Red Devils 2018-19

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Manchester United confident goalkeeper David de Gea
will sign new deal
By Simon Stone
BBC Sport

De Gea joining Man Utd from Atletico Madrid in 2011 in an £18.9m deal

Manchester United are confident David de Gea will sign a new long-term contract to stay at Old Trafford.
The 27-year-old's present deal expires in 2019, although United have an option to extend it by a further season.

The Old Trafford club were keen to begin talks with goalkeeper De Gea's representatives and their hand has been strengthened
by Thibaut Courtois' £35m move to Real Madrid from Chelsea. Real have repeatedly been linked with Spain international De Gea since 2015.
The Bernabeu club came within minutes of signing De Gea,only for a broken fax machine to prevent the required paperwork from being sent.

In May, De Gea, who joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2011 in an £18.9m deal, was named the club's player of the year for an unprecedented fourth time.

He was also included in the Professional Footballers' Association team of the year after an impressive season at Premier League runners-up United.
However, De Gea was not as convincing for Spain at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and he came in for criticism after making an error which allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to score for Portugal in a 3-3 draw in their first game of the tournament.
He was back in action for United in the first game of the 2018-19 Premier League season against Leicester City and made two key saves in helping his side win 2-1.

 

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Manchester United's ‘extensive’ sporting director search
counts Monchi and Fabio Paratici among most-desired targets

The Old Trafford club want to strengthen their football operations

Manchester United have started preliminary work in their search for a new director of football, and began sounding out potential candidates and expertise, in what is set to be a rigorous search for what is seen as one of the most important appointments in the club’s history.

A difficult summer in the transfer window, that saw a lot of controversy over differences in priorities between the club and manager Jose Mourinho, has finally prompted a move that had been considered for some time.

The appointment may well represent one of the biggest jobs in world football, such is the amount of restructuring necessary in the role, and it is currently possible they appoint high-profile support staff as well as a main director.

Roma’s Monchi and Juventus’ Fabio Paratici are currently the most desired options, but both seen as hugely difficult to extract from their current clubs, especially given Monchi has only recently moved after so many years of success at Sevilla.

Former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is also viewed favourably due to his work at Ajax, but those close to the club hierarchy say that the club are set to conduct an extensive amount of interviews, in what is set to be one of the most sought-after jobs in the game.

Manchester United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward (Getty)

As an illustration of how deep the search is set to be, it is understood that the very early stages of the process have already seen Novara’s Domenico Teti contacted. Little known outside Italy but highly respected, Teti’s successes involve bringing in Mauro Icardi to Sampdoria from Barcelona B.

Current manager Mourinho has previously been averse to the idea of working under a director of football, but even he showed an acknowledgement that his job is changing on Friday night, and United now want to press ahead with plans that would finally instil a long-term identity in a traditionalist club that has ironically been badly lacking one since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport...atici-domenico-teti-ed-woodward-a8489861.html

 

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RED AND BURIED Manchester United will refuse to sell Paul Pogba with Barcelona interested… even after latest bust-up with boss Jose Mourinho
The World Cup winnner has set his heart on a move to the Nou Camp, with Barcelona keen to capitalise on his public unhappiness at Old Trafford

MANCHESTER UNITED are playing hardball with Paul Pogba and refusing to sell this summer - even after his latest bust-up with Jose Mourinho.
We revealed how Pogba’s fractured relationship with manager Mourinho has now hit rock bottom.

The disgruntled French superstar, 25, is now telling his boss to speak to him via his agent Mino Raiola rather than directly.
Pogba has set his heart on leaving United for a move to Barcelona, who are keen to capitalise on his public unhappiness at Old Trafford.

But United are digging their heels in and insist Pogba - who returned to Manchester United for £89million two years ago - will not be sold.
As well as his impact on the pitch, chief executive Ed Woodward knows the Frenchman's status as one of the world's most marketable stars has only grown since he won the World Cup last month.

What is the latest Pogba-Mourinho rift?

