MANCHESTER UNITED beat Watford 1-0 in their third round FA Cup clash thanks to an early header from Scott McTominay.
Meanwhile on the transfer front, the Red Devils confirmed the signing of Amad Diallo from Atalanta, while we've the latest on potential target Jack Grealish.
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- Alex Terrell
EXCLUSIVE
Roy Keane wants a managerial comeback — despite his success as a TV pundit, writes ALAN NIXON.
The fiery Irishman has told pals he is itching to be a boss again and get the day-to-day involvement at a club that he is missing.
Keane, 49, has had a chequered career in management.
He was initially a huge success at Sunderland before spells with Ipswich, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest and the Republic of Ireland.
Since then Keane has emerged as one of the best and most outspoken commentators on the game with Sky, but now it may be time to get the tracksuit back on.
Keane has been visiting his old pals at Manchester United when he can, checking in to their training HQ on the quiet.
- Alex Terrell
BAILL OUT?
Manchester United could be without Eric Bailly for the Premier League games against Burnley and Liverpool after the defender picked up a neck injury against Watford.
Speaking after the cup triumph, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: "It’s his neck I think.
“His head is fine. There is no concussion or anything like that. But we have got to do scans.”
The player himself also moved to reassure fans as he tweeted: "I am OK. It was just a knock."
Replacement Axel Tuanzebe said: “He’s alright, it’s good to see, he’s a warrior, he gets in the way of things.
"It’s good to see he's alright and I'm sure he'll be training this week."
- Jack Figg
GOOD MORNING, UTD FANS
Mason Greenwood and Donny van de Beek blew their chance to impress boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as United scraped past Watford in the FA Cup.
First-time skipper Scott McTominay's early header sent United into tonight's last-32 and last-16 draws.
But Greenwood, battling for a regular start up front, and rarely-used Holland midfielder Donny van de Beek performed tamely.
Instead it was Jesse Lingard who did the most from his own rare start, albeit tiring after the break.
On the transfer front, United are reportedly leading Arsenal and AC Milan in the battle for Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare.
The France Under-21 star has 18 months left on his contract.
But Bayern Munich defender David Alaba is regarded as more likely to join Real Madrid next summer than move to Old Trafford.
And finally, defender Ethan Laird, 19, is off to MK Dons on loan for the rest of the season.
He said: “This is the perfect place for me to continue developing. They are aggressive, they like to get in behind and they leave it all out on the pitch and that’s my idea of football.”
- Ian Tuckey
KEANE ON ANOTHER BOSS JOB
Roy Keane wants a managerial comeback — despite his success as a TV pundit.
The fiery Irishman has told pals he is itching to be a boss again and get the day-to-day involvement at a club that he is missing.
Keane, 49, has had a chequered career in management.
He was initially a huge success at Sunderland before spells with Ipswich, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest and the Republic of Ireland.
Since then Keane has emerged as one of the best and most outspoken commentators on the game with Sky, but now it may be time to get the tracksuit back on.
Keane has been visiting his old pals at Manchester United when he can, checking in to their training HQ on the quiet.
There may be a route back into the game for him at his old club despite some of his savage remarks about players.
Keane has always stood up for his mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and recently has been more mellow in his analysis of their side.
- Ian Tuckey
UTD SUB RATINGS
Harry Maguire (for Bailly 45') – 6
Would have been hoping for a rare night off but replaced the injured Eric Bailly just before half-time.
Some trademark headers and clearances but was rarely troubled. Went close with a header at the other end late on.
Anthony Martial (for Greenwood 69') – 6
Brought on for Mason Greenwood to add a spark but did not have a sniff.
Marcus Rashford (for James 69') – 6
A great run down the left minutes after coming on but his shot was straight at the keeper.
Nemanja Matic (for Lingard 79’) – 6
Replaced Jesse Lingard to close the game out and got through the last 10 minutes unruffled.
- Ian Tuckey
MORE UTD RATINGS
Jesse Lingard – 5
No disaster but did little to suggest he will be anywhere near the league side anytime soon.
Kept things neat and tidy but failed to impose himself in his first start since September.
Mason Greenwood – 5
A quiet night after being handed a golden chance to make the lone striker’s position his own.
Could not get in the game and barely had a sight of goal before being replaced by Anthony Martial.
- Ian Tuckey
UTD RATINGS CONTINUED
Donny van de Beek – 7
A sublime flick to put Juan Mata in on goal was the one moment of pure class in a dull tie.
Dictated the play early on with plenty of the ball and, after three minutes in United’s previous four games, the Dutchman has to be close to a run of starts in the league.
Daniel James – 6
A lively start but his decision-making and finishing continues to frustrate.
