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    Man Utd star Luke Shaw ruled out for up to six weeks with hamstring injury after Solskjaer blasts fixture pile-up

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been handed a blow with Luke Shaw out for up to six weeks.
    The left-back picked up a knock in Saturday’s win at Everton, forcing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer into a substitution late in the game.

    ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    Luke Shaw was forced off during Manchester United’s win at Everton on SaturdayCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

    The defender is set to miss several games, including against West Ham, PSG, Man City and old club SouthamptonCredit: Getty – Pool
    Shaw suffered a hamstring injury that could keep him out until Christmas.
    The setback comes amid one of the 25-year-old’s longer runs in the United team.
    Shaw had played every minute of the Premier League campaign until the injury.

    The news comes after Red Devils boss Solskjaer had bemoaned the decision to put United on the Saturday lunchtime kick-off after their midweek trip to Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League.
    He told BT Sport: “Our boys were set up to fail today with the scheduling.
    “How can you expect players to perform with the 12.30pm kick off time? It’s an absolute joke.
    “Of course we tried to move this game. What sense was there playing Saturday lunchtime when we could play Sunday because of the international break afterwards.

    “I pushed my club to really fight on this one to give us half a chance. But it was just quashed and we were told, ‘No, it’s been selected’.”

    Axel Tuanzebe came off the bench to see out the win at Goodison Park.
    But the young defender will have to beat Alex Telles to earn a run in the side.
    Having made his debut against Paris Saint-Germain last month, the Brazilian has sat out five matches due to a bout of coronavirus.
    United next face West Brom once the fixture mayhem resumes after the international break, with five consecutive midweek games before the equally busy Christmas period.
    Managers such as Jurgen Klopp have backed Solskjaer in his criticism of lunchtime kick-offs.
    Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss England’s games this month after a knock against Manchester City, with Klopp stating: “The boys are on the edge.

    These are difficult times for everyone, not just football, and we need to look after everyone.
    Ole Gunnar Solskajer

    “No team [playing] on a Wednesday night should have the 12.30pm kick-off on Saturday.
    “Sunday – no problem. Not the 12.30pm because that is a complete killer. You wake up and play football. This is the recovery phase.
    “The Premier League has to change. Sky, BT, you – everyone has to talk to each other. You want good football? Give the boys a few hours more rest.”
    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola added that it was a ‘disaster’ that five subs were not allowed in English games.

    Solskjaer said: “There have been too many serious injuries in the Premier League this season that can be from physical or mental fatigue.
    “We want this product to be the best in the world. We don’t want it to harm any player. These are difficult times for everyone, not just football, and we need to look after everyone.
    “Use common sense, and sort out the schedule. This is such a serious issue, that we don’t look after these players. They are not robots, they are human beings.”

    Harry Maguire says Man Utd are the biggest team in the world and that’s why everybody loves seeing them lose More

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    Man Utd have second-worst record at home in Premier League this season having won just ONE point in four games

    MANCHESTER UNITED are without a win at home in the Premier League this season – boasting the second-worst record of the division.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer received a vital shot in the arm with victory at Everton on Saturday.

    ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    But it is at Old Trafford where the Red Devils must reignite their season, having claimed a single point in four league games.
    Despite succumbing to Istanbul Basaksehir in the week, United’s campaign has been built around some away day magic.
    Paris Saint-Germain were beaten in the Champions League with Everton joining Brighton and Newcastle in being defeated on their own patch.

    The club’s success on the road only emphasises how tough they are finding in at home.
    It is true that Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Crystal Palace is a tough set of teams to get the season underway against.
    Yet even the most pessimistic of fans would have expected better than a lone draw against Frank Lampard’s Blues – plus the Champions League win over RB Leipzig.

    Crystal Palace enjoyed their trip to Old Trafford in Manchester United’s opening gameCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Arsenal were the most recent side to take three points back southCredit: Getty – Pool
    So far, United have conceded ten goals and managed just a pair of strikes in reply.

