Ruben Amorim led Manchester United to their first win of the season at the end of August but the head coach still has work to do ahead of September’s derby away to Manchester City
Manchester United’s players go into the international break off the back of a first league win of the season, taking some of the pressure off head coach Ruben Amorim. A defeat to Grimsby in the Carabao Cup had left Amorim’s future under scrutiny, but a last-gasp penalty from Bruno Fernandes gave the Red Devils all three points.
The match didn’t pass without further injury concerns, though. Neither Matheus Cunha nor Mason Mount was able to complete the full 90 minutes, with Cunha pulling out of Brazil’s squad for the September World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia.
United return to action on September 14, taking on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. They go into the match ahead of their local rivals, who suffered back-to-back league defeats after winning their opener away at Wolves.
The match will also be part of the first round of Premier League fixtures since transfer deadline day. United made just one last-minute addition, signing Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, while confirming exits for Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Amass and Jadon Sancho – the latter three on loan.
Despite the long gap until United’s next game, there’s still plenty to discuss. Here are Mirror Football‘s latest lines from around Old Trafford.
READ MORE: Man Utd’s decision on Ruben Amorim speaks volumes as club told some ‘players don’t like him’READ MORE: Rasmus Hojlund uses first words as a Napoli player to explain how Man Utd changed him
Dalot’s injury blow
United have been dealt a fresh injury scare after Diogo Dalot pulled out of Portugal’s squad for the September international break. Roberto Martinez’s team face a trip to Armenia on Saturday, followed by another away game against Hungary.
Dalot played the full 90 minutes on Saturday as United beat Burnley. However, he has been released from Portugal duty with former Arsenal man Nuno Tavares taking his place.
“Full-back Nuno Tavares was called up to the National Senior squad this Thursday to replace Diogo Dalot. The international, who plays for Manchester United, complained of muscle discomfort and was released by the Health and Performance Unit,” a statement from Portugal’s FA read.
Sesko explains struggles
Benjamin Sesko has recognised the increase in quality after trading the Bundesliga for the Premier League. Sesko joined United from RB Leipzig in a deal worth up to £74million, and has yet to score for his new club, but feels he’s getting closer.
“The level of the matches is certainly much higher, the players and teammates are also at a higher level,” the Slovenia star told Ekipa. After all, English football is at the highest level in the world of football.
“But I am very much looking forward to the coming period, also because I am getting better and faster in every training session, and I am also progressing in my football mentality every day. I wanted to move to England and fortunately my wish came true.”
Ten Hag’s Leverkusen payout
Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen payout means he cost the club over £86,000 for each day he was in charge, according to Bild. The former Manchester United boss decided in May that Leverkusen would be his first managerial job since leaving Old Trafford last October, but he was gone after just 60 days.
“This decision was not an easy one for us,” Leverkusen director for sport Simon Rolfes said when Ten Hag got his marching orders after just two league games. “Nobody wanted to take this step.
“However, the past few weeks have shown that building a new and successful team with this setup is not feasible. We firmly believe in the quality of our team and will now do everything we can to take the next steps in our development with a new setup.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
