Man Utd’s Eriksen hopes evaporate and Pogba gets desperate

Dembele to make new year move?

Manchester United are tailing Moussa Dembele as they “bid to fix their striking crisis in January”.

The Daily Mail reports that after shipping out Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez in the summer, the Red Devils are now seriously under-strength in the striking department having also lost Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial to injury in recent weeks.

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As a result, claims the Mail, United have sent scouts to see the Lyon marksman in action, most recently against Berest on Wednesday.

Dembele has been in good form this season with six goals from six appearances in Ligue 1, despite the fact he rotates in the Lyon squad with Memphis Depay.

The fact he isn’t getting regular game-time has led, says the Mail, to “an awareness at United that it could help lower Lyon’s asking price for the striker”.

The 23-year-old French frontman has Premier League experience with Fulham and that has led United boss Ole Gunnar Solskaer to believe that he would adapt quickly if brought to Old Trafford in January.

Eriksen decision

If United have hopes of signing Dembele in January, their chances of luring Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen appear to be fading faster than their title aspirations.

The Daily Express says that the Danish dynamo has made a “January transfer decision”, and it’s bad news for United fans.

Having also been linked to Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City in recent weeks, Eriksen “will only leave if an offer from a big European club such as Barcelona or Real Madrid is made”.

The Express says the news will come as a “blow” to United, but during an interview with Danish outlet Ekstra Bladet Eriksen offered a glimmer of hope to Old Trafford that his decision isn’t definitive.

Asked about his future, he replied: “It is football and you never know what happens in football. Many things always come into play.”

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Pogba latest

Finally, “fed-up” French ace Paul Pogba will make a “fresh move” to quit Manchester United in January, claims The Sun.

The paper says that Pogba has had enough of life at Old Trafford under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, particularly as he lost the captain’s armband to 21-year-old Axel Tuanzebe for Wednesday evening’s Carabao Cup clash against Rochdale.

Having also been relieved of penalty duties, Pogba feels undermind and his mind is allegedly made up.

“The sticking point over his desire to move to Real Madrid, or back to Juventus, will be the fee,” reports the Sun, with United adamant that he won’t be sold for a penny under £180m.

Gunners up next

After their league cup exploits in midweek United return to Premier League action on Monday when Arsenal are the visitors to Old Trafford. Kick-off is at 8pm and the match is live on Sky Sports.

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This weekend’s Premier League fixtures

Saturday 28 September (3pm unless stated)

• Sheffield United vs. Liverpool (12.30pm, live on BT Sport)
• Aston Villa vs. Burnley
• AFC Bournemouth vs. West Ham United
• Chelsea vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
• Crystal Palace vs. Norwich City
• Tottenham Hotspur vs. Southampton
• Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Watford
• Everton vs. Manchester City (5.30pm, live on Sky Sports)

Sunday 29 September

• Leicester City vs. Newcastle United (4.30pm, live on Sky Sports)

Monday 30 September

• Manchester United vs. Arsenal (8pm, live on Sky Sports)