Manchester United welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford later this afternoon and supporters have called for Mason Mount's return to the starting line-up.
13.10.2023 - 12:13 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
You do not need to be an expert to realise that Manchester United have endured a poor start to the campaign.
Had victory against Brentford not been snatched from the jaws of defeat, Erik ten Hag would have been culpable for United’s worst beginning to a season since 1962. Scott McTominay saved the day with a stoppage-time brace to ensure that did not happen but an air of apathy remains around Old Trafford.
Despite the dismal start, there are a few positive straws to clutch before the Premier League resumes next week. With several high-profile players underperforming, others have emerged to step up to the plate when needed.
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Admittedly, their efforts have not propelled United up to lofty heights just yet but they deserve recognition for outperforming their expectations. Here is a list of four unsung players who have surpassed their remit so far this season.
Jonny Evans
Many people laughed when United signed the veteran centre-back in the summer. Relegated with Leicester City last year, signing Evans, in some people’s minds, highlighted just how far the Red Devils have sunk.
But he is yet to let the club down since returning in July. Evans made arguably the pass of 2023-24 so far when he teed up Bruno Fernandes for his spectacular volley against Burnley last month.
At 35, he is hardly the long-term answer at centre-back but Evans has deputised well in Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez’s absences. Knowing the club and what it means to play for United also adds a string to his bow.
Scott McTominay
Another who has often been unfairly ridiculed throughout his career, McTominay subdued a world of
Manchester United welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford later this afternoon and supporters have called for Mason Mount's return to the starting line-up.
The Premier League has confirmed Paul Tierney will officiate the first Manchester derby of the season at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Scott McTominay is among a four-man shortlist to have been drawn up by Newcastle as they look to replace Sandro Tonali in January, according to reports.
Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice sent congratulatory messages to Harry Maguire after his standout performance in Manchester United's victory over Copenhagen.
Manchester United enjoyed a vital win on an emotional night yesterday as they beat Sheffield United 2-1.
Manchester United began what is a crucial week for them with a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
England's FA have announced a full tribute to Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton who died on Saturday.
When Diogo Dalot first arrived at Manchester United, Sir Bobby Charlton was still a significant presence around Old Trafford. For many in the United side at Bramall Lane on Saturday night, they would only heard the stories of Charlton, but Dalot was one of maybe half-a-dozen who would have met one of the most important figures in the club's history.
Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom admitted he was frustrated by the nature of Manchester United's winning goal at Bramall Lane on Saturday night.
Manchester United return to Premier League action with a crucial clash against Sheffield United this evening.
Manchester United have put together a shortlist of four potential defensive targets as they look to strengthen in that area next summer, according to reports.
Old Trafford erupted on Saturday afternoon, after Scott McTominay stepped up and delivered the most unlikeliest of victories for Manchester United. After 92 minutes of football, Erik ten Hag's men were trailing 1-0 against Brentford, but the Scottish international changed everything almost singlehandedly.
Manchester United fans are longing for upgrades at Old Trafford, although will still feel it is a shame that the Theatre of Dreams will not be hosting any games at Euro 2028.
Manchester United managed to do something they'd never done before in the Premier League era during their stunning win over Brentford.
Erik ten Hag has named his starting line-up for Manchester United's UEFA Champions League group stage tussle with Galatasaray at Old Trafford this evening.
Manchester United supporters are calling for two changes to the starting XI against Galatasaray.
Crystal Palace exacted immediate revenge on Manchester United yesterday with a hard-fought victory as Erik ten Hag and his players slumped to a fourth Premier League defeat of the season.
Roy Hodgson admits Crystal Palace had to show discipline and organisation in order to come away from Old Trafford with three points on Saturday.
Manchester United will encounter another quick turnaround before resuming their Premier League push against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon (3pm). United overcame the same opponents - at that exact venue - in their Carabao Cup third round meeting on Tuesday night.
Fit-again Manchester United player Mason Mount is "ready" to go against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night. Mount, 24, has missed the last five games, in all competitions, due to a muscular injury. He returned to training at Carrington last week and stepped-up his recovery during the build-up to the Carabao Cup tie with Palace - which marks the first part of a doubleheader between the two teams.