MANCHESTER UNITED will be without Bruno Fernandes when they face Aston Villa TODAY.
The Red Devils beat Real Sociedad 1-0 in their final group game in the Europa League and now face Unai Emery's Villains.
However, with Fernandes picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against West Ham last weekend, he is suspended.
Meanwhile, United will reportedly listen to offers for Cristiano Ronaldo in January if he wants to leave the club.
It remains to be seen as to whether he will remain at Old Trafford beyond the winter transfer window.
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Get all the latest news, updates and transfer gossip here…
- Kiro Evans
It Will Be Tough
Fred said he expects a difficult game at Villa Park today – and is more than aware about the skills the opposition manager.
Unai Emery pulled off a shock when he took Villarreal to Europa League victory against Manchester United in the 2021 final.
And the new boss takes a spot in the dugout for Aston Villa for the first time today.
Fred is aware of how tricky this "must win" game could be.
He told Manchester United's website: "They have time to train [with Emery] a little bit [before Sunday] and we need to expect a good team,” the Brazilian said in an exclusive interview with club media.
“We know about this coach; we lost to him in the Europa League. He is a good coach, and we know they have a good team.
“We expect a tough game, and we need to win this game.”
- Kiro Evans
Team Effort
Erik ten Hag said it will be up to the entire team to replace Bruno Fernandes for today's match at Aston Villa.
The midfielder is suspended after picking up a fifth yellow card in his last game.
But ten Hag insists it's up to the whole team to fill the void rather than one individual player.
He told the club website: "Bruno is so important for us. In every match, he plays really good. I think also yesterday, he was playing from the right, he made an impact there as well.
"You see, for instance, with the goal and also some other actions. As a no.10, he’s playing really good games and we have to replace him, that’s the squad.
"Therefore, you need a squad, it's not about 11 players, you need a squad to win in a season and now we have to replace him and we will do."
- Kiro Evans
Aston Villa team news
There are many unknowns for Manchester United ahead of this afternoon's trip to Villa Park.
Erik ten Hag has admitted being unsure of the availability on the attacking trio of Antony, Jadon Sancho and Martial with all three assessed at Carrington over the weekend.
They missed Thursday's game at Real Sociedad through but the manager will be keen to get them back today.
One player who definitely will be missing is Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder picked up a fifth yellow against West Ham last week, triggering a one game suspension.
Alejandro Garnacho will be pushing for a start after his goal in Spain while Brandon Williams, Axel Tuanzebe and Raphael Varane are definitely out through injury.
- Etienne Fermie
Good morning Man Utd fans
Man Utd are willing to listen offers for Cristiano Ronaldo and allow him to leave the club in January, according to reports.
The Telegraph claims the Red Devils are willing to allow CR7 to move on once the transfer window opens, which is what he desires.
However, they are fully aware finding a suitable club to cover his extensive wages will be tough.
Alejandro Garnacho almost blew his Manchester United career after turning up late for team meetings on the club’s pre-season tour.
The 18-year-old hit the headlines on Thursday with the winner in the Red Devils Europa League victory over Real Sociedad in only his second start for the club.
But after his full debut against FC Sheriff the previous week manager Erik ten Hag referenced problems with the player in pre-season.
And captain on the night Bruno Fernandes did likewise after the game in San Sebastian on Thursday.
Man Utd are keeping close tabs on Dusan Vlahovic’s situation at Juventus, according to reports.
The Italian side’s slump in form could see them lose key players, if they don’t qualify for the Champions League next season.
They currently sit in eighth place in Serie A, while they crashed out of the Champions League in the group stages.
That could mean Vlahovic is available this summer.
Man Utd will let Aaron Wan-Bissaka go ‘home’ to Crystal Palace if the clubs can agree a loan deal.
Wan-Bissaka is well out of favour under Erik ten Hag — playing just four minutes for the first team as a substitute back in August and only getting a brief look at the bench in recent weeks.
Palace boss Patrick Vieira would take their former defender back but a loan move is the only way he can afford him — and that will take some negotiating.
Wan-Bissaka, 24, needs a fresh start after his Old Trafford move turned into a nightmare.