JOSE MOURINHO and Paul Pogba’s relationship hit a new low after an extraordinary bust-up.
The Manchester United boss warned him not to air his grievances in the media and said if he wants to quit the club “again” he should ask for a transfer.
Pogba hit back by telling Mourinho if he plans to speak to him formally again he should go through his agent Mino Raiola.
Mourinho delivered his no-nonsense message after ordering the Frenchman in for showdown talks in the wake of Pogba’s comments following United’s 2-1 opening-day win over Leicester.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/7029366/man-united-refuse-sell-pogba-mourinho/

 

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Man Utd: Jose Mourinho gets board's backing, club not considering Zinedine Zidane
By Simon Stone
BBC Sport

• 21 Aug
  

Jose Mourinho failed to win a major trophy at Manchester United last season and finished second in the Premier League
Manager Jose Mourinho retains the full backing of Manchester United's board despite Sunday's 3-2 Premier League defeat at Brighton.
The result and performance has attracted widespread criticism.
Mourinho is the favourite to be the next Premier League boss to leave his job, with suggestions that former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is being considered as a potential replacement.

A United source said: "Why would we discuss Zidane when there is no job?"
Mourinho was disappointed by the failure to make more outfield signings during the summer transfer window beyond Brazil midfielder Fred and teenage full-back Diogo Dalot, who is injured.
He wanted additional cover in central defence and an alternative to Anthony Martial out wide.
However, in both instances, the United board felt there was no worthwhile signing available

'Blood in the water'
Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright says there is "blood in the water" at Old Trafford amid apparent discord behind the scenes.
Mourinho said United made "incredible mistakes" as they were beaten by Brighton.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 live's Monday Night Club, Wright said: "Ed Woodward's unhappy, the manager's unhappy, the players are unhappy and the fans are."

Mourinho warned in the summer that his side faced "a difficult season" if they did not strengthen before the transfer window closed.
He had highlighted his team's defence as an area that needed bolstering, but deadline day passed without any new arrivals.

Former Arsenal striker Wright said he feared for the future of Mourinho, who signed a contract extension until 2020 in January.
"Something is going to have to give somewhere along the line," Wright added.
"If it carries on like this for Manchester United, I don't care how much money they are making, they are going to slip way out of it.
"I cannot see any other outcome than unfortunately Jose Mourinho will probably lose his job if it carries on like it is."

Man Utd punished for incredible mistakes -

Mourinho'There
Man Utd: Jose Mourinho gets board's backing, club not considering Zinedine Zidane
By Simon Stone
BBC Sport

• 21 Aug
• From the sectionMan Utd

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Jose Mourinho failed to win a major trophy at Manchester United last season and finished second in the Premier League
Manager Jose Mourinho retains the full backing of Manchester United's board despite Sunday's 3-2 Premier League defeat at Brighton.
The result and performance has attracted widespread criticism.
Mourinho is the favourite to be the next Premier League boss to leave his job, with suggestions that former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is being considered as a potential replacement.

A United source said: "Why would we discuss Zidane when there is no job?"
Mourinho was disappointed by the failure to make more outfield signings during the summer transfer window beyond Brazil midfielder Fred and teenage full-back Diogo Dalot, who is injured.
He wanted additional cover in central defence and an alternative to Anthony Martial out wide.
However, in both instances, the United board felt there was no worthwhile signing available.

'Blood in the water'
Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright says there is "blood in the water" at Old Trafford amid apparent discord behind the scenes.
Mourinho said United made "incredible mistakes" as they were beaten by Brighton.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 live's Monday Night Club, Wright said: "Ed Woodward's unhappy, the manager's unhappy, the players are unhappy and the fans are."

Mourinho warned in the summer that his side faced "a difficult season" if they did not strengthen before the transfer window closed.
He had highlighted his team's defence as an area that needed bolstering, but deadline day passed without any new arrivals.

Former Arsenal striker Wright said he feared for the future of Mourinho, who signed a contract extension until 2020 in January.
"Something is going to have to give somewhere along the line," Wright added.
"If it carries on like this for Manchester United, I don't care how much money they are making, they are going to slip way out of it.
"I cannot see any other outcome than unfortunately Jose Mourinho will probably lose his job if it carries on like it is."

