UNITED WITHDRAW APPEAL
Manchester United have withdrawn their appeal against Phil Jones’ European ban meaning he will miss United’s Champions League opener next week. Jones was banned by UEFA for a verbally abusing a doping officer in the aftermath of United’s Europa League triumph in Stockholm earlier this year. Jones also missed the UEFA Super Cup tie against Real Madrid as part of the two match ban handed by UEFA. It may be a blessing in disguise as Jones will get much needed rest after starting all of United’s Premier League and England’s world cup games.
SHAW HANDED ULTIMATUM
Luke Shaw has until December of this year to prove his worth to Jose Mourinho or risk being sold in the January transfer window. Shaw has impressed Mourinho with his desire to succeed at United with his efforts during rehabilitation and is set to make his comeback soon. Mourinho delayed signing a left back this summer because of Shaw’s efforts and is willing to give the former PFA Team of the Year selection another chance to prove his money’s worth at the club.
YOUNG DEMANDS TALKS
Ashley Young who recently made his comeback from injury has demanded showdown talks with Mourinho as he looks to leave United for consistent game time. Young who has been at the club since 2012 was set to leave this summer but Mourinho decided to hold onto the player who could provide depth in more than one position. It is also understood that United will not stand in Young’s way and will let him leave if the player demands. Young’s contract is up at the end of the season but United can trigger an extension.
PRIORITISING
Zlatan Ibrahimovic who is working his way towards earning his coaching badges is set to put them on hold. The decision is taken to speed up his stunning recovery which already has medics gaping. Ibrahimovic is set to return towards the end of October at the earliest.
MIND GAMES
Jose has taken another not-so-subtle potshot at his replacement at Chelsea – Antonio Conte. The United boss has previously mocked Conte over his balding head among other much more important things but has now trained his guns at the Italian’s tactics. Mourinho said that he considers his last title winning squad at Chelsea to be a better one with regards to quality of football and attacking style of play.
JOSE ON CONTRACT SITUATION
The fact that Jose Mourinho is happy at United is no secret and there have been rumblings about him signing a new contract soon. But Jose, now in his second year of the three-year contract he signed, is ready to wait until the end of the third season to sign a new contract. United are eager to tie Mourinho down for the long run but are not averse to waiting until they can extend their deal with Mourinho.