CHRIS WHEELER: Jose Mourinho is not the only Manchester United employee living a strange existence in the city’s Lowry Hotel. Every morning, Henrikh Mkhitaryan leaves his five-star accommodation early and is the first player to arrive at United’s Carrington headquarters, preferring to eat breakfast at the training ground rather than his hotel. A speaker of six languages, Mkhitaryan is friendly and articulate. Club staff describe him as ‘an absolute gentleman’.
Mourinho planning major defensive overhaul already as Blind and Smalling face axe... while Rudiger is on his transfer radar
SAMI MOKBEL: Manchester United stars are facing the axe as Jose Mourinho plots a revamp of his defence. Chris Smalling and Daley Blind’s futures at the club are under a cloud, with Mourinho targeting a centre back and a right back in January. Work behind the scenes has already begun identifying defensive reinforcements as Mourinho plots an overhaul of his back-four just nine games into the season.
MARTIN SAMUEL: After the trouble during West Ham's win against Chelsea... don't blame the stadium, blame the hooligan fans
Stadiums do not riot. Stadiums do not smash seats. Stadiums do not throw bottles and coins. Stadiums do not shout abuse or punch you on the nose. Stadiums just stand there, unseeing, unfeeling. So let us turn from the preposterous notion that recent events at West Ham are the work of an unsatisfactory new arena. People. That is the problem here. People who fight, people who destroy, people who taunt and abuse, uncivilised, violent, horrible people. That is what West Ham must be rid of; not the new stadium. There will always be teething problems when a football club leaves home. Unfamiliar surrounds feel alien.
'Be like a panda!': Former United star delivers BIZARRE anti-racism message while dancing in fancy dress
Footballers star in anti-racism adverts and campaigns on a regular basis as they try their best to eradicate one of the beautiful game's ugly aspects.
A couple of TWINGERS! Marouane and Mansour Fellaini out and about in Manchester sporting matching ginger afros
Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini seemed in jubilant mood after his side's derby victory over Manchester City on Wednesday, despite not featuring at all. The Belgian international was seen bouncing around Manchester city centre with his brother Mansour on Thursday and looked in high spirits as he spent some quality time with his sibling. The Fellaini brothers both took the opportunity to parade their autumn look. The pair were sporting ginger afros as they strolled through the centre of Manchester.
Liverpool all smiles in training as Jurgen Klopp prepares the Reds to face Palace
Liverpool appeared in high spirits on Thursday as Jurgen Klopp put his squad through their paces in training ahead of this weekend's trip to Crystal Palace. The Reds extended their unbeaten run to double figures on Tuesday night with a 2-1 victory over Tottenham in the EFL Cup. Both of Liverpool's goals came from the boot of Daniel Sturridge and the England international appeared in typically cheerful mood.
How Schweinsteiger has been airbrushed out by United: Exiled legend has no way back under ruthless Mourinho... and he's even left out of this season's squad picture
The door remains firmly shut on Bastian Schweinsteiger ever playing for Manchester United again, with the midfielder training alone at Carrington. Jose Mourinho took the decision in pre-season to remove Schweinsteiger from his first-team squad, with Sportsmail revealing the World Cup winner was even told to clear out his locker. The 32-year-old's contract - worth in excess of £130,000 a week - does not run out until the summer of 2018, with United willing to let him go on a free transfer.
Leicester prepare for Tottenham tie as Vardy seeks to end goal drought
Jamie Vardy and his Leicester City team-mates geared up for their match against Tottenham Hotspur with a training session on Thursday. The Premier League champions face off against their title rivals from last season on Saturday as they look to put an end to a terrible run of form away from home. Claudio Ranieri's side have lost every away game in the Premier League this season.
F1 stars including Renault hopeful Jorda line up for charity match featuring Barca legend Puyol ahead of Mexican GP
A Formula One driver running on grass usually indicates that an attempt to take a previous corner hadn't gone as planned. But there are positive exceptions and for the likes of Toro Rosso drivers Daniil Kvyat and Carlos Sainz it came in the form of a charity football match ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix. Joined by Force India's Nico Hulkenberg, Haas driver Esteban Gutierrez and Renault development driver Carmen Jorda the track stars shared the pitch with former Barcelona defender Carles Puyol.
Ricciardo provides thrilling start to F1 weekend... but can Red Bull star provide shock in Mexican Grand Prix?
In the build up to the 'Day of the Dead' festival (Mexico's version of Halloween), Ricciardo turned up to a press conference in Mexico City wearing calavera face paint as he prepares to take part in this weekend's Mexican Grand Prix.
Show them how it's done, Steve! NBA legend Nash gives some shooting tips to Spurs stars Eriksen and Wanyama
NBA legend Steve Nash showed off his ball skills with both his hands and his feet when he joined in a Tottenham training session. The 42-year-old Spus fan impressed midfielders Christian Eriksen and Victor Wanyama while shooting hoops on Thursday. Nash then showed off his football skills when he joined the players in a practice drill at the club's training ground in Enfield.
'I don't know who Chris Kavanagh is': Moyes left embarrassed as Sunderland boss admits he had no idea who ref was
David Moyes was responsible for an awkward television moment on Wednesday night after it came out that the Sunderland boss did not know the referee who sent him to the stands. Moyes' industrial language towards the fourth official after Sunderland were denied a late penalty earned him his marching orders from referee Chris Kavanagh during the 1-0 EFL Cup defeat by Southampton.
Ramsey, Sanchez and Giroud roll back the glory days in range of retro Arsenal shirts
Without a league title win since 2004, Arsenal fans may insist that their greatest memories are in the past - which could be why club has released a range of retro shirts to commemorate the glory days. Current Gunners stars Alexis Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud were chosen to model three of the most memorable shirts in the club's history that precede even Arsene Wenger's 20-year spell in north London. Ramsey and Sanchez have sported the 1988/89 home and away kits respectively, which was the year that Arsenal won arguably the most dramatic finish to a First Division title in history - although Sergio Aguero may argue otherwise.
