Manchester United Roundup: Club’s lost arrogance regained, Reserves reach quarterfinals, and more

The Hard Tackle brings to you all the various news doing the rounds involving Manchester United.

Manchester United are on the up and up. Three wins on the trot see them within 4 points of the top four. As the Red Devils and the rest of the world brace for some Christmas cheer, The Hard Tackle brings to you all the news in and around Manchester United.

Arrogance is back!

Manchester United great Gary Neville has claimed the club has regained much of their lost arrogance under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho. The former Red Devils defender have been very much vocal in the recent past about the absence of the United aura and the lack of attitude in the players.

He said, as quoted by Manchester Evening News, “When I go to Old Trafford and see a United shirt, I expect to see arrogance, confidence, the ­unexpected. I expect to be entertained to the very last minute. I saw something at Crystal Palace last week, it feels like United used to be. It feels like the spirit, the celebrating on the pitch at the end, the fans being with the players.”

Neville opined that the current squad looks to possess the arrogance that goes with the United shirt and the presence of personalities like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba along with Jose Mourinho lends largely to the return of the arrogance factor.

“This team that I see being ­developed now is better. It has ­character a bit of arrogance. Zlatan, Pogba. There’s an arrogance up top. There’s a guy up there who believes he is God. That’s Manchester United and what the fans expect. Now, as a fan, I like them more as a team – and a lot more in terms of personality and ­character.”

The last line seems to be the general echo from the large fan-base that Manchester United possess.

Silvestre leaves Director of Football post at Rennes

Time to move on to news about another former Manchester United defender. Daily Mail have reported that Mikael Silvestre has left the post of Director of Football at Rennes by mutual consent. Silvestre took the job up in July, 2015 and even though the club seems to be doing great, both in the league and in the transfer market, the Frenchman and the club have decided to part ways.

A statement on the official website of Stade Rennais FC read, “By mutual agreement, Stade Rennais Football Club and Mikael Silvestre have decided to put an end to their collaboration and to announce it officially today, in accordance with the commitments made by both parties.”

“Stade Rennais FC thanks Mikael for his services and wishes him all the best in his future endeavours.”

It would be interesting to see what Mikael Silvestre ventures into next, and if he chooses to stay in football.

Manchester United Reserves qualify for Quarters of Premier League International Cup

Manchester United Under-23, the reserves squad, faced Middlesbrough needing a draw to qualify to the Quarter Finals of the Premier League International Cup. And a draw is exactly what the Red Devils achieved as the game ended 2-2.

Goals from Demetri Mitchell and a converted penalty from Sean Goss handed the reserves a draw as United were unable to convert their chances.

The first half ended 0-0 after United were unable to take the lead despite a dominant display. Joshua Harrop hit a very weak penalty which was comfortably saved by the Boro keeper. Second-half, though, was a very open-ended affair as both the sides scored two a piece.

Former Reserves manager and current Wigan boss Warren Joyce was in the stands and would be proud to see the boys pull through to qualify for the Quarter-Finals of the Premier League International Cup as they sit comfortably atop Group B. After a disappointing FA Youth Cup campaign by the Under 18s, a triumph in this event would really bring some cheer in the camp.

Other News:

Jose Mourinho has iterated his desire to stay at Manchester United and said that he would be ready to sign a United extension in a heartbeat.

Manchester United are ready to offer £220,000 per-week to Dimitri Payet in an attempt to trump Arsenal and land the West Ham United superstar.

Chelsea have bowed out of the race to sign Real Madrid superstar James Rodriguez, who is also on the radar of Manchester United.

Liverpool are eyeing a shock move for Crystal Palace winger and former Manchester United player Wilfried Zaha.

Anthony Martial has hailed Zlatan Ibrahimovic as a perfect role model at Manchester United.

West Bromwich Albion have tabled a club-record £18m bid for Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin.