Manchester United players will start filtering back into Carrington this week as they put international forays on the backburner for the next four months.
A trip to Goodison Park was always tough but the hostility has been cranked up following Everton’s 10-point deduction. Erik ten Hag will hope to have a handful of players back from injury concerns in the next few days.
Positively, Marcus Rashford featured for England against North Macedonia as a late substitute after being taken off after a collision against Malta. However, there is still concern over Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund. Hojlund picked up a strain in United’s win over Luton and is touch-and-go for Sunday.
Meanwhile, Onana was ruled out of Cameroon’s latest match after suffering an injury in last week’s clash with Mauritius. The takeover process could come to a head this week too with Sir Jim Ratcliffe expected to have his 25% minority investment ratified in the coming days. A number of boardroom changes seem to be on his agenda.
Keep up to date with the latest United takeover, transfer and injury news with our live blog.
Key Events
Ten Hag fitness hope
Erik ten Hag hopes to have a more stable squad to pick from throughout the winter period after falling victim to endless injury issues throughout the season so far, as he told beIN SPORTS:
“We are, say, one third [through the season]. It was a tough start, as we've seen, but I think we are catching up. And from the last five games we’ve won four. So we are in a good mood and I think we are [heading] in the right direction.
“So, before we go into that intense program in December, I think we're building and we're building confidence. We're building strong belief, and we're building also some routines.
“And now we hope we can more or less stay with the same line-up or with 12 to 14 players, while constructing the line-up, because I think so far that was our difficulty. Every time we had to change and we don't develop routines. Every time we had to change.”
Ratcliffe's sporting director plan
United are 'ready to follow' Chelsea's recent model of hiring multiple sporting directors, according to talkSPORT.
Ratcliffe is expected to oversee major change once his minority stake in United is ratified. Murtough is expected to follow CEO Arnold out of the exit door, following several years of poor investment on the pitch.
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly hired two sporting directors, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, to oversee £1billion of spending in the last three windows. And Ratcliffe could do the same, with Paul Mitchell reportedly likely to be joined by another transfer chief.
Crystal Palace's Dougie Freedman and Palo Maldini, formerly of AC Milan, have been linked.
Sancho destination
Juventus is an unlikely permanent destination for Jadon Sancho, according to the Daily Mail.
Due to their off-field financial situation, Juve are not thought to be in a position to spend big money in the January transfer window. Any deal to the Serie A giants would likely have to be a loan until the end of the season.
The report adds a move to Saudi Arabia could be a possibility for Sancho if he wishes to seek regular football again. However, the winger is believed to be unwilling to depart for the Middle East and would rather remain in Europe.
Sancho funding January
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to fund United's January transfer window with the sale of Jadon Sancho, according to Football Insider.
Sancho has been exiled from the first team since September , following a public fallout with Erik ten Hag.
It is widely understood United want to sellthe 23-year-old in January and any sale is said to be going straight back to Ten Hag to spend on new recruits.
MEN Sport understands the Reds are wanting another clearout of their squad over the next two transfer windows in order to strengthen key areas.
Red's eyeing Sangante
United are one of three Premier League sides to have 'set their sights' on Le Havre defender Arouna Sangante, according to Football Insider.
The 21-year-old has been a regular feature for the French side, who sit seventh in Ligue 1.
Manchester City and Chelsea are also named in the report.
Toffees' Onana stance
Everton could be forced to sell Amadou Onana in January in a bid to ease their financial issues, according to talkSPORT.
Sean Dyche's side were handed a 10-point deduction last week after being found guilty of breaking the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.
A number of recently relegated clubs, including Leeds and Leicester, could look to sue them for up to £300m of lost earnings.
United are said to be one of several teams interested in the Belgian, who would likely cost around £60m.
Licha at Carrington
Lisandro Martinez was out on the grass at Carrington today watching his teammates in training.
The Argentinian is not expected to play again until the new year, but his presence was a welcome boost to those preparing for Sunday's trip to Everton.
REPORT - Varane to be sold by United
According to the Daily Star, United will be looking to sell Varane to the highest bidder to fund improvements to their defence.
MEN Sport reported today a sale from defence was likely in the player clearout because of Ten Hag's desire to add a centre-back to his squad.
The report adds Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo and Portugal international Gonaclo Inacio are on the list to replace Varane.
REPORT - INEOS stunned by United transfers
According to Give Me Sport, Ratcliffe's INEOS are 'stunned' by the transfer strategy of the club in recent years.
It is claimed they are stunned by the amount of money spent by the Reds and how little success it has brought.
The report adds because of this, Ratcliffe is likely to be more cautious in the transfer window.
ANALYSIS - Ratcliffe aiming to end 'dumb money' tag
The tide is changing at United but they aren't out of the storm yet. There is excitement surrounding Ratcliffe's investment in the club, yet it might not bring the quick-fix solutions that many supporters are hoping for.
It had been hoped that Ratcliffe's deal would be ratified by now, but as has been a running theme throughout the entire takeover process, things are still dragging out, with uncertainty surrounding when it might be completed.