    Donny van de Beek shot a consolation against Palace in an opening day 3-1 loss before Bruno Fernandes got the ball rolling from the penalty spot in the 6-1 defeat to Spurs.
    The pressure will be on when West Brom, without a win all season, head to Manchester after the international break.
    Manchester City, Leeds, Wolves and high-flying Aston Villa are the following visitors as the Premier League schedule refuses to allow much respite.
    In a bonkers start to the season, five sides are still without a win at home.
    Brighton, West Brom, Sheffield United and Burnley have also drawn a blank with Manchester City and Tottenham claiming just a single victory apiece.

    That leaves the Red Devils second-bottom in the home form table – conceding the most goals.
    Four sides, including United, Villa, Leicester and Spurs, boast 100 per cent records away from home in a sign that the lack of fans is continuing to have an impact on the entire division.
    The home-away discrepancy had Solskjaer baffled after the recent defeat to Arsenal, although he dismissed suggestions of a mental block whenever his side take to the Theatre of Dreams.

    The Norwegian stated: “I don’t think it’s a mental thing.
    “Home and away form is out the window with no fans in the stadium. You can’t look at that.
    “It doesn’t really mean too much. We played fantastic on Wednesday [beating RB Leipzig 5-0] and now we lose.”

    Harry Maguire says Man Utd are the biggest team in the world and that’s why everybody loves seeing them lose More

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    Troy Deeney predicts Premier League top four at end of season with under-fire Man Utd and Arsenal missing out

    TROY DEENEY believes Manchester United and Arsenal are BOTH set to miss out on the top-four this season.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Mikel Arteta have enjoyed good results in the early weeks of the campaign but major inconsistency has marred both sides’ form.

    ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    Troy Deeney does not think Manchester United or Arsenal will finish in the top fourCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    United bounced back from two defeats in a week to beat Everton on Saturday, moving them up to 14th.
    While Arsenal were beaten 3-0 at home by Aston Villa – their third defeat in four in the league.
    Fortunately for both sides, the mad nature of the Premier League in 2020-21 has kept them both within touching distance of the top half.

    Southampton sit fourth going into the international break with Leicester top, leaving pre-season favourites Manchester City tenth.
    Watford striker and SunSport columnist Deeney thinks the chaos will eventually simmer down to allow the usual suspects a place in the top four.
    He told talkSPORT: “I think it would be very naïve to say this early in the season that top four was done. This season is crazy.
    “You are going to see some unbelievable results you never thought you’d see.

    “Who thought we’d see Villa beat Liverpool the way they did, and the way they beat Arsenal in the manner they did.

    Arsenal fell to a demoralising 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa on SundayCredit: Getty – Pool

    Manchester United had themselves lost to the Gunners only a week earlierCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    “I think the top four, personally, will have Spurs, Liverpool, Chelsea and [Man] City. Not in that order.
    “I still think Liverpool will win it; City second and then it’s a toss up between Spurs and Chelsea.”
    Tottenham left it late to beat West Brom at the weekend, leapfrogging Liverpool into second.
    And Chelsea are three points off the leaders having comfortably beaten Sheffield United.
    That victory left fellow pundit Ally McCoist agreeing with Deeney, but putting City down as his title favourites.
    He noted: “I have the exact same. I had City winning the league but I did have the option of changing it after the window closed.

    “I’ve been so impressed with Liverpool’s signing of Jota and the way he’s started.
    “I said City so I’m going to have to stick with that.
    “I definitely think the top two will be City and Liverpool. I agree with you – it will be Chelsea and Tottenham.
    “I’m more convinced Chelsea will be in the top four than Tottenham.”

    Arteta says Arsenal are inconsistent and something needs to be improved More

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    Watch Edinson Cavani score first Man Utd goal after unselfish Bruno Fernandes passes up hat-trick chance to assist him

    EDINSON CAVANI scored his first Manchester United goal in a 3-1 win against Everton – and had selfless team-mate Bruno Fernandes to thank for it.
    The Toffees were caught on the break as they pushed for a late equaliser.

    ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    Bruno Fernandes was on a hat-trick with a chance to bag his third…And he laid it on a plate for Edinson Cavani to score his first Premier League goal 🙌A big result for Solskjaer and Man Utd! pic.twitter.com/roxOZZScer
    — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 7, 2020

    Edinson Cavani scored his first goal for Manchester United after joining on a free transferCredit: Getty – Pool

    Cavani rushed to hug Fernandes after the Portuguese star’s selfless pass gave him his first goalCredit: AFP or licensors
    The pitch opened up and United were able to unleash a four-on-two attack.
    Fernandes could have fired at goal to complete his hat-trick, but unselfishly squared for Cavani.
    The Uruguayan, 33, made no mistake as he coolly fired past Jordan Pickford in the home goal.

    It was Cavani’s first goal for his new club having gone goalless in his opening four games.
    The former Paris Saint-Germain ace will hope it opens the floodgates.
    Speaking after the game, Fernandes said: “I don’t need to think about a hat-trick.
    “For a striker it is important to score for his confidence.

    “He will be important for us and the first goal will give him confidence.”
    As well as Cavani, the 3-1 win will ease some of the pressure on Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
    The Norwegian has come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks after a string of bad results, most-recently in the shock 2-1 defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir.
    And Solskjaer would have feared the worst ahead of kick-off too after all THREE of his United predecessors – David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho – all lost their jobs on Merseyside.

    The joy was etched on Cavani’s face after finally getting his first Man Utd goalCredit: EPA

    And when Bernard gave Everton the lead early on, Solskjaer must have been fearing the worst.
    Fernandes got United level with a header shortly after.
    And, five minutes later, his cross for Marcus Rashford missed everyone and snuck in off the far post to put his side in front.
    With Everton pressing to avoid their third straight defeat, they over-committed in attack.
    And United, led by Fernandes and Cavani, took full advantage in the fifth minute of four to be added on.

    Man Utd ace David De Gea doesn’t let a single ball get past him in practise More

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    Patrice Evra demands Man Utd replace the board NOT manager alongside Instagram post of himself riding a camel

    MANCHESTER UNITED hero Patrice Evra has called on the club’s board to be sacked before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer loses his job.
    The Norwegian is once again under pressure following two disappointing defeats in a week.

    ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    Patrice Evra posted a photo of himself on a camel in his latest critique of the Manchester United boardCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The prospect of Mauricio Pochettino being asked to take over at Old Trafford continues to loom over Solskjaer.
    But the manager’s old team-mate believes there are bigger problems at Manchester United.
    Evra considered the argument for sacking Solskjaer in an Instagram post he put online on Friday.

    Sat atop a camel while in a Red Devils top, he captioned the snap: “New manager..?🤣🤣 What about new board.”
    The people in charge of the club, particularly executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and the Glazer family, have long been criticised for failing to deliver success since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.
    A quiet summer transfer window broke out into a late spending spree, which saw Amad Diallo, Alex Telles and Edinson Cavani among those brought in as the deadline approached.

    Questions have been asked over who exactly is calling the shots in the transfer market with newboy Donny van de Beek yet to start a Premier League game.

    Saturday lunchtime’s trip to Everton is considered yet another key moment in Solskjaer’s time in the dugout.
    But the 47-year-old says he is confident that he will keep his job regardless of the result.
    He told reporters: “Yeah, why shouldn’t I be? If I don’t trust my belief and values and staff’s quality and players’ quality, who else should?
    “I don’t look at one or two results and fall like a house of cards, it’s a setback, definitely.
    “But there’s been too much made of not scoring against Arsenal and Chelsea, there’s been nothing in those games and it’s not long ago we were the best thing since sliced bread against Leipzig and PSG.”

