Manchester United: Weekly Roundup August 3-9
Welcome to the weekly roundup here on Red Devil Armada; providing all the important Manchester United related information from the past week. Just in case you missed it. It was a busy week, as the club prepared for the first Premier League game of the season as well as assigned squad numbers and found out who awaited them in the Champions League draw. Here are some of the highlights:
Champions League Draw
Manchester United found out who their opponents would be in the Champions League play-offs after the draw was made on Friday. The opposition comes in the form of Belgian side Club Brugge who actually finished top of the Belgian Pro-League last season but slipped up in the play-offs to finish second overall.
More from Red Devil Armada
- Aaron Wan Bissaka out for ‘several weeks’ with injury
- Manchester United break an unwanted record after Brighton loss
- Sofyan Amrabat set to miss game against Brighton
- Preview: Manchester United vs Brighton – What you need to know
- Jadon Sancho set to train away from first team squad
United of course have their own Belgian representatives in Adnan Januzaj and Marouane Fellaini. Their knowledge of the Belgian game could prove useful as the club go into the Champions League play-offs for the first time in ten years.
Depay handed the number 7 shirt as Di Maria signs for PSG
Memphis Depay was the man chosen to pick up the iconic number 7 shirt made famous by names such as George Best, Eric Cantona and the arguably the most obvious of them all, Michael Owen. Oh, and Christiano Ronaldo too.
The number was vacant since Angel Di Maria made the switch to PSG. Luke Shaw chose to swap his number 3 for 23 and Bastian Schweinsteiger took number 31. Valdes was named in the squad list despite the fallout between the Spanish keeper and manager Louis van Gaal.
Manchester United win first game of the season
Sergio Romero started in goal after Louis van Gaal confirmed before the game that De Gea would not take part at all as the transfer saga with Real Madrid continues to rumble on. This also meant youngster Sam Johnstone was on the bench. But Romero was not challenged too much and got a clean sheet too.
More from Manchester United News
- Aaron Wan Bissaka out for ‘several weeks’ with injury
- Sofyan Amrabat set to miss game against Brighton
- Preview: Manchester United vs Brighton – What you need to know
- Jadon Sancho set to train away from first team squad
- Mike Phelan blasts Manchester United teammates over Ronaldo exit
There were debuts for Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay as well as Matteo Darmian and Bastian Schweingsteiger. However the only goal of the game was scored by Tottenham defender Kyle Walker courtesy of putting the ball into his own net. Rooney was credited with the assist.
Matteo Darmian and Chris Smalling were the most impressive performers in the 1-0 opening day win. It wasn’t exactly an impressive game though with only one shot on target the entire game. Plenty of talking points, and it is only early days.
Injury woes continue for Jones
Phil Jones is often found in the Manchester United physio room and it seems nothing has changed in the new season. It was announced that the English international would be out for three weeks with thrombosis. This early injury is a blow for the defender, who appeared to be above Chris Smalling in the pecking order.
Jones started every game in the pre-season tour alongside Daley Blind, Luke Shaw and Matteo Darmian who all started against Spurs. but after a poor performance against Paris Saint-Germain in the final friendly, Louis van Gaal admitted that he had a decision to make. Smalling appears to have won out.
Ashley Young signs new 3 year deal
The new deal will see the winger stay at Old Trafford until at least 2019. It also ends speculation over the his future as he had entered the final year of his previous deal in June. The England international said:
"“I am delighted to have signed a new contract. The spirit and motivation amongst this team is very high and we are all determined to make this a season to remember.”"
Transfer Rumour Mill
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand weighed in with his opinion of Everton defender John Stones who is reportedly a Manchester United target as well as Chelsea’s.
"You’re buying someone who’s going to give you 10 years service. He’s a great prospect, the best young centre-half in the country at the moment. It’s a no-brainer for me.”"
Elsewhere, Newcastle were linked with a Manchester United youngster. The name in question was Jesse Lingard. The England under-21 attacking midfielder has worked with Newcastle boss Steve McLaren before, at Derby last season.
Hugo Lloris was reportedly “keen” on a transfer to Manchester United. But this would only happen in David De Gea was actually sold. Finally, Pedro was declared “perfect for United” by the legendary Thierry Henry. The two played together at Barcelona, both winning the Champions League.