Wayne Rooney nowhere near return to fitness for Manchester United

This, in the Telegraph, is as craven a defence of Louis van Gaal as you might find, ignoring any mistake made by Van Gaal, and attributing failures to some kind of nameless event-decider, as if the manager had no control over any of it. It's amazing.

The Manchester Evening News carries quotes from Chris Smalling, who says he should be fit to play against Arsenal. Ah, then United will definitely win if he is.

Wayne Rooney is nowhere near fitness, and will have his leg in a brace and further scans on it as he continues his recovery, it says in the Mirror.

The Mail carries a story that Van Gaal will risk Marcos Rojo against Arsenal, because of the extensive injury list, especially in defence. There is really little other option for this afternoon. Except resigning. He could try resigning.

Yes, it is a very slow news day, isn't it? Bye.