Henrikh Mkhitaryan is set to make his Manchester United comeback against Zorya Luhansk this week after returning to training today.
But Jose Mourinho could be without striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the United manager looks to get their Europa League campaign back on track.
Mkhitaryan, who suffered a thigh injury playing for Armenia earlier this month, has not featured since he was replaced at half-time during the 2-1 derby defeat to Manchester City on September 10.
The 27-year-old has missed United’s last four games but returned to training ahead of the 4-1 win over Leicester at Old Trafford on Saturday.
And he is in line to be part of Jose Mourinho’s squad for Zorya, currently second in Ukraine’s Premier League, when they visit Old Trafford on Thursday.
However, Mourinho could be without Ibrahimovic, Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw.
Manchester United host defending champions Leicester City at Old Trafford in the first game of this weekend’s Premier League action, on Saturday lunchtime.
Mourinho has been speaking to the media today at his pre-game press conference before welcoming the Foxes to the Theatre of Dreams tomorrow.
The United boss was able to confirm that Anthony Martial will not be fit to make his return to the team. It is expected that Marcus Rashford will keep his place down the left wing after some promising signs in the game time he has been given so far this season.
Martial lasted only 38 minutes of last weekend’s defeat at Vicarage Road before going off injured.
The Red Devils ended their three-game losing streak with a 3-1 win at Northampton Town in the EFL Cup midweek but Jose Mourinho will be keen to get his side back on track in the league.
Eric Bailly is the convincing winner of Manchester United’s first Player of the Month award for the new season.
The Ivory Coast international has made an instant impact at Old Trafford and earned the Man-of-the-Match accolade in three of the Reds’ four games last month, only missing out when Zlatan Ibrahimovic was star man in the 2-0 win over Southampton.
Thousands of supporters cast their votes on Twitter and ManUtd.com with the 22-year-old beating off competition from fellow summer signing Ibrahimovic (37 per cent) and his defensive partner Daley Blind (8 per cent) to land the trophy with 55 per cent of the overall tally.
Bailly told MUTV recently: “The Man-of-the-Match awards are something I hadn’t thought about but I got them through the hard work I have put in. I hope to see more of that in the weeks ahead of us.”
Jose Mourinho made a winning Premier League start as Manchester United manager with a comprehensive opening victory at Bournemouth.
Juan Mata, who was substituted after coming on in last week’s Community Shield, opened the scoring with a tap-in after Simon Francis’ error.
Wayne Rooney headed the second before Zlatan Ibrahimovic marked his United league debut with a goal from 25 yards.
Adam Smith scored a consolation goal for the Cherries.
United were without world-record £89m signing Paul Pogba through suspension, while midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan started on the bench, with Mata preferred.
Can Mourinho bring back the fear factor?
As starts go, this was a highly satisfactory day for United – the Mourinho era began with a solid victory at a ground where they came unstuck under Louis van Gaal last season.
United started slowly and did not register a shot on target until a Rooney effort produced a comfortable save from Boruc in the 27th minute.
Yet it was job done once the visitors opened the scoring with a messy goal and added two more in the space of five second-half minutes to put them in a commanding position.
Mata looked unhappy when he was replaced 30 minutes after coming on at Wembley against Leicester last Sunday but the Spaniard was all smiles as he got Mourinho’s reign up and running.
Boruc made a fine block from Mata after Francis’ under-hit back-pass but the rebound bounced off Francis into the former Chelsea player’s path and he tapped home.
United’s second goal was also down to some good fortune – Rooney was well positioned to head home after Anthony Martial’s mis-hit shot fell perfectly for his captain.
Ibrahimovic was denied by a one-handed Boruc save but the Swede made it 3-0 with a drilled low finish from outside the area to leave Mourinho smiling.
Ibrahimovic conjures another debut goal
Ibrahimovic continued his remarkable record of marking debuts with a goal.
The 34-year-old Swede has now scored on his first league starts in England, Italy, Spain and France, and in the Champions League.
Any concerns the frenetic pace in English football’s top-flight might not suit Ibrahimovic were dispelled with his well-executed finish to follow a goal at Wembley last week.
Mourinho’s oldest signing of the summer could turn out to be his shrewdest.
Manchester United is pleased to announce the Premier League squad numbers for the much-anticipated 2016/17 season, including those to be worn by the club’s three new signings.
Ivory Coast international Eric Bailly will wear the previously vacant number three jersey and Armenian forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan, signed from Borussia Dortmund earlier this month, has taken on number 22.
Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic has joined a list of iconic Reds strikers to wear the famous number nine shirt at Old Trafford, with its former incumbent Anthony Martial moving to number 11 and Adnan Januzaj switching to number 15 for the new campaign.
United’s FA Cup final hero Jesse Lingard has moved from number 35 to 14 and his fellow Academy graduate Marcus Rashford has gone from 39 to 19. Dutch prospect Tim Fosu-Mensah will now wear number 24 going forward and young goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has adopted number 32.
Jose Mourinho says he is ready for the task of rebuilding Manchester United, insisting: “I am where I want to be.”
The new United manager added: “I think it is a job everyone wants and not many have a chance to have and I have it.”
Former Chelsea boss Mourinho succeeds Dutchman Louis van Gaal, who was sacked after United’s FA Cup success in May.
The Portuguese said he was “frustrated” United are not in the Champions League next season but insisted he was at Old Trafford to win trophies.
Mourinho also said that:
He wants to make four major signings;
He is not to blame for the departure of Ryan Giggs;
He will not play Wayne Rooney in midfield;
He has a track record of promoting young players.
United, the 20-time English champions, finished fifth in the Premier League last season, 15 points adrift of shock champions Leicester City.
United won the FA Cup, but the campaign was generally viewed as another disappointment, prompting the sacking of Van Gaal in May.
“It would be quite pragmatic to say let’s work and let’s try to be back to the Champions League, be back to the top four,” said Mourinho.
“I am not good on that and I didn’t want to be good on that. I am more aggressive. We want to win.
“For many years, success was just routine and in this moment the last three years are to forget. I want the players to forget. I don’t want the players to think we have to do better and finish fourth. Finishing fourth is not the aim.
“I want everything. I want to win matches, I want to play well, I don’t want to concede goals. I want the fans to be behind us.
“Of course, we’re not going to get everything, but we want to.”
Asked if he had a point to prove after his second stint at Chelsea ended in the sack, Mourinho responded: “There are some managers who haven’t won titles for 10 years. Some of them never. The last time I won was a year ago.”
Mourinho, who led the Blues to the Premier League title in 2015, added: “If I have something to prove, imagine the others. That’s my feeling.
“I feel that I have to prove not to the others but to myself. I would never be able to work without success. That is my nature.”
Jose Mourinho left Chelsea – for the second time – on 17 December 2015
On new players
Mourinho said he had targeted four signings and had secured three of them.
“I am very clear in my approach and model to play and I need specialists in that,” said the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan boss. “I like one or two multi-functional because you need them when you are in a bit of trouble.”
Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ivory Coast defender Eric Bailly are already at the club, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan looks like being the third recruit after United’s bid for the midfielder was accepted by Borussia Dortmund.
France and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, 23, has also been heavily linked with a return to the club he left in 2011.
“We decided four targets,” said Mourinho, 53. “Until we have the fourth, we are still working hard. The third player will be official soon.”
Mourinho has signed a three-year contract
On promoting youth
Mourinho has been accused of putting his faith in proven, older talent at his previous clubs rather than investing in youth.
But the former Porto boss was quick to reject such allegations when he faced the media on Tuesday.
“You know how many young players I promoted to the first team from academies?” he asked. “Forty nine. Some of them are big names, they are Champions League winners in the Euros, playing for national teams.
“One lie repeated many times sometimes looks true, but it will never be true.”
On Ryan Giggs
Giggs, who made a record 963 appearances for the Red Devils, ended his 29-year association with the club last week.
The Welshman was assistant to Van Gaal and had been tipped by some to succeed the Dutchman.
“It is not my responsibility Ryan is not in the club,” said Mourinho. “The job Ryan wanted is the job the club decided to give me. If, one day, he wants to be back to the club while I am here, I would never stop him.
On Wayne Rooney
Rooney has played the bulk of his career in attack and is only four goals short of Sir Bobby Charlton’s club record of 249.
But he spent the end of last season in midfield, and played in the same position for England at Euro 2016.
“Maybe he is not a striker any more, maybe he is not a number nine any more, but with me he will never be a number six or somebody who plays 50 metres away from the goal,” said Mourinho.
“Yes, his pass is amazing, but my pass is also amazing without pressure. To put the ball in the net is the most difficult thing you have to find.”
Jose Mourinho’s United are hot on the trail of Switzerland wonderkid Breel Embolo, according to a report in Germany.
