Manchester United

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Marcin Bulka has revealed Angel Di Maria does not look back on his time at Manchester United fondly. 

The Argentinian spent the 2014-15 season at Old Trafford but left for PSG just one season into his United career.

Bulka told Polish YouTube channel Foot Truck (h/t MailOnline's Sam McEvoy):

"Di Maria hates Manchester United. He has no good memory of the time he spent there. 

"In fact, when something related to Manchester United appears on television, he changes the channel quickly."

United fans made their feelings on Di Maria known during PSG's visit to Old Trafford in the UEFA Champions League last season, and it appears to be mutual.

The winger was booed by the crowd at Old Trafford, and there were audible cheers when a challenge from Ashley Young sent him into the stands.

Di Maria assisted both of PSG's goals in a 2-0 win for the French outfit on the night, though:

Presnel Kimpembe opens the scoring at Old Trafford!

Ángel Di María enjoyed that one on his return to the ground 👀 pic.twitter.com/wxFsOjMPGF

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 12, 2019

Kylian Mbappé 🔥🔥🔥

His pace is frightening!

A clinical finish as well... His 23rd goal this season 👏 pic.twitter.com/PehkjPLIcj

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 12, 2019

He also trolled the supporters after a bottle of beer was thrown at him while he was preparing to take a corner:

Ole: We're unbeaten

Di Maria: Hold my beer pic.twitter.com/wsJUqg9pAR

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 12, 2019

In 2014, the Red Devils paid a then-British transfer record £59.7 million to recruit Di Maria from Real Madrid, where he had contributed 85 assists and 36 goals in four seasons.

Di Maria returned 12 assists and four goals in 32 games during his year at United. Despite his respectable numbers, his performances were often found wanting and he struggled to settle in Manchester.

His Cheshire home was broken into by burglars in February 2015 while he was there eating dinner with his wife and daughter, who was less than two years old at the time.

He moved to PSG that summer with United taking a loss of just over £15 million on him.

Di Maria has found a new lease of life in Paris, where he has racked up 81 goals and 89 assists in 215 games.

He has 12 and 20 in all competitions this season, respectively, having particularly impressed with his creativity in Ligue 1:

14 - Most assists after 26 matchdays of a season in Ligue 1 since Opta collects its data (2006/07):

🇦🇷 Angel Di Maria - 14 this season

🇫🇷 Marvin Martin - 13 in 2010/11

🇧🇷 Neymar - 12 in 2017/18

Specialist.
🎯 pic.twitter.com/weY7r1qlPP

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) February 24, 2020

Since moving to PSG, he has won three Ligue 1 titles, Coupes de France, Coupes de la Ligue and Trophees des Champions apiece.

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has said Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba have received unwarranted criticism at Old Trafford.

According to Charlotte Duncker of the Manchester Evening News, Saha said the France internationals are misunderstood and that too much is perceived about their commitment and body language:

"Martial has been criticised for his attitude but sometimes people misinterpret things and that’s the problem with our industry. People don’t know who you are and what you want and they assume. I have been victim of that sometimes, they pick on one thing and think you have a nonchalant attitude and then they you start getting criticism as to why you’re not producing on a regular basis. The same criticism can be said of Pogba. It’s something you have to accept in the industry."

Both Martial and Pogba have experienced significant injury spells at United, with the latter recovering from an ankle problem that required surgery.

However, their erratic form has seen the pair criticised for their displays in the Premier League and Europe.

BBC Sport's Simon Stone questioned whether Pogba remains in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans after the manager failed to mention the World Cup winner while talking on Sunday about Bruno Fernandes and the major talents in United's rebuild:

This was interesting from OGS on Bruno Fernandes yesterday. "He is one of the pieces we are trying to put together. He is a big piece and an important one as we get to the business end of the field. We have spent with Harry and Aaron. Now we have the No. 10 nailed down." Pogba?

