the season handed the Reds an all-important three points as Jose Mourinho's men remained unbeaten in the Premier League.

Here's our summary of the key comments:

Jose Mourinho: "It’s a difficult place to come. Our team had chances to kill the game, but we didn’t. Then we put ourselves in a position where we had to defend to keep the result, which we did extremely well, with a good keeper, with good defenders, with the substitution of Smalling, so I am really happy."

Phil Jones: "lt felt like for the majority of the second half we couldn’t seem to get out [of our half]. Then when we did get the ball we gave it away too cheaply which you know caused them to come straight back at us. It was just back and forth, like a yo-yo, like a basketball match for all the second half but we showed character, resilience and fight. We dug in and got the three points."

Ashley Young: "Wins are better when they’re four-nils. You don’t have to run so much or defend so much but when you get that 1-0 win you just wait for the final whistle. We were digging deep and when the referee blew the whistle you could see how much it meant to everyone. It’s a tough place to come, it is going to be tough for teams to come down here but we’re delighted to get the three points and go home now."

United legend Arthur Albiston on MUTV: "When you look back in April and May, every point is precious. This could be the most vital three points we get all season. We had to defend for our lives; Southampton gave everything in the second half and just couldn’t get a goal thankfully. Not every game is enjoyable to watch but we've hung on to get three points."

Opposition manager Mauricio Pellegrino: "It’s a good game to see how we are against this type of team but I am disappointed with the result. We did everything that we were doing in training but even with the spirit we played with in the second half, we were pushing all the time and never gave them the possibility to counter-attack, but this result is a part of football and we have to push on."

United fan on Twitter - Jayne Wright (@J4Yxx): "If we're gonna challenge, we need hard-fought wins like these. Three points in the bag. Get in!"

Mourinho: We Defended Extremely Well

Jose Mourinho handed out the plaudits to his defensive players after Manchester United ground out a valuable away victory over Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

Romelu Lukaku's sixth Premier League goal for the Reds - his eighth strike in all competitions - secured the slender 1-0 win but the visitors had to work hard to protect the lead he provided in the 20th minute.

Here's what the boss had to say in his post-match interview with MUTV and press conference…

DOGGED DISPLAY
"It’s a difficult place to come, and it is a good opponent without anything to lose, that tried in the last 35 minutes to be really offensive and try to fight for the rescue of a point. Our team had chances to kill the game, we had two enormous chances with Herrera and Lukaku, but we didn’t [take them]. Then we put ourselves in a position where we had to defend to keep the result, which we did extremely well, with a good keeper, with good defenders, with the substitution of Smalling, so I am really happy."

BAILLY AND JONES PARTNERSHIP
"[They were] very good, and also Smalling. We did for 20 minutes what the majority of the Premier League teams are doing, which is to play defensive with five at the back. We did that for 20 minutes. I felt Southampton were strong. I felt their manager was excited and enthusiastic by risking bringing two strikers like Gabbiadini and Austin on to play direct, a style that’s not their style. And then I made the decision to bring on Smalling, and I think the team was solid. We showed good solidarity, good organisation and good spirit to get the three points."

DEFENDERS CAN ATTACK TOO
"If you can have two [attacking] full-backs on both sides, not just Valencia on the right, if you can have another one on the left [like Young] it’s positive for us on many occasions."

SOLIDITY WINS THE DAY
"What pleased me was the pragmatism, at half-time we talked and we wanted to kill the game, and we had chances to kill the game. We wanted to be in control but sometimes you can’t, sometimes we are not able, sometimes we have to give credit to the opponent. It was not our decision, it was the way the game went. And then there was a moment we feel that we are in difficulties, so it's better to make it solid. In a league that is becoming so defensive, so defensive, it was the first time that we played 20 minutes with a more defensive approach. Without this period we take a point not three."

