Manchester United: Odds slashed on defender return; defensive pair isolated; midfielder injured

By Sam Leveridge

Bookies have slashed the odds on Burnley defender Michael Keane making a return to Old Trafford, cutting them into favourites at 5/1 ahead of the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool who have also been linked with a move for the England international as he hopes to earn his first cap in the upcoming ties against Scotland and Spain.

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After numerous loan spells, the now 23-year-old signed for the Clarets for £2 million in January 2015 and could now return, though any likely fee would be at least ten times the fee that the Red Devils received for the local lad when he left almost two years ago to join the Turf Moor outfit.

After being criticised by Jose Mourinho for not being available for selection on Saturday, Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling were isolated in training yesterday as they trained alone, sparking reports that they could be subject to similar treatment as Bastian Schweinsteiger, who was also told to report for training on scheduled days off.

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However, Sky Sports claim that it is normal procedure for any injured player, looking to cool the fires which claimed that the defensive duo would have to fight for their futures at Old Trafford after the shocking criticisim from their manager on Sunday afternoon, with both sitting out international duty.

Marouane Fellaini could soon be joining them as he has picked up a calf injury whilst training with Belgium and will now return to Carrington to overcome the injury as he would miss the next two games with his national team, Roberto Martinez has confirmed to the press.

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The Belgian has become something of a scapegoat at United since signing under David Moyes, and given his record of no goals or assists and four yellow cards from eight starts, he is unlikely to be missed.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Craig Ballantyne.