Ten Hag's wonderkid hint, Man United manager's kind reward for departing staff member and Mainoo's latest sign of maturity
The latest tales from behind the scenes at Old Trafford including mixed zone transfer whispers, a softer side to the boss and United's reaction to Sky Sports' strange Marcus Rashford coverage
A United staff member whose family base is north London said it was once quicker for them to drive to Leicester’s stadium than to south London Crystal Palace’s ground.
It turns out Selhurst Park is a ground no Uber drivers dare venture to, either, so it was the usual post-match walk to Norwood Junction and a train into London Bridge.
At least the Tube was reliable. Avanti, the much-maligned West Coast Main Line operator, seemed intent on irking matchgoers north and south at the weekend.
One service to Manchester Piccadilly was delayed by 40 minutes and ended up terminating at Stockport. City and Arsenal fans were on the platform with under an hour to go until kick-off.
United have been saddled with three of the most distant away days already this season. A season-ticket holder friend went to Brighton and Southampton but not Palace. He has a toddler, so he negotiated sensibly with his better half.
Despite the result, United are making visible progress and the club have identified areas where they have already improved. It was a watchable 0-0 with Palace, where the players struggled to respond to Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy’s message…