Welcome to the United On My Mind daily round-up, where we take a look at some of the best Manchester United stories which you might have missed.
Pundit Paul Merson is full of praise for Cristiano Ronaldo's goal-scoring exploits against Atalanta while Manchester United are reportedly set to battle another Premier League club for a title-winning midfielder.
And sources around West Ham United believe they could still see Jesse Lingard return to the club in the near future.
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Paul Merson left 'lost for words' by Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United drew 2-2 against Atalanta on Tuesday night to put themselves firmly in the driving seat to qualify out of the group with a result against Villareal.
It was all thanks to the goal-scoring exploits of Cristiano Ronaldo who scored both goals on the night including a stunning volley in the dying moments of the game, which was enough to secure a point in what was a poor performance for United.
Paul Merson was covering the game for Sky Sports , and he was full of praise for the striker's second goal. He also said about Ronaldo's performance; "He didn't touch the ball in the second half. Not through his fault, he just didn't get the service. But it comes to him and there's no snatching at it, he hits through the ball perfectly.
"It's absolutely phenomenal and his first goal was brilliant as well. I was one of the big critics. I was one who wasn't sure about him coming back. But if you give him chances, he will score goals. Thirty-six or 46, it doesn't make any difference, he will finish.
"If you took away his two goals tonight, he's a two out of 10. But his two goals are phenomenal and I'm lost for words."
Opinion: Ronaldo is carrying United on his back at the moment which is making up for his deficiencies in his game, but with a striker who fans can only really describe as 'inevitable', Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to find a way to have him in his squad while keeping the balance.
United may not look like they will win the league this season and trophies may be a struggle, but if anyone is going to lead them to glory it will be Ronaldo, and just think, how bad would United be this season without him.
United set to battle Premier League club for Marcelo Brozovic
The Sun are reporting that United are set to have competition for the signing of Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic in the form of newly cash-rich Newcastle United.
The 28-year-old won the league with Inter last season under new Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte and is in the last year of his contract, meaning he would be a cut-price option for both clubs.
It is yet unclear whether either club will look for a cut-price move in January or will wait to sign the Croatian international on a free in the summer. Italian outlet Calciomercato has also reported that Inter are keen to renew his contract and will be opening talks soon with the player, so if United want to sign Brozovic they will have to move fast.
Opinion: With Paul Pogba's future still uncertain, Brozovic would be the perfect replacement for the Frenchman. He has the deep playmaking attributes of Pogba but also offers more defensive stability to a pivot. If they are able to sign him on a cut-price deal it would be a smart move for the club and also add title-winning experience to the squad in an important area.
He would allow United to control the game both in and out of possession and would be a general for what is a lacklustre pivot at the moment.
Jesse Lingard on the move?
Jesse Lingard enjoyed a fantastic loan spell with West Ham United last season and the club was reportedly interested in making the move permanent in the summer, but United's valuation of the player priced David Moye's side out of a move.
But reliable insider, EXWHUemployee, said on the West Ham Way podcast that he believes that the club could still move for the player. He said; “I believe that they’ll try to make a move for [Jesse] Lingard again. As we all know he hasn’t got his chance at Manchester United and his contract is up in the summer.
“He seems to be not really valued at the club and I think he’d be interested in a move back. His brother, who is also his agent, has made it clear that Jesse misses time at West Ham.
“Also, Lingard keeps speaking positively about the club.”
The MEN Sport understands that United are still interested in offering Lingard a new contract but given his limited playing time, he may be reluctant to commit his future to the club.
Opinion: Jesse Lingard is a great player who deserves playing time, if he's happy being a squad player at United then that's fine, but he has the ability to be a starter elsewhere and if he doesn't think he's going to get the opportunities under Solskjaer, then maybe he should move for the good of his career.
What was your reaction to Cristiano Ronaldo's goal? Follow our United On My Mind writer Casey Evans on Twitter to get involved in the discussion in the comment section below.
