Manchester United’s next Premier League game is against Tottenham, and the latest headlines are already shaping the conversation around Michael Carrick’s team. Micky van de Ven has emerged as a major defensive target, Joshua Zirkzee has given Carrick something to consider, Carlos Baleba is nearing his first appearance and questions remain over the manager’s experience. There is also fresh debate around Manchester City’s financial case.
Here are the latest Man Utd News & Talking Points.
Van de Ven becomes United’s leading defensive target
Manchester United have reportedly made Micky van de Ven their top defensive target as the club prepares for a significant rebuild at the back. In our full Van de Ven story, the Tottenham defender is also being watched by Liverpool despite signing a new deal until 2031.
Van de Ven remains committed to Spurs for now, with Roberto De Zerbi playing an important role in convincing him to stay. Any United approach would therefore be difficult and expensive.
Dwight Yorke wants Ghana job
Former United striker Dwight Yorke has confirmed his interest in becoming Ghana’s next head coach following Carlos Queiroz’s departure. Our full Yorke story reports that Yorke wants to bring a more dynamic, attacking approach and is interested in taking on the Black Stars role.
Yorke, who has coaching experience with Macarthur and Trinidad and Tobago, holds a UEFA Pro Licence and was part of United’s treble-winning side under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Zirkzee gets a timely boost
Joshua Zirkzee’s latest international appearance has given him a reason to believe he can force his way back into Michael Carrick’s plans. As reported in our first Zirkzee story, the United forward admitted he was surprised to receive the Netherlands call-up because he has mainly been used as a substitute at club level.
He also accepted that changing that situation is ultimately down to him.
Fernandes still values Solskjaer
Bruno Fernandes has revealed the importance Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still holds in his career. In our full Fernandes story, the United captain credited Solskjaer with giving him the opportunity to play for one of the world’s biggest clubs.
Fernandes said the pair still speak occasionally about football and reflected positively on their time together.
Zirkzee winner gives Carrick a decision
Zirkzee then made the most of his limited opportunity by coming off the bench to score the winning goal in the Netherlands’ 2-1 victory over Serbia. In our second Zirkzee report, the goal is described as an important boost with Tottenham next for United.
With Benjamin Sesko expected to miss the game through injury, Zirkzee now has another opportunity to push for minutes after wanting to remain at Old Trafford and fight for his place.
Baleba could finally make his United debut
Carlos Baleba is moving closer to his Manchester United debut after returning to action in a behind-closed-doors fixture against Lausanne-Sport. Our Baleba and Spurs update explains that the midfielder could now be ready to start against Tottenham after another couple of weeks working with his new teammates.
Benjamin Sesko’s injury has added to Carrick’s selection problems, while Amad’s return to training provides another boost.
Carrick told he needs more experience around him
Bryan King believes Manchester United need more managerial experience around Carrick if he is going to succeed at Old Trafford. In our full Carrick story, King described Carrick as a good coach but argued that the demands of the United job require an experienced figure alongside him.
He pointed to the club’s difficult start and suggested Carrick needs proven winning experience around him.
Scholes wants a medal from City verdict
Paul Scholes has made his position clear on the debate surrounding Manchester City’s titles. In our full Scholes story, he said he would want a medal if City were stripped of the 2011/12 Premier League title.
That puts Scholes at odds with Wayne Rooney, who has previously said he would feel uncomfortable accepting a title United did not win on the pitch.
United could benefit financially from City case
Manchester United could potentially receive compensation if Manchester City are eventually ordered to pay clubs affected by their financial-rule breaches. Our full compensation report explains that the independent commission found City guilty of serious breaches during the period under investigation, although the club has appealed.
United are among the clubs potentially affected by lost prize money, but no compensation has been awarded, and the process is still ongoing.
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