Overview

• Opta’s expected table indicates United should be six places higher than 10th, with analysts noting chance creation outstrips results and that two missed penalties inflate the xG tally.
• A 2-0 win over Sunderland provided a short-term lift before the break, as Benjamin Sesko scored in back-to-back games including his first goal at Old Trafford.
• Senne Lammens kept a clean sheet on debut and strengthened his claim to become first-choice ahead of Altay Bayindir.
• Reports attributed to GiveMeSport say parts of the squad preferred a move for Emiliano Martinez, though United opted for Lammens despite admiration for the Aston Villa goalkeeper within the staff.
• Finnish businessman Thomas Zilliacus says he is preparing a renewed, fan-focused investment proposal and could seek partners such as Sheikh Jassim, with Ineos holding a 27.7% minority stake and control of football operations.