HOT WEATHER MADE IT HARD WORK
"I think the players were all tired. Nine of them didn’t play in midweek, so for nine of them it wasn’t even an accumulation of fatigue. I think the weather was beautiful. Even if we train at 11 o'clock, 12 o'clock or 3 o'clock in Manchester we don’t get this weather. I'm serious, the last time we had this [weather] was in LA and then in Macedonia, and I think the players felt this, they were not sharp. They had great spirit, they were always trying, but not the same sharpness. So when your opponent comes with everything at you, [we had to think] let's do it for 10-15 minutes and we were solid."

AWAY SUPPORTERS
"The only thing I want to say is that the fans were amazing and that the support was amazing, from the first minute to the last minute. The players feel that support. It's very important. Not when you are winning 3 or 4-0 and enjoying the game; it is very important when you are fighting, and defending and you are exhausted, and the fans were amazing."

WHEN DO YOU START TO THINK ABOUT A TITLE CHALLENGE?
"I think it’s too early. I think we had five or six points less [at this stage last season] than we have this season, so we are better than last season, but this is nothing. This is just the start and with a difficult period, with an accumulation of matches, [to come] which isn’t ideal. It's just the beginning. It’s going to be difficult. I really think six teams are going to fight for the title."

Premier League: Southampton 0 Man. United 1

Manchester United extended the club's unbeaten start to the Premier League season to six matches by recording a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Southampton.

Romelu Lukaku’s first-half strike was enough to claim the away win for the Reds, who remain on the same points tally as rivals Manchester City, 5-0 winners at home to Crystal Palace.

The match kicked off in almost perfect conditions, as the Southampton sunshine beamed down on St Mary’s. There were few chances in the opening quarter of an hour, a long-range attempt form Henrikh Mkhitaryan being the only effort on goal and that was comfortably gathered by Fraser Forster.

United broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when Ashley Young’s left-wing cross found Lukaku, who was waiting in the six-yard box. Despite Forster producing a fine save from the striker's initial header, the ball dropped kindly to the Belgian and he dispatched his second chance with an effortless tap-in.

Having taken the lead, Jose Mourinho's men began to take control of the match, moving the ball around quickly and leaving the Southampton players to chase. At half-time, the Reds looked good value for the lead.

Mauricio Pellegrino's side restarted the game well and their second-half improvement could have yielded an equaliser 12 minutes from time if Oriol Romeu had been able to steer his close-range effort inside the far post, instead of rolling it fractionally wide.

Southampton’s main focus of attack was balls into the box for Shane Long, although a combination of United's Phil Jones and Eric Bailly remained resolute, managing to clear the danger well when required.

United substitute Ander Herrera had a fantastic opportunity to double the lead soon after coming on - Lukaku pulled the ball back but the Spaniard lifted it over the bar.

Although the Reds produced less of an attacking threat in the second half, a strong defensive display ensured that David De Gea was left without any major saves to make as the visitors sealed the victory. However, it was still a tense finish for all concerned and United manager Jose Mourinho was sent to the stand by referee Craig Pawson in added time.

THE LINE-UPS

Southampton: Forster; Cedric (Ward-Prowse 83), Hoedt, Yoshida, Bertrand; Lemina, Romeu; Tadic, Davis (c) (Gabbiadini 72), Redmond, Long (Austin 83).

Subs not used: McCarthy, Van Dijk, Pied, Hojbjerg.

Booked: Long

United: De Gea; Valencia (c), Bailly, Jones, Young; Matic, Fellaini; Mata (Herrera 62), Mkhitaryan (Smalling 75), Rashford (Blind 91), Lukaku.

Subs not used: Romero, Carrick, Lingard, Martial.

Booked: Young, Lukaku, Valencia, Herrera

TALKING POINTS
Lukaku's strong start continues

It really has been a dream start for Lukaku at United and the stats speak for themselves. No one has scored more than his six Premier League goals in their first six starts for the Reds – the only player to match that is Louis Saha. He is also averaging a goal a game from his eight starts in all competitions and has scored in all of his last four appearances.

