Giggs backs Jose Mourinho to remain Manchester United manager

Ryan Giggs says Jose Mourinho is the right man to lead Manchester United despite the club's poor start to the season.

United are six points behind league leaders Liverpool after only three games, following consecutive defeats to Brighton and Tottenham.

Gary Neville and Bryan Robson have backed to Mourinho in the wake of Monday's 3-0 loss to Spurs, and Giggs also believes United should stand by the Portuguese.

When asked if he could potentially replace Mourinho at Old Trafford, Giggs said: "Manchester United have got a fantastic manager already there.

"The club are going through a tough time but you've got to come through those tough times.

"I don't see where Manchester United go after Jose Mourinho. I think they've got the right man and they should stick with him.

"The club, the players and the fans should stick together."

Mourinho demanded more respect from his critics in his post-match press conference following the defeat to Tottenham, and Giggs says he understands the manager's frustrations.

"It is always difficult for a manager after a result like that," said Giggs, who named his Wales squad for the opening round of UEFA Nations League fixtures on Wednesday.

"I was at the game and I understand Jose's frustration because on another day United win that game.

"They didn't and then because of the way the game ended with the third goal, it looks worse than it was. Losing the game before, everything gathers pace.

"The good thing about football is that you always have the next game to come back. It is all about concentrating on that game against Burnley, everything else outside is noise that you can't control.

"You can only control what you can do. Manchester United have got a fantastic manager, a fantastic group of players and it is a fantastic club.

"They will come out of it hopefully sooner rather than later."

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Manchester United in talks with Anthony Martial over new deal

Manchester United are in discussions with Anthony Martial over a new long-term deal at the club, according to Sky sources.

The 22-year-old forward joined United in 2015, becoming the most expensive teenage footballer at the time with the fee rising to a possible £58 million.

Martial's failure to hold down a starting place under Jose Mourinho has led to speculation over his future, but it appears United are keen to keep the Frenchman at Old Trafford and discussions have been ongoing for several months.

Although United have the option to extend Martial's current contract until the end of the next season, the club are thought to be keen on tying him down to a longer-term agreement.

Martial made a flying start to his United career, scoring a debut goal against Liverpool as he went on to score 11 goals in his first Premier League season under Louis van Gaal's management.

However, Martial has struggled to build on that promise since Mourinho took over in 2016.

The former Monaco striker has made just 11 Premier League starts in each of his two seasons under Mourinho, scoring a total of 13 goals in that time.

The arrivals of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez limited Martial's playing time last season and he was then left out of the French World Cup squad, which went on to win the tournament in Russia.

After being heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford over the summer, Martial has featured in just one of United's first three games of the season - a defeat to Brighton in which he was hauled off after an hour.

Mourinho is also facing speculation over his future after another loss, this time against Tottenham on Monday.

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Edwin van der Sar fears Manchester United will struggle this season

Edwin van der Sar believes Manchester United face an "uphill battle" in the Premier League after their slow start to the season.

The Red Devils are already six points off the pace in the league after suffering consecutive defeats to Brighton and Tottenham.

Sky Sports News understands Jose Mourinho's job is not under immediate threat but Van der Sar believes United could struggle under the Portuguese this season.

"Last year, there was a very big gap [to Manchester City] and this year they've started badly, losing two of their first three games," said Van der Sar, who won four league titles during his time at Old Trafford.

"It will be an uphill battle. You have so many strong teams in the Premier League.

"It is going to be difficult this year."

Van der Sar was speaking on Thursday at the UEFA Awards ceremony in Monaco, from which Luka Modric took home named Men's Player of the Year award.

Former United midfielder David Beckham received the UEFA President's Award in recognition of his on-field career and charity work away from the pitch.

Van der Sar believes the former England captain is a worthy recipient of the award.

"I know him well, I never played with him but I've met him on several occasions," said the Dutchman.

"He is a nice guy - his work on the pitch, everybody knows that, but he also does a lot of good things for charity.

"We played a couple of years ago in a charity match at Manchester for his foundation. He is a genuine nice guy and it is a really great achievement for him."

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Merson: Sacking Jose Mourinho would be terrible

Sacking Jose Mourinho would be "terrible" for Manchester United who would struggle to recruit a better replacement, according to Paul Merson.

Merson thinks the club's failure to sign a centre-back in the summer - and issues with their long-term recruitment - have come back to bite them, but that changing manager for the fourth time in five years is not the solution.

This is United's worst start to a season in 26 years and they have conceded a quarter of the goals they did in 2017/18 after just three games - against Brighton, Leicester and Tottenham.

After that 3-0 home defeat to Spurs on Monday night, Mourinho stormed out of his post-match press conference, and the Portuguese has been in confrontational mood often since the start of pre-season.

But Merson said: "Who are they going to get if Jose goes? I think they'd be silly to sack him, it'd be terrible but you've seen it before and I've seen it at Chelsea. If it can happen there, and he's won the league, why can't it happen at Man United where he hasn't?

"He's going to feel the pressure, he's not going to be happy, he's a serial winner. He's going to get the hump.

"It's going to be a hard season for them. The problem is not just Man City running away from them, it's also looking at Liverpool and thinking how have they got all these players and we haven't?

"They're one of the biggest teams in the world, I'd say, and look at teams like Tottenham and Liverpool who aren't blessed with a lorry-load of money, and look at the players they've bought. How many Manchester United players would get in the Liverpool team? How has that happened? That's the problem."

United made bids for Leicester defender Harry Maguire and were interested in Spurs' Toby Alderweireld during the summer, but ended up signing only Diego Dalot, Fred and Lee Camp while Liverpool spent close to £200m.

Merson added: "You don't see Manchester United being beaten 3-0 at home, you just don't. I'm not going to sit here and tell Jose Mourinho how to be the manager of a football club. Whatever happens, he's a better manager than me, but I think he needed to be backed, he didn't get backed, and if you look they're letting in goals left, right and centre.

"When have Manchester United let in three in one game and then three in another? They only let in 15 in his first season at Chelsea! He said he needed centre-halves, they didn't and now it's biting them on the backside."

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Reds discover Champions League opponents

Manchester United have been drawn against Juventus, Valencia and Young Boys in the group stage of this season’s UEFA Champions League.

The Reds, who were in Pot 2, were placed in Group H in Thursday’s draw, which was conducted by former United striker Diego Forlan and Brazil legend Kaka at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.

United were kept apart from Premier League rivals Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, as teams from the same country cannot face each other in the group stage.

Jose Mourinho’s side qualified for the last 32 of Europe’s elite competition by virtue of finishing second in the Premier League last season.

Jose Mourinho's men will come up against former United star Cristiano Ronaldo when facing Juventus, after the Portuguese forward joined the Italian giants from Real Madrid during the summer.

Ronaldo scored 118 goals in 292 games for the Reds during six successful years at United, between 2003 and 2009. It will be Cristiano’s second return to Old Trafford since his departure – in 2012/13, he scored the winner for Mourinho’s Real Madrid, who won 2-1 at the Theatre of Dreams to secure a 3-2 aggregate win over United in the last-16 stage.

This season's meetings with Juventus will also pit United midfielder Paul Pogba against his old club, whom he helped to win four consecutive Serie A titles, as well as two Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italiana titles. Our no.6 netted 34 goals in 178 games during four impressive seasons in Turin, before rejoining the Reds in the summer of 2016.

United have won the last three meetings with Juventus, home (2-1) and away (3-0) in 2002/03 as well as the famous 1999 semi-final second leg in Turin (3-2).

After being pitted against La Liga outfit Valencia, the Reds will take on a Spanish team in Europe for the third successive season – after beating Celta Vigo in the Europa League semi-finals on our way to winning the competition in 2016/17 and facing Sevilla in the last 16 of the Champions League last term.

United have played eight competitive games against Valencia to date, resulting in two wins, five draws and just one defeat. The last clashes came in the group stage in 2010/11, when Sir Alex Ferguson’s Reds prevailed 1-0 at the Mestalla before being held to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Valencia finished third in La Liga last term and were recently managed by United legend Gary Neville.

The clashes with Marcelino’s team will undoubtedly be special for two United players in particular. Juan Mata spent four years at Valencia, scoring 46 times in 174 games, before coming to England in 2011, when he joined his previous club Chelsea. Fellow midfielder Andreas Pereira also spent last season on loan at the Mestalla, where he scored once and registered five assists in 29 games in all competitions.

The Reds will take on Swiss outfit Young Boys for the first time in our history. However, it's the second successive season we will encounter a team from Switzerland in the Champions League, after being grouped with FC Basel last term.

It will be a maiden experience at this stage of Europe’s elite competition for Gerardo Seoane’s team, who beat Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb 3-2 on aggregate in the play-off round.

The Bern-based outfit faced Tottenham in the Champions League in 2010/11 at the play-off stage, before taking on Liverpool in the group stage of the Europa League in 2012/13 and Everton in the last 32 of that competition in 2014/15.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUPS IN FULL

Group A: Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Monaco
Group B: Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, PSV Eindhoven, Inter Milan
Group C: Paris St-Germain, Napoli, Liverpool, Red Star Belgrade
Group D: Lokomotiv Moscow, FC Porto, FC Schalke 04, Galatasaray
Group E: Bayern Munich, Benfica, Ajax, AEK Athens
Group F: Manchester City, Shakhtar Donetsk, Lyon, Hoffenheim
Group G: Real Madrid, AS Roma, CSKA Moscow, Viktoria Plzen
Group H: Juventus, Manchester United, Valencia, Young Boys

Carabao Cup opponents confirmed

Manchester United's quest to win the Carabao Cup in 2018/19 will begin with a third-round tie at home to Derby County.

