Manchester United’s return to Premier League action is getting closer, with Tottenham waiting at Old Trafford on Saturday. There is plenty to discuss before then, from Sir Alex Ferguson looking back on his final game as United manager to a possible Carlos Baleba debut, fresh injury concerns and questions over Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro.
Here is the latest Manchester United news.
Ferguson remembers the madness of his final United game
Sir Alex Ferguson could hardly have asked for a more memorable final match as Manchester United manager. In our full Sir Alex Ferguson story, he recalls the extraordinary 5-5 draw with West Bromwich Albion in May 2013.
Manchester United had raced into a 5-2 lead and Sir Alex Ferguson thought they could score even more, only for Rio Ferdinand to suffer a calf injury and Romelu Lukaku to complete a hat-trick for the hosts. Ferguson described it as a phenomenal afternoon and one he would never forget.
Baleba could finally make his debut
Carlos Baleba is now closing in on his first Manchester United appearance. Our full Baleba report explains that the midfielder played in the behind-closed-doors victory over Lausanne-Sport during the international break after recovering from his pre-season injury.
Baleba was an unused substitute against Fulham, and a debut against Tottenham would make him the fifth player to make his first appearance under Michael Carrick. Whether he starts or comes off the bench remains to be seen.
United face several injury doubts
Carrick has a number of selection concerns before Saturday. In our latest injury update, Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are expected to be available despite withdrawing from England duty, while Benjamin Sesko remains a doubt after his shin problem returned.
Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui also picked up injuries on international duty. There is better news on Matthijs de Ligt, who featured in the friendly against Lausanne, while Amad has an outside chance of returning.
Ferguson names Ronaldo and Rooney among Europe’s best
Ferguson has also reflected on the partnership between Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. As covered in our Ronaldo and Rooney story, Ferguson believes the pair were the best players in Europe during a key period of his United reign.
The two helped United win three successive Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League, while Ferguson still remembers a brilliant counter-attacking goal they combined for against Bolton.
Tottenham arrive with problems of their own
Our Manchester United vs Tottenham preview sets out the news and form heading into Saturday’s meeting.
United have won only once in their last four domestic matches and sit 12th, while Tottenham are bottom of the Premier League with just two points from five games. Spurs have also failed to score in four of those matches. The game takes place at Old Trafford at 5:30 pm BST, with Sky Sports showing it in the UK.
United still want Luke Shaw to stay
Luke Shaw could remain at Manchester United beyond this season despite the club continuing to look for another left-back. In our full Shaw contract story, former United chief scout Mick Brown says the club want to keep the defender and do not want to lose him for nothing.
Shaw is due to become a free agent, but United still value him highly after he played all 38 Premier League matches last season. The club’s plan to sign another left-back has not changed.
Yoro loan could be considered
Leny Yoro’s lack of regular football could lead United to consider a January loan. Our full Yoro report says the 20-year-old has started only two matches this season despite making his senior France debut during the international break.
Mick Brown believes regular football would benefit Yoro, particularly because United currently favour more experienced options. He also feels the defender still has physical and mental aspects of his game to develop.
