MANCHESTER UNITED are preparing for the visit of Aston Villa in mourning after the death of former manager Tommy Docherty aged 92.
Edinson Cavani will miss the New Year's Day clash after being banned for his Instagram post which contained a racist word and the Uruguayan has apologised for his hair-brained interaction.
Meanwhile there is plenty of interest on the transfer front too, with Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish still top targets for the Red Devils.
Follow all the latest with our blog below…
- Marc Mayo
CLUB STATEMENT
Manchester United have spoken of the club's 'deep sadness' at the death of Tommy Docherty.
As manager between 1972 and 1977, the Scot won promotion from the Second Division before an FA Cup triumph over Liverpool.
- Marc Mayo
RIP TOMMY
A family statement has confirmed that former United boss Tommy Docherty passed away peacefully at the age of 92.
It read: "Tommy passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home.
"He was a much-loved husband, father and papa and will be terribly missed.
"We ask that our privacy be respected at this time. There will no further comment."
We'll bring you more tributes as they emerge.
Credit: Keith Campbell – The Sun Glasgow - Marc Mayo
BREAKING NEWS
The sad news of Tommy Docherty's death has just been announced.
The former Manchester United and Scotland manager has died at the age of 92 after a long battle with illness, his family have confirmed.
- Marc Mayo
KHED IN THERE
Could Sami Khedira be heading to Manchester United?
The Red Devils are one of several clubs linked to the Juventus star, who has opened the door to a Premier League switch.
He told The Athletic: “The Premier League is still missing in my collection, to play there would be the icing on the cake.
“There are fewer breaks in the game and many counter-attacks, but this is what I like. I’ve done a lot of extra sessions with fitness coaches to get myself ready for a higher pace and intensity.
“I’ve done extra sessions with fitness coaches to get myself ready for the pace and intensity in the Premier League.
“My gut instinct and passion tell me I need to play football, if possible in the Premier League. I’m working towards that.”
- Giacomo Pisa
KICK IT OUT REACTION
Players including Watford's SunSport columnist Troy Deeney had called on the FA to ban Cavani.
And here's what equality and inclusion group Kick it Out had to say on the matter:
"We believe it would be helpful for overseas players coming to play in England, to have consistent education on language or behaviour that may be unacceptable in this country.
"That would help prevent situations, like this with Cavani and others, from reoccurring in the future."
- Giacomo Pisa
CAVANI BANNED
While the comment was six weeks before the Uruguayan signed for United, he was bound by the regulations.
As SunSport reported, FA disciplinary chiefs had no option other than to impose the three-match suspension if Cavani was found to have broken the rules.
And despite United’s initial defence of the player, Cavani accepted the charge at a hearing this week.
Cavani could have waited until Monday before the hearing, which would have allowed him to feature against Aston Villa on Friday.
Instead, he will miss the game as well as the Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City on Wednesday and next week’s FA Cup third round clash with Watford.
Cavani also had to agree to attend a mandatory education course to prevent a recurrence of the offence.
Credit: Instagram - Giacomo Pisa
CAVANI'S APOLOGY
Manchester United released this statement, detailing an apology from Cavani for his comment:
"Despite his honest belief that he was simply sending an affectionate thank-you in response to a congratulatory message from a close friend, he chose not to contest the charge, out of respect for, and solidarity with, the FA and the fight against racism in football.
"While it is clear that context and intent are key factors, we note that the independent Regulatory Commission was required to impose a minimum three-game suspension.
"The club trusts that the independent Regulatory Commission will make it clear in its written reasons that Edinson Cavani is not a racist, nor was there any racist intent in relation to his post."
- Giacomo Pisa
BREAKING
Edinson Cavani will miss Manchester United’s next THREE games after accepting the ban for his “negrito” Instagram comment.
And the Uruguayan ace also copped a whopping £100,000 fine as he admitted breaching FA social media rules.
FA bosses investigated the comment made to a fan after his late match-winning double at Southampton on November 29.
On December 17, he was officially charged with an “aggravated breach” because his comment was deemed to have “included reference, whether express or implied, to colour and/or race and/or ethnic origin”.
The striker, who swiftly deleted his comments after United were alerted to them, was backed by the club in his insistence that there was no intended racial reference and simply a regular South American phrase.
That cut no ice after the FA – with the agreement of the PFA and clubs – brought in new hardline disciplinary rules covering references to race, religion or sexual orientation in August.