The match will be played at Old Trafford in the week commencing 24 September, between the Reds' Premier League games at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers and away to West Ham United.

Derby, who are under the new management of Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, reached the third round by beating Oldham Athletic 2-0 away in the first round and then Hull City 4-0 away earlier this week.

United are among seven Premier League clubs who bypassed the second round due to being involved in European competitions this season, the others being Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Arsenal and Burnley.

Mourinho and Lampard spent four full seasons together across Jose's two spells at Chelsea, 2004/05 to 2006/07 and then 2013/14. In tandem at Stamford Bridge, the manager and midfielder won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups and the 2005 Community Shield.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

The Reds have won 46 of the club's 105 games against Derby in all competitions stretching back to 1892. There have been 29 draws, while the Rams have triumphed on 30 occasions.

The most recent encounter between the teams was in the third round of last season’s Emirates FA Cup at Old Trafford, in January this year. Mourinho's men found the going tough against the Championship side before goals from Jesse Lingard and Romelu Lukaku in the final 10 minutes secured a 2-0 win en route to the final.

CARABAO CUP THIRD-ROUND DRAW IN FULL

Arsenal v Brentford
Blackpool v Queens Park Rangers
Bournemouth v Blackburn Rovers
Burton Albion v Burnley
Everton v Southampton
Liverpool v Chelsea
Millwall v Fulham
Manchester United v Derby County
Nottingham Forest v Stoke City
Oxford United v Manchester City
Preston North End v Middlesbrough
Tottenham Hotspur v Watford
West Ham United v Macclesfield Town
West Bromwich Albion v Crystal Palace
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leicester City
Wycombe Wanderers v Norwich City

Was Jose Mourinho right to defend Manchester United’s display?

Jose Mourinho went into Monday night's game against Tottenham under pressure after Manchester United’s 3-2 defeat to Brighton and that has only intensified following his team’s 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford. The result was emphatic enough but that did not stop the manager from launching a fierce defence of his team's performance.

Mourinho claimed his team were by far the better side in the first half and that the end result was not a fair reflection of the game. He pointed out that his team had good chances and that by pressing high up the pitch his players had forced mistakes from Tottenham in their own half. But was he right? Here, we take a look at the evidence.

Quality of chances

"We were so, so, so much the better team in the first half," said Mourinho afterwards. "My team played so well and strategically they were so so so so good and you want to try to transform this press conference into a situation of 'let's blame the guy'. We missed a goal with an open goal, we missed chances, we were unlucky in rebounds for both goals.

"We lost a game because we conceded a goal from the first corner of the match against us on minute fifty-something. In the first half, zero free-kicks, zero corners conceded, in minute fifty-something they have one corner and score a goal, and you want, with that goal, you want to transform the story of your game."

Romelu Lukaku's opportunity to score in the first half after rounding Hugo Lloris was clear but it was far from the only chance that United had. The home team had 23 attempts in total - more than in any of their Premier League matches in the calendar year. It was also the most shots that Tottenham have faced in any Premier League game this season or last.

"United should have scored one or two goals tonight minimum," Gary Neville told Sky Sports. "They had big chances to score." Opta's expected-goals model supports that view. According to those statistics, the quality of United's chances equated to 1.5 goals compared to the 1.3 goals that Tottenham's chances would have been expected to yield.

Pressing higher up

It was not only the result that annoyed Mourinho. He appeared aggrieved that he was being criticised for the performance. "You have to tell me what is the most important thing because I don't know," he said. "When I win matches I come here many times and you are not happy that I won and you tell me that the most important thing is the way of playing.

"You have to make a decision in relation to that because I need to know from you what is the most important thing - if it is to play well or if it is to win matches. Is it to play offensively, or is it to play for a certain result? Today we were aggressive, we pressed high."

There was a noticeable difference in United's approach against Tottenham and the team's high pressing was shown by where they succeeded in winning possession of the ball. According to Opta, United won possession, on average, 36 metres away from their own goal compared to the 27 metres away that Tottenham managed to win possession of the ball.

That is a departure from the norm for Mourinho whose teams tend to favour a defensive low-block. In matches against the rest of the top four last season, United's average possession-winning line was 28 metres from their goal, never higher than 32 metres, and never higher than their opponent in any of those six Premier League contests.

It was even higher than their line against Brighton. "There was nothing to like about the Brighton performance," said Neville after the game. "There were things tonight that were a lot different to that Brighton performance in every single way. There was a level of intensity and desire in the team. There was an urgency that was not there at Brighton."

Forcing Spurs errors

Mourinho argued that United's front-foot approach had been effective in that it had caused their opponents significant problems. "Tottenham could not make two passes coming from the back," he said. "They made lots of mistakes because of our pressure high. We project the full-backs, we had Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw arriving in dangerous positions."

The average position data showed that Valencia and Shaw both spent the majority of the first 45 minutes in the Tottenham half - and United's pressing certainly had an impact on Spurs. They visitors made two errors leading to shots, which is as many as they made in any of their Premier League games last season. But the difficulties ran much deeper than that.

Tottenham failed to complete 65 passes in that frenzied first half. That is the most unsuccessful passes that any team in the Premier League has made in the opening 45 minutes of a game this season. By the time it was all over, Spurs had misplaced 38 passes in their own half of the pitch, the third most by any team this term.

It was caused by the intensity of the pressing. Fred won it back 10 times alone, covering more ground than any United player, while the introduction of Jesse Lingard helped too - he made 19 high-intensity sprints, a tally only bettered by man of the match Lucas Moura. In total, United recovered possession 75 times - no team has done so more times this season.

Conclusion

Try as Mourinho might, there is no getting away from the fact that Manchester United were beaten by three clear goals. It was not only the biggest home defeat of his entire managerial career but means that United have now lost two of their first three games of a league season for the first time in more than a quarter of a century.

But while there might be little appetite for Mourinho's excuses right now, the statistics do suggest that this defeat was not only unfortunate but that it was untypical of the problems that have afflicted United of late. After being accused of being too negative in their approach, United were uncharacteristically positive against Tottenham only to be picked off.

Perhaps the sight of his side losing back-to-back games playing very differently with different personnel and a different formation will only add to Mourinho's frustrations. He has long advocated that the best way of playing is the way that works. The problem is that neither way of playing seems to be working for his Manchester United at the moment.

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Manchester United unveil pink away shirt for 2018/19 season

Manchester United will wear pink shirts for the first time this season after the club's new away kit was unveiled.

United's new kit pays tribute to Manchester's rich newspaper heritage, with the new Adidas shirt inspired by the defunct publication, The Football Pink.

A favourite among United fans, The Football Pink was created by the Manchester Evening News and went out on Saturday afternoons until its closure in 2007.

Featuring a new reworked performance silhouette, the new kit design combines a colour firmly part of United's rich football heritage with a contemporary pastel trend to create a shirt that is designed for ultimate wearability and style.

A small number of fans will be able to get their hands on the kit at special events in Manchester on August 28 and 29, before going on general sale on September 13.

The matchday programme for Monday's Premier League clash against Tottenham included a wrap-around with the headline of 'The Pink is back!'

"Its legacy endures and this season The Pink rides again," said the front page of United Review. "Not just in the hearts and minds of the fans, but on the backs of their heroes too."

United slumped to a 3-0 defeat at home to Spurs on Monday as they lost two of opening three Premier League games for the first time since 1992.

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Pogba insists Manchester United can bounce back

Paul Pogba insists Manchester United can bounce back after a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham gave the club their worst start to a Premier League season since 1992.

United were humbled on Monday night as Harry Kane's header and Lucas Moura's double gave Tottenham a rare victory at Old Trafford.

The defeat for United followed a similarly disappointing result a week earlier when Jose Mourinho's side was beaten 3-2 at Brighton.

Although United won their opening game against Leicester, the two defeats mean it is now the club's worst start since the 1992-93 season, when they had just one point at the same stage.

"I think it was an undeserved defeat for us, in our desire, in everything we put into it," Pogba said. "But football can be cruel. We just have to bounce back."

"It won't be easy, but it's just the start of the season. I prefer to start badly and end well than start well and finish badly.

"It's bizarre. (Against Tottenham) we were determined, we started well, and in the end we lost 3-0. It's a shock."

Before storming out of his post-match news conference, Mourinho insisted that United had "not lost" in terms of strategy and tactics, after his side had the better of the first half.

However, United failed to take advantage of their first-half pressure and were made to pay when Kane headed in a corner shortly after the break.

Less than three minutes later the lead was doubled as Moura finished neatly, before the Brazilian sealed the win six minutes from time.

"Even we don't understand what happened," Pogba continued. "We started the game really well, we conceded two goals in the second half."

"The first goal was a real blow, we didn't understand why, because we had the game in hand. One goal, two...we kept pushing, we had chances, and we conceded the third.

"The fans kept pushing us, they were really behind us. We feel really sorry for them, very disappointed, we wanted to do better."

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Mourinho backed by Manchester United Supporters' Trust but challenged to improve

The Manchester United Supporters' Trust have backed "under-pressure" manager Jose Mourinho, but challenged him to return the "siege mentality" to Old Trafford.

Mourinho suffered the biggest home defeat of his career with Monday's 3-0 defeat to Tottenham, meaning United have now lost two of their first three Premier League games for the first time since 1992.

Sky Sports News understands that the Portuguese retains the full backing of United's board.

In the aftermath of Monday's humbling defeat, Mourinho received a show of solidarity from the United faithful as he applauded the Stretford End for over a minute as they cheered his name.

When asked about the show of support for Mourinho, spokesperson for The Manchester United Supporters Trust, Sean Bones, said: "I think Jose was very appreciative.