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is once again fighting for his job after a tough start to the seasonCredit: Reuters

    Ed Woodward has also come in for heavy criticism from fansCredit: PA:Press Association
    This is not the first time Evra has slammed the way United is being run.
    As a five-time Premier League winner in almost a decade with the club, the 39-year-old has never hid his desire to see the Red Devils excel.
    Evra has previously criticised Woodward for how his move to Juventus was handled.
    And the former left-back was left stunned by United’s shock 6-1 defeat at the hands of Tottenham earlier in the season.

    He said on Sky Sports: “I’m a positive person and I never want to talk about United because when you tell the truth it can hurt and I’m passionate and I love my club.
    “I know you have to have some filter when you talk on TV, but it’s a shambles.
    “Tonight, no-one has any excuse, they let down all the United fans. And I don’t care about the result because I’ve been beaten 6-1.
    “It’s just about every year it’s the same story. I feel now what all the United fans [feel].”

    Patrice Evra eats cooked chicken in bizarre ‘upgrade’ to infamous video of Man Utd legend licking raw meat More

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    Man Utd’s five most promising wonderkids including ‘little Xavi or Iniesta’ Galbraith and Hannibal Mejbri

    MANCHESTER UNITED are always on the lookout for top talent and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a plethora of young stars emerging from the club’s academy.
    Mason Greenwood, Brandon Williams and Dean Henderson have all made the step up to the first-team in recent times.

    ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    Hannibal Mejbri, 17, is one of several star youngsters in the Manchester United academyCredit: PA:Press Association
    And there are plenty more wonderkids on the way, from technical playmakers to sturdy centre-backs.
    Here, SunSport looks at the top five United starlets to get excited about.
    Ethan Galbraith (centre-midfield, 19)
    The Red Devils have bred a number of powerhouse central midfielders over the years and Galbraith, who made his debut for club and country last year, may be the latest.

    The Northern-Irishman joined the club in 2017 and has already been praised for his control and vision on the ball.
    Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough recently said: “Ethan, over the last six months, we’ve seen a maturity in his play and the way he goes about his work day to day.
    “Not to put too much pressure on his shoulders, but he’s our little Iniesta or Xavi.”

    Ethan Galbraith, 19, has been likened to Andres IniestaCredit: The Mega Agency
    Teden Mengi (centre-back, 18)
    While Galbraith remains with the Under-23s, defender Mengi has already made the senior side’s bench four times this season.

    Described as a late bloomer, the Manchester-born ace only joined in 2018 and was quickly promoted to captain the U18s.
    All things considered, Mengi is a bit of a speedster and, after a debut in May, he earned rave reviews for leading the U23s to a 6-0 win over League Two Salford in the EFL Trophy.
    He said after that September rout: “For me I am not looking too far ahead just working as hard as I can.
    “I look at the next game and the game after that and if the opportunity comes, it comes.”

    Teden Mengi (right), 18, is now a regular in first-team training sessionsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Ethan Laird (right-back, 19)
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka may have the right-back slot locked down for years to come but teenage prospect Laird could be one to provide some extra competition.
    Solskjaer gave the 19-year-old two runouts in the Europa League last season having impressed at U23 level.
    A United player since the age of nine, England U19 international Laird signed a new contract to 2023 earlier this year.
    However he will have to overcome a difficult year in terms of injuries, one which he admitted to be “sulking” about when the problems first arose.

    Ethan Laird, 19, made his senior debut against Astana last seasonCredit: AFP
    James Garner (centre-midfield, 19)
    Garner was the first of these wonderkids to make the United bench, doing so in January of last year, and is currently on loan at Watford.
    Red Devils fans are hoping to get a good look at the playmaker from his stint at Vicarage Road, with Tom Cleverley one former United prodigy who enjoyed his spell with the Hornets.
    Watford boss Vladimir Ivic has played the 19-year-old in each of the nine Championship games since he arrived, saying in September: “He is one of the most talented players in England.
    “He is a quality player with the ball, he knows how to move the ball fast and he thinks fast which is very important.”

