The Manchester United Afternoon Bulletin

MOU FOCUS

Manager Jose Mourinho has blasted his players for being too noisy, too funny and too relaxed in the buildup to the win over St. Etienne. He blamed this for United’s lackluster display in the first half in which Eric Bailly gave away the ball twice in the first 3 minutes. Jose felt that a 1-1 result at half-time was fair and believed that his side was lucky to head to the breather with the advantage.

AT GOD’S MERCY

Zlatan Ibrahimovic promised that he would be the God of Manchester when he first moved here in the summer and he has not disappointed. After scoring 14 goals in 13 matches in his previous matches against St. Etienne, all hell broke loose and Zlatan scored a hat trick. He now has 17 goals against St. Etienne, more than any other club. His tally for the season now stands at 23. The most by a United player since RvP’s 30 in Sir Alex’s final campaign.

UNLUCKY PAUL

Paul Pogba is the Premier League’s most unlucky player. He has been criticized for his lack of goals but it has been a matter of inches for the Frenchman. He has struck the woodwork 8 times already this season more than any Premier League player. This tally is more than the 7 goals he has scored since his return to Manchester.

LINDELOF AGREEMENT

Manchester United have reportedly sealed a pre-contract agreement with long-term target Victor Lindelof. An imminent move to United in winter was pushed back to the summer. Despite Roma’s best attempts to hijack the deal, the Swede is expected to move to United in the summer. Zlatan Ibrahimovic also considers the 22 year-old defender highly.

DENIED

United ambassador Dwight Yorke was denied entry into the US reportedly for having an Iranian stamp on his passport. He worked as pundit with beIN sports for the Europa League encounter. However, beIN sports anchor Keys claims that Yorke was denied entry into the country on Friday morning.

HENRIKH ABSENSE

Jose Mourinho confirmed that Henrikh Mkhitaryan missed out on Thursday night’s match with illness. He is doubtful for Sunday’s cup clash at Ewood Park. So are veterans Rooney and Carrick. Jones looks set for to return while Luke Shaw is pushing for a start on Sunday. This is so despite Rooney and Mkhitaryan being spotted at Carrington.

IN FOR KESSIE?

Eric Bailly has urged his manager Jose to sign fellow international Franck Kessie from Atalanta. He has been tracked by a number of European and Premier League heavyweights including Chelsea and Juventus. Keisse has 6 goals and 2 assists to his name despite playing in a holding position. United fans may consider him a replacement for Carrick. He is valued at £10million.

WES SPEAKS

Former United player Wes Brown reckons that United will finish in the top 4 places ahead of Arsenal. The latter’s slump and his former club’s momentum will should ensure that Arsenal miss out on the top 4 for the first time in 21 years.

STAR MAN

Anthony Martial was widely praised in the media for his performance in United’s defeat of St. Etienne. He had 6 dribbles, 1 key pass, 5 shots and 2 crosses in another brilliant performance for United. With Henrikh Mkhitaryan absent through illness, someone had to step up and Anthony Martial did just that. It is safe to say that he has earned his way back into United’s starting XI and Mourinho’s good books.