Blew a couple of decent chances before being replaced as United faded as an attacking force.
Juan Mata – 6
Should have scored on his left peg after being beautifully played in by Donny van de Beek.
On his 400th game in English football, the Spaniard found some promising positions but failed to get the United attack purring.
- Ian Tuckey
MAN UTD RATINGS CONTINUED
Axel Tuanzebe – 7
Solid and composed in a rare start for the 23-year-old.
An important goal-line clearance in the first half kept things level before keeping Watford chances down to a minimum in the second.
Alex Telles – 7
The Brazilian’s outswinging corner was met by Scott McTominay to get United up and running, before a carbon copy was nodded wide by Eric Bailly.
Recovered well against the dangerous Ismaila Sarr having got himself in a muddle a couple of times.
Scott McTominay – 8
A dream night. Captain for the first time, McTominay’s header got United up and running inside five minutes.
But just like legendary skippers Bryan Robson and Roy Keane, the midfielder did the dirty work at the back with some pivotal interventions.
- Ian Tuckey
MAN UTD RATINGS VS WATFORD
Dean Henderson – 6
Raced off his line early on to save from Adam Masina but looked frantic and had a couple of uncomfortable moments in the first-half.
KO’d Eric Bailly, was nearly caught out in no man’s land haring out of his box, and his distribution was mixed. Barely tested by Watford as the Hornets chased an equaliser.
Brandon Williams – 6
Aggressive and assured in the unfamiliar right-back role, although it was far from a tough night with Watford’s limited threat coming down the opposite flank.
Offered little going forward as the Red Devils struggled to open Watford up.
Eric Bailly – 6
A couple of loose balls and nervy moments at the back, and flashed a free header wide at the other end.
Replaced by Harry Maguire just before the break after being clattered by Dean Henderson.
- Ian Tuckey
KING COULD BECOME A TOFF
Everton and Bournemouth are talking about a swap deal for unsettled striker Joshua King, who was a summer target for Man Utd.
The Cherries want to get some money for the Norwegian before he quits for nothing at the end of the season.
Bournemouth are also pushing for an exchange deal for the 28-year-old hitman.
The Championship side are keen on Toffees’ young centre-half Jarrad Branthwaite, 18, and right-back Jonjoe Kenny, 23, if either were available and willing to step down to ignite their promotion chase.
Everton have a long-term interest in King but have refused to pay the fee in the past.
They could do with extra cover in attack and would take him if he was interested.
- Ian Tuckey
RESULT: MAN UTD 1 WATFORD 0
Scott McTominay's early goal sunk the Championship Hornets but it was a scrappy win for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men.
Nonetheless, Watford failed to create a decent chance as United reached the FA Cup last 32.
- Ian Tuckey
LATEST: MAN UTD 1 WATFORD 0
United have struggled for fluency but still lead through McTominay's early opener.
Watford have created the better chances early in the second period.
United midfielder Jesse Lingard fends off Watford counterpart Will Hughes Credit: PA:Press Association - Ian Tuckey
SOUM YOU WIN
Man Utd are reportedly leading Arsenal in the race to sign Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare.
The 21-year-old could soon be on his way out as he has just 18 months left on his deal.
And Italian journalist Vito Angele has said the Red Devils are in pole position, with his price tag putting off AC Milan.
Speaking on the Italian Football Podcast, he said: “He is an important player but I don’t think he will be coming to Serie A.
“Man Utd are working on him and they are the favourites to sign him right now.
“Lille are also asking a high price for him which is too much for Milan.”
- Joe Brophy
GREAT SCOT
Scott McTominay has continued his recent good form in front of goal for Manchester United with the opener against Watford.
- Joe Brophy
ICYMI
Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has yet again spoken of how Manchester United missed the chance to sign him.
The Brazilian forward is one of the hottest talents in world football, and Red Devils fans will be furious that the club passed on the opportunity to bring him to Old Trafford.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: “For three or four years, I used to practise at Manchester United.
“I would come to England, usually in the middle of the year, for about 15 or 20 days.
“It was a great experience, because I could find how European players behaved, how they defend, how they attack, how fast it is in their game.
“I improved a lot and brought it all back with me to Brazil, always trying to secure my place in the team. My dream was to play in Europe and these practices in England helped me do it.”
Credit: PA:Press Association
- Joe Brophy
GARD UP
Jesse Lingard is one of many changes in Manchester United's line-up for the FA Cup clash against Watford tonight.
- Joe Brophy
WILL HE OR WON'T HE?
Manchester United defender Brandon Williams is reportedly keen on a move to Newcastle.
