The Manchester United Afternoon Bulletin

LEGEND PRAISE

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has praised Marcus Rashford. He revealed that he enjoys watching him play as much as he enjoyed coaching him. Giggs has tipped Rashford for greater success individually and as part of the United setup. Giggs also singled out Rashford’s pace, directness and impact at the club.

KEY TO THE CUP

When Jose Mourinho was appointed the manager at Old Trafford many presumed it to be the end a certain Juan Mata’s time at the club. Half a year on, he has become a vital cog the machine that is United. His goals have propelled United to Wembley in the EPL Cup, is the clubs second highest scorer in the league behind only Ibrahimovic and ahead of the likes of Martial, Rashford and Rooney. His ability to rack up assists and eye for goal have made him central to Mourinho’s plans at Old Trafford. The Old Trafford faithful will be hoping for him to on top form at Wembley on Sunday as they look to beat Southampton. United will be without Mkhitaryan as they aim to pick the first piece of major silverware.

AT IT AGAIN!

Antoine Griezmann’s brother and agent Theo has posted yet another cryptic post on Instagram with the caption ‘Work in Progress’ and the ‘Shady eyes emoticon’. This one comes after a series of posts hinted that the Atletico star might switch Madrid for Manchester. United remain favourites to sign the player as they are only club ready to pay the release clause of £85m, in full. Meanwhile, Atletico who seem destined to lose the star man have lined a move for Lacazette as a replacement.

BLOCKED

Patrice Evra was heavily linked with a move back to Old Trafford back in January and claimed that even Jose Mourinho was willing for a transfer. The left-back who has since moved to French side Marseille believes that a mystery man at Old Trafford supposedly blocked the move. With his experience he might have come in handy as a short term fix at United’s problem position – left back. The manager seems uncertain about Luke Shaw and Evra’s addition would have helped United’s fight on four fronts.

EXCHANGE OFFER

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez is insistent on a move for David de Gea. Madrid are willing to offer French defender Raphael Varane in exchange for de Gea. Mourinho is a fan of the player and he was the man who brought the Frenchman to the club during his time there. Madrid previously offered goalie Keylor Navas and a deal was struck before deadline day drama meant that David stayed in Manchester and Keylor in Madrid. A summer transfer saga is expected though United are expected to accept nothing less than £35m.