25 November 2023 , 02:00
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Manchester United return to Premier League action after the international break hoping to put a miserable start behind them as they head into the Christmas period.
Pressure has ramped up on Erik ten Hag since the season kicked off in August, but back-to-back wins before the break has eased the tensions slightly, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe's now impending partial takeover offers a glimpse at a brighter future under fresh leadership.
But United have been dealt a tricky task on their return to action, as they faced a wounded Everton, dismayed by the 10-point deduction thrown their way by the Premier League. A hostile environment is expected as the Red Devils pitch up to Goodison Park on Sunday, with Ten Hag no doubt keen to get out with anything to show for United's efforts. Here's all the latest news from United ahead of the clash.
Ten Hag "happy" with huge boost
Erik ten Hag has been handed a welcome boost for the trip to Merseyside as Luke Shaw has been declared fit for selection. The left-back has been out of action since August but returned to training on Wednesday and Ten Hag confirmed he would be among the travelling party.
"Luke Shaw will be available for Sunday, he will be in the squad," said Ten Hag, who explained what the defender brings to his United side. "You can mention many things - physical, technical ability, it's clear. Long time this season we didn't have a left full-back. Very happy he is back. He will help us be more stable."
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
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Luke Shaw has been out with a hamstring injury but is in the squad to face Everton (Chloe Knott/Getty Images)Vidic "wasn't all that," claims Agbonlahor
Take a deep breath, United fans. Gabriel Agbonlahor has taken a shot at a club legend in the form of former centre-back Nemanja Vidic.
A cornerstone of Sir Alex Ferguson's second crop of European champions at United, Vidic earned a reputation as a no-nonsense defender, forming a solid partnership alongside Rio Ferdinand. A five-time Premier League winner, with a Champions League medal in his trophy cabinet among many other major honours, Vidic's status in the game is very much assured.
But former Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor feels the Serbian's talent has been largely overrated. He told talkSPORT: "Vidic wasn't all that! Van Dijk is better than Vidic. 100%. (Virgil) Van Dijk and (Vincent) Kompany over Vidic. JT ( John Terry ) and Rio (Ferdinand) are the best."
Read the full story here.
Cole slams Antony
From one United legend to another, but this time, former Red Devils striker Andy Cole is the one firing the criticism as he took aim at faltering winger Antony.
The Brazilian has largely underwhelmed since his £86m transfer with many widely believing United have significantly overpaid for his services. Treble winner Cole has put his name among the critics, comparing the acquisition of Antony to shopping at "Primark and Zara".
"I sometimes have to ask myself what Antony's strengths are? He doesn't take players on, he doesn't create chances and he doesn't score goals. So what are his strengths?" Cole told Betfred.
"We paid a massive amount of money for him...Are we not shopping in the same market?"
Read the full story here.
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