Man Utd punished for incredible mistakes -
Mourinho'There are big splits at Man Utd'
Former Chelsea forward Chris Sutton, speaking on the same programme, said Sunday's display suggested United's players "were not playing for their manager".
"There are big splits. They don't seem committed to the manager or the cause," added Sutton.
"They are Manchester United in name only. The worst thing is it didn't seem like a one-off yesterday, and it could happen time and time again.
"The fans are angry and fed up."
'Too many Man Utd players didn't give their all - and that's a problem''

Man Utd should have backed Mourinho'
United were linked with several defenders during the close season, including Leicester's Harry Maguire, Tottenham's Toby Alderweireld and Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng.
Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, former United defender Gary Neville said the club should have supported Mourinho in the transfer window.
Neville added: "The minute that he [Woodward] gave Jose Mourinho a contract extension - which some would say was unnecessary part way through a season - but believing in a manager, showing the faith, he had to then buy him the centre-backs.
"Irrespective of the manager, Manchester United need new centre-backs.
"My view is that Maguire and Alderweireld would have been good options. If they cost £120m to bring them in, then that's what you have to do.
"My view would be that he's got to stay until the very end of that contract and be backed until the end of that contract if you're going to give a contract extension as the CEO of the club.
"At the moment, there is definitely an angst there between the club and the manager.
"Don't get me wrong - the club has supported him. But you can't three quarters build a house - you have to finish the job.
"United need serious football people to guide what they are doing."
Former Chelsea forward Chris Sutton, speaking on the same programme, said Sunday's display suggested United's players "were not playing for their manager".
"There are big splits. They don't seem committed to the manager or the cause," added Sutton.
"They are Manchester United in name only. The worst thing is it didn't seem like a one-off yesterday, and it could happen time and time again.
"The fans are angry and fed up."
'Too many Man Utd players didn't give their all - and that's a problem'
United were linked with several defenders during the close season, including Leicester's Harry Maguire, Tottenham's Toby Alderweireld and Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng.
Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, former United defender Gary Neville said the club should have supported Mourinho in the transfer window.
Neville added: "The minute that he [Woodward] gave Jose Mourinho a contract extension - which some would say was unnecessary part way through a season - but believing in a manager, showing the faith, he had to then buy him the centre-backs.
"Irrespective of the manager, Manchester United need new centre-backs.
"My view is that Maguire and Alderweireld would have been good options. If they cost £120m to bring them in, then that's what you have to do.
"My view would be that he's got to stay until the very end of that contract and be backed until the end of that contract if you're going to give a contract extension as the CEO of the club.
"At the moment, there is definitely an angst there between the club and the manager.
"Don't get me wrong - the club has supported him. But you can't three quarters build a house - you have to finish the job.
"United need serious football people to guide what they are doing."

 

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Home to Spurs, how?

TEAM NEWS
Manchester United could welcome back Alexis Sanchez, who was ruled out of the defeat by Brighton because of a groin problem.
Nemanja Matic and Antonio Valencia may also be available after injuries.
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino remains without Son Heung-min as he is still on international duty with South Korea at the Asian Games.
Victor Wanyama has returned to training following a knee injury but is not expected to be involved on Monday.

• Jose Mourinho has 'no problem' with chief executive Ed Woodward
• Hugo Lloris: Tottenham goalkeeper charged with drink-driving

RADIO 5 LIVE COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
@bbcjohnmurray: The mood of the Manchester United manager looks likely to improve only with the winning of football matches.
That is something they have been consistently able to do at Old Trafford against Tottenham in the four years that Mauricio Pochettino has been in charge.
In their most recent meeting, the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley in April, United ended Spurs' hopes of winning their first trophy under the Argentine.
But Tottenham have won two out of two, Harry Kane has broken his August goal-scoring duck, and their mood will be to add to Jose Mourinho's recent discomfort.

VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho: "Against Brighton, we made mistakes, we paid for the mistakes and we lost.

"I think you look at football in a very pragmatic way, normally you get what you deserve, so if we want to win against a good team against Tottenham, we cannot make mistakes.
"In big matches last season we managed to get lots of good results, which in the end are points like the other points in the other matches. But for the supporters, normally it has a little different feeling."

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino: "We are a big club of course, we need to be bigger of course and we are on the way to be a bigger club. But after four years, many people say we haven't won anything.
"That is history. We are trying to set the basis to win, we are breaking records about good results but of course it is not enough."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Tottenham have lost their past five trips to Old Trafford, scoring just once.
Manchester United will be hurting after being rolled over by Brighton. There seem to be some tensions there and there will be people with points to prove.
Prediction: 2-1
Lawro's full predictions v actors Idris Elba & Aml Ameen

Romelu Lukaku has the worst goals per minutes ratio versus Tottenham of any of the 27 Premier League teams he has scored against.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

• Tottenham's 21 defeats at Old Trafford is the most by any away team at a single stadium in Premier League history.
• Spurs have lost four consecutive league matches away at United without scoring.