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) February 24, 2020

Per Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, Pogba has reportedly told his team-mates he desires a transfer away from United, with sources claiming the player's "head is not currently at the club."

Solskjaer handed Martial the No. 9 shirt this season, and the striker has featured as a centre-forward rather than occupying his previous left-sided role.

The 24-year-old has started to repay the Norwegian's faith in his ability after scoring 13 goals in 25 appearances in the Premier League and UEFA Europa League.

Fernandes' signing could be the catalyst for success at United, providing Pogba the type of dynamic midfielder he's been desperate to partner since leaving Juventus for the Red Devils in 2016.

Pogba has made only five league starts this term due to injury, but the player is expected to return to fitness in the weeks ahead.

Solskjaer said Pogba is "desperate to play football" and remains a "top professional" after an extended spell on the sidelines.

United are up to fifth in the Premier League after beating Watford 3-0 on Sunday, with Martial netting an audacious chip against the Hornets. Pogba's return will further strengthen United's starting options, but both players could attract further scrutiny if their performances fail to match expectations of their undoubted talent.

Chris Smalling has said he's yet to decide whether he will remain with Manchester United after a successful loan spell at Roma.

Sky Sports News reported the Englishman has expressed his happiness in Italy, and he will consider if he wishes to exit Old Trafford after gaining the affection of Roma supporters.

Smalling said he was apprehensive about his loan switch but has adapted to life in the capital:

"When I first came it was exciting but also daunting because you're not sure what to expect.

"New country, new experience. But considering the way I've settled in, the love that I have felt, especially from the fans but everyone in Rome, it will be an interesting decision to make.

"Some of the other players said if you really hit the ground running, the love that you can have in this city is unbelievable. That's really what I've felt and so have my family. Long may it continue."

Smalling will complete a 12-month spell at the Stadio Olimpico at the end of the season. Roma manager Paulo Fonseca has said he would like to permanently sign the centre-back, per Sky Sports:

"Chris is a great, great man, a great, great professional. The adaptation (to Italian football) was very easy for him. He's a boy that everyone loves in the club because he is a great professional.

"I would like Chris to stay. We are speaking. I don't know if it is possible because of the situation with Manchester United, but I would like so much for Chris to stay here with us because he is very important."

Smalling appeared surplus to requirements under United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when Harry Maguire arrived from Leicester City last summer.

However, his Serie A performances have gained him plaudits, and the 30-year-old has proved there's plenty of life left in his career.

Smalling has made 24 appearances in Serie A and Europe this term. His consistency has seen him become an automatic starter.

United continue to have issues at the back. Maguire has formed a partnership with Victor Lindelof, but the Swede has failed to impress during a troublesome campaign for the Red Devils.

Solskjaer will have been impressed by Smalling's form, and the defender could regain his England spot. He arrived at United from Fulham in 2010 as a technical centre-back, and he's been allowed to show off his talents on the ball in Italy.

The defender remains under contract at Old Trafford until 2022, with United holding an extra-year option on his services. Solskjaer will have to decide whether he cashes in on the player or reintegrates him into United's latest rebuild.

Manchester United made it two wins in a row in the Premier League on Sunday, beating Watford 3-0 at Old Trafford.  

Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half, bagging his first ever goal for the club. Anthony Martial added to the advantage with a well-taken goal after the break, and Mason Greenwood also got on the scoresheet.

United had just one win in their last four Premier League outings entering Sunday's match.

The first chance fell to the visitors after a defensive mix-up by United, but Luke Shaw returned just in time to put off Troy Deeney and deny him a good look on goal.

The Red Devils controlled the ball well early but looked a little shaky at the back. Abdoulaye Doucoure had an attempt after a promising run, finding the side netting from a tricky angle.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka fired United's first chance of the match narrowly wide, and Shaw gave Ben Foster something to think about with a strong shot that drew a save. He also denied Daniel James after good work from Greenwood.

