Manchester United return to Premier League action after the winter break when they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tonight.
United could hand a debut to striker Odion Ighalo, who trained with his teammates for the first time yesterday. Ighalo did not travel to Spain with the squad for their warm-weather training camp due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hinted Ighalo will be involved at Chelsea, but did not say whether he would start. Scott McTominay, Axel Tuanzebe, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Paul Pogba are not yet ready to return after they all stepped up their recoveries from injury over the winter break.
There was also the sad news that emerged early on Monday that legendary former Manchester United goalkeeper Harry Gregg had died, aged 87. The Northern Irish international was the hero of Munich, rescuing teammates and other passengers after the tragic Munich Air Disaster in 1958.
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Key Events
United fans' hopes for tonight
The break should have done United the world of good. Tonight we will see for sure...
Van de Beek decision?
Ajax star Donny van de Beek is widely expected to leave in the summer and, like many players of course, he’s been heavily linked with Manchester United.
Latest reports from the Athletic claim the Dutch playmaker will make a decision on his future ‘in the next few weeks’, with Real Madrid expected to be in the running.
MEN Sport understands there has been interest from United in Van de Beek, though they’re also keen on English playmaking duo Jack Grealish and James Maddison.
Bobby Charlton tribute to Harry Gregg
The United legend has paid tribute to his former colleague Harry Gregg with this statement on the club website. The pair were among those to survive the Munich air crash and play on afterwards.
“I was proud to call him a team-mate.
“Lady Norma and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Harry Gregg.
“For all the matter of fact things Harry said about that night in Munich for me he will always be remembered as a heroic figure.
“It’s incredible to think that he went on to play in a match against Sheffield Wednesday just 13 days after that tragic night.
“A shining light both on and off the pitch. For so many reasons, he deserves to be remembered as one of the greatest names in Manchester United’s history.
“Harry will be deeply missed and our thoughts are with Carolyn and his family at this very sad time.”
From one keeping legend to another
Peter Schmeichel pays tribute to Harry Gregg.
'Ighalo can replace Lukaku'
Former Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu believes that Odion Ighalo can fill the void left by Romelu Lukaku at Manchester United.
United swooped for Ighalo on loan in January and he could be in line to feature against Chelsea tonight, with Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood the only other striking options given Marcus Rashford is out injured.
Kanu told Goal how much he rates Nigerian compatriot Ighalo and believes he can have an impact at United.
“Yes he can replace him (Lukaku). If you watch him play, you’d find out that he is strong and can score goals.
“What he needs is the service. In this team, I am sure his game will improve because the team has great players.
“Despite playing in the Chinese league, Ighalo is not a player you would look down on and say he is not a good player.
“I believe in him and I know he can deliver if given the chance. Bringing him to Old Trafford means that those in the club believe in his ability, and we have to respect that.
“I don’t think he will not disappoint because he will give them value for their money.”
Solskjaer's 11-game challenge to United
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is already looking forward to a potentially vital time in Manchester United’s season if they can overcome Chelsea and Club Brugge.
United will be fighting on three fronts — with 11 games in a six-week period — if they stay in the hunt for a top four place after tonight’s clash with Chelsea, and progress to the Europa League last 16. They are still in the FA Cup too and face Derby in the fifth round.
Solskjaer spoke to MUTV, insisting that United will relish the hectic schedule.
“Hopefully we’ll go through against Club Brugge, a good team, and if we do, we will have 11 games in those six weeks.
“That’s possible. It’s another hard task for the boys and that’s why this week together and the week off before that, I’m sure we’ll be better off for it.
“It’s important of course, every game is important. There are only 13 [league] games left to claw back the points we need.
“The break has been very good. It’s good to be back, but we had a good week out there. It was needed and I think we’ll see the benefit in the whole league, never mind just us. The whole Premier League will, I’m sure, benefit from having this break.”
Morrison international call-up
Former Manchester United youngster Ravel Morrison is set to make his international debut after being called up by Jamaica.