Manchester United

• Only in the 1992-93 season have the Red Devils lost more than one of their opening three matches of a Premier League campaign.
• A London team has not won away against Manchester United in the Premier League since Spurs' victory on New Year's Day 2014. Since then, London clubs have taken just seven points from a possible 66 at Old Trafford.
• United's next Premier League home defeat will be their 50th in the competition at Old Trafford. Thirty one percent of those defeats have happened since Sir Alex Ferguson left as manager.
• Since taking over ahead of the 2016-17 season, Jose Mourinho has guided his team to 153 points - 16 fewer than Spurs and 32 less than Manchester City.

Tottenham

• Mauricio Pochettino has won 199 matches in all competitions as a manager, including 123 with Tottenham.
• Harry Kane has only scored once in eight league games against Manchester United. His solitary goal in 645 minutes in this fixture is his worst Premier League ratio against any of the 26 different teams he has scored against.
• Kane has scored 18 goals versus established top-six opposition in the Premier League, which is two more than Romelu Lukaku despite playing 2,008 minutes fewer than the Belgian in those games.
• Pochettino has lost 11 competitive fixtures against Jose Mourinho, more than against any other manager.
  
  
  https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/45242856

 

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Jose Mourinho is one loss from the sack:
Manchester United players and staff believe manager
could get the chop if team lose at Burnley

• Prospect of Jose Mourinho getting the boot is being discussed at Carrington
• Manchester United boss has endured back-to-back defeats in Premier League
• There is sense of inevitability that Portuguese is going to be shown the door
• A source told Sportsmail: 'Some think he’ll be out if they lose at Burnley'

By CHRIS WHEELER FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:30 BST, 28 August 2018 | UPDATED: 23:05 BST, 28 August 2018

Manchester United's players and staff believe Jose Mourinho could be sacked if he loses again at Burnley on Sunday.
The prospect of United chief Ed Woodward axing Mourinho is being openly discussed in the wake of back-to-back defeats against Brighton and Tottenham.

There is the same sense of inevitability that surrounded Louis van Gaal’s final days in 2016 before he was replaced by Mourinho, with players now talking about the possibility of Zinedine Zidane becoming manager.

Players and staff are openly discussing the possibility of Jose Mourinho getting sacked

Some members of the squad have been contemplating Zinedine Zidane being manager

‘They are saying Jose will be gone soon,’ a source told Sportsmail on Tuesday night. ‘Some think he’ll be out if they lose at Burnley. Others can’t see him lasting beyond September.
'We’ve seen this before and it just feels the same. The club will say it’s supporting Jose but we all saw what happened with Louis. The players are already talking about the possibility of Zidane coming in.’
Publicly, United continued to back Mourinho on Tuesday and there is little chance of him walking away from a £15million-a-year contract.
Woodward does not want to make a third change in less than four-and-a-half years but will come under enormous pressure if United suffer a third straight defeat on Sunday.
Mourinho continued to show the strain after Monday’s 3-0 loss to Spurs at Old Trafford when he walked out of his post-match press conference after demanding respect for having won three titles with Chelsea.

Mourinho's side fell to a 3-0 defeat against Tottenham on Monday night at Old Trafford

Ed Woodward will come under enormous pressure if United lose away against Burnley

Mourinho has not lost the dressing room but morale has suffered in recent months and it was noted that only eight players were on the team coach from Carrington to the Lowry Hotel for the Spurs game.
Others made their own way to the hotel, with Paul Pogba arriving in a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce.
United’s worst start to a Premier League season in 26 years follows a turbulent summer in which Mourinho has been at odds with Woodward and the board over signings.
Insiders say there was an air of resignation among Mourinho and his backroom staff following the shock 3-2 loss to Brighton.
He remained calm with his players after they gave a more encouraging performance against Spurs but conceded three goals again as the 55-year-old suffered the heaviest home defeat of his career.
Woodward was said to have been in an upbeat mood when he came into the dressing room afterwards and spoke with Mourinho at some length, but his No 2 Richard Arnold looked suitably despondent.
Mourinho is understood to have welcomed the outspoken comments from TV pundits and former United favourites Gary Neville and Paul Scholes last week, placing some of the blame on Woodward and the erratic Pogba.

