MANCHESTER UNITED are gearing up for their trip to Leicester without Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane.
United's injury-hit defence is set to feature Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof at the heart of defence, a partnership that has had mixed fortunes.
Richard Arnold will replace Ed Woodward as Manchester United executive vice-chairman in January, SunSport can reveal.
And one transfer that could happen under the new CEO is a move for Monaco's Aurelien Tchouameni.
Meanwhile, some sources report that Paul Pogba has been offered a shock move to Barcelona.
And Cristiano Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes says the Portugal captain has never deserved the Ballon d'Or as much as he does this year.
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- Justin Lawrence
'HAS TO WIN A TROPHY'
Gary Neville has warned Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he needs to win a trophy this season.
The Norwegian's been in charge of the Red Devils for three seasons now and Neville reckons it's make or break time.
Plus with the addition of Cristiano Ronaldo, Solskjaer has no excuse now not to bring in silverware, Neville believes.
In a chat with ex-United team-mate Paul Scholes on the Overlap podcast, Neville said: "What I do think now, three years in, this is his third full season… [the] performance has to improve.
“So the problems that Ole has got at the moment is Ronaldo coming means it’s make or break.
“You have to win with Ronaldo, you have to win a trophy. He’s not coming here not to win a trophy and be second, third and fourth."
- Joshua Jones
MORNING MAN UTD FANS
Manchester United travel to the King Power Stadium today looking to get back to winning ways after a patchy run of form prior to the international break.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be without defensive talisman Raphael Varane, after the Frenchman picked up an injury on international duty.
Fred and Edinson Cavani will also miss out after their exertions for their countries, while Harry Maguire is not quite ready to return from a calf injury despite stepping up his recovery yesterday.
There is better news for United fans, however, with Marcus Rashford ready for his first action of the season.
The Red Devils travelled in style to the East Midlands, taking a TEN-MINUTE flight.
United opted for the aerial route after the M6 was unexpectedly closed on Friday.
The squad would usually make the trip to the Midlands by coach but with the motorway shut they made the short hop via aeroplane instead.
Among the travelling party was Jesse Lingard, amid Solskjaer’s declaration that he is eager to tie the England midfielder down to a new deal.
The Norwegian said: “He knows what we want, we want to prolong his contract, we see him as an important player for us, it’s obviously up to him to get more playing time, it may be up to me giving him more playing time because he deserves to but every time I pick a team, I have to leave some players out.
“Hopefully we can get a deal sorted for Jesse because we really rate him, he’s a top player and top person who’s good to have around the club.”
- Etienne Fermie
BRING IT RON
SunSport Exclusive by Neil Custis
Cristiano Ronaldo has told Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: ‘I’m fit to start every Premier League game.’
The Portuguese star delivered the message to Manchester United boss Ole after being on the bench for the 1-1 draw with Everton a fortnight ago.
A United source said: “Ronaldo was extremely disappointed for being benched.
"Ole presumed that he was tired after the Villarreal game, so he decided to only put him on early in the second half.
“But Cristiano told him that he will tell him when he isn’t fit to play and that he wants to play in every single league game.
“He also told him that he has come here to win trophies and that United need to play their most important players in all of the games.”
- Etienne Fermie
PALS 4 EVRA
Manchester United's 2008 Champions League winners banter 'every two minutes' in a WhatsApp group set up to keep their good times alive.
Patrice Evra told Amazon Prime Video's winter sports schedule launch: "For many players, when they retire, what we miss the most is the dressing room.
"All the banter, all the stories. Everything happens inside.
“I spoke with [Edwin] van der Sar when he retired and I said, ‘how are you doing?’ And he said, ‘Patrice, I just miss you guys’.
“We are lucky, the United group – we still have a WhatsApp group.
"We are everyone, so every morning we just laugh off each other. We have still got that.
“It is most of the players from 2008 when we won the Champions League. It is really active. Every two minutes.