The 27-year-old, who has had a nomadic career since leaving United, is now on loan at Middlesbrough from Sheffield United. And after playing for England at youth level, he now looks set to play for Jamaica as they prepare for World Cup 2022 qualifying.
Harry Gregg tribute video
United in Cantwell race - reports
Liverpool are reportedly leading Manchester United in the race to sign prodigious Norwich City talent Todd Cantwell, according to reports.
It’s claimed by The Athletic that Liverpool are stepping up their interest in Cantwell, amid previous links with United. The 21-year-old, valued at an apparent £30million, has also been linked with Man City and Tottenham.
Pick your team to face Chelsea
Put yourself in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s shoes and pick the team United should play versus Chelsea tonight.
Tonight is must-win for United
Most supporters agree that United simply must take all three points against Chelsea tonight.
What Ferguson said about Harry Gregg
These quotes from Sir Alex Ferguson are from 2012, when the former United boss took a team to Northern Ireland’s Windsor Park to play in a testimonial game for Harry Gregg.
“We should always pay homage to those players who have played such a part in creating our history and Harry is one of them. Harry showed great courage in the Munich Air Disaster.
“There was also his longevity as a goalkeeper at Manchester United. He is part of the rich history of our club and we should never forget that.”
City send Harry Gregg tribute
Very respectful from United’s Manchester rivals.
'Top four clash could decide Solskjaer future'
Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher believes tonight’s top four clash between United and Chelsea could determine Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s future as manager.
Both Solskjaer and Frank Lampard are desperate for the win as they seek Champions League qualification.
“I think this one is a real big one. I don’t think it’s just about this season but both managers, young managers - certainly in their tenures at big clubs - I think they know it will have a big bearing on how they can do their job going forward.
“Champions League football means more money, you can attract more players, so it means they’re in a position then to have better seasons next season and also do a better job over the long term at the clubs they’re at.
“Chelsea, with the lead they have, being at home, if they could reverse the result they had at Old Trafford and get the win against Manchester United they might be in too strong a position to be caught, certainly by United.
“Sometimes it’s not just the points gap, it’s how many teams are involved. More often than not those teams are winning games, so if you’re dropping points, there’s a big gap and there’s lots of teams involved - it’s a huge problem.”
Jamie Carragher on Chelsea vs Man United
Solskjaer on Chelsea clash
He’s been talking to MUTV about the importance of tonight’s game...
“It’s a big game of course, Chelsea have been third or fourth nearly all season so for us and the chasing pack they are the ones to catch. Hopefully we can get three points that will make a big difference for us going forward.”
United’s previous wins vs Chelsea
“Of course, both of those two cup games that you’re talking about, the league game that we had [at home against them] and the away games that we’ve had against [Manchester] City lately, they give us belief that we can go to difficult places and get results. I forgot about that FA Cup game last year, so let’s try and make it three in a row.”
Lampard vs Solskjaer
“Obviously he [Frank] was restrained because of the transfer ban during the summer window but I think we both believe if you give young players a chance, you know them and you know they will give you everything they’ve got and they might surprise other people. If you have a team full of energy and players who want to prove themselves it’s great and Frank’s done very well with the Chelsea team I think.”
More tributes
Brian McClair, Mike Phelan and Rio Ferdinand are among the famous ex United players to tweet in tribute to Harry Gregg.
Harry Gregg's career
Gregg joined Manchester United in December 1957, just two months before the disaster in Munich, and became a hero that night in Germany as he pulled teammates from the wreckage including Sir Bobby Charlton and Dennis Viollet.
He also helped Vera Lukic, the wife of a Yugoslavian diplomat who was pregnant at the time, and her two-year-old daughter.
Gregg was determined the tragic event of February 6, 1958 would not define his career or life and he went on to keep a clean sheet as United beat Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup just two weeks later and four months after that he was voted best goalkeeper in the world, after starring for Northern Ireland at the World Cup finals in Sweden.
Whiteside's Harry Gregg story
A great man.
Harry Gregg pictures
From the MEN archive.
Harry Gregg tributes at Chelsea tonight
There’s been no official confirmation from the clubs as yet, but it’s highly likely that both Manchester United and Chelsea will pay their respects to Harry Gregg before tonight’s game at Stamford Bridge.
