CHECK IN
The Manchester United side to face Rostov in the Europa later tonight were seen checking into their pre-match rendezvous point – The Lowry Hotel. The following players were photographed – Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David de Gea, Marcus Rashford, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling. They were later photographed leaving the hotel ahead of their 20.05 kickoff at Old Trafford.
TRAINING GROUND BUST UP
Jose Mourinho was reportedly involved in a training ground bust up with a member of his coaching staff. The latter is believed to be fitness coach Carlos Lalin. The two reportedly got involved in a shouting match. Opposition scout Ricardo Formosinho had to step in to ensure things did not get ugly. Lalin reportedly sped away from Carrington in his car while Mourinho proceeded to take the pre-Europa League training session. The incident occurred mid-day yesterday.
WELCOME TO MANCHESTER MINO
Mino Raiola arrived in Manchester on Wednesday and was spotted in and about the same hotel United were encamped before their Europa League encounter. Raiola represents both Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The reasons for his visit are unknown as of yet. He could be in to negotiate Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s contract extension. He also represents Romelu Lukaku who has been linked with a move to United after rejecting a new-deal at Everton. The super-agent is expected to be in attendance at Old Trafford as United look to progress into the Europa League quarter-finals.
SCOUTING REPORTS
Manchester United reportedly watched two of Monaco’s most promising youngsters as they beat Man City 3-1 and qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals. The two players reportedly watched were Kylian Mbappe and Tiemoue Bakayoko. Both the players impressed on the night and both found the scoresheet as Man City were knocked out on away goals. Mbappe put Monaco on the comeback trail with the opener while Bakayoko scored the crucial third. Mbappe has already scored his 15th goal of the season. While Bakayoko fits the bill of a central midfielder wanted by Mourinho to accompany Pogba.
MAIN MAN
Marcus Rashford is said to be named in the England squad by Gareth Southgate as he looks to solve his striking crisis. Marcus was set to be named in the u-21 squad to face Germany and Denmark but injuries to Harry Kane, fitness concerns over Sturridge and Rooney mean that he will most probably selected. New u-21 boss Aidy Boothroyd who too names his side today wanted Rashford ahead of this summer’s u-21 European Championship in Poland. But Mourinho would prefer if he played with the senior squad in the June games against Scotland and France.