The Portuguese has welcomed comments in the media blaming Woodward and Paul Pogba
Unhappy fans have paid for a plane to fly a banner over Turf Moor on Sunday calling for the executive vice-chairman’s head, but the reality is that Mourinho will be the one under threat if United lose again.
He tried to talk up the effort of the squad, who were given Tuesday off, and support of the fans on Monday as evidence of a united club.
However, strained relationships with a number of stars including Pogba, Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw and Eric Bailly over the past 18 months have left him dangerously short of support. Other players are not so openly hostile but would be happy to see him go.
In an attempt to show solidarity on Tuesday night, United goalkeeper David de Gea tweeted a picture of the squad linking arms prior to a match with the tagline: ‘United now more than ever’.
Although Mourinho was unhappy at the lack of signings this summer, his inability to get the best out of the players already at the club has caused concern among the United hierarchy.

David De Gea tweeted 'United now more than ever' in an attempt to show solidarity

Mourinho's relationship with a number of players, particularly Pogba, is strained
Pogba continues to underachieve, Alexis Sanchez has yet to meet expectations and £75m striker Romelu Lukaku has struggled after putting on too much muscle during the summer.
Defence remains the main issue, though, after Mourinho dropped Bailly and Victor Lindelof against Tottenham and gambled by playing midfielder Ander Herrera in a back three.
Mourinho’s backroom team is no longer as harmonious as it once was, with the departure in May of his long-time assistant Rui Faria said to be a key factor.

Rui Faria's (left) exit has left a void and there is an awkward atmosphere around the club

 

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Champions League draw: Cristiano Ronaldo's
Juventus drawn against Man Utd
Manchester United will face a reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo after drawing Serie A champions Juventus in the Champions League group stage.
Ronaldo, who was at United between 2003 and 2009, joined Juve for £99.2m in July after nine years at Real Madrid.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/45359704

 

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Zinedine Zidane to Manchester United:
The players Frenchman wants to sign
if he replaces Jose Mourinho
EXCLUSIVE: Currently clubless legend is eager to manage in England and on standby to replace under-fire Reds boss

Zinedine Zidane has been compiling a list of Manchester United transfer targets — if he lands the job.
The former Real Madrid boss has told friends he expects a call from Old Trafford chiefs if the crisis engulfing Jose Mourinho spirals out of control.

Despite Old Trafford executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward insisting that the club are still backing under-fire Mourinho, Zidane has been placed on standby if there is a change of heart.
It’s why he has been compiling a short-list of players he would like to bring to Old Trafford to help him turn around the club’s fortunes.

Zidane is taking a break from football after his third straight European Cup triumph...(Image: AFP/Getty)

Players on Zidane’s list include Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos, Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara, James Rodriguez – currently on loan at Bayern from Real Madrid – and Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani.

Zidane has a burning ambition to manage in the Premier League and a club like United would complete the dream.
The Reds' top brass are aware the French legend, who quit the Bernabeu in the summer after delivering three consecutive Champions League Final triumphs, won’t be a free agent for ever.

Zidane’s name has been the subject of much gossip among the players at their Carrington training ground, where the atmosphere under Mourinho is said to be strained.

The Portuguese knows he can’t afford many more damaging defeats while progress from a Champions League group containing Juventus and Valencia is expected as routine. Any further slip-ups and Zidane is waiting in the wings — and determined to hit the ground running.

Poll: Will Zinedine Zidane replace Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford?
YES 73% NO 27%

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/zinedine-zidane-already-hit-list-13212205

 

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Watford v Manchester United
From the sectionPremier Leag


Watford have won all four of their Premier League games this season
TEAM NEWS

Watford head coach Javi Gracia could name the same side that beat Spurs 2-1 before the international break.

Winger Gerard Deulofeu remains out with a hip issue while Tom Cleverley is the only long-term absentee.

Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw could be involved after recovering from the head injury he sustained on international duty.

Midfielder Marouane Fellaini will face a late fitness test while Ander Herrera has been ruled out with an ankle knock.

Forward Marcus Rashford serves the first of a three-game suspension after his red card at Burnley.

