The Manchester United Afternoon Bulletin

Shaw-ly he is going to return

Luke Shaw was left out of Manchester United Under-23’s game on Monday evening fuelling rumours that he will make his long-awaited return to the first team against Burton Albion on Wednesday. The left-back, who has had his fair share of bad luck and poor performances would be a welcomed return to the side if he can perform, with jack of all trades Ashley Young filling in on the left against Everton at the weekend.

Trophies key to de Gea stay

According to Ander Herrera, winning trophies is the best way to make sure first-choice goalkeeper David de Gea will remain at the club, as reported by ESPN. The goalkeeper, who saw a move to Real Madrid fall through at the last moment two years ago has been in sparkling form once again, conceding just two goals so far, and Herrera believes that United’s continuing success is key to keeping the man he claims “is the No. 1 in the world”.

Neville aims playful jab at Ferdinand’s boxing announcement

The news broke this morning that Rio Ferdinand would be taking up boxing as he seeks to earn himself the British Boxing Board of Control License that will allow the former-defender to compete professionally. While the former centre-half is obviously excited about the announcement, Gary Neville aimed a playful jab at his previous teammate:

Bigger tests to come for United

Sticking with Gary Neville, he wrote for Sky Sports that bigger tests await both Manchester United and Manchester City. With tougher games to come for both clubs, he thinks “the table will start to even out once we see them against tougher sides”. However, he did claim “from the fixtures, United should have been at the top at this stage”.

Calls for Lukaku chant to stop

According to the BBC, anti-discrimination group Kick It Out has contacted Manchester United in order to request their fans stop signing a racist chant about Romelu Lukaku. The striker, who cost Jose Mourinho’s side an initial £75 million, scored against his former club on Sunday and has become a lynchpin of the side.

Pogba absence makes things more difficult for United

United ace Henrikh Mkhitaryan has admitted that losing Paul Pogba has made things “very difficult”, as reported by Goal.com. Pogba missed Manchester United’s 4-0 win over Everton at the weekend and while it was a comfortable victory on the scoreline, there was a certain spark and arrogance missing from the heart of Mourinho’s midfield. There has been no word yet on how long the injury will keep the star out for, with vastly differing rumours swirling around.