Credit: Reuters - Giacomo Pisa
MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN
Manchester United's players received a late Christmas present as their postponed game against Burnley was scheduled BEFORE they face Liverpool at Anfield in January.
Old Trafford stars were reportedly keen to play the game in the week running up to their trip to Liverpool and have been granted their wish by the Premier League.
And the Manchester Evening News reports support for playing the fixture against the Clarets in January before the game against Liverpool had grown.
On Thursday, the Prem confirmed the fixture will be held on Tuesday, January 12 at 8.15pm.
The majority of Solskjaer's squad are likely to be delighted at the news after preferring to travel to Turf Moor in midweek in order to face Liverpool having played the same number of matches.
- Giacomo Pisa
TOP OF THE TREE
Manchester United have the highest brand value in the Premier League, according to Safe Betting Sites, with the Red Devils' brand worth a whopping £1.07billion.
Liverpool take second place with a brand value of around £1billion, with Manchester City in third with a value of £912million.
Three London clubs fill the remainder of the top six, with Chelsea's brand value the highest in London, worth £769million.
Tottenham's brand value is higher than Arsenal's for the first time, with Spurs brand valued at £636million, and Arsenal's being £568million.
Credit: EPA - Giacomo Pisa
SOLSKJAER PRAISES SMITH
Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is full of praise for the job Dean Smith is doing at Aston Villa, with the Villans currently fifth in the table.
Solskjaer had this to say on tomorrow's opponents: "They have been brilliant. I have to say Dean Smith has done a fantastic job.
"We played them pre-season and they beat us then in the one game we had before the league. We know all about how tough this is going to be.
"They’ve got individual players that are physically strong, defensively they have been one of the better teams in the league.
"When you beat Liverpool 7-2 it’s not just defending. It’s counter attack and quality players.
"That is maybe the game everyone will remember from this season."
- Giacomo Pisa
GREAL ADMIRATION
Manchester United have often been linked with a move for Aston Villa captain and star man Jack Grealish.
And now Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken of his admiration for the 25-year-old, and the goal he scored in the 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last season.
Solskjaer said: "The goal he scored last season was a brilliant goal and we’ve faced him enough times to know it’s going to be a difficult game.
"He’s a player for Aston Villa and England who has only improved.
"I don’t want to say too much about other teams’ players but of course he’s a player we know we have to look for."
Credit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun - Giacomo Pisa
ON GARD
Manchester United have triggered a one-year extension on Jesse Lingard's contract.
Despite the midfielder being out-of-favour this season, the club have moved swiftly so as not to lose him on a free in the summer.
Lingard would have been able to start discussions with overseas clubs in the next few days.
But United have safeguarded themselves to get a fee from prospective interested parties.
Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd - Giacomo Pisa
BRUNO'S AMBITION
Bruno Fernandes only has one thing on his mind, winning trophies.
It's that kind of attitude that has endeared Fernandes to Manchester United fans, as well as his brilliant performances on the pitch.
Speaking on his time at United, he said: "The 11 months for me here, have been great. Of course, the main thing I want – which I didn’t achieve until now – is the trophies. That is clear.
"But we really can do that in 2021 and I think at the end of everything, what we did in the last 11 months was really good.
"I will say, every time, the same thing for me. At the beginning of the season, I said we have to fight in all the competitions we are in. Now it is still the same. We’ll look for the Carabao Cup as the main one.
"After that, we have to achieve trophies. It’s all about trophies – the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup, in the Europa League and the league.
"We have to go for all of them. We have the team to do that and the qualities to do that.
"You have to believe until it is not more possible, that you can fight for all of them. If we win trophies, it is the most important thing."
- Giacomo Pisa
ROUNDUP
Here's a roundup of everything that's happened so far today United fans.
Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah has reportedly rejected a new three-and-a-half year contract.
The likes of Marseille and Hertha Berlin are believed to be in the running for the versatile Dutch international who's current deal ends this summer.
Chelsea have reportedly joined Manchester United in the race to sign Jadon Sancho.
United are reportedly interested in Sevilla centre back Jules Kounde, who has a release clause of £72million.
And finally Norwich right back Max Aarons has been linked with a £20million move to Old Trafford to provide Aaron Wan-Bissaka with competition for the position.
- Giacomo Pisa
JULE FIT IN
As earlier reported, Manchester United are interested in Sevilla's Jules Kounde.
The 22-year-old Frenchman has a £72million release cause, which would make him Manchester United's fourth most expensive signing of all time.
