JUAN’S BACK
Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata made his long awaited return from injury today against Swansea but only on the bench. The Spaniard has been out on the sidelines since early April. His return is a welcome boost for Mourinho who has been grappling with injuries to key players.
MATCHDAY DEBUT FOR SCOTT McTOMINAY
Jose Mourinho has named youngster Scott McTominay to the substitute’s bench for the first time in his career. The 6’4’’ academy regular can play both in midfield and up front. Suspension for Marouane Fellaini forced Mourinho’s hand.
WILLING TO SELL
The Joe Hart to Old Trafford express is gathering steam with every passing day. The out of favor England International may be allowed to go to cross-town rivals Manchester United if United cough up a fee in the range of £30m. Guardiola allowed the shots topper to go out on loan at Torino at the start of the season to make way for incoming Claudio Bravo. Hart is determined to stay in the Premier League and United are one of several clubs interested in signing the England No.1.
THE ERIC-DALEY PARTESHIP
Daley Blind believes that the language barrier is not hindering his communication with fellow centre-back Eric Bailly. The duo began the season as the first-choice centre-back pairing and with Rojo’s injury against Anderlecht, Mourinho has been forced to go back to the two. Speaking to MUTV, Blind said: “We do a great job, and we understand each other. Not only us, but when I play with any of the other central defenders, I think the whole team knows what we have to do, and you can see that in the low number of goals we have against us this year. I’m happy with my performances and want to keep going.
PERSONAL TERMS AGREED?
Latest reports from Spain indicate that David de Gea and Real Madrid have agreed personal terms ahead of a move in the summer. De Gea reportedly wants assurances that he will be No.1 at the Bernabeu and will only sign is the Los Blancos sell Keylor Navas. The positive for United from this is that Navas is a popular figure in the dressing room and Madrid may be reluctant to sell the Costa Rican.
GRIEZMANN’S CONDITION
Antoine Griezmann is waiting to see whether United make it to the Champions League before committing to a summer switch. Griezmann will TALK only if United secure a place in Europe’s Premier club competition. United are currently one place off the top four with goal difference separating them and Manchester City, who are yet to play. They are also in the Europa League semifinals which offers an alternate route into Europe’s elite.