Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Leon Goretzka after Barcelona pulled out of the running.

The Catalan giants were thought to be leading the rave for the Germany and Schalke midfielder.

But Barca scout Ariedo Braida has confirmed they will not be making a move for Goretzka.

"He is certainly a great player, but for Barcelona it is too soon, said Braida.

"I travel around the world in search of great talent, but our demands are extremely high."

Lukaku injury boost

Romelu Lukaku celebrates with Jesse Lingard (
Image:
PA)

Romelu Lukaku has not sustained ankle ligament damage, scans have confirmed.

The Manchester United striker picked up the problem during Saturday's win over Crystal Palace.

Lukaku linked up with the Belgium squad on Monday but did not train as he underwent an MRI scan.

There were fears he may have sustained ligament damage but they have been allayed.

A statement from the Belgium FA said: "Romelu Lukaku underwent an MRI scan but no fracture or structural damage has been diagnosed."

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Matic backs United to stay on track

Matic in action for United (
Image:
Clive Brunskill)

Nemanja Matic insists Manchester United can keep their season on track – despite losing their record £89million signing Paul Pogba.

Pogba is out long-term with a hamstring injury, with United boss Jose Mourinho unable to suggest when the midfielder will be able to return.

Mourinho has been without Pogba for five matches, since the midfielder was forced off with the injury early on in United's 3-0 Champions League win over Basel on September 12.

United, level on points with Premier League leaders Manchester City, face their biggest test of the season so far when they travel to arch rivals Liverpool after the international break on October 14.

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