MATA TRAINS ALONE
Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata trained alone on the Old Trafford pitch in the aftermath of United’s 1-1 draw against Swansea. The Spaniard, who missed the whole of April due to a sports hernia, was named to the substitute’s bench by Mourinho yesterday. Mata did not come on despite warming up during the second half. His return is a welcome boost to United and Mourinho who have been struggling with injuries for the past month or so.
MBAPPE HINT
French sensation Kylian Mbappe has hinted that he may leave Monaco in the summer. Mbappe has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign for Monaco having scored 24 goals in 38 matches despite being just 18 years of age. Speaking to Repubblica, Mbappe said: “I’ve done nothing extraordinary. I’d like to win the Ballon d’Or, the Champions League and be a regular starter for France. I’d like to leave a mark with Monaco before I leave. I am only focused on this season. If the mind works well then anything can happen and this amazing season of Monaco proves it.’ Clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Manchester City are said to be interested in the young man.
INJURY UPDATE
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho suffered a double injury setback against Swansea. United lost both Luke Shaw and Eric Bailly to knocks in the first and second half respectively. Speaking to MUTV, Mourinho said: “‘I don’t know at all. Luke has to be a big injury, when you’re out after 10 minutes, it has to be a big injury. Eric, maybe he is injured but, at the same time, maybe it’s in relation to him being the guy who’s played 800 minutes of football in April. Maybe he has also a relation to that.’
SERGIO TO MILAN?
Manchester United’s ‘Cup’ keeper Sergio Romero has reportedly been offered a two year deal by Inter Milan. The 30-year-old has found game time tough to come by in the league and may be persuaded to return to the Serie A. He is under contract until 2018. Inter’s city rivals AC Milan are also said to be interested in the Argentine No.1.
ANOTHER DE GEA ALTERNATIVE?
Kasper Schmeichel is the latest name to be linked with Manchester United as a possible replacement for David de Gea. Schmeichel has also been linked with Manchester City who have their own goal keeping woes. Schmeichel’s father Peter played for both Manchester clubs and was part of the United treble winning squad. Schmeichel has also reportedly changed his agent. He has now signed up with Luca Bashcherini.