The British billionaire wanted the deal to be completed this week and there are now some fears it might not be done before Thanksgiving celebrations begin on Thursday, which could then see it pushed back into next week.
Ferguson's verdict on Ratcliffe
United's legendary boss is 'optimistic' of the club's future should Ratcliffe complete his minority acquisition.
Ferguson admitted he knows Ratcliffe well but remained fairly tight-lipped with his thoughts.
ANALYSIS - United in need of a striker
While the debate will rage on as to who is needed to strengthen the forward line at United, there is a consensus another centre forward is needed.
Martial's time at Old Trafford looks to be coming to an end in the summer leaving Hojlund as the only recognised centre forward in the first team.
His injury scare in the international break leaves little doubt as to whether the Reds need to sign a striker or not.
United 'target' set for exit
Porto's president Pinto da Costa has suggested Mehdi Taremi will leave his club in 2024 after being offered a salary which could not be matched.
United have been linked with a move for Taremi as a means of solving their striker crisis but it is not understood they have made a concrete offer.
Meanwhile, Costa explained:
He has received €10m (£8.7m) per year salary offers from other clubs... it's impossible to match that.
ICYMI - United eye another clearout of players
MEN Sport understands United are eyeing yet another clearout of players in the next two transfer windows.
Among those expected to leave are Sancho, Van de Beek and a defender considering Ten Hag's desire for a new centre-back to join.
Bruce admits United are 'always on cusp of crisis'
Former United defender Steve Bruce believes the recruitment strategy at the club must improve to bring success back to the Reds and due to their size, they will always be on the 'cusp of a crisis'.
He told Gambling Zone:
The only thing about Man United I've learned over the years is that they're linked with every player. Who knows if it's true? I'd say Man United have to improve on the recruitment side. They've spent a hell of a lot over the years, and clubs always seem to be linked with someone. I certainly believe that Ten Hag has been dealt a tough hand as of late as he's had a lot of injuries to deal with, especially on the defensive side, and that's disrupted them more than anything. Man United are always on the cusp of a crisis - they only have to lose two games for there to be trouble, and that's always been the case for a club of that size.
Shaw's chances of returning this weekend
After so long away, it is understandable how eager United fans are to see their full-back return to the team.
Having had the international break to check him over, there is a solid chance Shaw could return to the side to face Everton this weekend.
However, having been absent since August, Ten Hag will be understandably cautious.
ANALYSIS - Shaw's return will benefit two players
United have been waiting patiently for the tide to turn on their horrific injury run.
The injuries we have seen this campaign are more than just the little niggles we have become accustomed to during the course of a season. Long term setbacks have been a recurring theme.
But Shaw's return this week will not just be beneficial for Ten Hag but also for two of his teammates too.
OPINION: Ten Hag will be forced to accept a compromise at United in 2024
"John Murtough works closely with Erik ten Hag in the market and while managers should obviously have a large say in which players they sign, they shouldn't be given everything they want in the sweet shop. Ten Hag has spent over £400million during his reign and he's been backed more than any other United manager in the last decade. The squad has been gradually moulded in his image and many players have Eredivisie pedigree. There's also been a questionable relationship built with Ten Hag's agent Kees Vos, who has a growing influence in Manchester, having played a role in the signings of Rasmus Hojlund and Sofyan Amrabat in the summer."
Click here to read more from our United writer, Steven Railston.
Brighton issue Ferguson update amid United links
Brighton & Hove Albion chief executive Paul Barber has refused to rule out the prospect of the club selling striker Evan Ferguson at some point in the future.
The Republic of Ireland international, 19, has been heavily linked with a cluster of big-name clubs in recent months, including United. Ferguson grew up supporting the Reds as a youngster and has been touted as a long-term option for the club.
Barber told Soccerex TV, as quoted by SportsMole:
"When we can put them into long contracts to give them security, give us security, but very importantly, with young players, also to help them keep learning. At some point in the future, Evan's going to be playing at an even higher level if his trajectory continues as it is. We want to make sure that we do everything we can to prepare him for that. Not just on the field, but off the field as well, give him as much support as we can. I think, as I said before, that the higher level we can play at, the more chance we've got of keeping our top players for longer. It doesn't mean to say that we can keep them forever, because players will have their own ambitions of the club they want to play for, and the league they want to play in, and the competitions they want to perform in. And we have to be respectful of that. And I believe that, and Tony Bloom (Brighton chairman) believes, that if we can actually show players clear pathways, not just through our club but also beyond our club, that will actually help us attract other younger players in the future to our club as well. Which is a good thing because that keeps our model moving. It keeps our cycle progressing and hopefully it keeps us successful as well."
United voted in favour of Premier League transfer ban between associated clubs
United voted in favour of banning deals between sister clubs at a Premier League meeting yesterday.
The proposed ban, which would have likely impacted Manchester City and Newcastle United, was not passed as 14 clubs were required to trigger the rule change and the vote ended 13-7. United voted in favour of the ban, but the likes of City, Newcastle and Chelsea all voted against it.
