Manchester United have no intention of lowering their £26m asking price for 28-year-old England forward Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at Barcelona. (Mail), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
On the latest episode of The Devils' Advocate, Gaz Drinkwater joins Joe McGath from Tenerife as they look ahead to Manchester United's first trip to Everton's new stadium and another meeting with former manager David Moyes.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
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Alex Turk
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesWe are now seriously starting to feel the effects of Manchester United's recent failures, and it serves as a timely reminder of the importance of a strong end to the season.
A 13-day break between the 1-1 draw at West Ham and United's next game, Monday's trip to Everton, is unprecedented in February.
But that is the result of no European football to enjoy during the weeks, thanks to a 15th-place finish and Europa League final defeat last season.
While other clubs continued their FA Cup adventures at the weekend, United fans were forced to do other things with their lives.
If there was any season to go on a cup run, it was this one. Yet, we watched first-hurdle exits against League Two Grimsby Town and crisis club Brighton in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup respectively.
The worst part is that this prolonged absence from watching Michael Carrick's resurgent Red Devils is only just the beginning.
There will be 11 days between the 4 March match up at Newcastle United and the crunch clash against Aston Villa on 15 March.
There will be at 21 days between the 20 March visit to Bournemouth and hosting Leeds United at Old Trafford on the weekend commencing 11 April.
The breaks might be welcome for some players vying to stay fit for the summer's World Cup after the frantic schedule of recent years.
However, this is not a schedule United can get used to. It has only emphasised the fact that anything other than a return to Europe next season would be catastrophic.
Carrick's side are in a good position, sitting in fourth with 12 games to go and five Champions League places for England all but confirmed
But Chelsea and Liverpool, both strongly tipped to finish higher at the dawn of the campaign, are trailing by one and three points respectively.
Nobody show Roy Keane this acceptance of a drop in standards, but even if United slip into the Europa League spots, it would be a successful season.
Any European commitments would be a success compared to this.
Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC, external
Manchester United are considering a move to sign Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, 27, from Liverpool, with the World Cup winner potentially set to leave Anfield this summer. (Star), external
Meanwhile, United will continue to monitor Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney before the summer transfer window, with Leeds, Tottenham and Everton also interested in the 23-year-old. (Teamtalk), external
Finally, Manchester United have denied making contact with Jurgen Klopp's agent after he said the club made an enquiry about the former Liverpool manager taking over at Old Trafford. (Sky Sports), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Manchester United and Arsenal are interested in bringing AC Milan and United States forward Christian Pulisic, 27, back to the Premier League, with Tottenham also in the mix. The former Chelsea man would be available for 70m-80m euros (£61m-£70m). (Caught Offside), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United striker Chido Obi
Manchester United's youth coaches are working with 18-year-old striker Chido Obi to develop his game.
The Denmark Under-21 forward made eight appearances for United's senior side under Ruben Amorim last season but has not been called into a single first team squad this season.
Rather than a sign of regression, influential figures at United feel it is a natural part of Chido's progress given his size has previously been such an advantage.
The striker scored in United's excellent 3-1 Premier League Under-18 win at Manchester City on Saturday, but more notable was his all-round game, including a willingness to get involved in the defensive side of the game.
United feel any assessment of the player has to take his age into account as, given his exposure last season, it is easy to think Chido is older than he is.
The forward is set to keep his place for Wednesday's FA Youth Cup last-16 tie at Oxford, when midfielder Jim Thwaites, who scored United's third in a game 15-year-old JJ Gabriel opened the scoring in, could start after returning from injury with two outings as a substitute.
Paris St-Germain are prepared to rival Premier League clubs Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham with a £100m bid for Brighton's 22-year-old Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external
Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are among the Premier League clubs keeping a close eye on Club Brugge and Serbia midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic, 20. (Teamtalk), external
United are increasingly confident England defender Harry Maguire, 32, will extend his Old Trafford contract beyond the end of this season. (Teamtalk), external
United are expected to send club representatives to watch Juventus' 25-year-old France defender Pierre Kalulu when his side face Inter Milan on Saturday. (Tuttosport - in Italian), external
Manchester United are tracking Gambia and Tromso defender Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh, 19, and Valencia's Spanish centre-back Hugo Fernandez, 18. (Mail - subscription required), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesRecently, Liverpool and the Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk said former players-turned-pundits have a responsibility when discussing the performances of the current generation of footballers.
He believes they can stray into "clickbait" and have a possible impact on players' mental health.
On Thursday's episode of the More than the Score podcast, former Scotland international Pat Nevin and chief sports editor for Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf Marcel van der Kraan join John Bennett to discuss and analyse the modern world of punditry and the impact it can have on players and managers alike.