- Giacomo Pisa
FORGOTTEN MAN
Jesse Lingard is pictured in training for the Red Devils, as rumours continue to swirl regarding the 28-year-olds future at the club.
Sheffield United want to sign Lingard on loan in January, according to reports, with Yorkshire Live claiming Blades boss Chris Wilder has been in contact with Manchester United.
Wilder wants to sign Lingard on a season-long loan deal to help save his team from relegation.
Lingard could be tempted by the move, as he has not made a single Premier league appearance all season, and a chance for regular game time at the Blades could help his case for a Euro 2021 call up.
- Giacomo Pisa
ICYMI
In case you missed it, Norwich right back Max Aarons was earlier linked with a move to Old Trafford.
United were interested in Aarons in June 2019 but he was the second option behind Aaron Wan-Bisska who moved from Crystal Palace for £50m.
But while Wan-Bissska solid in defence, Solskjaer wants a right-back with more of an attacking threat and this is one of the Norwich player’s biggest strengths.
However, United may have to wait until the summer to make their move as Norwich are under no need to sell, with Aarons being valued at around £20million.
Credit: Getty Images – Getty - Giacomo Pisa
KOUNDE ON THE CARDS?
Manchester United are reportedly interested in Sevilla centre back Jules Kounde, who was a summer target for Manchester City.
United are keen to add to their defensive ranks, with Pau Torres, Ozan Kabak, Caglar Soyuncu and Ben White all also linked to the Red Devils.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side were linked with French defender Jules Kounde in the summer, but nothing materialised.
However according to Mundo Deportivo the 22-year-old may be targeted this January, as the the Red Devils eye a title charge.
Kounde will not come cheap, with a release clause of £72million, but with Victor Lindelof struggling with injury, and Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo linked with moves away from Old Trafford, United are eager to shore things up at the back.
Credit: Getty Images – Getty - Giacomo Pisa
POLLS APART
The fans have spoken and told us who you believe is the standout performer of 2020.
And we can now reveal the winner… step-forward Manchester United ace Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese international trounced all his rivals, finishing above three England internationals.
Declan Rice, who has enjoyed another excellent year at West Ham, finished in second spot, with Aston Villa playmaker Aston Villa Jack Grealish third, and Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka a deserved fourth.
But it was Fernandes, 26, who won all the plaudits in our Sun Football poll.
Since signing for the Red Devils for £47million, the midfielder has been nothing short of sensational.
Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd - Giacomo Pisa
SANCHO LATEST
Chelsea have reportedly joined Manchester United in the race to sign Jadon Sancho.
And according to CBS Soccer podcast Que Golazo, there are TWO possible destinations for the England international.
Chelsea are now keeping an eye on his situation in Germany and could dash United's hopes of landing the 20-year-old.
But both clubs will have to wait until the end of the season – Dortmund are not considering a January sale of the star winger.
Manchester United were heavily speculated with his return to England in the summer but refused to stump up his £108million asking price.
NINTCHDBPICT000622707294-3Credit: EPA
- Giacomo Pisa
BIRTHDAY BOY
Manchester United are celebrating the birthday of legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ferguson led United to THIRTEEN Premier League titles, as well as two Champions league trophies, five FA Cup triumphs, and four League Cup successes.
- Giacomo Pisa
TITLE TALK
With Manchester United just three points behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand, there are whispers of a potential title race going around Old Trafford.
However, Red Devils goalkeeper David De Gea is warning fans not to get too carried away just yet.
He told Manchester United's offical website: "We need to be calm. There are still a lot of games to play, big games.
"We have to stay focused and not look forward too much but just look to the next game. So, Aston Villa is the most important thing now."
- Giacomo Pisa
NEW YEAR RESOLUTION
Alex Telles is a doubt for Manchester United's New Year's Day clash with Aston Villa.
That could see Luke Shaw return to the side at left-back in a straight swap.
Brazilian Telles, 28, was taken off at half-time in the win over Wolves on Tuesday after he suffered a heavy challenge during the opening 45 minutes, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insisted the decision to bring Shaw on was tactical.
Here's how we think the Red Devils will line up.
- Giacomo Pisa
ON FIRE
Marcus Rashford has ended 2020 on a high, after bagging the winning goal in the last minute victory against Wolves on Tuesday.
23-year-old Rashford is having a hugely impressive season so far, with his contributions helping United to just three points off top spot in the Premier League.
The Red Devils also have a game in hand on current leaders Liverpool.
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