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Tuesday December 19

Man Utd to rival Real Madrid for Paulo Dybala

06.00: Jose Mourinho is preparing to battle Real Madrid for the signature of Juventus forward Paulo Dybala in January, according to reports.

Spanish outlet Diario Gol has reported that Real chief Florentino Perez has already started negotiations with the Argentine striker.

But his wage demands of £170,000 a week have not put United off who are set to hijack the move.

Dybala has been compared to Lionel Messi but manager Massimiliano Allegri has ruled out the similarities.

“I don’t think the media helped by making these comparisons that are frankly damaging,” he said.

“You do it often to young players, they have a couple of good games and are called world-beaters, it’s not healthy.”

Lingard makes Man City claim

05.30: Jesse Lingard has claimed that the Red Devils would be above Manchester City in any other season.

United are second in the table with 13 wins from a possible 18, but they still sit 11 points behind leaders City.

"If we keep winning games that's the most important thing," Lingard said.

"With the squad we have got, we have to always believe in each game. Some games we will play badly and win and sometimes we will play well and lose.

"I think any other season we would be top with the points we have, so as long as we keep winning we will see where we are."

Ashley Young fitness concern

05.00: Man Utd are reportedly growing increasingly concerned over Ashley Young’s fitness levels.

United have six games over the next 18 days starting with the trip to Bristol City for the first leg of their EFL Cup quarter-final tie.

And according to The Sun, United are worried that Young could get tired.

Old Trafford source told The Sun: “The club are concerned Ashley is risking a bit of burnout and are treading carefully.

“He has had a small rest, but not enough. He has played so many games this season and has been fantastic.

“The conditioning staff have seen the data and want to preserve his ageing legs coming into the busy period.

“He has a history of niggles and that is another reason why the backroom staff are being cautious.”