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – AUGUST 19: Breel Embolo of Basel celebrates his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League qualifying round play off first leg match between FC Basel and Maccabi Tel Aviv at St. Jakob-Park on August 19, 2015 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Simon Hofmann/Getty Images)
Highly-rated FC Basel teenager Breel Embolo is the latest target for Manchester United.
The 19-year-old, who is part of Switzerland’s Euro 2016 squad, has emerged as a prime target for Jose Mourinho.
German publication Bild is reporting that the Red Devils have offered a mouth-watering £28million for the young winger, according to The Sport Review.
Embolo netted 10 times in 26 league appearances for Basel last season as they romped to the Super League title, finishing 14 points ahead of second-placed BSC Young Boys.
The winger has appeared as a substitute in both of Switzerland’s Euro 2016 fixtures so far, completing 54 minutes for Vladimir Petkovic’s side who will make the last 16 of the competition after gaining four points from their opening two Group A games.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to complete a medical and move to Manchester United after Euro 2016.
Sky Sports broke the news earlier today that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is to undergo a medical at Manchester United
The deal has been reported to have already been negotiated, but PSG and Manchester United took longer then expected which is why the move wasn’t completed before the European Championships kicked off in France on Friday.
Manchester United have completed the signing of Villarreal defender Eric Bailly, subject to a work permit.
The 22-year-old Ivory Coast international joins for about £30m on a four-year deal.
Bailly said: “It is a dream come true to be joining Manchester United. To play football at the highest level is all I have ever wanted to do.”
United manager Jose Mourinho said: “Eric has the potential to become one of the best around.”
Bailly has played 40 times in La Liga, the first five of which were for Espanyol.
He joined Villarreal for £4.4m in January 2015 and played in every game as Ivory Coast won the Africa Cup of Nations just weeks later.
Bailly is Mourinho’s first signing at Old Trafford, with the club also tipped to complete the acquisition of Paris St-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has got tongues wagging after revealing he will make a “big announcement” on Tuesday afternoon.
Manchester United have been linked with a move for the Sweden international and the striker announced he will soon unveil his destiny having spent the last few weeks playing cat-and-mouse with the world’s media.
He continued to keep football fans guessing by speaking on Swedish TV about his plans this week as his team prepare for their Euro 2016 Group E opener against the Republic of Ireland on June 13.
“There will be a big announcement on June 7. It will be this summer’s big bomb,” Ibrahimovic said. “It feels good, feels better than good. A lot will happen with this news, so hopefully you’ll all enjoy.”
When pushed on his destination following his exit from PSG, he added: “Come and see on the 7th.”
While it is expected the former Milan and Barcelona forward will unveil a new clothing line at 5pm on Tuesday, he may use the platform to maximise exposure and reveal his anticipated switch to United.
Sky sources understand Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and Ibrahimovic’s representatives have been finalising terms on a one-year deal, with Mourinho determined to make the Swede his first marquee signing.
It is also understood that Ibrahimovic is the only striker Mourinho wants to acquire this summer, with the Portuguese convinced Marcus Rashford can make a significant impact at Old Trafford next season.
Jose Mourinho helped oversee a first win at Old Trafford since being appointed Manchester United manager, as 10-man England beat Claudio Ranieri’s Rest of the World side 3-2 in Soccer Aid 2016.
The Reds’ boss watched on from the stands as the side he co-managed with Sam Allardyce ran out deserved winners on the night thanks to a Jermain Defoe double and a lovely free-kick from TV personality and Man of the Match Mark Wright, despite the dismissal of Ben Shephard for two yellow cards.
Former United striker Dimitar Berbatov netted twice for the Rest of the World, including a coolly-taken penalty, but it wasn’t enough for Ranieri’s men as Robbie Williams and co. held on for the victory.
It was an event which raised millions of pounds for UNICEF and featured an appearance from Guest of Honour, Pele.
Look back on a memorable night at Old Trafford in our match blog here which features all the match details and pics.
Manchester United have made a £32.5million bid for Valencia’s Andre Gomes, according to The Star.
Gomes played against England in Portugal’s 1-0 victory at Wembley recently. Mourinho was reportedly there to get a last look at Gomes before a bid went in.
Super agent Jorge Mendes looks after Gomes and is confident a deal can be done with United. The power he wields in getting deals done is not to be underestimated, especially when Mourinho (also a Mendes client) is also involved.
Gomes is widely regarded as one of the best young midfielders in Europe and would be a fantastic addition, if United can get a deal done.
