SANCHES LOAN DEAL CLOSE
Manchester United are on the verge of completing a loan move for Bayern Munich outcast Renato Sanches. Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that United are one of the clubs interested in taking on Sanches. Ancelotti, however, declared that only a loan move would be sanctioned, but the option of making the move permanent is expected to be inserted into the deal. United chased Sanches last May but the player chose to move to Munich following uncertainty over United’s managerial position.
EXIT DOOR BECKONS
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson is reportedly close to an exit from Old Trafford with Ajax being in pole position to sign the left-back. Borthwick-Jackson is prepared to leave United after seeing his development stall with a failed loan move to Wolves in the previous campaign. The 20-year-old was one of the youngsters who broke through the ranks in the 2015-16 campaign. Leeds United, Reading, Heerenveen and PEC Zwolle are other clubs chasing Borthwick-Jackson.
DID THE JOB
Phil Jones’ clumsy header to clear the ball right off Olivier Giroud’s feet is one of the most comical plays in Premier League history. Speaking on the now infamous incident, Jones said: “”It was one of those things. I misjudged the ball from a goal kick. The ball bounced, I slipped. I tried to get up, I slipped again. The only thing I could do was improvise and try to head the ball away because Giroud was through on goal. It looked silly at the time, but it did the job.”
SUPER BLOW
Manchester United will be without Eric Bailly for the UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid next month. UEFA handed Bailly an extended three-match ban, meaning he will miss the matchup against Real in Macedonia as well as the first group match of United’s Champions League campaign. The ban was for violent conduct in the Europa League fixture against Celta Vigo when Bailly was shown a red card. He missed the final and that has been taken into account, meaning the instrumental Ivorian will miss the next two European fixtures.
HERRERA INJURY UPDATE
Jose Mourinho admitted that he was unsure what was wrong with Ander Herrera after the influential midfielder lasted just 5 minutes against Real Madrid. Herrera was clattered by Oscar Rodriguez. The clash left Herrera holding his hip and rib area. Mourinho will be hoping that the injury is a knock and nothing more. Mourinho said: “I don’t know [how bad it is]. Ander had to come off after 10 minutes. It was painful… but sometimes painful does not mean too bad.”