United paid £45million for the right-back in the summer of 2019.
But their chances of getting decent money from selling are limited because of his fall from grace and the fact he has less than two years left on a five-year deal. - Jon Boon
Wan-Bissaka loan
Man Utd will let Aaron Wan-Bissaka go ‘home’ to Crystal Palace if the clubs can agree a loan deal.
Wan-Bissaka is well out of favour under Erik ten Hag — playing just four minutes for the first team as a substitute back in August and only getting a brief look at the bench in recent weeks.
Palace boss Patrick Vieira would take their former defender back but a loan move is the only way he can afford him — and that will take some negotiating.
Wan-Bissaka, 24, needs a fresh start after his Old Trafford move turned into a nightmare.
United paid £45million for the right-back in the summer of 2019.
But their chances of getting decent money from selling are limited because of his fall from grace and the fact he has less than two years left on a five-year deal.
- Jon Boon
Ronaldo offers
Man Utd are willing to listen offers for Cristiano Ronaldo and allow him to leave the club in January, according to reports.
The Telegraph claims the Red Devils are willing to allow CR7 to move on once the transfer window opens, which is what he desires.
However, they are fully aware finding a suitable club to cover his extensive wages will be tough.
- Jon Boon
Ronaldo's praised by ten Hag
Cristiano Ronaldo was singled out for special praise by Erik ten Hag — for his defensive work.
Ten Hag’s Manchester United team travel to Aston Villa on Sunday with the Dutchman delighted that Ronaldo is now leading his pressing game.
Ten Hag said: "We defend with 11, starting with Cristiano up front.
"So we are hard to beat as a team. That’s a compliment but it’s also that process we have to keep going.
"That makes it hard to beat us because everyone is convinced of that plan, everyone is disciplined in that plan.
"When we play with the desire and passion, we are hard to beat and that makes us, in this moment, successful."
- Jon Boon
Utd looking at Sesko
Man Utd have reportedly identified two strikers as they prepare for life without Cristiano Ronaldo.
Erik ten Hag has started Ronaldo in United's last three games but he looks set to move on, possibly in January.
The Red Devils boss tried to sign a striker over the summer but was met with protests after targeting former West Ham star Marko Arnautovic.
Now United are on the lookout for another Austrian front-man, Benjamin Sesko, according to The Telegraph.
The club have been monitoring the 19-year-old striker since he broke into RB Salzburg's first team last season.
But United could have difficulty trying to sign the youngster as he has a pre-contract agreement with Red Bull group and is set to join RB Leipzig.
- Jon Boon
Garnacho lifeline
Alejandro Garnacho almost blew his Manchester United career after turning up late for team meetings on the club’s pre-season tour.
The 18-year-old hit the headlines on Thursday with the winner in the Red Devils Europa League victory over Real Sociedad in only his second start for the club.
But after his full debut against FC Sheriff the previous week manager Erik ten Hag referenced problems with the player in pre-season.
And captain on the night Bruno Fernandes did likewise after the game in San Sebastian on Thursday.
They were referring to his behaviour as part of the squad on the summer tour of Bangkok and Australia.
He finally did play in pre-season in the club’s final game before the Premier League season kicked in a match against against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford.
His goal against Sociedad on Thursday made him the youngest non-English scorer in Europe for the club.
But after the game Fernandes referenced his attitude on pre-season.
Fernandes said: "He knows we expect a lot from him. He wasn’t at his best at the beginning of the season.
"On the tour he didn't have the best attitude that he should have, but now he's training better and getting his chances. He's deserving of his chances.”
While Garnacho was taken on the tour, he did not play after twice turning up late for team meetings.
- Jon Boon
U21 humiliation
Man Utd's U21's were left humiliated by the crosstown rivals in the Premier League 2 this afternoon.
They were thrashed 6-1 at the Leigh Sports Village in a complete humbling.
United took the lead, but soon City seized the initiative and thrashed their neighbours.
Carlos Borges scored four goals for the visitors – even copying Cristiano Ronaldo's latest celebration to rub salt in the wounds.