"Rio created it. We just keep connected and have a laugh. It was not just a team, it was like a family.”
- Etienne Fermie
GOAL KING COLE
What a goal from that man Andy Cole!
Man United fans, here is your goal of the day.
- Etienne Fermie
RED AIRWAYS
Manchester United took to the skies for their away trip to Leicester this weekend.
The Red Devils jumped on a private jet for the 100-mile journey down to the King Power Stadium.
And their stars would hardly have had time to buckle their seatbelts on the 10 MINUTE flight.
United opted for the aerial route after the M6 was unexpectedly closed on Friday.
The squad would usually make the trip to the Midlands by coach but with the motorway shut they made the short hop via aeroplane instead.
- Etienne Fermie
MORE PHIL JONES
Manchester United defender Phil Jones has been glowing in his praise for boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Of his arrival, initially as caretaker in December 2018, he told United's club media: "I think it was exactly what we needed at the time, someone who knew the club.
"He knew it inside out, won so many things, so that was important. Until the end of that season, it was just about enjoying playing football again. I think we lost enjoying playing, going onto the pitch on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesday nights, whenever it was.
"He definitely brought that back, the lads were smiling, the lads were happy. I’m not saying it wasn’t like that under Jose at all but I’m saying that different styles, managers have different impacts and yeah, he was great. He’s done so well to stamp his authority on the team and get the team to where we are now."
- Etienne Fermie
PHIL-LING GOOD
Man United defender Phil Jones has thanked boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for his recent words of support.
The former England star, who has not played a first team game since January 2020 because of injury, said: "Yeah, that was really nice. I spoke to him after and said ‘thank you for the words’, because it meant a lot.
"It really did because there’s nothing [that means] more [as] a footballer, for someone, managers, staff, coaches, players, to have your back.
"To feel really supported by him was a nice feeling. At the time, I needed that and it was nice."
Credit: Getty - Etienne Fermie
HAIR RAZOR
David Beckham was once subjected to something even more serious than the infamous Sir Alex Ferguson hairdryer treatment.
He explained in new book Fergie: Under The Hairdryer: “Before the 2000 Charity Shield at Wembley against Chelsea I decided to have a change of hairstyle. I went for a mohawk, which I knew wouldn’t be to his taste.
“In the end, I was too scared to let him see it, so the day before the game I went into training with a beanie hat on, trained in the beanie, walked back into the hotel with the beanie on, kept it on during dinner and the next morning’s breakfast.
“And I still had it on when we made the coach journey to Wembley.
“Of course the moment was arriving in the dressing room when I would have to reveal my new hairstyle, which I knew would send him into a frenzy.
"Sure enough, within seconds of the unveiling, he yelled at me, 'Go and shave it off!' I thought he was joking. 'No, I’m being serious, now go and shave the ruddy thing off!'
“So off I went to try to find a pair of clippers from somewhere and, just before we’re ready to go out for the warm-up, I was in the Wembley tunnel shaving my mohawk off.”
- Etienne Fermie
MAT-TER OF FACT
Manchester United star Nemanja Matic believes that a full pre-season left him well placed to perform well for the Red Devils this season.
He told the Red Devils' club media: "I think I’m playing well, every time I have the chance.
"Physically, I feel great. Of course, you always want to play more and more but the manager is the man who decides. I am always ready to play. I am happy to play, to help my team, and, yeah, I feel good.
"I had a fantastic pre-season, a full pre-season from day one. I am happy and motivated for the rest of the season."
- Etienne Fermie
JESS SIGN HERE
Jesse Lingard's future is up in the air at Manchester United.
But boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed the club are eager to extend the attacking midfielder’s contract.
He said: "We want to prolong his contract because we see him as an important player for us.
"It's up to him – and maybe up to me – to give him more playing time because he deserves to.
"Hopefully, we can get a deal sorted for Jesse because we really rate him."
- Etienne Fermie
LEICE IS MORE
Manchester United have scored some bangers at the King Power Stadium down the years.
