Two points thrown away against 10-man Spurs
Manchester United 1–1 Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday (1). Spurs went down to 10 men, and United still conceded in second-half stoppage time (1). Bryan Mbeumo and Dominic Solanke were among the names in a game that slipped away late (1)(3). Six points from six league games. That is United's worst league start in 40 years (6).
Mainoo ran harder than anyone
Kobbie Mainoo covered 11.3 km, more than any other United player on Saturday (1). United as a team still ran five kilometres less than Spurs (1). Mainoo was also one of the midfielders Gary Neville went after.
Neville has seen enough of the midfield
Gary Neville did not hold back on the Carrick midfield. "Tielemans and Mainoo, I think we've seen enough of it now. I'm not calling time on it because that's probably too drastic, but I've seen enough to think that's not a midfield that's dynamic enough to play at this football club in the Premier League" (2). Youri Tielemans and Mainoo keeping the ball was the problem he pointed at.
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Nagelsmann, then Howe
With pressure building on Michael Carrick, reports in England link United with Julian Nagelsmann (3). Eddie Howe has also emerged as a name, and is reportedly interested in the job (6). Nothing confirmed. Six points from six, and the contingency list is already being written.
Atletico Madrid away on Tuesday
Next up is the Champions League trip to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, October 13 (7)(9). The big call for Carrick is whether Carlos Baleba starts (8). It is a fast turnaround after Saturday, and United are 13th in the league on six points.
Kofane talks stall at Leverkusen
Christian Kofane has paused contract talks at Bayer Leverkusen, and United are monitoring (4). Arsenal are in the race too, with Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle watching (4)(10). Kofane's advisor Eric Depolo was blunt: "I can guarantee that the best option for everyone is to consider a permanent transfer to the Premier League this winter or next summer" (4).
Onana may not come back
Trabzonspor are preparing to open talks with United over a permanent deal for Andre Onana (5). He has been on loan there for two seasons.
Simeone enquiry, Yoro latest, and a £50m quote
United asked Atletico Madrid about forward Giuliano Simeone over the summer, and are among the clubs interested (10). United could also consider a suitable offer for Leny Yoro next year (10). On the incoming side, United have been quoted £50m for one target, with a second deal described as close to simple (11).
Fan reactions
Saturday's result and Wayne Rooney's Match of the Day comments did the rounds on r/reddevils, with the late collapse against 10 men the main talking point. Away from the football, the sub also marked what would have been Sir Bobby Charlton's 89th birthday, with one fan noting he shared the same birthday as United's greatest player. (thread)
