Man Utd news LIVE updates: Fabinho discusses move, Carrick mystery, Shaw exit

Manchester United news LIVE updates: Follow all the latest from Old Trafford

Tuesday October 31

Fabinho wanted move

Fabinho has revealed he was close to leaving Monaco in the summer.

The Midfielder was a target for PSG and Manchester United and admits he wanted to leave.

“During the window it was difficult because I was not sure if I would be staying,” he told Nice Matin. “I was closer to leaving than staying.

“Playing in that context as not good. My head was elsewhere. Unconsciously, I was not giving my maximum. I was not trying to give a bad image, I could never do that.

"I was frustrated at the end of the window but I have turned the page. I could not forget what the club had promised me. I was sure I was right and I thought about fighting for it.

“But I discussed it with my friends, my family, my agent, it was not an easy decision. The image it would have given was not me. Even if it was the only solution, I did not want to clash with the club.”

Mourinho slams boo boys

14:50: Jose Mourinho has criticised fans for booing Manchester United hitman Romelu Lukaku.

“The fans are the fans and I said that the fans pay for their tickets and are free to express themselves and say what they want to express,” he said. 

“But my job is to protect my players when I feel they deserve it. And Romelu is one of the players that should be untouchable in terms of the respect of everyone. 

“It’s not one goal or the ball goes against the post or save by the opposition keeper that can make Romelu’s contribution below the top level. He is playing extremely well for us and yes I have to protect my players when I feel they deserve it.

“And Romelu always deserves it because what he does for the team is fantastic. Playing football for a striker isn’t just about scoring goals. So for me he is untouchable in my team and I think he should be untouchable in support from  the fans.”

Celtic scouting job

11:15: Manchester United are one of 17 Premier League teams sending scouts to Celtic’s game with Bayern Munich, according to the Daily Record.

Left-back Kieran Tierney and striker Moussa Dembele are said to be the players that will be watched.

Owen’s Champions League prediction

09:45: Michael Owen is expecting a routine win for Manchester United over Benfica this evening in the Champions League.

“Real Madrid were the last side to beat United at Old Trafford in European competition back in March 2013 and it is hard to see Benfica buck that trend, given they have lost all three group games so far and have not had a shot on target in two of those three ties,” Owen said.

“United already have more than one foot in the knock out stages of the competition, but I expect them to make it four wins out of four and book their place in the last 16 at Old Trafford against the Portuguese champions.”

Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Benfica

Jones and Valencia omission

08:40: Phil Jones and Antonio Valencia were not among the Manchester United squad members spotted arriving at The Lowry Hotel ahead of their Champions League tie against Benfica.

It could mean manager Jose Mourinho plans on resting the defensive duo with a trip to Chelsea on the weekend.

Upamecano bid

08:00: Manchester United are reportedly considering making an offer for RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano.

Italian outlet Calciomercato claim United have closely been tracking the 19-year-old’s performances for the past two seasons.

But United boss Jose Mourinho will face competition from AC Milan for Upamecano.

Victor Lindelof has struggled for United since joining in the summer from Benfica.

Carrick concern 

07:30: Manchester United’s medical team are mystified by Michael Carrick’s ongoing illness.

The 36-year-old has made just one appearance for United this season, against Burton in the Carabao Cup last month.

After the game, Carrick complained about feeling dizzy and sick.

And doctors are reportedly unsure about the cause.

Shaw interest

07:00: Jose Mourinho is prepared to let Luke Shaw leave on loan.

Shaw missed the start of the season due to an ankle injury but despite recovering has been unable to fight his way into the starting XI.

And The Gambling Times claim half a dozen Premier League clubs have expressed an interest in signing Shaw.

Tottenham are said to be among those teams.