- Jon Boon
Tatt's a bit much
A Manchester City groundsman has surprisingly been spotted with a Manchester United tattoo.
The member of staff was seen inspecting the pitch at the Ethiad Stadium before Pep Guardiola's side faced Fulham.
And the groundsman was photographed in shorts showing off his Man Utd leg tattoo in what feels like the wrong stadium.
Of course there is nothing wrong with City employing a United fan but would he have got the role if he flexed his body art in his job interview?
- Jon Boon
Full-times
This Saturday's Premier League results as follows:
Leeds 4-3 Bournemouth
Notts Forest 2-2 Brentford
Man City 2-1 Fulham
Wolves 2-3 Brighton
- Jon Boon
Vlahovic targeted
Man Utd are keeping close tabs on Dusan Vlahovic's situation at Juventus, according to reports.
The Italian side's slump in form could see them lose key players, if they don't qualify for the Champions League next season.
They currently sit in eighth place in Serie A, while they crashed out of the Champions League in the group stages.
That could mean Vlahovic is available this summer.
- Kiro Evans
In Our Defence
Erik ten Hag has been sharing the secrets to Manchester United's improved defence.
The club have kept six clean sheets in their last seven games, with the only goal they've conceded via the penalty spot from Chelsea's Jorginho.
And the manager said it all starts from the front.
Ten Hag told the club website: "Because we defend with 11, starting with Cristiano [Ronaldo] up front. So we are hard to beat as a team. I think that’s a compliment but it’s also that process we have to keep going, that makes it hard to beat us because everyone is convinced of that plan, everyone is disciplined in that plan.
"When we play with the desire and passion, we are hard to beat and that makes us, in this moment, successful.”
- Kiro Evans
Tricky Ron
Manchester United star Fred has admitted that Erik ten Hag has a "hard" job dealing with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Dutchman recently dropped the Portuguese forward for his side's trip to Chelsea after he left the previous game against Tottenham before the final whistle.
Ten Hag and Ronaldo later resolved the issue and the 37-year-old was restored to the team.
The United boss received criticism from some quarters for his treatment of Ronaldo – but Fred reckons it's a tricky job.
He told TNT Sports Brasil: "Dude, it’s hard.
"Everyone deals in some way. It’s obvious that everyone wants to be on the pitch, they want to play to help the team.
"So when you end up not playing, you get frustrated."
- Kiro Evans
Dor Wide Open
Liverpool have emerged as favourites to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, according to reports.
The England star has drawn interest from all over Europe with his sensational displays in Germany.
Bellingham, 19, is a priority signing for Real Madrid – although Liverpool have taken steps to put themselves in pole position.
According to ESPN, Jurgen Klopp's side are building a "close relationship" with the midfielder's representatives.
They add that Liverpool are working hard on a "framework" for the deal.
Bellingham is under contract in Germany for another two-and-a-half years – although Dortmund are likely to let him go either in January or more likely next summer.
- Kiro Evans
Beck and Forth
David Beckham has revealed he was forced to switch between wearing the kit of Manchester United and a Premier League rival.
Beckham, 47, explained that due to the differing football allegiances in his family he needed to change what kit he wore in the morning and afternoon.
Speaking on Man Utd's official website in a short film about the No7 shirt – which also starred other United greats – Beckham said: "It's always a special feeling seeing the United shirt.
"I always used to get a Man Utd shirt from my mum and dad… and then I used to get a Tottenham shirt from my grandad.
"But the United shirt was the one that I wore in the morning and then I had to wear the Tottenham kit in the afternoon."
Read the full story here
- Kiro Evans
Monday's Play-Off Draw
At full-time at Villa Park tomorrow, all eyes will turn to Monday's huge Europe League draw.
United's inability to top the group mean they now face a two-legged play off game against one of the Champions League drop outs.
A reminder of who they could face:
- Barcelona
- Ajax
- Sevilla
- Juventus
- Bayer Leverkusen
- RB Salzburg
- Shakhtar Donetsk
- Sporting Lisbon
The Waiting Game
Erik ten Hag has said he will have until tomorrow before making any solid decisions on three key attacking players.
