08 February 2023 , 03:00
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As Manchester United prepare to take on Leeds United in their rearranged Premier League fixture, conversations around their neighbours Manchester City have hit the headlines.
City have been accused of more than 100 financial fair play breaches, with debate mounting over the potential punishment for the reigning Premier League champions. Unsurprisingly, United boss Erik ten Hag was quizzed on the matter in his latest press conference, and that is one of the latest talking points covered in today's round-up.
Elsewhere, United have been dealt an injury blow ahead of their match against a Leeds side without a manager after Jesse Marsch's sacking. Here are the latest news lines from around Old Trafford.
Fresh injury blow
After losing Casemiro to suspension, Manchester United will also be without Antony and Anthony Martial for their game against Leeds. The news comes after a number of previous injury blows, with the likes of Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek already ruled out.
Martial and McTominay both missed the Victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday, and are not ready to return. Antony's absence comes despite the Brazil international playing 80 minutes against the Eagles.
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"They [Martial and McTominay] are not involved tomorrow and the same with Antony," Ten Hag said at his pre-match press conference. "He is also not available tomorrow, so we will have to sort it out.”
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Where will Man Utd finish this season? Have your say in the comments section
Man Utd sit third after their weekend victory (Visionhaus/Getty Images)Final position predicted
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand expects his old employers to finish third this season. The Red Devils currently sit third in the table, three points behind second-place Manchester City and two clear of Newcastle United in fourth.
United have made hay during the break from European football, losing just once since returning from the World Cup break. They are already into the Carabao Cup final, and have more domestic games to come before their Europa League play-off against Barcelona.
"A lot of the other clubs around them aren’t being as consistent as them, while United have been picking up results," Ferdinand told William Hill. They’re still a bit off Arsenal and Man City, but I can see United finishing in that third spot in the Premier League this season, tying that up and really making that position their own."
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Erik ten Hag is focused on the task ahead (PA)Ten Hag on City
Erik ten Hag refused to be drawn into the situation engulfing Manchester City. An independent commission is due to rule on the charges brought against the 2021-22 champions, who will be unable to appeal any ruling before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
"I don't have an opinion because I'm not here for financial regulations, I am a football manager," Ten Hag said when quizzed on United's rivals. "I have to stick to that and others have to deal with that."
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Ten Hag also recognised the uncertainty around how Leeds will play in the light of Marsch's sacking. "We have to be aware of that so when Jesse Marsch was at Leeds it was clear how they played," he said.
"Now it's possible they change but it's also possible they don't. We will only find out on the pitch tomorrow but we need good anticipation on that so we know what to do."
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