The latest news as Manchester United prepare to re-enter the Champions League
Manchester United are searching for momentum following a disappointingly inconsistent start to the season.
Michael Carrick is seeking to capitalise on the progress made after steering United to third position and securing Champions League football. Yet despite what appeared to be a favourable first month on paper, the Red Devils have collected just four points from three matches and find themselves 11th in the table.
On Sunday, Carrick’s men were denied victory by Everton deep into stoppage time as they were held to a 2-2 draw. United are now gearing up for their Champions League return and their maiden outing in the competition’s revamped format, which features an initial league phase comprising 36 teams.
United begin their European campaign against Azerbaijani outfit Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday, before focus shifts back to domestic matters and Sunday’s Manchester derby. Here’s a summary of the latest developments from Old Trafford….
Rashford ‘smelling of roses’
Peter Schmeichel believes Marcus Rashford is like a new signing after praising the returning winger’s early-season displays. Following loan stints at Aston Villa and Barcelona, Rashford has appeared close to his outstanding best since being restored to the squad.
United legend Schmeichel was particularly struck by the forward’s display at Everton. He told Viaplay: “Coming away from that game, Rashford is now smelling of roses. I thought he was absolutely fantastic.”
The Dane went on to say: “It just shows that there’s some intent now for Marcus to go back to what he was for Manchester United four years ago, when he scored 30 goals in one season.
“He was playing like this. Seeing his team-mates, putting them in, getting the ball into good positions, stepping up, getting the ball into the box. He wasn’t trying to do everything himself, [he was] trying to be dangerous.
“If that’s what we get for this season, welcome back, Marcus. We have missed you, because he is then one of the top players in the world.”
Record deal signed
United have secured a record sleeve sponsorship agreement with a financial technology firm. The lucrative partnership will see SumUp – described by the club as a “leading global fintech company” – appear on United’s first-team shirts, taking over from DXC Technology.
It represents the club’s most lucrative sleeve sponsorship deal to date, though the precise value of the contract remains undisclosed. It is understood to exceed the recently agreed training kit sponsorship arrangement with Betway, which is reported to bring the club approximately £20million annually.
The SumUp branding will make its shirt debut against Sabah. It will also feature on both the academy and women’s teams’ kits.
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