"He's obviously under a lot of pressure, but he's got to find the solutions and figure out what he needs to do and get the whole team behind him like Ferguson did.

"You have the siege mentality and you get everybody behind you, you're playing for Manchester United you give 100 per cent. You start winning one or two games and the confidence levels rise and you put a run together.

"As a supporter myself I get behind the team and I get behind the manager.

"In a season you get good spells and bad spells. This might be the bad spell at the beginning of the season and we might put a long run together.

"In football no team has the divine right to win and what's defined Manchester United over the years when we've had difficult times or adversity we have worked hard and we've played the Manchester United way."

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Mourinho maintains backing of Man Utd board despite two losses in first three

Jose Mourinho's job as Man Utd manager is not under threat despite losing two of their first three Premier League games for the first time since 1992, SSN understands.

Monday's 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham left United with just three points from as many games so far this season, but despite the poor results, Mourinho maintains the backing of the United board.

Mourinho also appears to have the support of a number of the United supporters, who stayed to applaud the manager at the end of the game as he stood in front of the Stretford End.

The Portuguese then endured a spiky press conference after his heaviest home loss in management, concluding with Mourinho storming out of the room.

He was in combative mood when challenged about the criticism coming his way both in the media and from fans and demanded to be treated with more respect.

The loss to Spurs was United's second in succession, and it is the first time since 1992 they have lost two of their first three matches in a Premier League season.

While Mourinho's immediate future seems to be secure, that could change were they to fail to beat Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday.

United defender Luke Shaw insists rumours of unrest within the squad are unfounded, but apologised to the club's fans for the defeat to Tottenham.

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Herrera: All we can do is look to the future

Ander Herrera believes Manchester United will beat Burnley in Sunday's Premier League match, with the same attitude and commitment that was shown against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Reds produced a positive display in the first half at Old Trafford on Monday night, before three second-half goals ensured Spurs won.

But Herrera insists it was not all doom and gloom. “When you lose 3-0 at home, a team like Manchester United, if you didn’t watch the game, you would think it has been a disaster, but it hasn't been at all,” Ander told Sky Sports.

"We did a good 60 or 70 minutes and should have been winning 2-0 at half-time, but we didn’t. If we want to win the next game against Burnley this is the commitment we should have. The basics have been shown. This is the way we have to play if we want to win against Burnley.

“We have quality, a very big squad. We made six changes and for the first 70 minutes, we were good. It’s easy to turn things around.”

United controlled long periods of the first half and passed up some key chances before Mauricio Pochettino's side went on to win.

“It’s easy to understand what happened,” Ander told reporters after the game. “When you have 16 or 17 attempts, when you have so many opportunities to score in the first 60 or 70 minutes and you don’t do it, the opponent can score.

"The opponent can hurt you. They did it – they scored from their first corner – and what can we say?” added Herrera.

“I think the commitment, the approach, the attitude, the way we faced the game was perfect. We didn’t let them build – one of the things they do well is building up and we didn’t let them do it.”

Herrera went on: “We made them feel uncomfortable on the pitch, we had so many crosses, lateral free-kicks, corners. They were really uncomfortable in the game and at half-time, it was incredible we were not winning the game.

"But football is like this: when you don’t do it, when you have so many chances and you don’t score, and you are playing against a top team, this can happen. They can score from their first corner as they have the quality to cross and head the ball.

“The only thing we can do is look to the future and the next game. If we approach the game against Burnley the same way, with the same attitude and winning mentality, normally we should win the game. So we can take good things [from Spurs] for the next game."

Robson: A time to dig together in the trenches

Bryan Robson has endorsed Jose Mourinho’s show of passion at Old Trafford on Monday night and called on everybody at Manchester United to adopt a siege mentality in the face of adversity.

The Reds were beaten 3-0 by Tottenham Hotspur on a difficult night at the Theatre of Dreams. Afterwards, Mourinho decisively walked onto the pitch to applaud supporters in all four stands of the stadium, before pausing in front of the famous Stretford End to show his respect and appreciation for a crowd that had stayed to clap a beaten team off the pitch.

Robson knows just how powerful that connection with the crowd can be and our former club captain is defiant about United’s start to the season, highlighting this as a time to fight in the trenches.

“We have got to stick together because nobody outside of this club is going to stick with Manchester United,” said Bryan on MUTV. “If the fans are not encouraging the team, the more the media are going to jump on the bandwagon and hammer the team even more.

“This is a time when you dig in together in the trenches, pull for each other and get that confidence back. The lads have got to put more hard work in, but with the squad of players we have got we can turn this around.”

Expanding on his point, Robbo continued: “That is what is great about Man United fans, since I have been at the club, at least. When you are having a bad time they are still behind you, and if you are having a good time they don't get carried away. The fans are always terrific and I thought that was a great response from them.

“When you get beat 3-0 at home, it is good to have the fans staying loyal and true to you because it is a long, hard season. There is a long way to go yet.”

United will travel to Burnley on Sunday on the back of consecutive Premier League defeats, away to Brighton and at home to Spurs. Robson is confident the Reds will return to winning ways at Turf Moor and get back on track.

“The lads, not just the manager and his staff, have got to get the best of themselves and show a great team spirit, if they want to get out of this and get back to challenging at the top of the league,” Bryan explained on The Paddy Crerand Show.

“All they need to do is win the next game, change it that little bit, then the confidence starts coming back, injured players return, the fitness of the players is that little bit better and, all of a sudden, things can come together very quickly.”

On the subject of recent media scrutiny, Robson feels the criticism from the press has in general been too harsh, but he accepts it is an inevitable part of representing a successful club like United.

“For 30 years, the media has wanted to hammer us because of Sir Alex's success,” Bryan said. “But then we won the FA Cup and then Jose comes in, and wins three trophies in his first year. So to not win anything last season and begin this season with two defeats in the first three games, the media are loving it, because they have been used to seeing Manchester United achieve success so much.”

Who can United meet in the Champions League?

The wait is almost over to discover who Manchester United’s opponents will be in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League. Here's everything you need to know...

WHEN IS THE DRAW?
The group-stage draw will take place at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on Thursday 30 August from 17:00 BST.

HOW IS THE DRAW CONDUCTED?
Thirty-two clubs have reached the group stage, including six winners of two-legged play-off ties, and will be split into four pots, each consisting of eight teams. Holders Real Madrid and Europa League winners Atletico Madrid are in Pot 1, as well as the champions of the six highest-ranked nations. Pots 2 to 4 are determined by the club’s coefficient rankings within UEFA.

WHICH POT ARE WE IN?
United will be in Pot 2 for the draw, alongside Borussia Dortmund, FC Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Napoli, Tottenham Hotspur and AS Roma. We therefore cannot face any of those teams in the group stage, nor can we play against Liverpool or Manchester City as teams from the same country must be kept apart.

WHO COULD WE BE DRAWN AGAINST?
The highest-ranked opponents Jose Mourinho’s men could be pitted against are Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Paris St-Germain, Lokomotiv Moscow, who are all in Pot 1.

The other teams who could be in United's group include:

Pot 3: Schalke, Lyon, Monaco, CSKA Moscow, Ajax
Pot 4: Club Brugge, Galatasaray, Young Boys, Inter Milan, Hoffenheim, AEK Athens
Pot to be determined: Valencia, Viktoria Plzen

Still to be added to that list of potential opponents for United are the winners of three play-off ties to be concluded on Wednesday night.

PSV Eindhoven take a 3-2 lead into their second leg at home to BATE Borisov, Red Bull Salzburg welcome Red Star Belgrade after a goalless first-leg draw, while PAOK Salonika host Benfica with a crucial away goal in their tie following a 1-1 draw last week.

COULD WE FACE NEW OPPONENTS?
Of the teams who have definitely qualified for the group stage, there are four teams that the Reds could come up against for the first time in Europe. German club Hoffenheim have qualified for the Champions League group stage for the first time in their history, by virtue of finishing third in the Bundesliga last term. This will also be a maiden experience for Swiss outfit Young Boys, who have previously faced Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham in European competition. AEK Athens are the most successful Greek team in Europe, with their most memorable achievement being their run to the 1976/77 UEFA Cup semi-finals. They have qualified for the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2006/07. Viktoria Plzeň of the Czech Republic have reached the last 32 for the third time, having made their debut at this level in 2011/12.

WHO DID WE PLAY AGAINST LAST SEASON?
Jose Mourinho's men took on Swiss club Basel, Russian outfit CSKA Moscow and Portuguese giants Benfica in the group stage last term on our return to the Champions League. The Reds won five of the six Group A games to reach the knockout stage but were then eliminated by Spanish side Sevilla in the last 16, after a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in the second leg.

ARE WE IN THE UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE THIS SEASON?
Yes, and Thursday's draw will also establish the groups for that competition, in which the United Academy will field an Under-19 team.

WHEN WILL THE FIXTURES BE PLAYED?
The first Champions League group-stage games will take place on 18 and 19 September, which is sandwiched in between United’s Premier League fixtures away at Watford and at home to Wolves. Here’s the full group-stage schedule for your diary:

18/19 September: Matchday one
2/3 October: Matchday two
23/24 October: Matchday three
6/7 November: Matchday four
27/28 November: Matchday five
11/12 December: Matchday six

IS IT TRUE THERE WILL BE DIFFERENT KICK-OFF TIMES?
Yes, most group-stage games will start at 20:00 BST this season, instead of 19:45. Also, four matches per week will kick off at 17:55 BST - two on a Tuesday and two on a Wednesday.

Shaw deserves this personal renaissance

Luke Shaw was a man in demand on Monday night.

Manchester United’s match against Spurs had been over for around 90 minutes before the Reds' left-back finally strode through the post-match media zone next to the Old Trafford tunnel.