Manchester United will complete the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and could conclude a deal before the start of Euro 2016, according to Sky sources.
It is understood United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and Ibrahimovic’s representatives are finalising terms on a one-year contract, with Jose Mourinho determined to make the Sweden international his first marquee signing at Old Trafford.
And a free transfer following the expiration of his current Paris Saint-Germain deal is expected to be completed before Sweden’s first Group E match against Ireland on June 13.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic confirms he has had several offers to join Premier League clubs
Sky sources understand Ibrahimovic is the only striker Mourinho wants to sign this summer, with the Portuguese convinced Marcus Rashford can make a significant impact at Old Trafford next season.
While Mourinho believes Ibrahimovic is a key signing that United need if they are to challenge for the Premier League title next term, he is also keen to give Rashford plenty of opportunities to continue his rapid development.
Sky Sports News HQ has been told that Mourinho is conscious of the need to continue United’s legacy of bringing through young players into the first team, and even passed on the opportunity to sign Leicester’s Jamie Vardy this week so as to protect Rashford’s progress.
Ibrahimovic is a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain
Sky sources first reported United’s interest in the former Malmo FF, Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and AC Milan star back in May, ahead of Mourinho’s appointment to replace Louis van Gaal.
Talks between United and Ibrahimovic’s agent Mino Raiola gathered pace following Mourinho’s arrival at Old Trafford, and Sky sources subsequently reported last week that they were only Premier League club Ibrahimovic was considering.
It is understood the 6ft 5in, Malmo-born Swede wants to add the Premier League to his array of titles that includes the Spanish La Liga, Italian Serie A, French Ligue 1 and Dutch Eredivisie.
Ibrahimovic had more lucrative offers from Chinese Super League clubs and options in Italy, but it appears he has been convinced to move to Manchester for a reunion with Mourinho, and that it’s the right move to make at this stage of his illustrious career.
Jose Mourinho with Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho will no longer take charge of England for Sunday’s Soccer Aid charity game.
Mourinho was due to manage an England XI including ex-Arsenal keeper David Seaman and former United defender Phil Neville, plus a host of celebrities. The 53-year-old could still help train the squad and will be at Old Trafford for the game, although he might not be in the dug-out. Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce takes over from Mourinho. The match is Mourinho’s first at Old Trafford since his appointment as Louis van Gaal’s successor last month.
The former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss visited United’s Carrington training ground for the first time on Monday. He was given a tour by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and met club legend Sir Bobby Charlton during his seven-hour visit. Mourinho is yet to meet with Ryan Giggs. The Welshman still has a contract as an assistant manager, although Mourinho’s long-time deputy Rui Faria is expected to be in that role next season. Giggs, 42, is on leave until Saturday and is yet to be contacted by Mourinho or Woodward – and is still to be told what role, if any, they have for him. Meanwhile, midfielder Michael Carrick is expected to stay on at United for another season. The 34-year-old is out of contract but a new one-year deal has been offered by the club. BBC
Ryan Giggs is yet to hear what his Manchester United future holds
Ryan Giggs is yet to be offered a new role with Manchester United, Sky sources understand.
Giggs spent the last two years as assistant manager to Louis van Gaal, but his future at Old Trafford remains in the balance as the club prepares to begin life under new boss Jose Mourinho.
Sky sources understand reports that Giggs has been offered a role as a bridge between the first team and the U21s are inaccurate.
The United great, who made more than 1,000 appearances for the club, is due to return from a holiday in Dubai this weekend.
It is understood Giggs has heard nothing from senior United figures as to what they want him to do, following Van Gaal’s sacking last month, with no meetings scheduled.
Giggs, who joined Manchester United on his 14th birthday, is thought to have a year left on his contract.
Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney is excited by the appointment of Jose Mourinho and is looking forward to working with the new manager at the start of 2016/17.
The 53-year-old arrives at Old Trafford with an enormous pedigree, having won 22 major team honours in four different countries, and Rooney is eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for the Reds.
Speaking at a news conference ahead of England’s Euro 2016 warm-up match against Portugal on Thursday night, Rooney said: “He’s one of the best managers in the world. It’s an exciting time for Manchester United.
“He knows the Premier League very well and I’m looking forward to it [working with Mourinho].”
For now, Rooney’s focus is on international matters as he looks to captain England to Euro 2016 glory in France. The forward is one of three Reds in Roy Hodgson’s squad, alongside Chris Smalling and Marcus Rashford, with the team kicking off their campaign against Russia on 11 June in Marseille.
