United's players observing a minute's silence before kick-off against Huddersfield.

10 talking points from United's weekend

Monday 05 February 2018 08:30

Did you miss any United stories on Saturday or Sunday? Allow us to provide an essential round-up…

1: BACK TO WINNING WAYS
Following the disappointing defeat against Tottenham at Wembley, the Reds were determined to bounce back immediately and did just that with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Huddersfield Town at the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday afternoon. After a testing first half, a well-taken volley from top scorer Romelu Lukaku and a first United goal for Alexis Sanchez in the second period sealed a third successive home win in 2018 for Jose Mourinho's men.   

2: MUNICH COMMEMORATIONS
On a special and emotional day, the club came together at Saturday's game to remember the victims of the Munich Air Disaster and mark the 60th anniversary of the tragedy. Hundreds of fans gathered around the Munich plaque outside the ground for a memorial service before the game to pay their respects and a minute's silence was impeccably observed prior to kick-off. With some of the victims' families in attendance, there were fitting tributes on a poignant occasion. A commemorative service will also take place inside Old Trafford on Tuesday afternoon, which supporters are welcome to attend.

Thousands of Reds attend Munich memorial service Video

Thousands of Reds attend Munich memorial service

Thousands of United supporters attended a Munich memorial service before kick-off at Old Trafford...

3: STAR MAN ALEXIS OFF THE MARK
The Chilean forward capped an impressive display on his home debut against Huddersfield by opening his goals account for the club. After winning a penalty, Alexis stepped up to take it and, although his initial effort was saved by Terriers keeper Jonas Lössl, he was quickest to react to make the points safe. Let's hope it's the first of many strikes for Alexis in the famous red no.7 shirt! The 29-year-old deservedly picked up the second Man-of-the-Match award of his short United career so far, as voted for by fans on Twitter. Commenting on his performance, MUTV pundit David May said: "Alexis was the difference. He was unbelievably good, he was outstanding."

4: LANDMARK FOR DE GEA 
Saturday's match brought up a landmark for David De Gea, who made his 300th appearance for the club in all competitions since arriving from Atletico Madrid in 2011. The Reds' no.1 was largely untroubled throughout the win over the Terriers as he eased to his 114th clean sheet in a United shirt. The shut-out was also his 15th in the Premier League this season, as the Spaniard continues to lead the way in the race for the Golden Glove award.

Alexis celebrates in front of the Stretford End after netting his first goal for the club

5: UPDATE ON FELLAINI INJURY
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Jose Mourinho confirmed that Marouane Fellaini faces a spell on the sidelines after undergoing a successful operation on Saturday morning to cure a problem with his left knee. The procedure was straightforward and the midfielder's rehabilitation has begun. The boss said: "It's a small intervention in his external meniscus and I want to believe that, by the end of March, he can be back."

6: MCTOMINAY TAKES HIS CHANCE AGAIN
Scott McTominay was given another opportunity to shine against Huddersfield and barely put a foot wrong. On his third Premier League start, the young midfielder stepped into the shoes of Paul Pogba, who started on the bench, and showed why he is so highly thought of. The 21-year-old completed 280 passes as he played the full 90 minutes and was unfortunate not to win a penalty in the first half after being clattered into by Terriers defender Terence Kongolo. His energetic display also earned praise from the boss, who said: "The kid has great desire to recover the ball. When the team isn't in possession, he chases the ball and tries to recover high up the pitch. He always plays simple. Against opponents like Huddersfield, with so many bodies around the ball, simplicity sometimes is genius."

Mourinho: Alexis almost broke my heart! Video

Mourinho: Alexis almost broke my heart!

A happy Jose Mourinho spoke to MUTV's Stewart Gardner immediately after the 2-0 win...

7: UNDER-18S HIT SIX
Kieran McKenna's exciting side ran out 6-3 winners in a nine-goal thriller against Derby County at the Aon Training Complex on Saturday, which consolidated top spot in the Premier League U18 North table. Mason Greenwood (2) and Jimmy Garner marked their call-up to the latest England Under-17s squad by getting among the goals, while substitute Nishan Burkart also bagged a brace and there was an own goal from Rams player Callum Minkley.

8: WILLOCK COMES UP AGAINST MITCHELL
Two United youngsters went head to head for their loan clubs in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday as Matty Willock made his debut for St Johnstone against a Hearts side including Demi Mitchell. It was left-back Mitchell who came out on top as Hearts won 1-0 at Tynecastle, with Willock featuring for 71 minutes from the start. Elsewhere, fellow Reserves midfielder Charlie Scott, who is on loan at Hamilton Academical, was an unused substitute for theAccies in their 3-0 defeat against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Mason Greenwood was among the goals in an entertaining win for the Under-18s on Saturday

9: TUANZEBE MAKES HIS VILLA DEBUT
Another United loanee took to the field for his temporary club for the first time over the weekend as Axel Tuanzebe made his bow for Aston Villa against Burton Albion in the Championship. After being an unused substitute in their 1-0 win at Sheffield United a few days earlier, the highly rated defender came on as a second-half substitute to replace Robert Snodgrass and helped the Villans secure a 3-2 win against the division's bottom club at Villa Park on Saturday. 

10: RESERVES DRAW AT DERBY
Like the Under-18s, the Under-23s were in action against Derby County and emerged from an entertaining game at St George's Park on Sunday with a point, as Devonte Redmond's first-half penalty was cancelled out by a Lewis Walker header. Although the young Reds had further chances and played with an extra man for the final 18 minutes after Derby's Cameron Cresswell was sent off, the 1-1 scoreline was a fair reflection and ended a run of three straight defeats at the start of 2018 for Ricky Sbragia's side. 

U23s: Derby 1 United 1

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Devonte Redmond nets a penalty but the Reds have to settle for a share of the spoils at St George's Park.