"As a player you do tend to take it to heart, especially when it feels a little personal," said Nevin.
"Generally, it isn't personal and the pundit is just having their opinion and we all kind of know where the lines are. But, the lines have been jumped over more often in recent years and I think Van Dijk is right about that.
"Because of the clickbait, it is so much easier to get more likes, views and work if you're a little bit more extreme. Ex-players aren't stupid and they know that. If you are too sensible and sit on the fence you won't get the big gigs.
"You have a dichotomy. Most ex-players would like to be balanced but they know if they are too balanced and sensible they won't be there next week.
"My criticism would always be constructive criticism which is explained. One-dimensional labeling of players should never happen. Sometimes if a big name says something enough it becomes accepted wisdom."
Van der Kraan added: "There are two different kinds of pundits; those who need to be on every week and those who are genuinely focused on what is right and what players should do.
"For Van Dijk, after so many years enough is enough.
"It all started after he came into the Netherlands team and became a big player at Liverpool. The first ex-player to really criticise him was Marco van Basten, saying he was not a leader. Van Dijk was biting his lip after every match because it became a bit of a stigma.
"Eventually it filtered to England and every time he had a bad game it became an open nerve."
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United prides itself on being inclusive and welcoming, the club said in a statement following comments made by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The 73-year-old billionaire faced criticism after an interview, external on Thursday, where he said that the United Kingdom has been "colonised by immigrants" while raising concerns about the country's economy.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described his words as "offensive and wrong" and the minority stake holder has since apologised for "offending some people".
A Manchester United statement, external said: "Our diverse group of players, staff and global community of supporters, reflect the history and heritage of Manchester; a city that anyone can call home.
"We will continue to represent our people, our city and our fans with purpose and pride.
"Manchester United reflects the unity and resilience of all the communities we are so privileged to represent.
"We will continue to represent our people, our city and our fans with purpose and pride."
Flora Snelson
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, PA MediaSir Jim Ratcliffe has apologised for the language he chose to use in a discussion about immigration.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ratcliffe expressed regret that his language had "offended some people" but insisted it was "critical" that debate on challenges facing the UK remains open.
In an interview with Sky News on Wednesday, Ratcliffe had said: "You can't have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. I mean, the UK has been colonised. It's costing too much money.
"The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn't it?"
The Failsworth-born businessman, who owns a minority stake in Manchester United, then used incorrect figures in support of his point of view.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Ratcliffe to apologise for his comments, which he called "offensive and wrong."
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said that his remarks "go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood".
Ratcliffe's interview also drew criticism from the Manchester United Supporters Trust, who said: "Comments from the club's senior leadership should make inclusion easier, not harder."
On Thursday afternoon, Ratcliffe issued the following statement: "I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.
"My comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing in the UK.
"My intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone. It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK."
Follow the BBC News live page for the latest on this developing story
Image source, Getty ImagesThe Devils' Advocate podcast co-host Gaz Drinkwater says he could be tempted to give Michael Carrick the permanent manager's role come the end of the season.
"If he gets top four, I'd give it to him," Drinkwater said on this week's episode.
"If he comes between second and fourth, he gets the job 100%.
"But if you're asking me to choose now, you're asking me to make two gambles 'will we get us top four?' and 'is Luis Enrique a better option?'
"If you asked me to make the decision right now I'd be ringing up Luis Enrique. Because I just don't know how it'll go until the end of the season.
"Carrick is proving himself. If United finish sixth, he's done enough to prove himself with the run of results we'd have had to get to be sixth - for Premier League jobs.
"For teams that are mid-table or toward the bottom of the Premier League, he's proved himself to be able to get those jobs. He's too good to be assistant manager.
"If we were to get top four - which I think we will - then I'd give him the job."
Listen to the full episode here
Explore all Manchester United content on BBC Sounds
Former Marseille manager Roberto de Zerbi could be open to taking charge of Tottenham Hotspur, despite his initial preference to hold out for the Manchester United job. (TeamTalk), external
Manchester United are the frontrunners among a number of clubs who will try to sign Everton's 25-year-old Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye this summer. (Teamtalk), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
Pundits Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Somers to bring you the action and talking points from Tuesday's and Wednesday's Premier League fixtures.
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesGoalkeeper Senne Lammens says Manchester United can't use tiredness as an excuse for their below-par performance at West Ham.
Head Coach Michael Carrick agreed the first-half display in particular was "stodgy".
It lacked the intensity and focus of his previous games in charge, and had it not been for Lammens' excellent late save to deny Callum Wilson and Benjamin Sesko's brilliant equaliser deep into stoppage time, United's unbeaten record in the Premier League, which now stretches to nine games, would have been lost.
It was the first time United have had to play two games in a week since Carrick took over, although West Ham had slightly less time to prepare.
