PERISIC DEPARTS INTER CAMP
Ivan Perisic departure from Inter’s preseason training camp sparked transfer speculation. But it was later revealed that he left to get treatment for a toothache in his native Croatia. United remain keen on Perisic and reportedly submitted a £44m bid for the player. It is still £4m short of Inter’s valuation. Inter won’t stand in Perisic’s way should the right offer come.
PRE-SEASON VICTORY
Manchester United opened their pre-season with an emphatic 5-2 victory over LA Galaxy in the wee hours of the day. A brace from Rashford followed by goals from Fellaini, Mkhitaryan and Martial secured victory for United. New boys Lukaku and Lindelof both made their debuts as second half substitutes. Mourinho singled out Lukaku for praise while Lindelof had a good performances albeit a couple of nervy moments.
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE
Manchester United boss revealed that resigning Cristiano Ronaldo would be akin to Mission Impossible for Ed Woodward and United. United were heavily linked with Ronaldo early in the summer after tax fraud allegations led to the Portuguese having a thought or two about his future. Mourinho said: ‘We have never thought about it because he is such an important player for his club, of great economic power, where we have not been able to find for whatever reason something that could have made us think that Ronaldo could leave. I’m not going to waste my time thinking about players who are mission impossible.”
TWO-PRONGED ATTACK
Mourinho admitted that he was not averse to the possibility of playing both Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku up top this season. In his post-match comments following victory over LA Galaxy, Mourinho praised both his strikers. Mourinho said:” [Lukaku] didn’t score goals but he played better than the ones who [did] score goals. Target man, hold the ball well, good movement, not selfish, team player, very strong holding the ball and not losing, fast on the counter attack – so happy. Today Rashford was in a different team than Lukaku, but we will also try both in the same team which I think can also work.”
INJURY BOOST
Manchester United pair Luke Shaw and Ashley Young have given United and Mourinho an injury boost. It has been revealed that the pair could be up for selection as early as next month. Both Shaw and Young have been out since the back end of last season with serious injuries.
ROONEY’S ADVICE FOR LUKAKU
Recently departed United player Wayne Rooney had a few words of advice for Romelu Lukaku. Rooney said: “Playing for Manchester United is a test of character. You’ve got to be strong enough mentally to accept the challenge. United are a football club that demands success. Romelu has to be strong enough to take up that challenge.”