Young thriving at fullback
Having come in at right-back in the Champions League against Basel, Young has now played at left-back in the last two Premier League games and all three have ended with a clean sheet. Although Young is playing further back, he’s still been able to display his attacking strengths, getting an assist both against Basel and by putting in the cross for Lukaku’s opener.

Reds' road trips
Five out of United’s next six matches will also be away from home, so Jose Mourinho and his side will be pleased with the promising form when travelling - from three away games so far, the Reds have kept two clean sheets and picked up seven points from a possible nine.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR UNITED?
United are in Champions League action on Wednesday (27 September) with a trip to Russia to face CSKA Moscow. The Reds then round off a busy month with September’s seventh match being at home to Crystal Palace next Saturday.

Mourinho: Shaw Has To Improve

Luke Shaw "has to improve" to get into Manchester United's starting line-up, but Jose Mourinho claims he is staying patient as the left-back returns from his latest injury lay-off.

After shining for Southampton and playing for England at the World Cup, United made the full-back the most expensive teenager in history three years ago.

Shaw has managed just 48 appearances for United since the move due to a mixture of form and fitness issues, most pertinently the double leg break that brought his second season at the club to an abrupt halt.

The 22-year-old returned to the fold last term but Mourinho publicly questioned his attitude, application and football intelligence during a comeback campaign ended in late April by foot ligament damage.

Shaw made his latest return to fitness as a half-time substitute in Wednesday's Carabao Cup win over Burton and, ahead of Saturday's trip to the defender's former club, the Portuguese said: "He has to work.

"You [media] saw the [Burton] game, you saw the same as I see, so are you asking if he plays tomorrow? No, he is not playing tomorrow. He has to work. He has to improve.

"Look, he doesn't play for six months. I am not expecting him to arrive on Wednesday and to be man of the match or to be running up and down for 45 minutes.

"It's just a process. He doesn't play for a long, long time.

"You have other players in the Premier League that in this moment who are not starting matches and their managers just say 'they're not in the best conditions'. And we're speaking about some of the best players of the Premier League.

"I heard last week the Chelsea manager saying that, I heard Arsenal manager said that. The players are not in their ideas, in their analysis, they're not in the best form after important injuries and long time without playing.

"Luke had surgery and a long time without playing football. I cannot expect him to be back and to be strong, strong, strong in his work."

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Woodward Predicts Facebook And Amazon Premier League Interest

Manchester United chief Ed Woodward expects Facebook and Amazon to "enter the mix" when the next Premier League TV rights deal is negotiated later this year.

Earlier this month, Facebook failed with a £445m bid for digital rights in the Indian Premier League auction.

Amazon paid £37m to live stream the 10 Thursday night NFL games this season.

Woodward said: "Absolutely I think they will enter the mix and we would welcome the interest."

In the long-term deal they announced earlier this month, the Football League said that from next season major broadcast partner Sky, plus the clubs themselves could live stream any midweek match.

On an investors' conference call to talk through United's latest annual results, executive vice-chairman Woodward was asked what plans the Premier League and Uefa had to maximise income from live streaming of games.

He said: "Anecdotally there was strong interest in the last cycle.

"We are hearing it round the Premier League table now and from a European perspective as well in terms of the Champions League rights and Europa (League)."

Woodward said it was difficult to gauge the extent of the sums available as there was no direct comparison in football.

However, he said he had heard of "very big numbers" being offered for IPL and noted "with interest" Major League Soccer's 22-match deal with Facebook for the 2017 regular season campaign.

He said: "We are going to see an increasing engagement from these organisations and it is going to be increasingly important to digitally engage with fans.

"We think we can be complimentary to partners like this."

The Premier League are due to send tender documents out for their next rights cycle, which runs from 2019-2022.

The current domestic and overseas broadcast deals are worth a combined total of £8.3bn.