David De Gea didn't have much to do in the first half, but he did make a key intervention on Doucoure and also kept out Gerard Deulofeu.

A scoreless half seemed inevitable until Foster took out Fernandes inside the penalty box with minutes to spare, handing the Portuguese star the chance to open his United account. He did just that with a Jorginho-style penalty, continuing his great record from the spot:

13 - Bruno Fernandes has scored each of the last 13 penalties he has taken in top-flight football (12/12 with Sporting CP and 1/1 with Man Utd) since missing for Udinese in April 2016. Nonchalant. pic.twitter.com/FnQyYSVwM8

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 23, 2020

He came close to doubling the lead before the half-time break, blasting wide after a quick counter.

Watford started the second half well and found a few half-chances via Doucoure, before Deeney appeared to equalise after poor defending on a corner. Harry Maguire appealed for a hand-ball immediately, however, and the VAR agreed with him, per Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News:

By the law, it's the correct call. The ball hit Dawson's arm direct before it was scrambled in. Maguire knew straight away. Second time this week VAR has reprieved United after they've conceded from a corner.

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) February 23, 2020

And just five minutes later, the goal fell on the other end of the pitch. Martial needed two tries to get past Forster, keeping his composure with his second finish. It was a lovely dink over the keeper, drawing praise from James Robson of the London Evening Standard:

That is pure magic from Martial. Three goals in a week - all completely different.
Solskjaer is retraining him as a No9 - and this has been a very good week #mufc

— James Robson (@jamesalanrobson) February 23, 2020

The second goal gave United wings, and they kept coming forward. Greenwood forced another stop from Foster and Daniel James perhaps should have done better with a shot from a promising position.

The Hornets had to push forward, but that opened up space at the back. Fernandes and Greenwood took full advantage, working a chance well to set the latter up for a third goal.

He's having an impressive breakout season:

The last two teenagers to reach five goals in a single Premier League campaign:

🔴 2016/17: Marcus Rashford
🔴 2019/20: Mason Greenwood

Man Utd’s academy boys. pic.twitter.com/Vk9AIlISu8

— Squawka (@Squawka) February 23, 2020

Both teams made substitutions after the goal and appeared to settle for the result. Maguire had a look on goal after a free-kick but couldn't keep his effort down, and Deulofeu fired a free-kick straight at De Gea. 

Tahith Chong went close to his first goal, cutting inside and narrowly missing the mark, before the hosts took their foot off the gas and saw out the final minutes. 

   

What's Next?

United host Club Brugge for the second leg of their UEFA Europa League tie on Thursday. Watford take on Liverpool in the Premier League on Friday.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has likened Bruno Fernandes to club legend Paul Scholes.

Fernandes arrived from Sporting CP in January for an initial £47 million fee, and Solskjaer has been impressed with what he's seen during the 25-year-old's first month at Old Trafford, per Goal's Robin Bairner:

"He reminds me of Scholesy as a player but definitely a different type of personality off the pitch.

"Against Club Brugge, when he's on the bench, he walks around, he speaks to the players who start, he helps them, he gives them points.

"And the 10 minutes he played you could see that there's a difference in our team.

"He's another conductor and leader and winner. He wants to win. He doesn't take 99 per cent as good enough and he's impressed me.

"That's something you see when you watch him but you don't know about until you have him in your group. He's been top class."

Because of the Premier League's winter break earlier in February, he has only made three appearances for the Red Devils. United were held to an uninspiring 0-0 draw at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers in his debut, but the playmaker showed flashes of his quality, particularly before he was moved to a deeper role in the second half.

On Monday, he helped his side record a 2-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and he was among their top performers.

He provided his first assist for the club with a corner for Harry Maguire to head home:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNG-OeQIiFE

On Thursday, he made a late cameo off the bench as United drew 1-1 with Club Brugge in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-32 tie.