A handful of patient journalists had waited around for quotes from the players and had hoped the 23-year-old would be willing to speak, despite the disappointment of the 3-0 defeat, but Shaw apologised to the waiting press and pointed out that he had just conducted around eight interviews for the TV cameras.

It was a pity but the reporters accepted his polite refusal and, putting aside the disappointment of not getting to interview him, most were pleased that a young player who has been through so much is currently enjoying a personal renaissance.

Shaw was wanted by the media after the Spurs game because he had been one of the biggest plusses of an evening that started breathlessly and positively for his team. He was United’s Man of the Match in many people’s eyes and it was significant that when manager Jose Mourinho strode onto the pitch following the defeat, he made a beeline for Luke.

Mourinho put a consoling arm around the defender and later told MUTV how delighted he was by his display. “I was particularly pleased [with Shaw],” said the boss. ”I told him you cannot play better than you did. He was so upset with the result, the kid has to be, but also the kid has to know that he has had three very good matches in the Premier League and today he was very good. I am very happy with him.“

It was great to see Luke himself looking so happy after scoring what turned out to be the winning goal against Leicester City on the opening day of the season, and it was a shame he couldn’t have been beaming after the Tottenham match, following another more than satisfying personal performance.

England boss Gareth Southgate was watching in the stands on Monday night and I’d be surprised if he doesn’t reward Shaw with a call-up on Thursday for the upcoming UEFA Nations League international against Spain at Wembley and the friendly at Leicester’s King Power Stadium against Switzerland. It is no more than the United player deserves.

When the Three Lions play against the Swiss next month, it will be a few days short of the three-year anniversary since Shaw’s football world was turned upside down. Just when he was beginning to cement a place in Louis van Gaal's side, early in his second season at the club, the defender suffered a horrific double leg fracture on the Champions League trip to Eindhoven. The immediate eerie silence inside PSV’s Philips Stadium that night suggested his injury was a serious one and the tale of Shaw's long battle to return has been well told since.

Shaw himself shed some light on the subject, when he gave an open and honest interview to members of the English media during United's pre-season tour of America. Media speculation about his relationship with the manager was swept away when he revealed he'd received a very encouraging text message from Mourinho during the summer break.

It was a refreshing insight that gave the impression of a young man who is content and focused on where his future is going. That has been in evidence in the very positive way that Shaw has tackled the new season.

If the club needs an example of how to grit your teeth and fight back during a difficult time, then Luke is it.

With mental toughness and a steadfast resolve to get back on course, Shaw has shown the way.

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

Manchester United confirm pink away shirt in tribute to local newspaper

Manchester United will wear a pink shirt for the first time this season in tribute to the city's newspaper history.

The matchday programme for Monday's Premier League clash against Tottenham, included a wrap-around with the headline of 'The Pink is back!'

The new Adidas away shirt is set to be launched on Tuesday and is inspired by The Football Pink newspaper, which was created by the Manchester Evening News and went out on Saturday afternoons until its closure in 2007.

"Its legacy endures and this season The Pink rides again," said the front page of United Review.

"Not just in the hearts and minds of the fans, but on the backs of their heroes too."

Credit: Skysports.com

Pique rules out Man. United return

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has appeared to rule out ever returning to Manchester United or the Premier League - while praising their rivals.

The Spanish centre-back joined United in 2004 having come through Barcelona's youth academy but failed to establish himself at Old Trafford before sealing a return to the Nou Camp in 2008.

Pique has since won seven La Liga titles, three Champions League trophies, the World Cup and European Championships.

When asked if he would return to England, Pique told the Daily Star: "I don't think so. I'm very happy here.

"It's my home, with my family and friends, and playing for the club I always dreamed to play, and I hope to win more titles here."

Having already risked irking his former club this week by publicly stating United midfielder Paul Pogba would be welcome at Barcelona, Pique did not hold back in his praise of their Premier League rivals.

The 31-year-old shared his admiration for Liverpool and reigning champions Manchester City.

"I think Jurgen Klopp is doing a great job at Liverpool. The style of play is the opposite of (Pep) Guardiola," Pique said.

"They like to counter-attack and have very quick players up front who score goals - like Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane."

"It will be a challenge for City as Liverpool have a great team and I think it will be quite exciting."

"I think it's difficult (to win the Premier League). City have a great team but I think they are slightly favourites."

Barcelona have made a strong start to their La Liga title defence, picking up victories over Alaves and Valladolid.

Pique will be able to apply his full focus for Barcelona this season, having announced his international retirement following Spain's exit from the 2018 World Cup at the hands of hosts Russia.

Credit: Skysports.com

Gary Neville on Jose's biggest challenge

Speaking on Monday Night Football following Manchester United's 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford, Gary Neville explains why Jose Mourinho is now facing the biggest challenge of his football career...

I hated the Brighton performance. There was nothing to like about it. Forget the goals they conceded, it was just lethargic all over the pitch with no energy, urgency or intensity. But in the first half-an-hour tonight I was enthralled, I think we all were, in terms of the sheer energy. It concerned me as a fan that their legs would go and eventually the game would settle down and Tottenham would come into it.

When Tottenham got through the first half-hour and the (Romelu) Lukaku chance was missed you thought Tottenham would start to open Manchester United up and they did. I felt it went from being a big response with high energy to looking frantic. Then when you concede goals like they did, some of the defending was…

I have been saying on Monday Night Football for 14 months that we've not seen a pragmatic Manchester United team play in big games for a long time. Tottenham away last year, Arsenal away last year, Manchester City at home… we've seen so many games where Manchester United have been open.

It's unrecognisable. Before the game my last words were 'this won't be vintage Manchester United, it won't be expressive and it will be dogged'. Then in the first five minutes I thought 'what the hell is this?'

I couldn't work out what was happening. It was like a pinball machine. You didn't know who was playing where. Was Ander Herrera a right-back or a centre-back? Paul Pogba was marking Dele Alli.

You look at it and think to yourself 'I actually quite like this'.

Normally we'd associate Jose's teams with a level of control and organisation, but tonight there was a real frantic nature to it. There was a real intensity to the first half-an-hour. The problem was when Tottenham scored it did start to become frantic.

There were elements of that game tonight that I actually I liked. They were still creating chances at 2-0 down. They were still looking like they were sprinting forward and it looked like there was a desperation to get back into the game. None of that was apparent at Brighton when they just rolled over. That was a waste of time.

There were things tonight that represented Manchester United in terms of spirit, at least, but in terms of organisation and defending… you've no chance if you give goals away like that.

Before the game we didn't have a clue how Manchester United were going to set up and I'm not sure anyone would have picked that starting system.

They may have worked on it in the last four or five days, but Tottenham are so consistent and so stable. With Manchester United, it's like you could throw those balls [players] into a bingo machine and anyone could come out at any time. You don't know where Pogba is going to be or where Fred is going to be. Herrera is centre-back and Lingard is all over the pitch.

There's only a couple of players where you know where they are going to be. There is such a disorganisation at times that they were always going to get beat once the game settled down, even though there was a lot of spirit in the performance.

I can't sit here and be objective and say there's any Manchester United player that Jose's not picked that deserves to be in. Martial? No. Rashford has not taken his chance. When Sanchez plays I can't think of the player I'm watching.

The manager is always the one where the buck stops and Jose Mourinho has been the most successful manager in football in the last 20 years, along with Pep Guardiola, and he's going through a difficult moment over a couple of seasons.

This is the biggest task he's ever had in his life in football, the biggest challenge he's had in his life in football and he's got to come out of it.

I look at the squad and the team and I'm not sure what the best XI is, what the best strikeforce is, I'm not sure there's a back four there. You are just going to have to back certain players and go with them and stick with it, rather than changing it every single game.

The buck stops with the manager and I have to say, at the moment, it doesn't look a balanced outfit there at all.

I've not seen a group of players that look like they are throwing the towel in tonight. They ran all over that pitch. It looked like desperation more than anything.

At Brighton they were lacking in confidence and ideas. Tonight it looked like desperation and they were so frantic, lacking in composure. Defensive errors put trepidation through the whole team. When you concede goals at Old Trafford, it's a big old stadium and you lose confidence and belief.

It's destroying the spirit of the team when they concede such bad goals.

Credit: Skysports.com

Mourinho's fiery press conference in full after Man Utd's defeat to Tottenham

Read through Jose Mourinho's heated exchange with journalists in his post-match press conference following Manchester United's 3-0 defeat to Tottenham on Monday Night Football.

Q: What is your message to supporters after the 3-0 defeat?

JOSE: "My message was the same message as the supporters. The message that the supporters gave to the players, that was my message, it was the same.

"When you play the way you play, when you create what you create, when you miss the chances that we missed, at half-time, everybody was frustrated but totally convinced that we were going to win the match.

"Even with the unexpected 2-0 result, the way the team kept playing until the third goal arrived, my message to the players has to be a positive message. I am really happy, humbled by the way the supporters reacted to the boys, it was very much deserved.

"But sometimes players deserve and they don't get what they deserve, so we have to be humbled by the supporters' reaction to the team."

Q: Are you concerned by the two defeats in the first three games? Is there a worry your team could be on the slide...

JOSE: "I wouldn't be worried if at half-time we were winning 3-0, 3-1, 2-0. We were so, so much the better team in the first half I wouldn't be worried with that."

Q: Everything looked on track at half-time. What went wrong in the second half?

JOSE: "Did you see the goal?"

Q: Do you know what your best back four is at the moment?

JOSE: "No. In the first game I played [Victor] Lindelof and [Eric] Bailly and today played [Phil] Jones and [Chris] Smalling.