We’ll bring you news of that — and more tributes — when they emerge.
Former United players pay tribute
Tributes have come in from Gary Neville and Norman Whiteside.
United pay tribute
A true hero
Harry Gregg was a hero on and off the pitch.
Statement on Harry Gregg
A statement on the Harry Gregg Foundation Facebook page confirmed the sad news.
“It is with great sorrow that we inform of the death of Manchester United and Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg, OBE.
“Harry passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his loving family.
“The Gregg family would like to thank the medical staff at Causeway Hospital for their wonderful dedication to Harry over his last few weeks. To everyone who has called, visited or sent well wishes we thank you for the love and respect shown to Harry and the family.”
Tributes to Harry Gregg
Some sad news to bring you this morning, as it has been confirmed that legendary former Manchester United goalkeeper Harry Gregg has died aged 87.
He was a survivor of the Munich Air Disaster - and a hero on that fateful night as he bravely saved other teammates and passengers.
Should Ighalo start vs Chelsea?
Odion Ighalo last played in the Premier League more than three years ago, has not started a football match since December 1, did not train with his new Manchester United teammates in Marbella — and had to wait a good while before training with them at Carrington.
Yet United have not scored in four of their last five league games, Marcus Rashford has netted four of their six goals against Chelsea, Anthony Martial is looking bereft up front, and the Chelsea defence is as watertight as a sieve.
United face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tonight and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already said Ighalo, 30, will be in the squad. Whether he starts is up for debate.
So here our writers have picked their United XI with or without Ighalo.
Mourinho makes Man Utd Champions League claim after Man City ban
Jose Mourinho has suggested Manchester United can now qualify for the Champions League after Manchester City’s ban from the competition.
Earlier this week, Spurs boss Mourinho was asked about the top four race, where he named his contenders and noticeably left out United.
On Sunday, after Mourinho saw his Spurs side snatch a late win at Aston Villa to lift them into fifth, the former United boss has been asked about how City’s ban affects the race for a Champions League place.
With Tottenham now sitting in what could be the final Champions League spot, Mourinho repeated his list of teams fighting to qualify in their place.
Mourinho again missed United out when speaking to BBC Sport but did included them in his contenders to qualify when he sat down to give his post-match press conference.
Mourinho jokes about Man City 2018 title win after UEFA ban verdict
Jose Mourinho cheekily asked if Manchester City would keep their 2018 Premier League title as he reacted to news of their two-year Champions League ban.
Pep Guardiola’s side have been excluded from all European competitions, pending appeal, following “serious breaches” of UEFA regulations regarding Financial Fair Play and sponsorship information submitted between 2012 and 2016. The possible ban has also raised the prospect of the Premier League - whose own investigation into the Blues remains ongoing - giving City a domestic punishment.
Mourinho, who described finishing second with Manchester United, 19 points behind City, as one of his greatest managerial achievements, could benefit from any City problem as any ban for next season would mean that fifth place in the Premier League will be enough to earn a spot in the Champions League.
Asked about his former rivals, the mischievous manager could not resist referring back to the season where the three-time champion finished runner-up.
United open to permanently signing Odion Ighalo
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says it is possible Manchester United could make Odion Ighalo’s loan move a permanent deal.
Ighalo, 30, joined United on deadline day in the January transfer window and has travelled with teammates to London ahead of the Monday night Premier League fixture at Chelsea.
The Shanghai Shenhua striker did not fly with the United squad to their warm weather training camp in Marbella amid the possibility Ighalo could be refused re-entry into the United Kingdom, having travelled from China, where the Coronavirus originated.
Ighalo has not started a professional match since December 1 and his loan could last just three months, with United’s final league game at Leicester City on May 17.
“It’s a loan, but when you’re in the door - and if you impress - it gives you a chance,” Solskjaer said. “That’s exactly the same for everyone who signs.”
Good morning!
Hello and welcome to today’s United blog as we build up to tonight’s huge game in the race for Europe.