OPINION: Bayindir issues ideal response to United fears ahead of possible debut
"After starting Turkey's 3-2 win over Germany on Saturday, the 25-year-old stepped off the bench in the first half of their 1-1 draw with Wales last night, replacing the injured Ugurcan Cakir after just 33 minutes. He produced a good save to deny Brennan Johnson a goal just before the half-time break and denied the Tottenham forward again shortly after the restart with a low dive to his right. There was little he could do about Johnson beating him for a disallowed goal in the final minutes of the match and overall, he impressed with his awareness and distribution from the back."
Click here to read more from Senior Football Writer, Rich Fay.
Varane 'interested' in Serie A switch
Raphael Varane is 'more interested' in a move to Italy than he is to Saudi Arabia, according to a report by The Sun.
The United centre-back is being heavily linked with the prospect of leaving Old Trafford as soon as January following a recent reduction in game time. He has often been overlooked in recent weeks, leading to speculation about his future.
He has been closely linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia, but he is reportedly more keen on the idea of a move to Serie A. The report does state that Erik ten Hag is not planning to let him leave in January.
Cucurella was 'on the verge' of joining United
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella was 'on the verge' of joining United in the summer transfer window, according to a report by Football Insider.
Cucurella, as reported by the Manchester Evening News at the time, was among a pool of left-backs that United were considering a move for ahead of the window slamming shut. The Reds were forced into signing a replacement left-back after Luke Shaw got injured.
According to the report, United were 'very close' to agreeing a deal with Chelsea to sign Cucurella on loan. The Reds, of course, ended up drafring in Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham Hotspur.
Ferguson 'optimistic' about Ratcliffe's impending arrival
Legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is feeling 'optimistic' about Sir Jim Ratcliffe's impending arrival at Old Trafford.
The British billionaire is on the brink of sealing a 25 per cent stake in the club through INEOS. Confirmation of the deal is thought to be within touching distance.
Ferguson told Gambling Zone:
"I am still a director of the club and I know Jim well. We shall have to see what he does but I am optimistic."
Fulham 'move ahead' of United in race for Brazilian star
According to a report by FootballTransfers, Fulham have 'moved ahead' of United in the race to sign Fluminense midfielder Andre.
The Brazilian has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks amid claims that United are on the hunt for Casemiro's long-term successor. The 22-year-old, who is highly-rated, is also attracting interest from other Premier League clubs, according to reports elsewhere.
United's next six fixtures
United are back in action on Sunday, travelling to Goodison Park to face Everton.
The Merseyside clash will mark the beginning of a relentless period for Erik ten Hag's side, featuring 10 games in the space of just 35 days. It features a mixed bag of assignments, including two crunch Champions League outings.
This is what awaits United in the next couple of weeks...
- Everton (A) - Premier League - November 26
- Galatasaray (A) - Premier League - November 29
- Newcastle United (A) - Premier League - December 2
- Chelsea (H) - Premier League - December 6
- Bournemouth (H) - Premier League - December 9
- Bayern Munich (H) - Champions League - December 12
Mainoo gets more minutes under his belt
United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo stored another 90 minutes under his belt yesterday evening as England's Under-19s beat Mexico 7-1 in Spain to win the Marbella Cup.
The Three Lions youngsters won each of their three games of the mini competition, defeating Romania 6-0 and Japan 3-2 prior to the win over Mexico. Mainoo stepped off the bench against Romania and then started against Japan, but was substituted in the second half.
But he played the full duration of the match against Mexico, grabbing two assists.
After storing a good haul of minutes under his belt over the break, he will be hoping of featuring for United when they face Everton on Sunday.
United receive major Shaw injury boost
Luke Shaw has returned to first-team training after a period on the sidelines with injury.
Shaw has been absent with a 'muscle injury' since the 2-0 defeat against Tottenham on August 19, but he trained with the main group at Carrington this week and he's set to be available for selection again.
United return to Premier League action with a visit to Everton on Sunday and Shaw could make his first start for three months.
Shaw started in both of the opening two games of the season against Wolves and Tottenham and with Tyrell Malacia also injured, Sergio Reguilon was signed on loan from Tottenham to provide cover at left-back.
Reguilon has been unavailable with injury himself since signing and Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof and Sofyan Amrabat have also been used at left-back.
United eyeing clearout to break double figures
United are gearing up for another squad clearout to break double figures across the two transfer windows next year.
Fourteen players who had played for the first team left permanently last summer as United became more proactive in the seller's market to comply with the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules.
Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans are out of contract without the option of one-year extensions in June while it remains to be seen if United will extend the deals of full-backs Brandon Williams and Alvaro Fernandez, on loan at Ipswich Town and Girona.
United extended Tahith Chong's deal while he was on loan at Birmingham City to ensure they obtained a fee for the Dutchman, who rejoined the Championship club permanently for £500,000 in September 2022.
Manager Erik ten Hag wants a new centre half and that could hasten the departure of another defender. Bar Evans, Lindelof is on the shortest contract but he has started in 11 of United's 18 games this season and there is a one-year extension option.
Harry Maguire's upturn in form has relegated Raphael Varane to backup centre back.
Griezmann staying in Spain
Reports in the last few days suggested United were interested in Greizmann