"Now Jones is injured and in the next match it will be Smalling with another one. And when Marcos Rojo comes it will be another option. I don't know my best back four."

Q: Is it affecting them by changing things a lot, taking players in, taking players out? Is that affecting the confidence in the way they defend?

JOSE: "No."

Q: If you play a midfielder ahead of Lindelof in a back three, does that not affect Lindelof's confidence and suggests you don't trust him in a back three?

JOSE: "My team played so well, strategically we were so good, and you want to try and transform this press conference into a situation of 'let's blame the guy'."

Q: You didn't defend very well Jose, you conceded three goals.

JOSE: "I'm sorry, you have to tell me what the most important thing is because I don't know."

Q: It's the result.

JOSE: "When I win matches, I come here many times and you are not happy that I won matches and you say the most important thing is the way we play.

Q: I'm just asking about the defenders.

JOSE: "No, you have to make a decision in relation to that because I need to know from you what is the most important thing, to play well or to win matches? If it is to play offensively or for a certain result.

"Today we were aggressive, we pressed high, Tottenham couldn't make two passes from the back, they made lots of mistakes because of our high pressure, we project the full-backs, we had Valencia and Shaw arriving in dangerous positions, we missed goals with an open goal, we missed chances and we were unlucky with rebounds in both goals.

"We lost a game because we conceded a goal from the first corner of the match against us. In the first half zero corners, zero free-kicks, on minute 50-something they had one corner and scored a goal, and you want, with that goal, you want to transform the story of the game.

"But don't lose your time. Today I had the proof the best judge in football are the supporters."

Q: But many of the supporters walked out towards the end.

JOSE: "I would do the same, losing 3-0 and taking two hours from here to the centre of Manchester, because that's where I live, and I know that after matches it takes two hours. So I will do the same.

"So keep trying. Keep trying. Keep trying.

"We lost last season here against Sevilla and were booed because we deserved it, because we were not good, because we were not dangerous enough and Sevilla deserved to win the match. Today the players left the pitch after losing at home and they were applauded because they deserved it. So keep trying.

"Do you know what the result was? Three-nil. Do you know what this means (holding up three fingers)?

"Three-nil but it also means three Premier Leagues and I won more alone than the other 19 managers together. Three for me and two for them."

Mourinho then left his seat repeating "respect, respect, respect" as he stormed out of the press conference.

Credit: Skysports.com

Gary Neville: Manchester United should not sack Jose Mourinho mid-season

Gary Neville is adamant Manchester United should not consider sacking Jose Mourinho until the end of the season at the earliest.

Monday night's 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham came on the back of last weekend's 3-2 loss at Brighton as the club suffered two defeats in their opening three fixtures for the first time since 1992.

United finished 19 points behind Manchester City last season and did not win a trophy, but Neville says the club must stand by their man and not look to bring in a fourth manager since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure in 2013.

He told Monday Night Football: "We saw Louis van Gaal sacked after an FA Cup final victory, we saw David Moyes sacked with four games to go of a season, so we are no longer talking about a football club that is behaving as it has historically done.

"I accept these are different times and I accept the difficulties and challenges, but my honest view as I stand here now is that Ed Woodward gave him a contract last season, only seven or eight months ago, and he should see that contract through to the end and do the job.

"You can't keep jumping around with managers. I hear the third-year Mourinho stories and all the rest of it and you can't disagree with those stories because there is some history.

"But what I would say is it's time now for Manchester United to batten down the hatches and for Jose Mourinho and Ed Woodward to sort themselves out if there is a problem there.

"Get the team right for the rest of the season because the club is bigger than any individual. They have to get themselves sorted because it's not a time for in-fighting and politics."

Mourinho has only gone into a fourth straight season with a club once in his managerial career, but Neville pointed out the only club that has sacked him during a season was Chelsea in both 2007 and 2015.

He said United should not consider making a change during this season - and should aim to let him see out the remaining two years on his deal.

Mourinho added: "He saw the end of his contract at Inter Milan, he saw the end of his contract at Porto and he saw the end of his contract at Real Madrid.

"It's only at Chelsea, which is a club of madness, where this has happened. At Inter Milan, Porto and Real Madrid he saw it to the end so let's not rewrite history. At Chelsea, everybody dies a little bit early. It's that type of club, he's not on his own there.

"It was tough for him at Real Madrid and he got through to the end of the season. I don't see it happening during the season.

"To suggest that Manchester United are like Chelsea is not right. I have to say Manchester United still do things slightly differently.

"In the last few years there has been an erosion of the beliefs. Jamie Carragher said last week the morals and traditions and bringing through British kids has gone out of the window when they sacked David Moyes and brought in Louis van Gaal.

"I get that and I understand that, but it is still too early - three games into the season - to start suggesting there should be a change of manager.

"Nothing could be further from the truth. It has to be that Jose Mourinho is allowed to go through and complete this season. If he does well he should go through the next season as well, which is when his contract runs out."

Credit: Skysports.com

Shaw insists the Reds must respond

The resurgent Luke Shaw is calling for Manchester United to build on Monday's 'outstanding' first-half performance against Tottenham Hotspur and bounce back from the eventual defeat when travelling to Burnley at the weekend.

Shaw, who was named Man of the Match for the Reds against Leicester City in the season opener, arguably topped that performance last night after an impressive display at left-back, despite the team's disappointing result. The 22-year-old was impressive when attacking against fellow countryman Kieran Trippier and could not be faulted for any of Tottenham’s goals.

Luke spoke to MUTV after the match and echoed Jose Mourinho’s post-match comments by insisting the Reds were unlucky to lose.

“You look at the first half and I think we were outstanding,” he said. “We had a lot of chances to put the game to bed. Of the chances we had, [we should have scored] maybe one or two, then for me it would have been 'game over'.

“We spoke at half-time and Jose [Mourinho] said they hadn't had one corner, one cross or one dangerous opportunity. Then, from their first corner in the second half they had a goal, but even then we should have been relaxed because it was only one goal and we still had a lot of time. But then came another mistake, another silly, stupid goal. We were so on top and it is just really disappointing, everyone in the dressing room is really sad, especially after the first half we had.”

When asked about his own personal display, Shaw modestly admitted it was all about the team’s performance and he commented on the positive team spirit the side has.

“Personally, I don't really care about my performance, I care more about the result and the team,” he said. “It is a sad night for us, we have got to pick ourselves back up, keep working hard and we need to pick up points after two losses. We need to win and win in a good way. We played really well in the first half and if we keep playing like that, and take our chances, then we will win games.

“You see a lot of things in the media that go on about what our dressing room is like, but we have a really good spirit, a really good group of lads who want to work and achieve big things here. We have a group of hard workers and amazing talents, everywhere you look on the field. We have got to start taking our chances and I am sure we will start winning games.”

Shaw went on to apologise to the ‘amazing’ fans and insisted that the Reds will be better next weekend and look to bounce back as we make the short trip up to Turf Moor to face Burnley.

“A big thank you goes to the fans for the way they supported us, even when we were down 3-0. It was amazing,” he continued.

“At the final whistle, the way they clapped the team was really respectful and that was nice for us as players to receive after a disappointing result. To the fans that came out tonight, we are sorry and we will be better next week, we will improve, we will keep working hard.“

“It is early in the season, we have got a lot of games to come and we have got to get points. Tonight's result wasn't good enough. I am sorry to the fans, not just the ones here but those at home that watched and supported us, but we will look at that over the next week and bounce back against Burnley,” he concluded.

Jones forced off against Tottenham with an injury

Jose Mourinho is awaiting a diagnosis on the injury that forced Phil Jones to exit Manchester United’s Premier League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Monday night.

The England international made his first appearance of the season against Spurs and made an encouraging start, as part of a back three that also included Chris Smalling and the versatile Ander Herrera.

However, the evening ended in frustration for the former Blackburn Rovers defender when he picked up a suspected hamstring injury in the second half, leading to Victor Lindelof taking his place on 58 minutes.

Jones walked straight down the tunnel after being replaced and, speaking after the final whistle, the manager gave this update to Sky Sports:

“I don't know what Phil Jones has, maybe a hamstring injury but I have not spoken yet to know what it is. But we still have Smalling, Lindelof and Eric Bailly.”

United’s next game in the Premier League is against Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday afternoon. It remains to be seen whether Jones will be fit but there could be an update from Mourinho during his regular pre-match press conference later this week.

Mourinho: We were very unlucky to lose

Jose Mourinho felt Manchester United did not deserve to lose to Tottenham Hotspur and made a point of praising his players’ attitude and togetherness during his post-match interviews.

The manager also thanked the “amazing” fans at Old Trafford and singled out Luke Shaw’s performance in the 3-0 reversal, while speaking to MUTV and Sky Sports…

‘We were really unlucky’
“We worked very well during the week and prepared for the game very well. By the strategic and tactical point of view, we didn’t lose. We played very well, the players had a fantastic attitude and, at half-time, the score in my opinion should have been two goals different, minimum. We created more chances than in any match. We were really frustrated at half-time with the result but we believed that we were going to win the game. Then something changed the game a little bit and the score was 2-0 but the team was in the game. I’m not saying that with one goal, we would have won or even drawn, but we were very much in the game and only the 3-0 smashed the mentality of the team. One thing is to lose at home and deservedly, another thing is to lose undeservedly, being the best team, having a fantastic attitude and being really, really unlucky.”

‘Our fans were amazing’
“Our fans don’t read papers, or watch television. They are more intelligent than that and they answered in an absolutely amazing away. I don't think it's normal for a team to lose a game at home and for the supporters to react the way they did. They reacted in relation to what they saw, in relation to what they feel. The supporters are an amazing judge. The way they reacted, for me, tells you everything. Normally I am the first one to leave the pitch when my team wins, but my team lost and my players deserved to be in the middle of the pitch with me. So I went there for my players. But then, the fans, they had such an amazing reaction to the boys, so I had to thank them on behalf of everyone.”

