12noon Man Utd news: Militao competition, Jones faceplant burn, and Red Devils fly to Dubai
Read this plus the latest transfer news, views and gossip from Old Trafford.
ED OVER HEELS
MAN UNITED will face competition from Real Madrid for the signing of Porto defender Eder Militao.
The Brazilian is seen as one of the hottest prospects in Europe and is valued at £45million.
PHIL THE BURN
UNITED defender Phil Jones revealed a friction burn on his head following his hilarious faceplant during their FA Cup tie against Reading.
The England star is well known for his comedy actions during matches and his latest act left his face red from his contact with the Old Trafford pitch.
BAI BAI
AFTER their 2-0 victory over Reading in the FA Cup on a cold Saturday afternoon, Manchester United jetted off to Dubai for a warm-weather training camp.
But Paul Pogba, who did not feature for the Red Devils against the Royals after Jonjo Shelvey's horror challenge on Wednesday, was not pictured together with the squad.
BEN THERE DONE THAT
EX- UNITED boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly rejected a chance for a prompt comeback into the dugout at Benfica.
The Special One started his managerial career with the Portuguese giants in 2000.
START THE CAR
MANCHESTER UNITED are prepared to offer winger Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco a route back to Europe after a year in China.
The former Atletico Madrid star has enjoyed a good year at Dalian Yifang but now is reportedly keen on finding a way out.
SAN-CHAIRS
ALEXIS SANCHEZ had Manchester United fans in stitches as he tried to steal Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's seat at Old Trafford.
The cheeky Chilean was subbed off for Marcus Rashford in the 64th minute and had to be moved along by the Norwegian.
ROYAL WIN
MAN UNITED eased into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win over Reading.
Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku got the goals while Tahith Chong made his debut.
MOU, IS THAT YOU?
MANCHESTER UNITED fans were doing a double take at Old Trafford after they thought they spotted Jose Mourinho in the Reading dugout.
The Royals' boss Jose Manuel Gomes is a 'spitting image' of the former Red Devils manager.
WHAT'S THE MATA?
MANCHESTER UNITED face a summer of change with seven players out of contract at the end of the season.
Ander Herrera, Juan Mata, Phil Jones and Andreas Pereira are among those with deals expiring in a few months – and could be sold this month to at least get some funds from them.
MY SOL BELONGS TO UTD
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER knows his CV does not compare to those of other candidates for the Manchester United job.
Two spells at Norwegians Molde and an awful nine months at Cardiff hardly put him ahead of Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane. But he hopes and believes he is the right fit for the permanent job at Old Trafford.
NEARLY VAN UNITED
IVAN PERISIC came incredibly close to signing for Manchester United this summer and when the move didn't materialise Jose Mourinho was left frustrated.
While the Croatian was flattered by the offer from the Special One, he was convinced to stay at Inter Milan by incoming boss Luciano Spalletti.
VALENCIA INTER DEAL
MANCHESTER UNITED captain Antonio Valencia is a target for Inter Milan, according to reports.
Valencia's future at Old Trafford is under a cloud due to lack of game time this season.
OLE TURNS TABLE BUT NOW IT GETS HARDER
MANCHESTER UNITED are the ONLY team in the Premier League to go unbeaten since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over… but does that mean they are "back"?
No other Prem side were unbeaten over the festive period as United wracked up four straight wins in the interim manager's first four games, netting 14 times.
LUK WHO'S BACK
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has revealed that Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez will start against Reading in the FA Cup.
Both forwards have only had substitute appearances since the Norwegian took over, following a series of fitness issues this season.
GUNNAR STAY
MAN UNITED boss Solskjaer has blocked any loan moves that would see Angel Gomes leave the club this season.
The Norwegian wants to keep hold of the youngster as he looks to hand him some first-team minutes.
PER SHAPED
ANDREAS PEREIRA could join Valencia on a free transfer as United continue to stall on offering him a new contract.
The Brazilian is out of contract in the summer – and could return to Spain after spending last season at the Mestalla.
TESTING TIMES
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is insistent on replicating his old boss Sir Alex Ferguson at Man United after reintroducing quiz nights during overnight stays.
The Norwegian is hoping the general knowledge quizzes will boost team morale like it did under the Scottish manager.
DEVILS DELIGHT
ODDS on Toby Alderweireld to Man United have been slashed after Tottenham inserted a release clause into the defender's contract.
The Belgian was a free agent in the summer until Spurs extended it until 2020 – but he can leave for £25m leaving the Red Devils 6/4 favourites to sign him
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