Credit: BBC Sport

Jose: Clubs 'Maybe Better' Without League Cup

English clubs in Europe could benefit by not playing in the Carabao Cup, says Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese manager made nine changes but still fielded a strong side as the holders beat Championship side Burton 4-1 on Wednesday night.

Mourinho told BBC Radio 5 live: "If you ask me 'could English football survive or be even be better without this competition?' Maybe.

"Maybe we would be fresher for European competition."

United beat Southampton to win the League Cup last season for the fifth time - Mourinho's fourth success - and the former Chelsea boss wants to win it again this season.

Mourinho's much-changed side still contained 11 internationals, as club captain and England midfielder Michael Carrick made his first appearance of the season.

Rivals Manchester City gave first starts of the season to Yaya Toure and Ilkay Gundogan, while Eden Hazard used the competition to make his first start of the campaign for Chelsea.

"If the competition is an official competition then it is important for Manchester United and for me as a manager," Mourinho added.

"I want the players to think the same way. We have this competition, we have to respect the sponsors, we have to respect the opponents and a lot of us are trying to do our best.

"If we can win it, we win it. If we don't win it it's because the opponents are better than us."

For Wednesday night's League Cup games, Arsenal made 11 changes against League One Doncaster, Chelsea made nine to face Championship side Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City and Everton both made eight.

Championship side Burton made nine changes, but manager Nigel Clough said that the competition is extremely relevant to the club - financially, and for the travelling fans who saw Lloyd Dyer's late consolation goal.

"Our fans will go home with wonderful memories tonight," he said.

"We have now played at Old Trafford twice in 11 years and nobody would have expected that. Nobody comes here expecting us to pull off a result but we gave a good account of ourselves and we scored a goal.

"It will help us in our bid to stay in the Championship. The chairman is happy, there was a good crowd in. It's a big part of our budget.

"The main thing was to reward the lads who got us here, they were the freshest players available to me. The League Cup is not a nuisance, we have an even squad and every one of those lads who played tonight thinks they should be in the first team."

BBC Sport pundit Danny Mills, who won the League Cup in 2004 with Middlesbrough, does not think that fans are short-changed by teams making sweeping changes to their line-ups.

He told BBC Radio 5 live: "If you buy a ticket for the third round you know all teams are going to make changes. You don't have to buy one, it's not part of your season ticket.

"The pathways for younger players at top clubs are blocked, and this competition is an opportunity. It's competitive, it still means something, it qualifies you for Europe. These cup competitions for the big clubs are opportunities to rotate their squads."

Credit: BBC Sport

Man. United Post Record Profits

Manchester United have earned more than half a billion pounds for the second successive year, with a record-breaking revenue of £581.2m.

While Jose Mourinho's men stuttered home sixth in the Premier League and went without Champions League football, the money-making machine was still in full flow last season.

United last year became the first British club to break the half-billion mark and have improved on that position, with revenue rising from £515.3m to £581.2m for the year ending 30 June 2017.

The club - who in January returned the top of the Deloitte Football Money League for the first time since 2005 - achieved a record operating profit of £80.8m and record earnings of £199.8m before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation.

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: "We concluded a successful 2016/17 season with a total of three trophies and a return to Champions League football.

"The year saw us set record revenues of over £581m and achieve a record earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization of £199.8m.

"We are pleased with the investment in our squad and look forward to an exciting season."

United are expecting to post a revenue of between £575m and £585m for the year ending June 30, 2018.

The accounts show wages increased by £31.3m to £263.5m in the previous financial year as Mourinho's appointment was followed by the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba, Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan - but in terms of percentage of revenue it broadly remains the same.

Retail revenue increased by £6.7m thanks in part to the fact the full year of their agreement with Adidas came into account along with growth in the Megastore.

United's net debt decreased by £47.8m to £213.1m over the year.

Credit: Skysports.com