‘I’m very happy with Shaw’
“I was particularly pleased with him. I told him he could not play better than he did. I saw him at 3-0 having cramp and keeping in the game until the last second with that pride, with that dignity that the fans applaud. Of course, the kid has to be upset with the result, but the kid has to know that he has had three very good matches in the Premier League and today he was very, very good. I am very, very happy with him.”

‘My team is united’
“If anyone that watched this game, one thing is for sure: the team is united. The boys wouldn't have fought the way they did and wouldn’t have given what they gave if they weren't united. I think it should be time to stop with untruth because otherwise people don’t believe what they read. For the team to fight the way they did, with empathy, with solidarity between the players and dignity to play together for Manchester United and lose at home, of course it’s a very difficult thing for anyone. I think one is clear: the team is united. And there is no union without the manager.”

Jones injury update
“I don't know what Phil Jones has – maybe a hamstring but I did not speak yet to know what it is – but we have Smalling, Lindelof and Eric Bailly.”

Premier League: Man. United 0 Tottenham Hotspur 3

Manchester United suffered a second successive defeat as three second-half goals from Tottenham Hotspur dramatically changed a contest that had promised a better outcome for the Reds in the first period.

United were left reeling as Spurs survived a chance-laden opening 45 minutes for the hosts and then grabbed two goals in two minutes from Harry Kane and Lucas Moura soon after the break. The quickfire double blow crushed the Reds' spirit and Moura added his second goal with six minutes to go to seal a joyless night for the Reds.

There had been a breathless start to the game with United’s chastened team looking intent on sending out a message that the 3-2 Brighton defeat a week last Sunday was a one-off. This time the Reds' attitude looked spot on. Jose Mourinho's men were sparky, lively, determined and confident.

Spurs had arrived at Old Trafford with a two-match winning start from victories at Newcastle and at home to Fulham. But it was Mauricio Pochettino’s side who initially looked like they were feeling the affects of a hangover of defeat, not the Reds. The visitors were nervy, ragged and out of sorts as United tore into them from the off with pace and adventure.

Mourinho’s new-look three-man central defence allowed an attacking midfield five the chance to get on the front foot. And get on the front foot they certainly did. With Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba doing the more guarding roles in the engine room, Fred in particular found early freedom to attack Spurs.

The Brazilian forced his way into the box after just 11 seconds but couldn’t steer his right-footed shot on target. It would have been the perfect beginning.

A second even bigger opportunity wasn’t far behind as the Reds refused to let a rattled Spurs settle. Danny Rose hadn’t looked comfortable from the off and the left-back undersold a backpass to his keeper Hugo Lloris. It was a dreadful error that Romelu Lukaku was swift to seize upon. The Belgian looked to have done the hard work by gliding past Lloris’s desperate efforts to reach the ball first but although he evaded the French goalkeeper's lunge, he rolled his shot just wide of the far post.

The start was frenetic and tetchy with three players, Lucas Moura, Ander Herrera and Harry Kane all going into referee Craig Pawson’s book for hefty challenges.

The more eye-catching football was coming from the Reds and Lukaku had two further decent chances and Paul Pogba had a drilled shot saved before Spurs got into something more like their rhythm. It saw them send a few danger signals United’s way particularly when Dele Alli robbed Matic and advanced on goal only to be halted by a brilliant Chris Smalling tackle.

Christian Eriksen fired a shot in that saw David De Gea make his only real save of the first half in the 40th minute. It was a recovery of sorts by Spurs but United were by far the better side in the first half.

There was no let up with the Reds' intensity in the opening minutes after the break with Pogba crashing in a long-range effort that fizzed just past the post. But as ever, it is putting the ball in the net that counts and if you don’t you can pay the price. There had been little sign that United’s defence would be breached but it was undone twice in a shock two-minute spell.

Spurs hadn’t scored in their last four visits to Old Trafford and hadn’t won any but after 50 minutes Kane put them in front. The England captain had barely had a sniff all match but climbed to outjump Jones and plant a firm header beyond De Gea.

United were still taking on board the body blow when Eriksen found space on Spurs' right wing and crossed for Lucas Moura to beat De Gea again, just two minutes after Kane's goal. Spurs had hidden their killer punches well and the Reds just didn’t see the knockout hits coming.

Jose Mourinho sought to repair the damage by abandoning the three-man rearguard and bringing Alexis on for Herrera. A further change was forced on him when Jones limped off after 57 minutes to be replaced by Victor Lindelof and then on the hour Marouane Fellaini took the place of Matic.

United had suddenly gone from solid at the back to error prone. Even sub Lindelof was sucked into the mood as he weakly underhit a pass to De Gea in the 65th minute. Alli looked set to cause the Swede huge embarrassment but De Gea saved his colleague by stopping the England midfielder’s effort.

The liveliness of Alexis and muscle of Fellaini as subs failed to light up a faltering United as the first-half confidence drained away.

The defence was found wanting again in the 84th minute when the whippet speed of Moura saw him steam past Smalling and fire home Spurs' third goal.

It was a night to forget at Old Trafford in the end but Jose Mourinho stuck around after the final whistle to applaud the fans for their efforts to rally his side in their hour of need.

THE LINE-UPS

United: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Jones (Lindelof 57), Shaw, Matic (Fellaini 60), Fred, Pogba, Herrera (Alexis 55), Lingard, Lukaku.

Subs not used: Grant, Young, Rashford, McTominay.

Booked: Herrera, Valencia.

Spurs: Lloris, Trippier (Aurier 76), Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose (Davies 81), Dier, Dembele, Eriksen, Alli, Moura, Kane (Winks 89).

Subs not used: Vorm, Sanchez, Lamela, Llorente.

Booked: Moura, Kane, Rose.

Referee: Craig Pawson.

Manchester United v Tottenham: Spurs' terrible Old Trafford record

It's Tottenham with the momentum ahead of their Monday Night Football clash at Manchester United - but they'll have to overcome a terrible record at Old Trafford to win three in a row.

Spurs have seen off Newcastle and Fulham in their Premier League openers and face a United team reeling from a shock 3-2 defeat at Brighton next up.

However, the history of this fixture will surely play on the minds of everyone associated with Tottenham ahead of Monday's Sky Live showdown.

Spurs have lost more league games at Old Trafford (21) than any club has lost at any away venue in Premier League history.

Their last success there came on New Year's Day 2014, when Emmanuel Adebayor and Christian Eriksen scored in a 2-1 win to follow up the previous season's 3-2 victory.

But they were rare triumphs - Tottenham have won just two of their 26 league visits to the Theatre of Dreams since 1992. United have won 10 of the past 12 fixtures.

There's been little for travelling supporters to cheer, too. Tottenham haven't scored a Premier League goal at Old Trafford since that Eriksen strike in 2014 - six hours, 24 minutes ago.

In fact, they've failed to find the net in 17 of their last 24 Premier League visits.

Another bad omen for the north Londoners is their record against top six teams on the road.

Under Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham have won just two of their 20 Premier League games away to Big Six sides (D7 L11).

They did manage a 3-1 victory at Chelsea in their last away day at a Big Six club - but they haven't won back-to-back away games against those teams since 1993.

There are plenty of other stats which play into Jose Mourinho and Manchester United's favour, too.

United are unbeaten in their last 22 Premier League home games against London sides since 2014 (W15 D7), for instance, while they haven't lost two of their opening three games in a Premier League season since 1992/93.

Mourinho's record against Pochettino is strong - he has won 11 of their 15 meetings, although has lost two of the past four.

And the Portuguese has already steered United to wins over Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham in 2018, across all competitions.

After coming under pressure in the early part of this season, Mourinho could certainly do with three points on Monday night. And Tottenham will have to buck a whole host of trends if they are to deny him.

Credit: Skysports.com

Redknapp: Manchester United and Jose Mourinho problems tough to repair

Ahead of Manchester United v Spurs, Jamie Redknapp assesses the problems at Old Trafford and the relationship between Jose Mourinho, his players and the board...

Tottenham have an awful record against big-six sides away from home - but they will be going to Old Trafford thinking 'this is a big chance for us'.

There are things which are not right in the Manchester United dressing room. You can see it. Jose Mourinho looks unhappy when this should be a dream job for him.

I think the writing was on the wall as soon as the board did not give him the funds at the start of the year.

In fairness, they had already given him fortunes and he's bought a player in pretty much every position. It is his team - but we still do not know how they play. You have to make the players you have better.

But that's when you knew the trust was gone - and when it goes between the board and the manager and then the manager and the players, it is almost impossible to repair.

It looks like a really unhappy place, from the manager to the players. There are a lot of good players there, talented players - but they look like they are petrified to get on the ball and play.

That was evident in the 3-2 defeat to Brighton last time out and in situations like that I feel sorry for Jose. You expect a reaction when United go behind like that but there was no fight there.

You can always play badly - I had plenty of bad games - but there were not too many pulling their weight for the manager in that game.

We have seen it before at Chelsea and it looks like it's happened again.

Mourinho has a shelf-life. When he comes into a club, in terms of achieving an immediate impact, he's the best. Modern managers are about coming in for two, three years, make an impact and get out - and he's the man for that.

He's incredible at that, and you can't take that away from him.

But once that shelf-life goes, his position becomes very difficult. He goes public in his criticism of players and, with people like Paul Pogba, I just can't see how those situations can be repaired.

Compare that to the other top clubs. At Manchester City, every player bounces into training and cannot wait to work and learn from Pep Guardiola. It's the same at Tottenham with Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

You do not get the feeling is the same at United with Mourinho.