Jadon Sancho, Antony and Antony Martial will all be assessed at training before the game with the boss hoping they are fit for the away game at Aston Villa.
He told Manchester United's website: "Yeah, we will see tomorrow. They work at Carrington and then we will see how they recover and then we will pick a team."
Carrick's Inkling for Iqbal
Michael Carrick is eyeing a loan deal for Manchester United's Zidane Iqbal, according to reports.
The new Middlesborough manager has won one and lost one so far at the Riverside and will likely want January reinforcements to help the club up the Championship table.
Football League World report that Carrick wants to add the highly-rated youngster Iqbal to his squad.
United already have some of their best and brightest youth stars on loan at Championship clubs with Hannibal Mejbri and Amad Diallo away at Birmingham and Sunderland respectively.
Eur not that bad
Erik ten Hag has tried to find the positives in Manchester United's extra Europa League games.
The Red Devils finished second behind Real Sociedad in their group and will now have to face a play-off game against one of the sides that dropped out of the Champions League.
Meanwhile those that finished first in their group – like Real Sociedad and Arsenal – sail straight through to the last 16.
But ten Hag believes there could be advantages to the extra two games.
He told Man United's website: "We definitely have two extra games to cover in this hard season. We have a lot of games, that’s clear, but also it’s an opportunity for this squad to develop and to get into the process. Players like to play matches, rather than training, so, in that matter, it is also an advantage."
- Kiro Evans
Special Bru
Erik ten Hag believes it will need to be a team effort to replace the talent of Bruno Fernandes.
The midfielder picked up a fifth booking of the season against West Ham, triggering a one a game suspension.
The boss now needs to find a replacement for the 28-year-old's energy and creativity before Manchester United head to Villa tomorrow
He told the club's website: “Yeah, until now, Bruno is so important for us. In every match, he plays really good. I think also yesterday, he was playing from the right, he made an impact there as well.
"You see, for instance, with the goal and also some other actions. As a no.10, he’s playing really good games and we have to replace him, that’s the squad.
"Therefore, you need a squad, it's not about 11 players, you need a squad to win in a season and now we have to replace him and we will do.”
- Kiro Evans
Nacho Man
Alejandro Garnacho could be pushing for a start when Man United visit Aston Villa tomorrow.
Erik ten Hag admitted yesterday he was unsure on the availability Antony, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial which could open the door to the teenage superstar.
Garnacho got his first goal for the club against Real Sociedad on Thursday night and will be keen on more first-team action.
Meanwhile Harry Maguire will also be keen on another start after a solid showing against West Ham last week.
Read Sunsport's predictions for who could start and who could be left out at Villa Park here.
- Kiro Evans
Questions over Qatar
Manchester United legend Gary Neville faced some awkward questions over Qatar as he hosted Have I Got News For You last night.
The outspoken former defender has signed up as a pundit for the Qatari-owned beIN Sports for the World Cup.
But he has faced backlash over his decision with Qatar criticised for its stance on homosexuality and human rights.
HIGNFY captain Ian Hislop said to Neville: "The others have been very gentle with you Gary but the elephant in the room is still there. You're commentating there."
In a slightly tense exchange, Neville argued that he could highlight issues that people have with Qatar from his platform.
But Hislop responded: "There's another option. You stay at home and highlight the abuses. You don't have to take the Qatari's money."
His point was met with applause from the audience while Neville looked on awkwardly.
- Kiro Evans
Chance for Revenge
Unai Emery will be in the dugout for the first time as Aston Villa boss tomorrow and Manchester United will be keen to give him a rough ride.
It was his Villarreal side who beat Man United in the 2021 Europa League final on penalties.
The first 11 spot kicks were converted before David De Gea had his attempt saved.
United also failed to get one over Emery during his season and a half as Arsenal boss.
His first trip to Old Trafford finished in a 2-2 draw in the 2018-19 season before Emery's Arsenal side took a comfortable 2-0 win over United.
The pair then drew 1-1 the next season a month or so before Emery was dismissed as Gunners manager.
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