Although he wasn't able to engineer a winner on the night, he had a significant impact on the team's play, as football statistician Dave O'Brien observed:

Bruno Fernandes’ game by numbers vs. Club Brugge (15 minutes):

100% pass accuracy
5 final third passes
4 shots (all blocked)
2 passes into the box
1 foul suffered
1 dribble

Very bright cameo. 💡💡💡 pic.twitter.com/t5w3DdX8hD

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 20, 2020

Manchester United averaged a shot every 2 minutes after Bruno Fernandes came on, compared to every 10 minutes before.

Willing to try his luck. 🎯🎯🎯 pic.twitter.com/MTsMFwL3zy

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 20, 2020

Bleacher Report's Rob Blanchette felt Solskjaer made a mistake in not utilising Fernandes more in the game:

Game management from Ole was poor tonight. #MUFC wins this match if he correctly utilises Bruno Fernandes. Giving him just 10 mins was a really poor decision. Average team performance in the end. Give Bruno the keys to this United side. He's the best player at the club.

— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) February 20, 2020

By March 21 United will have played at least another seven matches, including fixtures against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. As such, Solskjaer's decision to use him sparingly is understandable.

Prior to joining United, Fernandes had returned 15 goals and 14 assists for Sporting in 28 games this season.

With chief creator Paul Pogba and biggest goal threat Marcus Rashford injured, the Red Devils will be relying on him to have a similar impact for them in the second half of the season.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said the club want to keep hold of youngsters Angel Gomes and Tahith Chong and remain in contract talks with the duo.

Solskjaer told reporters that the club have complete faith in the pair, who are out of contract at the end of the season:

"Well, we're still in talks with them. Tahith scored today. He'd rather play a game than sit in the stands here, so he's just making sure that he's ready when he gets a chance. He played really well against Wolverhampton in the FA Cup and I'm very pleased with him.

"The boys have got a great attitude. They're absolutely top-class boys and we are doing what we can to keep them because in a few years we can see them being very, very good players."

Chong, 20, is a Dutch winger who moved to Old Trafford from Feyenoord in 2018 but has only made 12 first-team appearances for the Red Devils.

His last appearance for Solskjaer's side came in the 6-0 FA Cup win over Tranmere Rovers, but he may have caught his manager's eye with a goal in midweek, per the Press Association's Simon Peach:

Tahith Chong and James Garner scored in a 2-0 win for #MUFC’s development side against their Club Brugge counterparts. Match was played behind closed doors

— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) February 20, 2020

Serie A side Inter Milan have offered Chong a contract until 2025, and he is "seriously considering" a move to the San Siro, according to Fabrizio Romano at the Guardian.    

The Nerazzurri plan to send the youngster out on loan to Sassuolo or Parma next season to gain first-team experience, according to Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia).

Midfielder Gomes is another United youngster who has attracted interest and wanted to leave the club on loan in the January transfer window, according to Samuel Luckhurst at the Manchester Evening News.

The 19-year-old has come through the Red Devils' academy and has made six appearances this season. He made three starts in the UEFA Europa League and impressed against FC Astana, as Statman Dave noted:

Angel Gomes created 3 chances vs. FC Astana, no player created more in the 89 minutes Gomes played.

Good to see him getting game time. 👍 pic.twitter.com/KTWXRRb2Ki

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 28, 2019

The Athletic (h/t FourFourTwo) reported that Gomes is "hesitant" about signing a new contract at Manchester United and wants to keep his options open.

United are running out of time to convince the pair that their futures lie at Old Trafford, and the youngsters' lack of game time could see them decide to walk away for free in the summer.

Chris Smalling has suggested a permanent transfer to AS Roma could materialise after his loan from Manchester United, saying "those discussions can take place" if he ends the season well. 

The 30-year-old left Old Trafford on a season-long deal after United signed Harry Maguire from Leicester City for £80 million, his first campaign outside the Theatre of Dreams since he joined from Fulham in 2010.