The players seem to have lost that enjoyment. It's not that they're not trying but are they really giving their all?

The problem is, once you do not get backed in the transfer window and sign those centre-backs you have been saying you need, how do the players that are already in place feel right now? Their confidence must be at an all-time low.

For Mourinho to keep his job he needs some big results. He needs to beat Tottenham and go on a little bit of a run.

But which Tottenham will show up on Monday night?

In the past they have been spineless in these games. It should not be like that. They have got too many good players and too good a manager. That's mindset set Pochettino has to change - he has to turn his team into winners.

Too often they do not play with personality in these big away games. It's a big problem.

United beat them in the FA Cup semi-final when Pogba and Alexis Sanchez had good games - and the latter will be important on Monday, up against the team who were his rivals at Arsenal.

But Old Trafford will want to see all of the United players show character. It does not matter if they are on board with the manager or not, they have to do it for the fans.

The game is a very hard one to call. Normally Tottenham coming to town would be a good game for United to bounce back from that disappointment at Brighton.

But if United lose, the scrutiny on the manager will be huge and the pressure will come on.

It's pretty crazy for it to be edgy like this at United already and I'm sure people are thinking, 'hold on, we've only played two games,' but we've seen these signs before with Jose.

And if Tottenham have title aspirations, this is a big one for them, too.

I'm going for a draw - but it should be an intriguing match-up.

Credit: Skysports.com

Mourinho: Manchester United need some time to reach potential

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho says his squad "needs some time" to reach its full potential as he prepares to welcome Tottenham to Old Trafford on Monday Night Football.

United fell to a surprise 3-2 defeat away to Brighton last Sunday in just their second game of the Premier League campaign, with the result raising issues including the club's defensive capabilities and the Portuguese coach's relationship with CEO Ed Woodward.

But despite his downbeat demeanour of recent weeks, Mourinho has shaken off claims of a crisis behind the scenes, merely reiterating his belief that success will follow once he has a fully-fit squad at his disposal.

Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, he said: "When you have a good week when you train really well, things are positive, you expect good individual performances. You don't expect mistakes and you expect a good result, not a defeat.

"Normally when you lose you want to play immediately and two days after that was not the case. But I am happy that was not the case because in this moment we need some time.

"We need players to be back, we need players to train more to have a kind of pre-season after the pre-season that they didn't have after the World Cup."

With players including Ander Herrera and Diogo Dalot yet to feature for the club this term, the eight-day gap between the Brighton defeat and Monday's visit of Spurs could play into Mourinho's hands, providing a freshness to the squad, with a potential return for Marcos Rojo also a possibility.

Club captain Antonio Valencia is another player whose absence has been clear, but speaking on Friday afternoon, he was reluctant to offer any glimpse into his team selection three days in advance.

Mourinho added: "He is one of the guys that we have to wait and see. Not injured, training with the team Valencia, Matic, Diogo Dalot, they are all back to working with the team but it is too early today."

Looking ahead to the clash with Mauricio Pochettino's Spurs, the Portuguese reflected on the three meetings between the two sides last season, after one of which United progressed to the FA Cup final.

He added: "It is a big game against a good opponent, an opponent that last season, in all the three matches we played, they were difficult matches in spite of [the fact] we won two of them.

"It [the FA Cup semi-final] was a good performance, away from home where everybody was expecting us to lose the match. We didn't start well and conceded an early goal and after that we had the quality and the mentality to change the result, to be dominant in the second half and it was a really good performance.

"We know what a good team they are and we know that they come here with their objectives. Big match but no need to work much on the motivational level because we have natural motivation to play against the good teams."

Credit: Skysports.com

Gary Neville: Manchester United need 'a big game'

Gary Neville says Manchester United need "a big game" to get back on track after defeat to Brighton ahead of Monday's clash against Tottenham.

United were beaten 3-2 by Chris Hughton's side last weekend and were largely outplayed by Brighton.

Speaking on the Gary Neville podcast, the Sky Sports pundit believes United need a big result to help them refocus, and Tottenham could prove to be the perfect opponents.

"The noise at the moment surrounding United is what everyone's concentrating on, but just looking at it as a match and Spurs' history coming to Manchester United - they haven't turned up in the last two or three years," Neville said.

"United cannot be anywhere near where they were at Brighton on Sunday. I think this is what they need, they need a big game, they need a big opponent and Tottenham have been friendly opponents at Old Trafford in the last few years.

"I suppose everyone will be queuing up to watch the game in the hope Man United lose, in the hope they can put another nail in the coffin.

"That's the sort of sense of feeling around the club at the moment, not being helped at times by the performances. You can talk about Jose's press conferences, the mistakes the team has made, but the only thing that will put it right is to win. The players have that in their hands on Monday."

United have won 21 of their 26 home Premier League games against Spurs (D3 L2) - winning each of the last four without conceding a goal - and Neville says Tottenham need to find another way to beat Mourinho's side.

"Tottenham have to turn up, and if they do it'll be a very difficult game for Manchester United," he added.

"I think what he'll be asking is - of course sorting the tactics and set-pieces - but the biggest question he will be asking his players is whether they have the mentality, whether they can go out there and play like Spurs can, and have in the last two or three years, or whether they will wilt again which they have done, there's no doubt about that.

"It's the same players as last season, they'll have the same memories of last season, but they will have to do it very differently."

Credit: Skysports.com

Smalling: We need to come out fighting

Chris Smalling looks ahead to Manchester United's Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur tonight (Monday) and insists the players are focused on picking up three points after the disappointment at Brighton…

WE'RE READY TO RESPOND
“We have to regroup and we’ve had a good amount of days on the training pitch. It’s about putting that hard work in, then standing up and showing some character come Monday night. We need to come out fighting.”

WE'VE HAD TIME TO PREPARE
“To be honest, I’d rather have had the game on Saturday because you just want to bounce back after a defeat. It’s a long weekend but, at the same time, we've had a long time to prepare for the game and we’ve tried to take advantage of those days.”

IT'S AN IMPORTANT GAME
“This is a good game for us to have. When you lose a game, the next one is more important than ever. The fact that it’s a big game at Old Trafford, that’s when the big players rise to the occasion. We’re determined to be ready.”

UNITED V SPURS GAMES ARE ALWAYS TIGHT AFFAIRS
“I think both clubs have good players - the way we both play and the fact we each have players who can win games. Both teams can defend well too, so I think that’s why the games have tended to be close over the last few years.”

WE'RE FOCUSED ON WINNING
“I think it’s about going into the game knowing your tactics and having all the players playing to the level we know we can. It’s about us stepping up and giving back to our fans for all the great support they give us.”

Monday briefing: Latest United news

Your Monday Briefing provides a concise and informative round-up of Manchester United news from the weekend, keeping you up to date…

Meeting no.190
Yep that's right, tonight's match will be the 190th between United and Spurs. We're well in the ascendancy when it comes to results, having won 89 and lost 51, while there have been 49 draws. Hopefully that bodes well for this latest clash. By the way, we just need one more goal to reach 300 in all competitions against the North Londoners.

Reds could return
Jose Mourinho could turn to Antonio Valencia, Nemanja Matic and Alexis Sanchez when he picks his starting XI after revealing to reporters on Friday that all three have been back in training. Alexis picked up a knock before the Brighton game, while Valencia and Matic are yet to feature this term after sustaining injuries during the summer. New signing Diogo Dalot has also been working with the squad, as he edges closer to his United debut

“Fans are fantastic”
Jose Mourinho made a point of praising the club's supporters in his pre-match press conference on Friday, hailing the United faithful's backing in the opening two matches of the season as “fantastic”. The boss declared: “I'm really happy when the supporters support the team. Against Leicester, you could see it as a normal situation, because the team was playing well and was winning, but for them to be supportive of the team against Brighton, where we didn't play well and we lost the match, it gives you a fantastic feeling. I hope the players also feel it and the players are ready to give them [the fans] everything they have.”

United Women watched by a record crowd
A competition attendance record was broken when 4,835 fans watched United Women play their historic first home game as a professional team on Saturday, in the Continental Tyres League Cup. However, the big day at Leigh Sports Village ended in disappointment as Reading ran out 2-0 winners. Casey Stoney's side did themselves proud in an entertaining affair which was decided by second-half goals from Brooke Chaplen and Gemma Davison for the Royals, who had Molly Bartrip sent off after two fouls on the Reds' Kirsty Hanson.

Rivals watch
Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea all claimed victories over the weekend, although all three were made to work hard for them by Brighton, West Ham and Newcastle respectively. Manchester City, however, were held to a 1-1 draw by Wolves at Molineux. Watford remain in the top three after maintaining maximum points with a battling 2-1 victory at home to Crystal Palace.

Strong Friday showing for the Academy
United's Academy teams were in action on Friday with both the U23s and U18s having matches. The U18s sealed an impressive 5-1 win over Stoke City at The Cliff, and leapfrogged neighbours City to reach the summit of the Premier League Under-18 North, thanks to goals from Charlie McCann (2), Anthony Elanga, Mason Greenwood and Mark Helm. The U23s, meanwhile, picked up an away point by drawing 1-1 at Southampton, courtesy of DJ Buffonge's penalty, to maintain an unbeaten start to the campaign.

Mixed results for loanees
Tim Fosu-Mensah impressed during Fulham's highly-entertaining and impressive 4-2 win over Burnley at Craven Cottage, as the Dutchman completed the full 90 minutes. Axel Tuanzebe did likewise in Aston Villa's 1-1 draw with Reading, who netted an injury-time equaliser from the penalty spot. Dean Henderson kept a clean sheet as Sheffield United won 3-0 at Bolton, Matt Willock played 64 minutes of St Mirren's home defeat to Livingston and James Wilson was an unused substitute in Aberdeen's 1-1 draw at Hibs.

