12noon Manchester United news: Mehdi Benatia competition, Juan Mata's persuasion, and Cristiano Ronaldo says United lucky

Catch up on that and all the latest big Manchester United news and gossip in our round-up.

MEHDI TO MOVE

UNITED will face a fight for Mehdi Benatia, with Arsenal also interested in the £13m-rated Juventus defender.

The Moroccan international is available as he slips down the pecking order in Turin.

JUAN SHOT

JUAN MATA persuaded Ashley Young to take the equalising free-kick against Juventus – before United went onto win the match.

The Spaniard told his English team-mate that he could get the ball over the wall as the Red Devils produced an incredible comeback.

'THEY DID NOTHING'

CRISTIANO RONALDO has claimed his former team Manchester United were lucky to win against Juventus.

The Portuguese superstar gave the Italians the lead, before Red Devils came back late on – and tells that Juve gifted them victory.

PAUL BY YOURSELF

PAUL POGBA was all on his lonesome after missing Man United's flight back to England following their victory against his old club Juventus.

But it was not the Frenchman's fault as he had to wait for a post-match drugs test for an hour – thankfully an official United executive and fan flight provided him with a route home.

TURNIP SCHOLES

PAUL SCHOLES has come under fire for his latest attack on Jose Mourinho.

The United legend criticised the Portuguese boss for his celebration following their win over Juventus – and fans have responsed by calling him 'disgraceful'.

ANT MAN

ANTHONY MARTIAL is set to be offerred a new £45m five-year deal at United following his sensational form.

The Frenchman was looking towards the exit – but Red Devils are hoping to keep him after scoring five goals in the last four Premier League matches.

'ALIVE AGAIN'

JOSE MOURINHO was given a congratulatory handshake from United chief Ed Woodward following their win over Juventus.

The Red Devils boss was also full of praise of Marouane Fellaini after his substitute appearance in Turin.

KEEN FOR JOACHIM

JOSE MOURINHO is targeting Sampdoria's £26m-rated Joachim Andersen as he looks to improve defensive options.

The Portuguese boss has often rotated his centre-back pair this season – and has already looked at Toby Alderweireld, Yerry Mina and Harry Maguire.

OLD LADY'S OLD BOY

JUVE are "in constant contact" with Pogba's agent Mino Raiola over a move back to Serie A, according to reports.

It has also been revealed the 25-year-old chilled in the Juve dressing room after the Old Trafford clash, which the visitors won 1-0.

MA CHOICE

MANCHESTER UNITED cult hero Federico Macheda has revealed why he snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo's incredible gesture after THAT iconic Aston Villa goal.

The Italian forward, 27, famously scored the winner in a 3-2 victory over Villa in 2009, with Ronaldo scoring the other two in the game and winning the man of the match award.

TOUCH 'N GO

JOSE MOURINHO could still be punished for his foul-mouthed reaction after United's win against Newcastle.

The Portuguese boss was not charged by the FA – but they are now launching an appeal on the verdict.

WIL TO WIN

UNITED will fight with Chelsea for Bournemouth's in-form Callum Wilson – according to bookies.

Betfair claim the Blues are favourites to land the English striker, with United just behind – but Juventus and Barcelona are also in the running at 25/1.

POG-NALDO

PAUL POGBA has revealed it would be a pleasure to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Frenchman will face the Juventus star when the two sides collide in the Champions League.

MAR TOP TARGET

JUVENTUS have put Anthony Martial top of their transfer wishlist, as the Frenchman continues to refuse to sign a new deal.

The Italian giants also want English youngster Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund after his impressive start to the season.

BALE OUT

MAN UNITED could finally be set to land long-time transfer target Gareth Bale.

Reports claim the Real Madrid star has been made a scapegoat by teammates for their poor performances this season.

And Bale could now be forced out of the club, allowing United to pounce with an incredible £100m offer.

RON THE WAY

JOSE MOURINHO could be set to work with Ronaldo… Camara, that is.

The 15-year-old Portuguese starlet shares the same name as famous compatriot Cristiano, who made his name at Old Trafford.

And Ronaldo Camara could soon be heading to the Theatre of Dreams after starring for Benfica’s youth team, although United face stiff competition from Barcelona.

BIG BEN

MAN UNITED will use their Champions League clash with Juventus to scout Medhi Benatia.

The no-nonsense centre-back has found chances limited since Leonardo Bonucci’s return to Turin and he could be tempted to jump ship for the Red Devils in January.

BAILL OUT

ERIC BAILLY is being lined up for a January swoop by AC Milan.

The Ivorian defender has struggled for form this season, with Jose Mourinho preferring the likes of Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling at centre-back.

Source: Read Full Article