Smalling's time at the Stadio Olimpico has been a success after establishing his place under Roma manager Paulo Fonseca, and he told BBC Sport's Alistair Magowan he could make the switch permanent:

"Yeah, I think the plan at the start of the season was to contribute as much as I can and then hopefully if we've all had a good season and hit our ambitions then those discussions can take place.

"I've been more than happy with my first half of the season, it's now just making sure that we kick on and finish the season strongly because we have a lot to play for.

"Coming over here and trying to hit ground running with football was the priority. But my family settling in and me learning the language and enjoying the culture, it's something you need to make the most of. My family and I definitely are."

The transfer has worked out well for all parties. Roma secured an experienced, low-cost defensive option after centre-backs Kostas Manolas and Ivan Marcano joined Napoli and Porto, respectively, last summer. Meanwhile, United promoted Maguire to captain, while Eric Bailly recently returned from injury to rejoin the competition for places alongside Victor Lindelof, academy graduate Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones.

Smalling scored his first goal for the Giallorossi when they thrashed Udinese 4-0 in October:

The defender won the most recent of his 31 England caps in a 2-2 draw against Scotland in October 2017, but Smalling added he still has visions of an international future, with UEFA Euro 2020 beginning in June:

"Obviously it's been a couple of years now, but that ambition is always there with England.

"I know that Gareth and the coaching staff have been to a few of my games over here, and I guess you know you are in their thoughts if you are playing at a top club.

"I hold those aspirations, and I just try to focus on here and what comes, comes. But I would very much like to be part of [the Euros], for sure."

Despite moving to Italy on temporary terms, Smalling remains one of the most experienced players on the books at United:

#MUFC's top appearance makers of the decade:

1️⃣: @D_DeGea (383)
2️⃣: @Anto_V25 (339)
3️⃣: @ChrisSmalling (323)
4️⃣: @WayneRooney (298)
5️⃣: @Carras16 (294)
6️⃣: @Youngy18 (260)
7️⃣: @JuanMata8 (236)
8️⃣: @PhilJones4 (221)
9️⃣: @Evra (207)
🔟: @MarcusRashford (196) pic.twitter.com/n2Vg2N6TR9

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 31, 2019

It didn't appear as though Solskjaer was open to a permanent transfer when Smalling moved in August, and he told MUTV the veteran would "come back better for it because it's a big club; it's a good league."

Smalling was damning in his assessment of Roma's recent form after the team went five matches without a win:

Smalling: "Our results recently haven’t been good enough. But this week we have two home games in quick succession and we have the chance to make sure they go well and give as a kickstart to ensure the next few months are much better.”
#ASRoma #UEL #RomaGent

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) February 19, 2020

The Giallorossi ended that drought by beating Gent 1-0 at home in the opening leg of their clash in the UEFA Europa League round of 32 on Thursday, with Smalling playing the full 90 minutes.

Roma hope to end a run of three consecutive Serie A defeats when they host Lecce on Sunday, though Fonseca's side haven't won a league fixture at home since the 3-1 win over SPAL on December 15.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said midfielder Scott McTominay could make his return from a two-month knee injury absence when his team hosts Watford on Sunday.

United drew 1-1 at Club Brugge in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-32 clash on Thursday, after which Solskjaer told reporters: "I think he might be in the squad. He had a rest day on [Thursday], so let's see how he is tomorrow [on Friday]."

The Red Devils resume their Premier League campaign hoping to close the distance to fourth spot. They are seventh, three points off the UEFA Champions League places.

A fifth-placed finish could earn qualification to Europe's premier competition, however, should rivals Manchester City fail in their appeal against their UEFA-imposed two-season ban for breaking financial fair play rules. As things stand, City—second, 22 points behind Liverpool—would be prevented from taking part in the Champions League even if they win this season's title.