So ahead of this weekend's clash with Leicester, why not feast your eyes on some classic strikes?
- Etienne Fermie
GOOD WAN
Aaron Wan-Bissaka WILL be available for next week's Champions League clash with Atalanta.
The full-back, 23, was initially set to miss the match after receiving a two-match ban following his red card against Young Boys.
But following a United appeal, Wan-Bissaka has had his ban reduced, meaning he will be ready for selection.
A Uefa statement read: "The appeal lodged by Manchester United has been upheld. Consequently, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body’s decision of 23 September 2021 is amended as follows:
"'To suspend Manchester United player, Mr. Aaron Wan‐Bissaka, for the next one (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible, for rough play.'"
- Etienne Fermie
AUR GO ON THEN
Monaco starlet Aurelien Tchouameni is 'on Man United's radar' if the Red Devils fail to agree a new contract with Paul Pogba.
The midfielder, 28, is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of the season – but club chiefs haven't given up hope on seeing him pen an extension.
Should he not do so, however, they will turn their attentions toward Tchouameni.
ESPN report that the 21-year-old will cost in the region of £45million.
Credit: Getty - Etienne Fermie
BARC TO THE TOP
Manchester United star Paul Pogba has been offered to Barcelona, according to reports.
The Frenchman, 28, is out of contract next summer.
And according to ESPN, agent Mino Raiola has touted his services to a number of clubs ahead of his free agency – with Barca the latest to be contacted.
Juventus, PSG, Real Madrid and even a host of Prem clubs have also been made aware of Pogba's availability.
- Etienne Fermie
THE RON DECISION
Man United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has defended his rotation policy, after coming under fire for benching Cristiano Ronaldo against Everton last time out.
The Norwegian said: "If you can go and play six games in six days and play the same XI every time, it's great.
“But it is about rotation. We need to get to April and May with everyone firing. We got to May in the final stretch of last season and we were too tired. I manage the players for the club.”
On Ronaldo specifically, he added: “It's nice to have him on the pitch, he'll always come up with the goods. The more we have him on the pitch, the better.
“He's an exceptional player, exceptional finisher, goalscorer, exceptional pro, it's hard to leave him out.”
- Dylan Terry
RASH RETURN
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad for the trip to Leicester has a somewhat depleted look to it – with a host of stars set to miss Saturday's clash.
But there is a welcome boost with Marcus Rashford set to be included in the squad for the first time this season after undergoing shoulder surgery in the summer.
With first choice centre-backs Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane out injured SunSport take a look at who could feature for Solskjaer on Saturday.
Victor Lindelof is likely to keep his place from the draw against Everton, with Eric Bailly or Phil Jones set to come in for the stricken Varane.
Paul Pogba may also be promoted to the starting line-up and play a holding role in the absence of Fred who will not return from international duty with Brazil in time.
Anthony Martial could keep his place in the front four after scoring against Everton last time out, with Ronaldo expected to lead the line after being dropped against Everton.
- Dylan Terry
TABLE TOPPERS
Brighton are officially the most improved team in the Premier League as things stand after seven games played.
Chelsea and Manchester United have also bettered their points tallies and league positions this campaign compared to the same stage of the 2020/21 season.
Second-placed Liverpool are a position and a point worse off, while Arsenal and Tottenham have both picked up two less points than they had at this stage last season.
The Gunners were ninth in the league after seven games last campaign, while Jose Mourinho's Spurs were fourth.
- Dylan Terry
SOLSKJAER ON NEWCASTLE TAKEOVER
Manchester United boss Solskjaer has also given his thoughts on the recent Saudi takeover of Newcastle.
He said: “It has not been my focus but I noticed it has happened.
“It is going to change the picture. I didn’t think it would go through but it has. It’s a fantastic club with traditions.
“Long-term it will be interesting to watch. It has been the talk of football. It is results they want but it is not my focus. I don’t want to join the political discussion.”