The Newcastle Chronicle claim the England star is chasing a loan switch to link up with Steve Bruce's side for the rest of the season.
Everton are also said to be interested in Williams but the 20-year-old prefers the Magpies where he has a better chance of first-team football.
- Joe Brophy
BECK TO WORK
David Beckham returned to Inter Miami admitting there is 'lots of work ahead'.
The Manchester United legend admitted he was grateful to be back in Miami as he prepares for the start of the season.
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- Joe Brophy
GREEN-GOOD
Ben Foster has paid the ultimate compliment to Mason Greenwood – by admitting he is the type of forward that 'p* a goalkeeper off'.
He told the club's official website: “United have some really talented forwards in today’s team, and the one that stands out is Mason Greenwood.
“A massive thing for a striker, which p* a goalkeeper off more than anything, is where they shoot without you even thinking they’re about to kick it. They’re running with it and suddenly, with no backlift, BANG, like Jermain Defoe… They pull it out of nowhere and catch the keeper by surprise.
“Greenwood has got that, but with both feet as well, which is special. He cannot only kick it really well and really hard with both feet, but he’s so accurate, too. For a young lad to be able to do that at that age is very, very promising.
“The goal he scored against me last season was a thing of beauty. He just took it down and BANG, goal. I was thinking: 'Woah. Fair enough. Fair dos lad'. I’ve played the game a long time and there’s not many players who can do that.”
- Joe Brophy
HEN HEARTY
Henrikh Mkhitaryan's Roma contract has been extended until June 2022, rewarding the Manchester United flop's sparkling start to the season.
The Armenia skipper was Europe's top midfielder for goals and assists before Christmas.
Mkhitaryan's 12 goal involvements by December 21, including netting seven times, put him one ahead of Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and Marseille's Florian Thauvin.
- Jake Lambourne
RAM-OFF?
Zinedine Zidane is unsure whether Sergio Ramos will extend his Real Madrid deal.
Captain Ramos' contract expires this summer and fears are growing that he could make a shock exit in a similar fashion to Cristiano Ronaldo.
And Real boss Zidane has indicated Ramos could be heading for the exit door this summer.
He said: "Are we going to have a Cristiano case? I don't know what will happen with Ramos.
"He is here with us at the moment. We're just focused on [Saturday's] game [against Osasuna]."
- Jake Lambourne
CLEVER PLAYER
Former Man Utd midfielder Tom Cleverley has praised ex-team-mate Man Utd Darren Fletcher who is now a coach at Old Trafford.
Cleverley will come up against the Red Devils tonight when the two teams face each other in the FA Cup third round.
Speaking ahead of the match, he said: "For me he has all the attributes.
"There’s a few of us still in a WhatsApp group who played in that group at United and whenever Fletch has an opinion on something he’s the kind of guy you’d listen to, I’d trust his opinion.
"[He's] a very bright guy, his football intelligence and when he took those reserve team games when I was there he seemed a natural so it’s a very good appointment for Manchester United."
- Jake Lambourne
BAK OF THE NET
Man Utd are reportedly leading Arsenal in the race to sign Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare.
The 21-year-old could soon be on his way out as he has just 18 months left on his deal.
And Italian journalist Vito Angele has said the Red Devils are in pole position, with his price tag putting off AC Milan.
Speaking on the Italian Football Podcast, he said: "He is an important player but I don't think he will be coming to Serie A.
"Man Utd are working on him and they are the favourites to sign him right now.
"Lille are also asking a high price for him which is too much for Milan."
- Jake Lambourne
LOAN RANGER
Man Utd teenager Ethan Laird has joined MK Dons on loan for the rest of the season.
The talented defender will bid to secure regular football with the League One club.
The pacy 19-year-old told the MK Dons website: “I need to work my way into the team and get to know the lads, but I want to make as much of an impact as I can while I’m here. That’s something I’ll always hold myself too – how can I affect my teammates and the club in a positive way.
“This is the perfect place for me to continue developing, with the way the team play.
"They are aggressive, they like to get in behind and they leave it all out on the pitch and that's my idea of football."
- Jake Lambourne
UNRAVEL-ING AGAIN
Former Man Utd youth star Ravel Morrison has left ADO Den Haag after just four months.
The misfit had his contract terminated by mutual consent as his wasted football career continued.
The attacking midfielder moved to the Dutch side in September but only made five appearances before an early exit from the 11th club of his career.
Morrison was touted as a huge prospect at Old Trafford, having played in the same FA Youth Cup-winning side as Paul Pogba, but failed to make the grade and was shipped out to West Ham in 2012.
The 27-year-old has been dogged by disciplinary problems during his career and unable to settle at a club.
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