McTominay, 23, hasn't featured since he suffered a knee ligament injury during the 4-1 Boxing Day demolition of Newcastle United. Solskjaer continued:

"I'm not surprised [he's back so soon] because that's the type he is.

"He's a physical specimen, he's a leader. He never shirks a tackle, and he brings everyone with him. He can sit with Nemanja [Matic] and Fred or he could be one of the runners in midfield. 

"Talking about that here today, we don't really make enough runs past the striker. Scott used to be a striker, so he's used to being in the box."

The United manager has also had to make do without £89.3 million record signing Paul Pogba, who has also been sidelined since Boxing Day with an ankle injury.

United revived their hopes in the battle for fourth with a 2-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday and will be particularly motivated to get the better of Watford, who stunned them 2-0 when the teams met at Vicarage Road on December 22:

BBC Sport's Simon Stone reported McTominay was back in United training on Wednesday, leading to speculation he could feature in Thursday's draw away at Club Brugge:

Scott McTominay, Axel Tuanzebe and 18-y-o midfielder Connor Stanley training with ⁦@ManUtd⁩ ahead of Bruges trip. pic.twitter.com/pyCjtvUwDP

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) February 19, 2020

He sat out the first-leg fixture in Belgium, but it looks as though the Scotland international could play a part in the return encounter at Old Trafford on Thursday.

McTominay made his senior United debut in May 2017 and is considered an important member of their lineup. The academy product offers a valuable balance in attack and defence, and Solskjaer appears to be a fan.

The Guardian's Jamie Jackson teased the prospect of him playing alongside January signing Bruno Fernandes once he returns to full fitness:

Big boost for @ManUtd McTominay training again - him in behind Fernandes with Fred too is a half decent midfield...

— jamie jackson (@JamieJackson___) February 19, 2020

Nemanja Matic and Fred have been United's two primary deep-lying midfielders during their team-mate's absence, with Andreas Pereira also featuring.

Solskjaer said McTominay "has the biggest heart of the lot [in United's squad]" immediately after he suffered his injury in December, as Hayters TV shared:

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirms Scott McTominay suffered knee ligament damage during Manchester United’s victory over Newcastle 😣 pic.twitter.com/NXqhQsdxWl

— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) December 26, 2019

The midfielder has scored a career high of three goals this season and has already appeared in 17 Premier League fixtures, one more than his previous career best in 2018-19.

Watford travel to Old Trafford without a win in their past five games in all competitions (three defeats, two draws), drawing 1-1 away to Brighton & Hove Albion in their most recent outing on February 8.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has told two-time world heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko he won't rush his return after missing the vast majority of the 2019-20 season.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner was expected to spark a new era of success at Old Trafford when he rejoined in 2016, but his absence this season has left many wondering whether he will play for the club again.

Pogba spoke on Klitschko's official YouTube account and said that while he's determined to come back stronger, he won't rush his recovery for fear of another setback:

He initially suffered the ankle injury during the international break in September, per TalkSport, but is looking to return for the third time this season following several setbacks:

"Obviously it [an injury] is something which will happen.

"You have to get ready for that. It can be very bad, or it can be a small injury. The most important thing is to come back and not to get injured again.

"So come back stronger, be careful not coming back too early and then obviously going back on the pitch and being better than when you left. That is my mindset, and I will carry on doing this."

The former Juventus man has made eight appearances across all competitions this season—including just five Premier League starts—and most recently featured in the 4-1 Boxing Day win over Newcastle United. He has no direct goal involvements aside from two assists in the 4-0 opening-day victory at home to Chelsea.

Pogba underwent surgery on his ankle in January:

https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1214541876084248576

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has appeared patient with his player, but he has exchanged jibes in the media with Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, who recently criticised the Red Devils manager:

Paul is not mine and for sure not Solskjaer’s property, Paul is Paul Pogba’s. pic.twitter.com/CvBHW8mj8U

— RAIOLA (@MinoRaiola) February 17, 2020

Pogba also told Klitschko of the many factors that can affect injuries: 

"The injury that I had was a twisted ankle, someone tackled me from behind, so it's not something you can prevent.