- Dylan Terry
'MAKE OR BREAK'
Gary Neville believes Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival at Manchester United is a problem for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as it increases pressure on him to succeed.
In a live fan debate on The Overlap, Neville said: "What I do think now, three years in, this is his third full season… performance has to improve.
"So the problem that Ole has got at the moment is Ronaldo coming means it’s make or break.
"You have to win with Ronaldo, you have to win a trophy. He’s not coming here not to win a trophy and be second, third and fourth.
“Second thing [problem] is the performances are poor. I don’t think they’ve even played well enough a lot of the games they’ve won.
“The performance levels, if you watch all the top teams – City, Liverpool, Chelsea (United don't compare). I disagree with Scholesy, I do think Chelsea will challenge for the title.”
- Dylan Terry
SOLSKJAER ENJOYING ATTACKING STYLE
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says it is 'nice to be an attacking player' in his side at the moment.
"We have added some exciting players going forward and scored goals," the Norwegian said.
"It's a nice time to be an attacking player.
"We need to keep that going. We need to make sure we are hard to play against. I can’t think Atalanta or Liverpool – it's only Leicester that I can think about.
"We are looking forward to this run. All the best players want to play against the best teams and we have some of the best teams coming up."
- Dylan Terry
SOLSKJAER GIVES SELECTION UPDATE
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has updated the media on his squad's fitness following the international break and ahead of their clash with Leicester tomorrow.
He said: "[During the] internationals sometimes, it's a time to cross your fingers.
"Raphael [Varane] is out for a few weeks. Victor [Lindelof] and Eric [Bailly] played and got good game time.
"Fred and Edinson [Cavani] played a full game but we're not counting on them and giving them time to recover. Harry [Maguire] also had his first time on the grass, so we look quite strong.
"[Marcus] Rashford is in the squad. I can’t tell you if he will start but has worked really hard. Has been bright this week. Fit and raring to go."
- Dylan Terry
BULK UP RASH
Manchester United want Marcus Rashford to bulk up to prevent further injury, according to reports.
The England star is fit again after shoulder surgery in August. And the Red Devils want him to stay available for as long as possible.
As a result they will look to him to do some serious work in the gym, according to the Mail.
Rashford is available for selection against Leicester on Saturday,
The 23-year-old gained four kilos of lower body muscle during his rehab but has dropped mass in his upper body as a result of his restricted shoulder movement.
The Red Devils think additional muscle mass up top may help to fend off injury in the future.
- Dylan Terry
POG TO BARCA?
Barcelona have been linked with several players who could arrive on free transfers next summer.
Chelsea pair Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen have become the latest stars linked with a move to the Nou Camp.
But Barcelona are still recovering from the financial turmoil which saw losses of £408million and the departures of Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann.
That meant the club was restricted to free-agent signings with Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia all arriving for nothing.
And President Joan Laporta could be planning the same transfer strategy for next summer.
Paul Pogba is one such target with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid also said to be keen on the midfielder.
His future is still not clear despite Manchester United reportedly edging closer to agreeing a new deal.
- Dylan Terry
POLICE FRUSTRATED BY PREM RESPONSE TO ONLINE ABUSE
Manchester City, Brighton and Norwich are the only Premier League clubs to say they are willing to work with police to help players deal with online racist abuse.
Chief Con Mark Roberts wrote to all 92 clubs across the four divisions in the summer as the National Police Chief Council’s football lead.
But he was left disappointed by the commitment shown – with the lack of interest from the top flight particularly alarming.
Online hatred has surged since Euro 2020 and clubs have said they will take a firm stance to stamp it out.
But Roberts said: “We hear all the slogans, we hear all the commitment. But when we try to take some positive steps to support player and clubs, we need a bit more than words.
“Only 49 have come back with a positive response and so far only eight clubs have facilitated us getting the officers, PFA and Kick it Out in to speak to the players.”
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