Manchester United News LIVE updates: All the latest from Old Trafford

Thursday November 16

Mourinho on Benitez

14:35: Jose Mourinho has denied there's any bad blood between himself and Rafa Benitez ahead of Saturday's clash against Newcastle United.

"I don't think the rivalry was with Rafael, I think the rivalry was between our clubs rather than between us," Mourinho told Sky Sports.

"We are managers from the same generation, we came to England in the same season and we were both successful in the European competitions.

"Not many [managers have] won the Champions League and Europa League. We are some of the few managers that did it.

"Of course between Liverpool and Chelsea, in the big matches rivalry happens but I respect him, his talent, his career and I want to believe that he feels the same."

Mourinho to Italy

12.45: Giuseppe Bergomi says Jose Mourinho should be the next Italy manager.

"Italian football needs a deep reconstruction. I ask myself if we are still a great football power or not," Bergomi told Tutti Convocati de Radio 24.

"In terms of the coach, I think Mourinho would be the correct choice.

"He might seem like someone who provokes, but some would say the same about Roberto Mancini.

"In the short term the best thing to do would be to pick an important coach, who can take on two roles."

Ibrahimovic return

10.40: Zlatan Ibrahimovic will return to action before the end of the year.

That's the verdict of Jose Mourinho, who's hailed the veteran striker as he continues his comeback from a serious knee injury.

Ibrahimovic enjoyed a stellar first season after arriving at Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain, netting 28 goals in 46 appearances.

But his campaign was cut short in April when he damaged knee ligaments in a Europa League quarter-final clash with Anderlecht.

Ibrahimovic has kept fans up to date with his progress as he looks to bounce back from the setback.

And Mourinho has revealed supporters are right to have been optimistic that the 36-year-old will play in 2017.

"He is a lion, he is a fighter," Mourinho told Sky Sports. 

"I think that is a good description of him, he has the anger all the time and that's the reason why he's almost coming back.

"As we expect, he's reduced the timing of his recovering and, as we were saying a few weeks ago, he will be back in 2017, which is a magnificent recovery."

Mourinho slams Southgate

08.30: Jose Mourinho has hit out at Gareth Southgate’s use of Phil Jones.

The Manchester United went off injured against Brazil and Mourinho insists he should not have played at all.

“I don’t think it is possible for a player with a problem to play in a friendly,” Mourinho said.

“Of course, Phil Jones had a problem. He was having a problem for three weeks, he’s having problems that are stopping him to play for his club and then he plays for his club in extreme conditions [in their final match before the internationals] because it’s a big match against Chelsea.

“And then he goes to the national team and he comes home with an ongoing injury that everyone knows is an ongoing injury.”

Ferdinand compares Mourinho and Guardiola

07.30: Rio Ferdinand gave a rather ambiguous answer when asked whether he’d rather have the chance to be managed by Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola.

Under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson, Ferdinand was widely regarded as one of the best centre-halves in the country.

But the chance to work under Mourinho or Guardiola never materialised.

“As a defender, Jose, because I'd be well protected, but if I was going there to commentate on my attacking players like I used to, Pep," he said on BT Sport’s The Clare Balding show.

But when pushed for an answer, he added: "If we're in German, I'm going to go for Pep!"

Mourinho moan on Phil Jones injury

07.15:Jose Mourinho is reportedly fuming over the way England have handled Phil Jones.

Jones is set to miss United’s showdown with Newcastle at Old Trafford on Saturday (5.30pm) after injuring his thigh at Wembley against Germany on Friday.

“I don’t think it is possible for a player with a problem to play in a friendly," he told the Daily Mirror.

“Of course, Phil Jones had a problem. 

“He was having a problem for three weeks, he’s having problems that are stopping him to play for his club and then he plays for his club in extreme conditions [in their final match before the internationals] because it’s a big match against Chelsea.”

Fellaini needs to sign contract now - Sherwood

07.00: Ex-Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has urged Marouane Fellaini to sign a new contract with Manchester United as soon as possible.

The Belgian midfielder reportedly turned down a two-year extension last month.

But Sherwood has no idea why he would even think about leaving Old Trafford.

“I suggest he gets the pen out and starts to sign the contract,” Sherwood told Sky Sports show ‘The Debate.’

“The manager loves him. The way he has been speaking over the last couple of months he has been lauding him.

“So why would you not want to stay at Manchester United for the rest of your career.”