Manchester United are straight back in action as Erik ten Hag and his players get ready for a must-win Champions League showdown with Danish opponents FC Copenhagen on Tuesday night (8pm).
Returning to the marquee European competition this season, United were beaten in their Group A opener against German heavyweights Bayern Munich and were then humbled by Galatasaray two weeks ago. Their game with FC Copenhagen kicks off an important week for United in which they also play Manchester City.
United will be without the suspended Casemiro on Tuesday night, but he did to return to training at Carrington in the build-up. Tyrell Malacia has also stepped into individual training.
With one eye on the January transfer window, meanwhile, United continue to be linked with mid-season swoops. However, any business they might do could depend on the proposed takeover with Sir Jim Ratcliffe now expected to purchase a 25 per cent share in the club after Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim withdrew his offer.
Look back over Monday’s United news below.
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Glazers U-turn ‘forced Sheikh Jassim to withdraw’
According to football finance expert Kieran Maguire, Sheikh Jassim was nearing a full buyout until the Glazers changed their stance at the last minute. He explained to Football Insider: “I’m not surprised that Qatar completely withdrew.
“Senior sources close to the Sheikh Jassim bid have indicated to me that there was increased frustration towards the conduct of the Glazers. On more than one occasion, they had agreed to increase the bid.”
Van der Gaag ‘likely to stay’ at United amid Ajax links
Dutch journalist Mikos Gouka has suggested that Mitchell van der Gaag, Erik ten Hag’s assistant, is unlikely to leave the United dugout for Ajax, who are having a dire season.
A loss to bottom club FC Utrecht has seen the Eredivisie giants sink into the relegation zone and reports have mooted Van de Gaag was one name the club are looking at replacing current boss Maurice Steijn with.
The former Ajax youth team boss moved over to Manchester with Ten Hag in 2022 and Gouka says the chances of him leaving his role at Old Trafford for a return to Amsterdam seems far-fetched.
Liverpool ‘rivalling’ United for Sporting Lisbon star
United are set to tussle with Liverpool should they decide to launch a bid for Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio, reports suggest.
A report from The Mirror claims Inacio is a target of United but that Jurgen Klopp sent scouts to watch the defender 22-year-old feature for his country against Bosnia and Herzegovina last week.
The player has the same representatives as Bruno Fernandes with agent Miguel Pinho negotiating the club captain’s move to Old Trafford in 2020. However, Sporting are said to be disinterested in letting him go this January.
United receive Tyrell Malacia injury boost
Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia trained individually and did some light ball work on Monday afternoon as he looks to return to fitness from a knee injury.
The Manchester Evening News revealed last week Malacia’s long-term absence was due to the player sustaining a knee injury last season, which eventually required surgery.
It’s understood the club initially looked to manage the knee injury with pain injections but surgery was needed.
‘England’s best’ – Scholes pays tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton
Paul Scholes has crowned Sir Bobby Charlton as the best player England has ever produced and said the football legend ‘epitomised’ everything Manchester United stands for.
“[The news] was devastating,” he said. “When you think of Manchester United, around the world he’s probably the first person that comes to mind. Such a nice man. A wonderful man who went through a lot.”
United confirm Sir Bobby Charlton tribute plans vs Copenhagen
Manchester United will host a special pre-match tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton ahead of kick-off in Tuesday’s Champions League match with FC Copenhagen.
Old Trafford turnstiles will be open from 6pm with the club encouraging fans to take their seats early to pay their respects to the football great, who died aged 86 on Saturday.
A wreath will be placed on Sir Bobby’s seat in the director’s box with players and staff to wear black armbands for the game.
United consider swoop for Sacha Boey – reports
Reports from Turkish outlet Fotospor reckon United are among several sides to have registered interest in Galatasaray full-back Sacha Boey. The 23-year-old defender played against United in the Champions League this month.
Premier League clubs such as Arsenal, Brighton and Burnley are all thought to have sent scouts to watch Boey this season with United seemingly now in the race to sign him. He predominantly operates as a right-back and signed for the Turkish giants in 2021.
United have impossible Raphael Varane decision
United have been hit harder than anyone when it comes to injuries this season.
However, for all the talent Erik ten Hag and United have been unable to call upon – at various times – there is one man they sorely miss when he finds himself in the Carrington treatment room and cannot do without. You get the feeling if Ten Hag could clone anyone in his squad it would be Raphael Varane.