Closer to home, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson was an unused sub in Scunthorpe's 2-2 draw with Barnsley, Kieran O'Hara helped Macclesfield to a 1-1 draw at home to Mansfield and, over in Portugal, fellow stopper Joel Pereira couldn't prevent nine-man Vitoria Setubal from losing 2-1 at home to Nacional in Primeira Liga.

Pogba still struggling for consistency at Manchester United

Paul Pogba is likely to be a central figure when Manchester United host Tottenham on Monday Night Football - but which version of the midfielder will Mauricio Pochettino's side face?

Just six weeks after the euphoria of lifting the World Cup with France, Paul Pogba finds himself at the centre of a storm back at Manchester United. Last Sunday's 3-2 loss to Brighton plunged the club into crisis. Pogba's relationship with Jose Mourinho is under scrutiny and so too is his form.

It could easily have been a different story. Pogba excelled in the opening day win over Leicester, scoring United's opener and lasting 84 minutes despite his late return from the World Cup. "Pogba was a monster," said Mourinho. "We thought the maximum [he could play] was 60 minutes, but he managed more than 80. He was very, very good for us."

But the mood soon turned sour. "There are things that I cannot say otherwise I will get fined," said Pogba afterwards, hinting at tension behind the scenes. A few days after that, Mourinho was forced to deny reports of a bust-up between them. He insisted he had "never been happier" with Pogba, but events at the Amex Stadium only added to the sense of unease.

United were poor on the south coast, conceding three first-half goals for the only the 10th time in Premier League history, and while Pogba got himself on the scoresheet for the second consecutive game, his overall performance was criticised. According to Opta, he lost possession 27 times - the most by any outfield player in the Premier League this season.

Pogba has been made captain in the absence of Antonio Valencia but he admitted his attitude was "not right" in his post-match interview with Sky Sports, and there was criticism from elsewhere, too. Paul Scholes accused him of a lack of leadership, prompting a fiery response from Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, on Twitter. And so the saga continued.

It is to that backdrop that Mourinho, Pogba and United prepare to face Tottenham on Monday - a task which is made tougher by their opponents' bright start to the season. Spurs were the only Premier League side not to sign a single player in the summer, but they head to Old Trafford having taken maximum points from their first two games.

What happens in their third could depend on which version of Pogba they come up against. Will it be the imperious midfielder who helped France to World Cup glory over Croatia and went the extra mile against Leicester on the opening day? Or will it be the unfocused under-performer who struggled against Brighton?

Mourinho will hope that Pogba can rediscover his form swiftly, but the situation is delicate and the inconsistency is a familiar problem. "I'm not expecting him to be phenomenal every match because that is really, really difficult," said Mourinho last season. "But I do expect him to keep a certain level. That's the challenge."

Mourinho was speaking after Pogba's outstanding performance in United's 3-2 win over Manchester City in April. The Frenchman looked like a world-beater that day, scoring twice and inspiring United's comeback, but his underwhelming performance in their next game, a 1-0 defeat to West Brom, summed it all up. Just eight days after his heroics at the Etihad Stadium, Pogba was hooked before the hour-mark.

"He is a fantastic footballer and he makes Manchester United a better team," said Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville at the time. "But you have to deliver consistently. Manchester United have shown great faith in him to deliver. They paid a lot of money for him, and there's a large expectation. The Manchester United badge carries a large responsibility."

Is that responsibility too much for him? Mourinho has extended what Neville described as an "olive branch" to Pogba by handing him the captain's armband in recent weeks, but his response has been questionable. His Leicester display was overshadowed by his post-match comments, and he admitted himself that he lacked focus against Brighton.

Tottenham saw both sides of Pogba in their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United last season. The Frenchman was caught out for their opener, failing to track Christian Eriksen's run as he crossed for Dele Alli to score, but he was excellent for the equaliser, wrestling Mousa Dembele off the ball and setting up Alexis Sanchez.

United went on to win 2-1 that day at Wembley, claiming their place in the FA Cup final as Pogba atoned for his early error, and he now finds himself with a point to prove once again. Will he inspire his side in the way we all know he can? Or will the same old issues resurface? It could be the difference between victory and defeat.

Credit: Skysports.com

Mourinho criticism has been way over the top

The recent criticism of Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been too much, according to the Sunday Supplement panel.

United suffered a surprise 3-2 loss at Brighton & Hove Albion in their opening away game of the new Premier League season last weekend, a setback that produced a string of negative headlines.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp said he does not think Mourinho "has a clue" on his best starting XI in the aftermath of their defeat on the south coast, while former United winger Lee Sharpe told us he expects the Portuguese to be sacked by Christmas.

However, Neil Custis believes 'The Special One' should be praised for the job he has done at Old Trafford since taking over from Louis van Gaal in the summer of 2016.

"The criticism of Jose Mourinho has been way over the top, miles over the top for what I think he has done at Man Utd," said the Sun's Manchester correspondent.

"Liverpool fans and Spurs fans are rubbing their hands - he has won more trophies in one season than they have in 10, 12, 15 years.

"They were the second best team in the country last season and they have played two games (this season) and he is having his CV picked apart, he is having his managerial style picked apart.

"From where Man Utd were - because when he came in they were absolutely rock bottom under Louis van Gaal, the spirit there, everything - and he picked that up and put trophies on the table and got them back to second in the league."

It is the trophies Mourinho has won, though, as well as the second-placed finish he recorded last season, that means the United boss should be given more credit for his achievements at the club, according to Custis.

"He has made them relevant again," he said. "This is a top manager who is being picked apart and being called a dinosaur. He beat all of the top six last season, Spurs in the (FA Cup) semi-final, got to an FA Cup, which they probably should have won.

"The League Cup final when they beat Southampton was the best game I have seen at the new Wembley. The Europa League final against Ajax he got tactically spot on.

"And this bloke is getting pulled from pillar to post, it is ridiculous."

Credit: Skysports.com

Fred feels the warmth from United fans

For Fred, the opening game of the season - his competitive Manchester United debut - was everything he hoped it would be.

The dynamic Brazilian had been at Old Trafford before, turning out for Shakhtar Donetsk in a Champions League group-stage clash back in December 2013, when Phil Jones scored the only goal of the game. However, this was an altogether different experience for the cheerful new recruit.

Our YouTube channel's behind-the-scenes footage of the build-up to the win over the Foxes showed the players really encouraging the debutant in the tunnel beforehand, and their affection and encouragement was certainly matched by the passionate home crowd.

Everybody at the club is willing Fred to do well. He shares the same sunny disposition as his fellow countrymen Anderson and the Da Silva twins and, once he learns English, the full depth of his personality will come out.
For now, the help of Andreas Pereira to break any language barriers is very beneficial.

“We’ve become really close,” Fred tells our official matchday programme, United Review. “He’s someone I want to keep in touch with for the rest of my life.”

That said, a simple smile can go a long way and Fred is the sort of character who will have no problem making friends. Becoming popular with the loyal United fans should pose few issues either, particularly judging by the ovation he received when being substituted during the 2-1 victory on the opening night of the season.

“Everyone just told me to make the most of it, because playing in a stadium like Old Trafford is a big deal, especially for me, as it was my first United game there,” he added.

“I was really happy with how things went. My team-mates were just chatting to me, encouraging me and telling me to make the most of what was an amazing occasion. It felt amazing when I came out onto the pitch, seeing all our fans all around the stadium, and when we came out of the tunnel everyone started cheering. That’s something I’ll never forget.

”I never want to forget how I felt that day, because making your debut at Old Trafford as well as beating a big team is just fantastic. I was really content with how it all went, and seeing the fans applauding me made me happy - it’s something I’ll never forget.“

Once settled into a new house, Fred will begin to feel more at home in Manchester and is planning on taking lessons to improve his English. There are other aspects of the life here that have come as a surprise - he admits it's “a bit of a learning curve when it comes to the driving”, but people at the club are helping him get used to everything on and off the pitch.

There is a feeling Fred will add much to the team, not only out on the field but also in the changing room. Jose Mourinho admitted as much in his in-depth MUTV interview recently.

“I think people already like him,” said the manager. “People can already feel his positive influence on the team and on the style of football that the team wants to play. When we brought him here, we knew he could influence the dynamic because he could attract other people to follow him in the way he thinks football and the way he likes to play football.”

The boss went on: “We are really happy. And a part of that is his character, he’s a good guy to have around, a funny guy and a guy who always has a smile on his face. He doesn’t speak good English but he speaks with everyone and understands everyone and they understand him.”

The 3-2 defeat at Brighton may have subsequently been a setback but, speaking before that game, Fred insists he always wants to play with a positive frame of mind, like those aforementioned Brazilians before him.

“I don’t know Rafael and Fabio,” he admitted. “But Anderson is a really lively guy, a really cheerful guy. That’s what Brazilians are like – we’re always having a laugh, we’re always smiling, and my aim is to bring this spirit into the dressing room and onto the pitch, to play with a smile on my face. This helps for me settling in, and the football side of things too.”

There is the hope that a good result against an impressive Tottenham Hotspur side on Monday evening will give everyone a reason to grin again. Fred acknowledges it will be another “challenge” and, while he had a good chat with Spurs' Lucas Moura during the winger's time at Paris Saint-Germain, obviously wishing his fellow countryman luck does not extend to the Old Trafford clash.

The bubbly midfielder has that touch of steel, after all, as we have seen already in his two Premier League outings. Another reason why he can hope to become a firm favourite with the United faithful.