"Just because the last game was three days ago, you can't put excuses on it," said the Belgian international. "They also had a game.
"We have been used to playing one game a week, so you feel it a little bit in the legs I think.
"But if we want to be a team playing for the top, we can't use that as an excuse.
"We weren't that sharp and we need to learn from it.
"We'll play against teams like West Ham in the future and we need to be able to play against them."
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United boss Michael Carrick has confirmed his players will remain in the north-west during their first mini-break of the season.
United's FA Cup exit to Brighton means they have a 12-day break to their next match, at Everton, on 23 February.
They also have an 11-day break between the trip to Newcastle on 4 March and the home game with Aston Villa on 15 March. United then don't play their first match in April until the Old Trafford encounter with Leeds on the 11th, even though the internationals that precede it end on 31 March.
It had been anticipated United would fill either the current gap or the last one with a trip to Saudi Arabia to play a mid-season friendly.
Although that plan has not been completely dismissed, it is now looking unlikely.
In addition, in a break with recent tradition, it looks like United's pre-season this summer will feature several friendlies in different locations rather than be centred around a main tour.
Extended money-spinning trips have been a feature of United's summers for over two decades.
Excluding two Covid affected pre-seasons, they have gone to either the United States, Asia, South Africa or Australia every summer since 2003.
The last time they didn't venture so far afield was 2002, when they played matches in the Republic of Ireland, Norway, Denmark and two in the Netherlands, in addition to Chesterfield and Bournemouth, plus leading Argentine outfit Boca Juniors at Old Trafford.
United States playing host to the World Cup this summer significantly reduces the commercial value of a club tour this pre-season, while United went to Asia last May for a two-game post-season trip that took in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.
Final plans are still to be agreed but given United's strong fanbase, a return to Scandinavia, where they have also been frequent visitors in recent years, is thought likely.
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens says the club can be pleased with their 13-point haul from Michael Carrick's first five games in charge.
Although United lost their 100% record under Carrick and needed Benjamin Sesko's equaliser deep into injury time to salvage a point at West Ham, Chelsea's failure to beat Leeds means they remain in fourth spot heading into a break of almost two weeks before the trip to Everton on 23 February.
It's a more positive picture than the one Carrick walked into, following the failure to beat three relegation-threatened teams in Wolves, Leeds and Burnley, last month.
While there is still plenty of work to do for United to claim a coveted Champions League slot, Lammens feels they can be happy with recent results.
"We can be happy with the first five games with him as a coach," said the Belgium goalkeeper.
"The West Ham result was a little bit disappointing because we wanted to continue winning and now, being two weeks without a game, we wanted to go in that period with a good feeling.
"But it's a little bit less bad because we scored at the end."
Lammens feels the clarity of Carrick's messaging has been key to his successful integration.
The former United and England midfielder only had three days to work with his players before last month's Manchester derby.
"One of his strong suits is communication, being clear about what he wants," Lammens added. "We knew what we had to do and executed the plan.
"City and Arsenal were different kinds of games because we didn't really have to make it ourselves. It was more about being compact, playing from the counter and creating chances, which is one of our strong suits. We know we can do well against those teams.
"Against Fulham and Tottenham we had to play more of our game. It was not always the prettiest, but the result was there, which is the most important thing, and something we haven't really done all season."
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We asked for your thoughts after Tuesday's Premier League game between West Ham and Man Utd.
Here are some of your comments:
West Han fans
Manni: It's the first time in a long time that an atmosphere like that has been around the London Stadium! The energy was great and finally a feeling of togetherness! Keep that effort and we might be OK.
Joe: Would have took a point before a kick of the ball but I'm still gutted for the boys. Played really well and was undone by a wonder goal. If we keeping playing like this, we will have teams looking over their shoulder.
John: I was there last night. I'm sorry but despite the support and the energy we can't win important games. We will keep fighting and I would expect nothing less after the last two seasons but we will get relegated. We need too much from the teams above us. I can't see Spurs and or Forest continuing their bad form.
Harry: This result hurt. We were perfect for 95 minutes. Baffled at where they got seven minutes extra time from. The VAR check was quick, no injuries and not all subs were used. To say Man Utd deserve a point just because they attacked hard undermines the brilliant performance from our defenders who kept them out. With all that attack they could only register nine shots with three of those shots being on target. Although it hurts, the belief is back thanks to Nuno. West Ham won't get relegated if we can keep performing like that.
Adrian: We let them come on to us too much in the second quarter and were lucky not to concede. But this West Ham team is a level above the team that Nuno took over. It's really exciting to see them pulling together and the 12th man - us, the fans - is responding at last.