"Muscle injuries, often they are with what you eat, the recovery, too much training and the sleeping. If you don't sleep enough you could get muscle soreness and muscle injuries.

"You have to eat healthy, rest a lot as well, train, get strength on your muscle to prevent those injuries and after that you won't get injured if you have those categories on point."

There's no return date in sight for Pogba with 12 matches left in their Premier League campaign, and Solskjaer has said the midfielder is "nowhere near" ready, as Football Daily shared:

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Paul Pogba returning to Manchester United...

🗣"He's not been part of training and it will depend on when he feels ready and we are nowhere near that" pic.twitter.com/ERlalTFx3Z

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 19, 2020

Raiola told reporters after Juventus drew 1-1 with AC Milan in mid-February that his star client "would not mind" a return to Turin, hinting a decision will be made after UEFA Euro 2020.

Pogba's health remains a priority for the player, while United are fighting to clinch a top-four finish in the Premier League. They are also still in the hunt for the UEFA Europa League and the FA Cup.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said his side struggled to play with the UEFA Europa League ball in their 1-1 draw with Club Brugge on Thursday. 

The Red Devils put in an uninspiring performance as they met the Belgian side in the away leg of their round-of-32 tie in wet and windy conditions.

Solskjaer said:

"It was a difficult game against a well-organised team in difficult conditions. I don't think it was one of the best games that anyone's seen.

"A bit sloppy concentration-wise, but the conditions with the pitch and the ball makes it hard. 

"[The ball is] just different and difficult to play with. You can get one and try! It's light.

"But it's the same for the two teams, of course. But the conditions weren't nice, the wind and the rain."

Manchester United provided more from Solskjaer on the conditions in Belgium:

Ole’s post-match thoughts on our #UEL round-of-32 first leg 💬 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/noJ5eiNorb

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 20, 2020

United fell behind after 15 minutes when Simon Mignolet caught them out with a quickly taken goal-kick and Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis capitalised on Sergio Romero being well off his line (U.S. and UK only, respectively):

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1230556844784934912

Club Brugge lead against Man Utd!

The Reds were caught sleeping and one long ball puts Bonaventure in...

He now has goals vs Man Utd and Real Madrid this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/6mxckQbfI5

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 20, 2020

The Premier League side were level before the break, though.

Anthony Martial latched on to a poor throw-in from Maxim De Cuyper and raced clear of Brandon Mechele before slotting home (U.S. and UK only, respectively):

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1230561819606937601

Tony Martial scores again! 🙌

Man Utd are level in Belgium as their number nine pounces on a mistake and finishes with ease...

His 14th of the season ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/MVOxHTTB5A

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 20, 2020

Bruno Fernandes came on for the final 10 minutes and immediately improved the quality on display, though he could have been used sooner:

I'd like Ole to be brave here and make a substitution really early. Get Bruno Fernandes on now and start playing with a tempo that looks like professional football. This looks like a training session against a team that isn't PL standard. #MUFC have concentration issues.

— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) February 20, 2020

Martial was the lone forward player in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard were the two behind him, while Nemanja Matic partnered Andreas Pereira in the centre of the pitch.

The Red Devils are set to play at least seven matches by March 21, so some rotation is to be expected, but it wasn't a particularly inspiring lineup for the competition that arguably represents their best chance of UEFA Champions League qualification.

United have had seven matches to get accustomed to this season's Europa League ball, which is manufactured by Molten, although the fact they have only scored more than once on two occasions could be evidence of their struggles to do so.

They have yet to concede at Old Trafford in this competition this season, and they are ahead in the tie thanks to their away goal.

Brugge managed to secure score draws at Real Madrid and Galatasaray in the Champions League group stage, though, so they should not be taken lightly.