“It’s a proud moment to captain the team heading into a tournament,” said Rooney. “It’s a young squad but it has got a lot of quality. I’m injury-free, whereas in a lot of tournaments I’ve had little niggles. I’m happy with my fitness and form.”
Rooney scored England’s second goal in Friday’s friendly win over Australia, after Rashford had netted barely two minutes into his senior international debut to continue his remarkable rise, with confirmation of the 19-year-old’s place in England’s tournament squad coming only 96 days after his senior United debut.
“The way Marcus took to coming into the Manchester United team and the way he’s performed from when he’s come in until the end of the season has been incredible,” Rooney continued. “He’s certainly showed what he can do in his first game for England, getting his first goal in the first couple of minutes.
“I think what’s pleasing about him is his attitude. It’s first class and that’s shown around the hotel and on the training pitch and he deserves it. He could be a real positive for us.”
Hodgson added: “Rashford’s had that fantastic end to the season and he’s a very interesting player. He has special qualities and I think that’s been recognised by everybody – and it will be very interesting to see in a squad of 23 whether or not he can bring those qualities to bear at an even higher level.”
Ibrahimovic missed Sweden’s 0-0 friendly draw with Slovenia on Monday
Manchester United target Zlatan Ibrahimovic has ruled out a return to Malmo, insisting he is too good to play league football in Sweden.
The 34-year-old Sweden striker, a free agent after his Paris St-Germain contract expired, has been linked with United and a move to China.
He told the media on Wednesday he would reveal his next club once he got “tired” of reading all the speculation.
Ibrahimovic played for Malmo, his first club, from 1996 to 2004.
He went on to play for Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and AC Milan before joining PSG in 2012.
Responding to the transfer rumours, Ibrahimovic told reporters: “I want you to still write a lot of stories, so I get excited when I see them, because I want to see who is making up the best story.
“When I’m tired of it, I’ll let you know where I will go.”
Ibrahimovic is currently with the Sweden squad for Euro 2016, which is being held in France and starts on 10 June.
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has reportedly been offered a one-year extension by the club. The 34-year-old’s current contract expires this summer and there has been major doubt surrounding his future at Old Trafford.
But new manager Jose Mourinho is apparently keen to retain Carrick’s services as he looks to rebuild the United squad this summer. The midfielder, who joined the club from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006, is currently considering whether to accept United’s offer.
Carrick recently spoke in glowing terms about United’s new manager, although he confessed he was disappointed to see former boss Louis van Gaal and his backroom staff lose their jobs.
“Mourinho’s track record speaks for itself. He’s a good fit for the club and hopefully he’ll do very well,” the United veteran said, according to The Guardian. “I have to say it’s sad to see anyone lose their job, the manager and staff, but good times are ahead.”
The report comes shortly after Mourinho was given a guided tour around United’s training base at Carrington by Ed Woodward, the club’s executive vice-chairman. During the visit, Mourinho was introduced to long-serving staff members and United director Sir Bobby Charlton.
The Portuguese manager will start his work at United on 4 July, when the team return to pre-season training. However, those United players involved in Euro 2016 or the Copa America are set to return at a later date.
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs is set to reject any new contract offered by incoming manager Jose Mourinho, according to reports from The Sun.
After months of speculation, Mourinho is set to replace Louis van Gaal in the coming few days,after he was sacked on Monday despite the FA Cup glory on Saturday.
However, the club’s hierarchy are keen on keeping club legend Ryan Giggs as assistant manager, with Mourinho also agreeing that there is space for the former winger.
But it seems that the 42-year-old has no intention of working under the Portuguese tactician, and is keen to pursue a career as a manager himself.
Giggs was given the caretaker role at Old Trafford for four games after David Moyes was sacked back in the 2013/14 campaign, but then went on to be Van Gaal’s understudy the past two years.
Man United believe that Mourinho’s previous successes make him the right man to take the 13-time Premier League champions back to the top after missing out on Champions League football this term.
Louis van Gaal has been sacked as manager of Manchester United with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho set to be named as his replacement, according to reports in the English Media.
Van Gaal, 64, leaves after two years of a three-year contract and is currently discussing severance terms.
The former Netherlands boss is believed to earn around £6.4m a year.
Mourinho’s appointment is expected to be confirmed after the 53-year-old Portuguese meets with senior United officials on Tuesday.
It is not yet certain what future Ryan Giggs, Van Gaal’s assistant, has at Old Trafford or what will happen to the rest of the coaching team