Man Utd fans
Nick: The first half was full of fear - we played at a walking pace. The second half only turned into a match once West Ham scored, and I don't understand why we didn't go after them from minute one.
Bernard: Clearly massive improvement on Amorim but we need to start coming out of defence with more energy and positivity. Martinez has shown in previous years that he can do this but this season has taken to walking out with the ball. And Luke Shaw has become entirely predictable in receiving the ball and just passing backwards. We are providing the opposition too much time to pack their defence and mark our players.
Bob: Looked like some of the players thought they only had to turn up to win and they forgot West Ham are fighting for survival.
Siggi: They were lethargic and at times not very interested. A pity as although West Ham are playing a little better while fighting for survival, they are only a mediocre team. We beat four stronger opponents on the trot recently. United will beat Everton when they next play.
John: West Ham executed their game plan excellently. All credit to them, but a brilliant point for us and loving the desire to fight until the end. Carrick is still unbeaten at United which is quite remarkable.
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United are a "force to be reckoned with again", says former Netherlands goalkeeper Tim Krul.
Benjamin Sesko's injury-time strike gave the Red Devils a 1-1 draw at West Ham and ensured they are unbeaten in five games under Michael Carrick.
"The fear factor of Manchester United is back, especially at Old Trafford - what a special place to play football, the fortress is back.
"That Fergie time is well and truly back. The belief. They would have hoped for three points but the unbeaten run is continuing."
Ellen White, who scored 52 goals for the Lionesses, praised Sesko's flicked equaliser.
The Slovenian has scored five goals in six games since Ruben Amorim's sacking - having netted just twice under the old boss.
"It was sublime, such a deft touch," she said. "He was outside the near post as well so to be able to get his toe to put it in the top corner was something special.
"He looks like he's gained a lot of confidence from having Carrick in charge and looks like a different player. He needs that confidence, an arm around his shoulder and I think Carrick has given him that."
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesMichael Carrick's initial victories over title challengers Manchester City and Arsenal were unexpected. The ones against Fulham and Tottenham were anticipated but did not arrive without problems that had to be solved.
Combined with the failings of Chelsea and Liverpool, the end outcome is United are fourth, with a handy, but by no means pivotal, advantage in the hunt for a Champions League return, something few could visualise in the wake of Ruben Amorim's dismissal following the draw at Leeds on 4 January.
"We know how hard it is to put a run together in this league," said Carrick, whose side are now unbeaten in nine league games, which spanned three managers, including initial interim Darren Fletcher.
"Sometimes it comes naturally, it flows and everything clicks. You look really dangerous and there's a spark. Sometimes it's a little bit stodgy."
The question being asked of Carrick is whether his side can deliver winning performances against opposition they are expected to beat.
Many felt West Ham were in that category, even though Nuno Espirito Santo's side were aiming for their fourth win in five league games and they had led Chelsea 2-0 in the one that got away.
Carrick did not manage a victory.
What he did do was take a risk to try to get something from a game that appeared lost.
When Manchester United drew against West Ham at Old Trafford in December, Ruben Amorim's only substitution involving an offensive player was Mason Mount for Joshua Zirkzee, 12 minutes from time.
His last change was one defender, Lisandro Martinez, for another, Luke Shaw. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and young forward Shea Lacey remained on the bench.
At London Stadium, Carrick gambled. Not so much with Benjamin Sesko replacing Matheus Cunha, who had been ineffective, a charge that could be levelled at all United's attacking players on this occasion.
It was through his introduction of Zirkzee for full-back Diogo Dalot eight minutes from time where the risk and reward element came.
Carrick switched to a back three and pushed men forward.
He knew there was a chance of conceding a second. It didn't happen, thanks to two superb saving tackles from another substitute, Leny Yoro, and a Senne Lammens save.
It meant as the clocked ticked past five minutes of injury time played of the seven added, Carrick's side still had a chance. Sesko's brilliant finish ensured they did not head home empty handed.
"It's always worth it to try and get something out of the game," said Carrick of his substitution.
"We all want the perfect kind of performance, to be the best we can be. Sometimes it doesn't quite happen, but it doesn't mean you give up."
It's an attitude straight out of the Sir Alex Ferguson playbook.
Crystal Palace may lower their £30m valuation of 28-year-old France striker and Manchester United target Jean-Philippe Mateta in the summer. (Football Insider), external
Defender Harry Maguire looks increasingly likely to sign a new contract at Old Trafford. (Mail - subscription required), external
United, along with Chelsea, are considering a move for Tromso's 19-year-old Gambia defender Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh. (Mail), external
Juventus and any other Serie A club would struggle to meet the salary of 25-year-old Newcastle United and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali, who is linked with Manchester United and Arsenal. (Athletic - subscription required), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