Watford mascot Harry the Hornet resigns
Romelu Lukaku: Jose Mourinho 'does not fake emotions'

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
@SteveBowercomm: Jose Mourinho didn't need to witness Watford's remarkable to start to make him aware of the potential pitfalls of a trip to Vicarage Road.

His Manchester United team were shocked and outfought there in his first season at the club and the current Hornets side are arguably more dangerous given their current levels of confidence.

He will have watched Tottenham's recent defeat there with interest and will have been left in no doubt of the standards required if they are to build on their victory at Burnley a fortnight ago and inflict only a second home league defeat on Javier Gracia since he arrived at Watford.

VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT

Watford head coach Javi Gracia: "Last season they [Manchester United] were second in the table and for me it's a very good team, a very good coach and it will be a very demanding game. But playing at Vicarage Road we feel strong and we think we are able to beat all the teams.

"We are in a good moment, we are enjoying it, we know in the future things may change but this is a good moment for us."

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho: "Speaking about Marcus [Rashford, who is suspended], I think I can expect that I'm going to be highly criticised for not playing him because some of the boys [pundits] are really obsessed with me and some of them, they have I think a problem with some compulsive lies.

"The ones that wake up in the morning and the first thing that comes into their mind is Jose Mourinho and Manchester United, I feel sorry for them because there are much more interesting things to wake up and to be happy in the morning [about] than to speak immediately about us and football."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Watford are flying and this will be a real test for Manchester United's defence, but it is one I think they will pass.

Prediction: 0-2

Lawro's full predictions v actor Mark Wahlberg

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

Watford have lost 14 of their last 15 games in all competitions with Manchester United, winning the other one.
However, the Hornets did beat United 3-1 at home in the Premier League in September 2016.
Manchester United won this fixture 4-2 last season, with former Hornet Ashley Young scoring twice.
Watford

Watford have won the opening four league games of a season for the first time in the top flight, and just the second time since 1988-89.
They have won four consecutive home games in the top flight for the first time since December 1986.
Watford have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven Premier League games.
The Hornets have won 23 points at home since head coach Javi Gracia took charge in February - more than any other team in that period.
Jose Holebas has been involved in more goals than any other Premier League player this season, with one goal and four assists.
Manchester United

Manchester United have won just one of their last four Premier League away games (D1, L2).
However, United have won the last 24 Premier League matches in which they've scored the opening goal.
The Red Devils have been awarded three penalties in their four league games so far this season.
Jose Mourinho has won five of his six Premier League clashes with Watford (L1), including the last three.
Alexis Sanchez has recorded three goals and three assists in his five Premier League appearances against Watford.
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The David De Gea paradox: Manchester United, the 'Lionel Messi of goalkeeping' and how to play

The restoration of De Gea after a traumatic summer has a wider symbolism in a United side that for all its tribulations over recent months, has emerged from the storm still intact, still united

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport...watford-david-de-gea-ben-foster-a8540686.html

When the ball cannons off Christian Kabasele’s head, David de Gea’s feet are on the ground. But this is only just true. Over the previous few seconds, as the free-kick swings in from Will Hughes on the right wing, De Gea has been making a dozen subtle adjustments that will ensure that at the very moment the ball is propelled towards him, he is in exactly the perfect position to react to it.

Legs spread wide, but not braced. Weight tilted ever so slightly forward, so he can attack the ball, rather than simply diving sideways. And most importantly of all, he is on the very tips of his toes, on the very cusp of explosion, so that the instant his brain registers where the ball is heading, his body is ready to go.

What happens next will generally be described as “pure instinct”. And it is, but not quite in the way we usually mean it. The eyes go first, then the hands, then – thrillingly – everything else. Like all the best goalkeepers, when De Gea dives it feels less like his feet are propelling him off the ground, and more like the sheer force of his arms are dragging the rest of his body with them.

At the moment of contact, his body is curved dramatically to the left, like an ear of wheat being bent in a strong breeze. He gets both palms to the ball, with enough force that it deflects wide of the goal rather than into it. The Vicarage Road crowd unleashes a scream of anguish, the sound of one point being snatched from their grasp. The full-time whistle blows. Manchester United have beaten Watford 2-1, and once again, David de Gea has saved them.

