It’s time for the Afternoon Bulletin!
TONY MARTIAL SCORES AGAIN
With Anthony Martial’s latest goal and assist during the convincing win over the Hornets means that he’s now been involved in 22 league goals since his debut, which is the most by any United player since. Tony’s also scored 24 goals in all competitions meaning United are due another 8 Million Euros to Monaco when he scores another goal. Similar payments are due for individual honours and national team appearances.
SHAW NO-SHOW EXPLAINED
Luke Shaw is one of those guys who has been missing out recently – in a similar manner as to how Anthony Martial had to wait for his chance.
Speaking to the media, the self-proclaimed Special One has told Luke Shaw to keep working and wait for his chance, and he then explained why Matteo Darmian got the nod on the bench ahead of the Englishman.
“He has to work and wait,” Mourinho is quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News. “But today I want one defender on the bench and the defender on the bench is somebody who can play more than one position. And Darmian can play left-back, right-back and would be an emergency central defender for us, so my choice was Darmian. The only thing I can say is that Luke is working well. I don’t have any problem and he’s working well. He’s fighting hard, there is no problem with him.” It’s good to know that there are no issues between the pair and hope that he makes his comeback soon.”
THE GOSSIP
David De Gea is being linked with Real Madrid once again, and Keylor Navas has been asked for his opinion.
“I try to work hard every day and ignore those sorts of things,” Navas told Madrid’s official website. “I don’t gain or lose anything with all of that. Madrid has to have the best players and I work hard each day to be the best, be amongst the best players and to be able to stay here for many years to come.”
SCOUTING PORTO DUO?
According to reports in Portugal, United were at Porto’s 2-0 victory over Vitoria Guimaraes this weekend. And United were there scouting Andre Silva and Danilo Pereira. Silva is a 21-year-old striker, while Pereira is a defensive midfielder.
IN FOR ANTONIO?
United, Chelsea and Everton are all scouting West Ham star Michail Antonio, according to latest reports.
The West Ham winger earned an England call-up after rising through the system from non-league.
And the People reports that United are keeping a close eye on his progress.
ANTONIO TO ANTOINE
According to the Mirror, United are ready to splash whatever the necessary cash to land Antoine Griezmann.
Ed Woodward is prepared to sanction a £300,000 per week package to persuade the Frenchman to sign – a deal not thought to be dependent on whether or not United secure Champions League football next season.
FRENCH TOAST
The Red Devils have long been linked with 23 year-old Monaco right-back Fabinho though the French league leaders are demanding at least 40 Million Euros for the Brazilian. In an interview with French TV show J+1, his father Joao claimed that Manchester United, Manchester City, Barcelona and Arsenal have all been in contact with Monaco with regards to a transfer. He further said, “We like Manchester United and Mourinho’s work, but we have a soft spot for Manchester City.”
BEST OF THE REST
Asked about his future at United after the win on Saturday Zlatan Ibrahimovic claimed that nothing is done. But the ball appears to be in the Swede’s court after the Boss claimed that he will stay at United beyond the summer.
Meanwhile, reports in Italy claim that Argentine ace Pablo Dybala will reject both Real Madrid and Manchester United’s advances and sign a new deal to stay in Italy.
Michael Carrick will be honoured at the end of the season for his 11 years of service at Old Trafford with a testimonial. There are no concrete talks yet with any club to play the match but Newcastle United or West Ham United are favorites.
Keep that Red Flag Flying High!