The Hard Tackle takes a look at some of the key stories regarding Manchester United from the day.
Manchester United are preparing to take on Middlesbrough in their Gameweek 19 clash on Saturday. Ahead of the meeting with Aitor Karanka’s men, here’s a roundup of everything happening in and around Old Trafford.
Eric Bailly claims Jose Mourinho is the best manager in the world
Manchester United defender Eric Bailly heaped praise on his boss Jose Mourinho and hailed the Portuguese as the best manager in the world. The 22-year-old Ivory Coast international was Mourinho’s first signing as the Manchester United manager, costing the Old Trafford outfit £30 million from Villarreal.
As reported by Daily Mail, Bailly said: “He’s a great manager, the best in the world. It is a pleasure to work and learn with him. I hope it continues like this and that I stay at United for a long time. I’m truly happy, with my team and my team-mates. Bit by bit, I’m getting to know more.”
Bailly has impressed one and all at the start of his career at the Theatre of Dreams, helping his side to three clean sheets in 11 appearances. However, his progress at United has been hindered by injuries, as he has managed two play just twice since the end of October.
Manchester United will again be deprived of Bailly’s services, as the Ivorian departs to represent his country at the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
Embolo has no regrets over not joining Manchester United
Meanwhile, Breel Embolo, who was reported to be a subject of interest from Manchester United in the summer, has said that he has no regrets over joining Schalke despite the links with the Red Devils, adding that he has joined the “perfect club” in the Bundesliga outfit.
In an interview with Swiss newspaper Blick, Embolo said, “I don’t talk about other clubs. I’m happy to be at Schalke. It was very important for me to take the right step. I gave thought to what suited me the best and the end result was that Schalke are the perfect club for me.”
Embolo got off to a promising start at the Veltins-Arena, scoring twice in seven appearances for his side during the first two months of the season. However, his growth at the club was soon halted as the Swiss international sustained an ankle injury in October that brought about an end to his season.
Academy revamp continues with four new appointments
Manchester United are stepping up on their academy overhaul by appointing four new members in their youth setup, according to Manchester Evening News. Three of the new staff members previously worked with fierce city rivals Manchester City, with the fourth appointment coming Brighton.
David Harrison has joined the setup as the head of academy recruitment while Lyndon Tomlinson will be his assistant, with Ronnie Cusick appointed as an academy scout. Mark Anderson is the fourth new appointment having worked with Brighton as the player recruitment manager.
Meanwhile, Marcel Bout will continue as United’s head of global scouting and he will be in charge of more than 100 scouts sent to different parts of the world. The club, meanwhile, continues to look for a replacement for Warren Joyce, who departed from his position as the club’s u-23 manager to join Wigan Athletic earlier this season.
Other Manchester United News
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly pulled the plug on the deal to sign Benfica centre-back Victor Lindelof, after it was pointed out that he has been convinced by the performances of Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, Manchester United, along with Premier League rivals Arsenal have joined Liverpool in the pursuit to sign Bayer Leverkusen winger Julian Brandt, with reports stating that the clubs have regularly monitored the 20-year-old over the course of this season.