Even more remarkably, it wasn’t even the best save De Gea made in the game. There was a better one in the first half, with the score still 0-0, when the ball sat up nicely for Troy Deeney 16 yards out and he smashed it with the force of a comet – swerving, too – only for De Gea to stick out a right hand and flap it away. Again it was instinctive, but not in the sense of pure reflex: rather in the sense of being able to read and anticipate the game so well that when the shot comes, you are ideally placed.

In short, you might call De Gea an absolute natural. And after a dispiritingly poor World Cup with Spain – where he failed to stop six of his seven shots on target, and all four of Russia’s penalties in the last-16 – the signs are that he is back on top of his game. He shone against England in the Nations League last week, earning a glowing review from his manager Luis Enrique, and with his confidence suitably boosted, De Gea can get back to his day job of being casually brilliant for United.



Plucky underdogs United do a job on Watford to end their perfect start

“He’s the Messi of goalkeeping,” says Ben Foster, one of De Gea’s predecessors at Old Trafford, and here the man watching in grudging admiration as his opposite number denied his side a point. “Some of the saves he makes, at really critical times, are just breathtaking.

“He’s the most natural goalie you will ever see. From what I hear, he’s not a great trainer. Training doesn’t do it for him. But 3pm, the adrenaline rush: that’s what turns him on. That’s something you really can’t teach. He’s got the game management, the nous of what to do at any given time.”

Foster remembers in particular a save De Gea made at Sevilla in last season’s Champions League, a header by Luis Muriel from five yards. “Most goalies would just close their eyes and hope for the best,” Foster says. “He just watched it all the way, kept his eyes on the ball, saved it, and just got up like it was nothing.That’s the difference: being able to stuff like that under pressure. Five yards out? Most goalies would have no chance.”

There are two main criticisms of De Gea: first, that when he is required to play a more dynamic role behind a high defence – as Spain often employ – he is found wanting. Second, that he’s less assured with the ball at his feet. Neither is quite true: De Gea is quick out of his goal as anyone, and a perfectly fine distributor when he has to be. It’s just that, partly because of his own shot-stopping talent and partly because of United’s tactics, he doesn’t often have to be.

David de Gea makes a diving save at Vicarage Road (Getty Images)

Certainly De Gea’s worth is not underrated by his team-mates. “For the majority of the game he didn’t have much to do,” said Chris Smalling. “But what makes him one of the best keepers in the world is not having much to do and then standing up in the last minute: a crucial time. The best keepers don’t switch off. And we know David is always there.”

 

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Man Utd to rest Valencia in Champions League opener away to Young Boys

Wednesday's game will be the first ever meeting between Young Boys and Manchester United in any competition

Antonio Valencia will not play in Manchester United's Champions League opener against Young Boys because of concerns over how he will react to the Swiss side's artificial pitch.

The defender missed United's first two games of the season with a knee injury.
And manager Jose Mourinho is not prepared to risk the 33-year-old in Wednesday's Group H game in Bern.
"We decided not to bring Valencia because his knee is not a knee that needs an artificial pitch," he said.
The Portuguese also confirmed that left-back Luke Shaw would play in the game after missing United's 2-1 Premier League win at Watford at the weekend.

Mourinho draws on Federer for inspiration
Roger Federer has won 11 Grand Slam titles on a hard court surface

Despite his reluctance to use Valencia in Wednesday's game, Mourinho says the artificial surface will act as no excuse should United fail to win, referencing Swiss tennis player Roger Federer in his reasoning.
"I don't want to use that, especially before the match, as a possible excuse for a not good performance," added Mourinho.
"I can get an example, since we are in Switzerland, the home of one of the best ever tennis players - I'm pretty sure that the big man sometimes is not happy to play on such a surface but he has to play and he has to win.
"Everybody knows he has a favourite surface, but he also has to win on other surfaces that he is not in love with, so we have to do it."

Last season, United reached the last 16 of the Champions League before losing 2-1 over two legs to Spanish side Sevilla.
As well as Young Boys, they will face Valencia of Spain and Juventus, setting up a possible reunion with former United star Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined the Italian side from Champions League holders Real Madrid this summer.

Juve the team to beat in Group H - Man United's chances of progressing
Simon Gleave, head of sports analysis at Gracenote:
"Manchester United's chances of progress to the last 16 of this season's Champions League declined slightly after being paired with Juventus, who are ranked fourth in Europe by the Euro Club Index, when there was a chance of drawing the much weaker Lokomotiv Moscow.
"Manchester United are rated the 12th best team in Europe (11th best in the Champions League in Chelsea's absence). Valencia (22nd) and Switzerland's Young Boys (55th) complete United's Group H opponents."

