Some of the latest headlines surrounding Manchester United off the pitch as they gear up to next face Bournemouth on it
Manchester United fans will have to wait until Monday to get their fix of football as Bournemouth pay a visit. The Red Devils have been restricted to domestic football after missing out on European competition this season, meaning they tend to play just once a week.
Ruben Amorim confirmed in his press conference on Friday that Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt will miss the Monday night fixture against the Cherries. Benjamin Sesko could make an appearance as he recovers from a knee injury sustained against Tottenham back in November.
As the team continue to prepare for their next Premier League match-up, Mirror Football brings you all the latest coming out of Old Trafford.
Luke Littler hits back at fans
Luke Littler has defended himself against fellow United fans who complained about the darts star’s appearance in the away end versus Wolves on Monday. The current world champ, who is back in action defending his crown, was spotted in the away section of the Molineux Stadium during his beloved team’s 4-1 win.
Amid backlash from fans, who were complaining that the 18-year-old was getting preferential treatment, Littler confirmed where he received the tickets from. He said: “Everyone just jumps on everything. They don’t know anything.
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“So I’ve seen too many stupid [message] requests and all that stuff saying, ‘I’ve been on the waiting list,’ and all that. And then I just said to my mate, ‘I’m going to have to put something on there to thank Adidas because no one knows.’
“And then when I put it on, they’re like, ‘Oh, you’re just trying to cover it up.’ But the tickets were off Adidas. They give a certain amount of tickets out a year, home and away to whoever they want. So they chose me, gave me three tickets for Wolves away.
“It was my first away day. Probably a guaranteed win, so I’m glad we won that one. Hopefully we can go on and win on Monday as well. Hopefully I can get to some more, but I’ll enjoy it on Monday.”
‘Talks held’ for midfielder
Manchester United have reportedly held talks to sign Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki. The 20-year-old has been impressive for the newly-promoted side this season, starting every Premier League game so far and clocking in 1,326 minutes in a strong side that are in ninth-place.
Sky Sports Switzerland reports that both United and Chelsea have made an approach for the DR Congo international in recent weeks. The Red Devils are said to have approached Sadiki’s representatives at the beginning of the season aand view him as a cheaper alternative to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
Sunderland remain in a strong position ahead of the January transfer window given that the young footballer signed a five-year deal with the Black Cats in the summer. Boss Regis Le Bris praised Sadiki’s contribution to the team, citing his age as a surprising factor for his experienced demeanour.
Speaking in November, Le Bris said: “We can forget that he is only 20. He is a really good player. He has a different personality but I think he is really smart to understand what is needed to go further.
“He looks at what type of specific profile he needs to progress – technical, physical. You don’t always find the same profile with every player – he has own characteristics but I think they fit well with the demands of the Premier League.
“At the same time, though, you have to have the mentality to learn and be aware of what the characteristics of your environment are and what you need to do to improve. What can I do to get better? What advice do I need to take from other members of the team?
“He has this combination of talent on one side, then on the other side, the ability to learn.”
Club president ‘proud’ of key player’s transfer
Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani has expressed his pride over selling Patrick Dorgu to United in the summer, despite the full-back being a key player in Italy. The Denmark international joined Amorim’s side in the summer and has dealt with an up-and-down campaign so far.
As Dorgu continues to find his feet at Old Trafford, Damiani told Tuttomercatoweb that the sales of the 21-year-old as well as former Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti were prime examples of the club’s transfer process working.
He said: “Umtiti was an extraordinary operation, a world champion who gave a lot to our club, but that of Dorgu represents the Lecce model 360 degrees.
“Taken from the youth sector of a Danish team, he spent a year in the Primavera and half a season in Serie A, and then was sold to Manchester United for 38 million [euros]. It is a symbol of the quality of our club. And doing business with Manchester United is an additional source of pride.”
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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.
