United go after City's money
United have opened an internal investigation into what City's 114 proven charges cost them (2) (5). The club is working out lost prize money and Champions League revenue from the seasons City finished above them (2) (5). That could turn into a compensation claim.
The Glazers and INEOS were not expecting this to blow up the way it did, according to one fan account tracking the story (7).
Five points, one win, and a dressing room that is still standing
Five points from five games. That is United's joint-lowest tally after five Premier League matches, and it is the worst start of the Premier League era (6). You are 12th, with a goal difference of zero.
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The dressing room is still behind Michael Carrick, though. "We need to turn it around," a source inside the squad said (6).
113 shots, five points
United lead the Premier League for shots and have five points to show for it (9). One hundred and thirteen attempts under Carrick, and the attack has not converted them (9).
One win in the league this season. That is the number behind everything else.
The #BoycottUnited campaign
Fans have launched an online campaign aimed at club sponsors (7). The target is the commercial side, plus the Glazers and INEOS, as pressure builds on the ownership during the poor start (7).
Zirkzee gets the Netherlands call
Joshua Zirkzee is back in the Netherlands squad, a first international call-up in two years (3). He comes in for the injured Brian Brobbey (3).
"Joshua Zirkzee replaces the striker in our squad," OnsOranje posted on Friday (3). Not bad timing for a striker who needs minutes.
Kane is drifting away
Bayern Munich are willing to break their own age rule to extend Harry Kane's contract, which kills United's long-running pursuit (1). The striker had been heavily linked with a return to the Premier League (1). Bayern are moving to shut that down.
Two left-backs on the radar
United want a free left-back to replace Luke Shaw, but Serie A clubs are in the race too (12).
David Raum is the other name. His RB Leipzig contract situation is getting tighter, which opens the door to a free transfer next summer (4). "I don't have to lie about the fact that enquiries are coming in," Raum said (4). Juventus are also in for him (4).
Lukeba, and a crowded race
United are one of several clubs after Castello Lukeba, the 23-year-old RB Leipzig centre-back seen as a long-term defensive upgrade (10). It is a fight, not a tap-in.
Brobbey's hat-trick at the Etihad
Brian Brobbey scored a hat-trick for Sunderland at the Etihad, and United are now on alert over him (11). Liverpool and Arsenal are in the same conversation (11).
De Jong, if he can get fit
Ruud Gullit reckons Frenkie de Jong is a realistic option for United or Liverpool again, provided he can stay fit (15). "Frenkie De Jong is a realistic option again for Liverpool or Manchester United if he can get fit after Rodri joined Barcelona," Gullit said (15). The January window is the backdrop (15).
JJ Gabriel signs pro terms
United have given German youth talent JJ Gabriel a professional contract (13). He was born in Hamburg, and his future had been the subject of a transfer saga in recent days (13).
Sancho turned down by Krasnodar
Jadon Sancho is still without a club. Krasnodar, ranked 227th in the world, rejected the chance to sign the free agent after he was offered to them (8).
Van de Beek scores again, finally
Donny van de Beek scored his first goal in 650 days in Girona's 2–0 win over Albacete (14). The former United midfielder had not found the net since well before his Old Trafford exit (14).
Fan reactions
The mood on the message boards is split between anger and gallows humour. The City compensation talk is the biggest thread, with fans calculating what a nine-figure claim could mean for United's books and sharing the report on the club's internal assessment (thread). The other one doing the rounds is Noussair Mazraoui's goal for Morocco against Gabon, a rare bit of good news on a grim week (thread).
