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- Michael Carrick's two-and-a-half year contract extension contains an option for a third year, per The Mirror. The midfielder said last month "I'd love to carry on playing as long as possible at this club." Given that Michael's just turned 32, this deal could see him end his career at Old Trafford.
- Metro reports that Phil Jones's groin strain will keep him out of action for just 10 days. Although Jones's will miss the trips to Cardiff and Bayer Leverkusen, the management staff will be relieved the knock is not more serious.
- And some United players will actually be on the pitch! Patrice Evra's France side need to overturn a 2-0 deficit as they welcome Ukraine to the Stade de France, while Nani and Portugal go to Sweden holding on to a narrow 1-0 first-leg lead. Pull for Nani and Pat--unless you want to see the World Cup deprived of both Ronaldo and Ribery.
- The young Englishmen have a competitive match too. Wilfried Zaha, Jesse Lingard, Michael Keane, and Nick Powell are in Gareth Southgate's squad for a U-21 Euros qualifying match against San Marino. Ok, sort of competitive. UPDATE: Lingard starts over Ravel Morrison on the left.
- Smalling, Cleverley, and Rooney all start for England in their showcase friendly vs. Germany. Big, big, match for Tom as the World Cup draws ever closer.
- Kagawa and Fellaini face off as Belgium meet Japan in Brussels, and Tony Valencia's Ecuador play Honduras in Houston. Five more days until club football is back. Five. more. days.
- We keep seeing rumors pop up about Anderson shuttling off to Fulham in January for a loan spell. He's only made two starts this year, and Moyes may be looking to get the Brazilian some games and raise his transfer value, especially if Darren Fletcher's recovery progresses as expected.
- The People's Person and The Manchester Evening News both expressed their excitement this week about the development of Gambian/Swiss youngster Saidy Janko. The 18 year-old Janko, who only joined from FC Zurich this summer, has impressed United management at all levels with his pace and power down the right-flank. We've certainly got enough inexperienced wingers--Janko would have to jump Zaha, Januzaj, and Lingard in the pecking order--but perhaps this kid can provide some cover for Rafael at right-back as the season wears on.
- More rumors today that United want to bring in-form Torino winger/forward Alessio Cerci to the club in January. This deal has almost no chance of happening: United have more pressing needs and will not enter a bidding war for a player the Torino president claims is definitely staying. Here's a video of the tricky lefty anyway.
- Wilfried Zaha will have no shortage of suitors if Moyes decides to sanction a loan move. According to Sun, Swansea, Aston Villa, West Brom, and Cardiff have joined Newcastle in the race for Zaha's signature. Of course, this is only the Sun, but which club do you think would provide the best experience for Wilf?