SILVA LINING
Manchester United have sanctioned a £43m move for Monaco midfielder Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese man has been in superb form this season having helped Monaco to the semifinals of the Champions League and the top of the Ligue 1. Mourinho is ready to part with the money and sign the Portuguese International ahead of the 2017-18 season. United are also in pole position, ahead of teams like Manchester City and Chelsea.
REDRAWING TRANSFER PLANS
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly met with Ed Woodward to discuss the change in plans for the summer. Mourinho already admitted to the change in plans in yesterday’s presser. With Ibrahimovic’s injury and Rooney’s impending departure, the Red Devils may need as many as two new forwards. Javier Hernandez and Andrea Belotti have been mentioned along with the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Romelu Lukaku.
TEAM NEWS FROM PRESSER
Manchester United will be without Paul Pogba for tonight’s Manchester Derby. But there is also good news – Antonio Valencia is back. When asked who is available for tonight, Mourinho said: “Valencia. We go with what we have, we fight with what we have.” When questioned about Paul Pogba, Mourinho said: “Paul? No.” Pogba’s absence could see reserves regular Matthew Willock make a comeback to the match day squad after being involved with West Brom.
KEANE BATTLE
Manchester United face stiff competition from Everton, Liverpool and Tottenham in their quest to resign Michael Keane. The Telegraph claims that the team which offers the most playing time is expected to be the Englishman’s destination. This would mean a battle royale between Liverpool and United with the former having its own defensive issues.
NOT ON THE WAYNE
Manchester United Captain Wayne Rooney believes that he still has a lot to offer Manchester United. Rooney reckons that his experience in winning trophies will be helpful as United chase the Europa League trophy. Rooney said: “My focus at the minute is helping us reach the Europa League final, and to win it, and help us get to the top four. I think I’ve got a lot to offer, and as I keep saying, I’m looking forward to these next few games, get a few under my belt, and get to where I want to be at the end of the season and see what happens there.’
He added: ‘I feel I can contribute quality, composure, experience, and know-how, how to get over the line, whether it’s to win the league or finish top four or get to the final. That’s a lot of experience I can contribute to the team.”
SQUAD NEWS
The Manchester United squad to face Manchester City was seen checking into the Lowry Hotel. The 19 man team was snapped up by Manchester Evening News photographers entering the premises.
SQUAD: David de Gea, Sergio Romero, Joel Pereira, Antonio Valencia, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Matteo Darmian, Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe, Daley Blind, Luke Shaw, Marouane Fellaini, Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera, Ashley Young, Jesse Lingard, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Wayne Rooney