Switzerland an unhappy European destination for United

• This will be Young Boys' first European Cup/Champions League campaign since 1986-87, and their first since the competition was rebranded in 1992.
• This is Manchester United's 22nd Champions League participation, the most for an English side and the joint-fourth most after Real Madrid, Barcelona and Porto (23).
• Young Boys will be hosting an English team in major European competition for the first time since February 2015, when they faced Everton in the last 32 of the Europa League - the Swiss champions lost 4-1 that day and were beaten 3-1 in the return leg.
• United's former Everton striker Romelu Lukaku claimed a hat-trick at the Stade de Suisse before scoring twice at Goodison Park.
• Young Boys have won just one of their previous six matches against English sides (D1 L4), a 3-2 home win over Tottenham in the first leg of their Champions League play-off in 2010-11. Spurs won the return leg 4-0.
• United have only ever faced one side from Switzerland in European competition - FC Basel. They have won two, drawn two and lost two of their previous six encounters.
• United have lost on their last two trips to Switzerland in the Champions League, 2-1 in December 2011 and 1-0 in November 2017, both to FC Basel.
• Despite being eliminated in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, Young Boys' last home game in the European Cup/Champions League was a victory against Real Madrid in a first-round tie (1-0 in September 1986).
• United have won just three of their last 14 away games in the Champions League (D5 L6) and have scored just one goal in their last three such matches (W1 D1 L1).

 

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3-0 Swiss Roll
By Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport

Paul Pogba
This was only the third time that Paul Pogba had scored twice for Manchester United in his 101 games for the club
Paul Pogba scored twice as Manchester United opened their Champions League Group H campaign with a comfortable win over Young Boys in Bern.

Linking with Brazilian Fred, Pogba was inventive and precise for his first goal, checking on to his left foot and finding the top left corner from 18 yards.

The France midfielder then doubled his tally with a penalty

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/45555213

 

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MU home to Wolves

Marcus Rashford and Nemanja Matic are suspended for Manchester United, while Ander Herrera and Marcos Rojo are not yet considered fit enough to feature.
Phil Jones could return from a hamstring problem, while Jesse Lingard and Antonio Valencia are likely to play after being rested in midweek.
Diogo Dalot impressed on debut against Young Boys but his next start is set to come on Tuesday in the Carabao Cup.

Wolves could name the same starting XI for a sixth consecutive league game.
Ivan Cavaleiro is expected to be their only absentee as he continues his recovery from a back injury.

• Mourinho foresees bright future for Dalot
• Ex-Wolves keeper Ikeme on his battle with acute leukaemia

@Guymowbray: Young Boys weren't a problem, but a meeting with an old boy might be for Jose Mourinho, with Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo having been his back-up goalkeeper for Porto from 2002 to 2004.

Three wins out of three in September has seen Manchester United return to 'normal' after August defeats brought early-season worry, and normally you'd expect them to comfortably see off a newly-promoted team at home.

Wolves, though, do not fit the newly-promoted norm. They've spent money, they have style and they play with no fear.

Nuno will bring his team to have a real go at Old Trafford, where Wolves last won in 1980.
It should be a really good game.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, asked about the influence of his agent, Jorge Mendes, at Wolves: "I think the work in Wolves is good because it's not just about the Portuguese influence - Portuguese manager, staff and players - it is also about getting the right ones and I think they have got good young players and they have also got good, experienced, stable players.
"So, they got this season, the Portuguese national team goalkeeper [Rui Patricio], they got [Joao] Moutinho, who is one of the players of the 100 caps club.
"The young ones are young boys with good potential and you can see the work of the coaching staff - and the team is a really, really good team."

Wolves head coach Nuno Espirito Santo: "Jose Mourinho was my manager for two years - what we achieved for Porto will be in our memories forever.
"To all the players that were in the squad - he was a big inspiration. But then things change, you go on with your career personally - he was a big inspiration."

Predictions?
All sorts of questions were being asked about Manchester United when they lost to Tottenham at the end of August, but since then they have won three out of three, all away from home.
United have got some momentum now and their troubles seem a long time ago. I can only see a home win.
Prediction: 2-0

 

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Fred scored (lucky mascot?)