Manchester United will return to Premier League action when they welcome Arsenal at Old Trafford this afternoon (4:30pm).
Ruben Amorim’s side are winless in their last two games across all competitions, following the penalty shootout defeat to Fulham in the FA Cup and the 1-1 draw to Real Sociedad in the Europa League.
They currently sit 14th in the Premier League, having won just nine of their 26 games to date. West Ham, who sit 15th, are level 33 points while Everton, are a point behind in 16th place.
READ MORE: David de Gea gets Manchester United reunion as image emerges - 'what a joy'
READ MORE: Manchester United are facing unexpected consequence of Chido Obi promotion to first-team
Arsenal meanwhile, were dealt a blow in the title race after losing to West Ham and drawing away at Nottingham Forest in their last two league games. They sit 13 points from leaders Liverpool.
With that said, MEN Sport has taken a look at some of the stories being reported away from the pitch.
Jean-Philippe Mateta ‘talks’
French outlet L’Equipe claim the Crystal Palace star has been subject of ‘concrete interest’ from United ahead of the summer. As Mateta is set to have interest from a number of clubs at the end of the season, United have tried to move ahead of competition.
The report states the club have ‘already opened talks’ to sign the French forward. However, Palace are set to demand a reported fee of £40million.
He is currently out of action after requiring 25 stitches to repair his lacerated left ear after he was kicked in the head by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts during their FA Cup clash. Mateta who will join his team in Marbella for their training camp next week, could return for their Premier League clash with Fulham at the end of the month.
MEN Sport says: Mateta’s figures in the Premier League in the last few seasons is something that Man United could really benefit from. As we have seen this campaign, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have struggled to produce goals for the team and United have fallen short on a number of occasions.
With that said, Mateta’s pressure at Crystal Palace is a lot different from the pressure he would have at Old Trafford so this is something United must consider. If the club was to bring him in the summer, I believe it would work out better if another centre-forward like Viktor Gyokeres was brought in to support him.
Tottenham keen to beat Man United to transfer
Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo has been on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs, including United. Reports claimed Semenyo ‘sparked’ interest of the United hierarchy for his form on the south coast.
But as they are not alone in their pursuit, Caught Offside cites that Tottenham have made the 25-year-old a top target this summer and could test the waters with a £33m bid.
The report adds that Semenyo is keen for a ‘big move’ and wants to test himself at the highest level. Besides United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Napoli are also interested in the mix.
MEN Sport says: Antony’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain as he is set to come back at the end of the season. Following his agent’s comments about Ruben Amorim, it’s difficult to see the Brazilian having regular opportunities in the squad next season. With Alejandro Garnacho and Amad as the options currently, Semenyo would help to provide more depth in that area.