    James Garner, 19, is on loan and impressing at Championship club WatfordCredit: PA:Press Association

    Hannibal Mejbri (attacking midfield, 17)
    As a £9million signing at just 17, there is a lot of pressure on Mejbri’s shoulders.
    But the Frenchman will be just fine if his at-ease style on the pitch is anything to go by.
    An effortlessly classy attacking midfielder, he first set fans’ pulses racing with a delightful assist in the aforementioned rout of Salford.
    And he added to his portfolio with a tasty outside-of-the-boot finish in the U23’s 5-2 win over Brighton on Friday.

    Our #MUAcademy U23s currently lead Brighton 2-0 after goals from Shola Shoretire and this Hannibal effort in the first half! 👏#MUFC
    — Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 6, 2020

    Man United wonderkid Hannibal Mejbri scores sleek goal vs Man City U18s More

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    Man Utd boss Solskjaer refuses to comment on future after ‘unforgivable’ defending in Istanbul humbling

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER refused to say if he feared for his job after a defensive horror show in Turkey saw Manchester United go down 2-1 to Istanbul Basaksehir.
    That is their second consecutive defeat after losing a third home league game on Sunday to Arsenal, which left them 15th in the Premier League.

    ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rued Manchester United’s defending on Wednesday nightCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Demba Ba popped up to strike a surprise opener in IstanbulCredit: Reuters
    When asked about his position, Solskjaer said: “I decline to comment.
    “It is early and opinions are out there all the time.
    “I have got to stay strong. I am employed by the club to do a job and will do it to the best of my ability.”

    Solskjaer described his team’s defending as ‘unforgiveable’ as they went behind to Demba Ba’s 12th minute opener having left the veteran striker completely free on the break.
    Edin Visca added a second on 40 minutes before Anthony Martial got one back three minutes later – but United had only one more effort on target.
    Manager Solskjaer said: “The performance was not good enough against a team that worked and ran.

    “The first goal when you play a short corner and forget about the man up top, that is unforgivable.

    “We have not done our duties there and it is my responsibility. We have played a short corner but forgot our defensive duties.
    “For the second one we were not very organised to counter press.
    “They were two soft goals we gave away and then there was not enough to come back in the second-half.”
    Solskjaer now has to pick his team up for a lunchtime kick-off away to Everton on Saturday.
    He said: “Of course the last two results have been a punch in the stomach.

    “The only way I know to respond, and I hope the players do as well, is to get your act together together for the Everton game.
    “I am glad we have got a game already on Saturday.”
    It was United’s first defeat in Group H after victories over Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig.

    Man Utd legends van Persie and Scholes tears into the defence during Istanbul Basaksehir Champions League tie More

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    Istanbul 2 Man Utd 1: Sloppy Red Devils stunned as Demba Ba pops up to end strong Champions League start

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S dismal Premier League form carried over into Europe as they crashed to a humiliating Champions League defeat against the Group H whipping boys.
    This was every bit as depressing as their 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal on Sunday and his latest shocker is certain to pile the pressure on United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who took a big gamble by making six changes.

    ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    Demba Ba struck early to help Istanbul Basaksehir to a famous winCredit: Reuters

    Edin Visca bagged the second for his side’s first points of the group stageCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    He could hardly have been expected to field an unchanged side after that dismal showing, but his line-up here still smacked of over-confidence.
    Basaksehir had hardly managed a shot, let alone a goal, in their two previous Champions League encounters, going down 2-0 to both RB Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain – teams United had swept aside in their opening games.
    But it took the Turkish side just 12 minutes to open their account here, with the entire United defence deserving an assist as 35-year-old Demba Ba ran half the length of the field before scoring.  