Betting odds from Bet365 vs FC Copenhagen
United are odds-on favourites to get the job done against FC Copenhagen.
Here are the latest betting odds from Bet365 before that Group A meeting;
Manchester United win – 4/11
Draw – 4/1
FC Copenhagen win – 7/1
*Odds were correct at 17:15 on October 23. Subject to change.
Sevilla interested in Hannibal Mejbri – reports
Sevilla are reportedly keeping tabs on United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri.
That’s according to journalist Fabrizio Romano via his Daily Briefing column.
Hannibal was subject to interest from several clubs this summer.
However, the 20-year-old Tunisia international has since been handed decent game-time and Manchester Evening News understands that United are keen to tie the player down to a longer-term contract at Old Trafford at some point.
REPORT – Ratcliffe outlines Ten Hag successor
According to The Sun, Ratcliffe has his eye on replacing Ten Hag with former Chelsea manager Graham Potter should the Dutchman decide to leave Old Trafford.
INEOS are thought to be high on Potter and had earmarked him for Nice before eventually deciding to go for a different option.
Dalot picks out the quality United have been showing
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game, Dalot praised his team’s ability to win scrappy matches in recent weeks.
It was the full-back’s goal on Saturday which won an even contest and the Portuguese defender believes United’s ability to get through these kind of matches is a blessing.
Pick your United team to face FC Copenhagen
The team news is in for tomorrow night’s clash with FC Copenhagen and Ten Hag has some big calls to make.
Reguilon is likely to be fit enough to start while there has been plenty of talk on the forward line.
Who would you choose to start though? Pick your team below.
United receive Malacia boost
As well as Casemiro returning to Carrington on Monday, there was also a welcome return for Malacia at the training ground.
The full-back was completing an individual session today but this hints at his return coming sooner rather than later.
Casemiro returns to Carrington
United’s Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has returned to training at Carrington following the injury he picked up on international duty.
The former Real Madrid man will not be available for the encounter tomorrow night though due to suspension.
Why VAR didn’t overturn McTominay penalty
During United’s match at the weekend, McTominay and his teammates were left stunned when Michael Oliver awarded a penalty for handball by the midfielder.
The Scotland international professed his innocence but the referee was having none of it.
How United can improve to help Hojlund
The Reds’ forward is yet to add to his one goal for the club but this has not prevented him from leaving a good impression on his new supporters.
Fans booed when the Dane was substituted against Sheffield United at the weekend and despite the positive impression, Ten Hag still feels his team can do more to help Hojlund.
FULL STORY – United receive injury boost
United have received an injury boost ahead of Tuesday night’s clash in the Champions League.
Since the start of the season, the Reds have been struggling with injuries but Ten Hag is hopeful of welcoming some players back.
ANALYSIS – United might have found perfect midfield partnership
With Casemiro unavailable through injury, all eyes were on Amrabat when United rocked up at Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United on Saturday evening.
The Moroccan international, for the first time since arriving on loan from Fiorentina last month, was deployed as the sole defensive-midfielder, meaning the onus was on him to be United’s chief destroyer. He started at the base of the midfield, joined in a three-man system by McTominay and Fernandes, who operated in more advanced roles.
Ten Hag expects big atmosphere
Asked about what the atmosphere will be like at Old Trafford tomorrow night, Ten Hag expects the United fans to rally his team towards a first victory in the Champions League this season.
He told the press:
It’s always special every night at Old Trafford, the fans are always so behind us, it’s a strong connection. The last home game against Brentford, when the game was going against us, they stayed behind us. The fans stick with us in adverse moments, we fight together, so definitely tomorrow after the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, their hero, legend and giant, I’m sure it will be a very emotional evening.
United team news ahead of Copenhagen
When asked about team news for the Champions League tie tomorrow, Ten Hag said:
Yes we hope [to have players back in injury]. Sergio trained all week, today he will train, then we have to assess if he is game fit or can be available for the squad.
United have already been sent FC Copenhagen warning ahead of crucial Champions League tie
Manchester United’s start to the Champions League has been an unprecedented disaster.
Two matches played, and two defeats have left United’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of this season’s competition firmly in the balance. Ahead of the visit of FC Copenhagen to Old Trafford on Tuesday night, there is already a desperation in the club to secure a victory.
However, fans from across Manchester are already aware this task is easier said than done. While the Danes have yet to pick up a victory in the competition, they are clearly no pushovers and will look to cause similar problems to the Reds that Galatasaray did.