    And Edin Vasca took advantage of more non-existent defending to make it 2-0, before Antony Martial’s strike gave United false hope of saving face.
    Ba took his goal with some aplomb, although even he must have been surprised to find himself in acres of space near the halfway line, as he latched onto Visca’s long clearance from a United corner.
    Nemanja Matic was the closest player to Ba but he could not close the gap as the Senegal striker chested the ball down, cut infield, and coolly rolled it past Dean Henderson as he charged off his line.
    The United back four looked accusingly at each other as Henderson picked the ball out of the net.

    The goals against us….please tell me someone is going nuts in that changing room and people are being made accountable.The shape of the team when we lose the ball for the 1st goal 🤬😱🤯#mufc pic.twitter.com/V7aq0rvBYL
    — Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) November 4, 2020

    And United could not pretend they did not know what a threat Ba can pose, even though he is in the twilight of his career.
    During his Newcastle days he scored against them in both matches of the 2011-12 season, and the following season he got the only goal when Chelsea knocked United out in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
    And who could ever forget the way he took advantage of Steven Gerrard’s slip to score the goal that denied Liverpool the Premier League title six years ago?
    With the visitors’ defence continuing to look a complete shambles – despite Harry Maguire’s pre-match insistence the squad was full of leaders – Basaksehir clearly scented blood.
    They should have been two up after 33 minutes when Boli Bolingoli was allowed to race unchallenged down the left flank, before picking out Danijel Aleksic with a pinpoint cross.
    The Serbian player had been left unmarked – surprise, surprise – just eight yards from goal, but he directed his downward header straight at a relieved Henderson.
    It proved a short-lived reprieve. Five minutes before the beak the Turkish side scored a superb second goal, and again they exploited the fact right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka seemed to have no support on his flank.
    This time it was Deniz Turuc who curled the ball in, and a lovely step-over from Ba completely flummoxed the United defence, allowing Visca to smash the ball past the despairing Henderson.

    Manchester United were left scratching their heads at the defeatCredit: AP:Associated Press

    Basaksehir became the latest Istanbul club to haunt the Red DevilsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    The pressure is back on Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: AP:Associated Press

    Anthony Martial’s smart header could not spark a comebackCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    United needed to respond – and quickly. And that is exactly what they did, thanks to a clever bit of trickery from Luke Shaw.
    He skipped over the challenge of former United favourite Rafael – who had earlier distinguished himself with a brave block to smother an effort from Martial – and took a quick look up before delivering his cross.
    Martial had drifted between the two Basaksehir central defenders and made no mistake with a firm downward header.
    That 42nd-minute strike could not cover United’s shortcomings, and Solskjaer decided reshuffle his side at half time.
    He sent on Scott McTominay at the start of the second-half, with Nemanja Matic switching from a holding midfield role to slot in alongside Maguire in place of Axel Tuanzebe, who had looked the most nervous of the United back four.
    And there were a couple more changes just after the hour, with Paul Pogba replacing Donny van de Beek and Edinson Cavani on in place of the ineffective Juan Mata.
    But those changes failed to inject added impetus to the United efforts.
    Their only worthwhile attempt at goal came from a Bruno Fernandes free kick, which beat the defensive wall but arrived at a good height for Mert Gunok to fist the ball away.

    Dean Henderson was left stranded by his defence on a rare start for the goalkeeperCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    United were unable to capitalise on a strong start in Group HCredit: EPA

    It was hard to know whether Pogba was trying to shoot or cross the ball when he hooked it high over the far post – but that seemed typical of a hopelessly disjointed United display.
    There was another double change on 77 minutes with Mason Greenwood and Timothy Fosu-Mensah getting a run at the expense of Marcus Rashford and Wan-Bissaka.
    It smacked of desperation, and the closest United came to an equaliser was when Basaksehir almost conceded an own goal in stoppage time.
    But justice was done when Alexandru Epureanu hooked the ball clear before it crossed the line.

    Man Utd boss Solskjaer refuses to comment on future after ‘unforgivable’ defending in Istanbul humbling More