Fabregas bids to prove fitness to Chelsea boss Conte with training video
Cesc Fabregas has endured a frustrating start to life under Antonio Conte, but the Chelsea midfielder is looking to get back in his manager's plans.
Iniesta and Pique hobbling on as they join superstars Messi, Suarez and Neymar to shoot new advert
Gerard Pique and Andres Iniesta are currently unable to make an impact for Barcelona on the pitch but that hasn't stopped them from starring off it. The pair are both currently unavailable for the Catalan club - with first Pique, and then Iniesta - suffering injury problems in a matter of three days. However, the duo appeared to be in better spirits on Thursday as they prepared to shoot a TV commercial.
STARS OF SPORT
- Former Premier League star sends anti-racism message while dressed as a panda Guess who came up with a creative way of sending out a serious message
- It's Twin hair day for the Fellaini brothers following win over Manchester City The Belgian international was seen bouncing around Manchester
- Red Bull duo Ricciardo and Verstappen get F1 fans into Halloween spirit Ricciardo has taken unorthodox measures to restore thrills to his team
- Captain Morgan rallies the troops as his Leicester side gear up for White Hart Lane visit Tottenham host Premier League champions Leicester on Saturday
- Klopp cannot stop smiling as he watches his side gear up for their visit to the Palace Crystal Palace host the in-form side at Selhurst Park at the weekend
MORE STARS OF SPORT
- Barcelona star Messi makes his family's dreams come true on surprise trip to Disneyland Lionel Messi made use of some rare free time for Paris trip
- F1 stars including Renault hopeful Carmen Jorda line up for football charity match featuring Barca legend Puyol ahead of Mexican GP Fun before the race
- Harlequins mark new gym opening with training session with a difference as Care, Brown and Co don 1980s-style luminous outfits Colourful bunch
- Sorry about the 4-0 defeat by Chelsea... Mourinho's message to United fans during walk to tunnel as he dedicates win to them Crushed at Stamford Bridge
- Everything he touches turns to gold... Olympic champion Peaty shows off his new customised 24k gold-plated iPhone Black crocodile leather as well
- Tottenham gear up for Leicester clash as they look to end four-game winless streak Tottenham are the only team in the Premier League to remain unbeaten
- United vs City highlights on Channel 5? Outsider steps up to show big cup games... with boxer Groves as one of the pundits! Two derb
- King Khan rubs shoulders with Liverpool stars following their League Cup victory He proved to be their lucky charm as they beat Tottenham
- More woe for Hart as the England keeper makes howler during defeat by Inter Milan The Torino goalkeeper conceded two goals as his side were beaten
- Oxlade-Chamberlain welcomes back Arsenal returnee Jenkinson as duo celebrate Reading scalp with fellow team-mates Granit Xhaka was in the crowd
- Neymar takes time out of Barcelona training to meet up with Tinie Tempah in London ahead of Wembley show Music-loving buddies
- Spiranac nails another trick shot with an incredible 'off the wall' chip Paige Spiranac has once again wowed her legions of fans with a superb display of skill
- British & Irish Lions head coach Gatland joins 12 former captains in Dublin ahead of New Zealand 2017 Lions legends helping to support the next generation
- Liverpool striker Sturridge hands out match-worn shirts to fans in car park after scoring twice in EFL Cup win over Tottenham Young fans rewarded
- Joshua shows off his football skills as he opens talks with Molina over possible fight He is looking for a new opponent after Klitschko's injury
- Bailly runs out of Devil's luck as he faces two months out on sidelines The defender picked up the injury during United's 4-0 defeat at Chelsea
- How many marshmallows can Ricciardo fit in his mouth in 1.92 secs? The Red Bull star shows off speed-eating exploits in hilarious challenge Speedy guy
- Pogba leaves Manchester United hotel in personalised pair of Kanye West Adidas Yeezy Boost trainers Only the best for world record signing
- After hounding United, Chelsea star Costa shows softer side as he plays with pet pooch Bella at home swimming pool Diego Costa enjoyed time with beloved dog
- Lampard throws down the gauntlet to his former Chelsea team-mates as he hits the driving range in New York Frank Lampard called out former Chelsea stars
- Bayern stars stunned by phenomenal football freestyler Fabian Duro - who was invited to perform after dazzling assistant Clement It takes a lot of skill to impress this lot
- Referees said they will clamp down on grappling but it's becoming like WRESTLEMANIA! Former referee GRAHAM POLL has his say
- Zouma's no longer feeling Blue as he returns from injury The Frenchman played 45 minutes to give Chelsea manager Conte a timely boost
- Hamilton posts pic with rapper Drake after labelling US Grand Prix 'the longest afternoon' The F1 driver remains in running for title along with Rosberg
- Trading Places: Jeffers takes up coaching role as he returns to Everton He's back at Goodison Park after his previous playing spell
- Liverpool stars Let It Go as they enjoy Frozen-themed family day out Jurgen Klopp's in-form Liverpool squad proved they have a softer side
- City star Raheem Sterling earns £200,000-a-week... but takes £80 easyJet flight back from holiday Holidaymakers surprised to see Raheem Sterling on flight from Malaga
- Liverpool striker Ings looks delighted as WAG Georgia Gibbs shows off cheeky Instagram snap Danny Ings was pictured with a huge grin on his face
- Monday blues, Jose? Manchester United boss faces up to fresh problems after defeat at his old club Chelsea and spat with Conte Jose Mourinho was spotted leaving his base
- Benn puts himself through rigorous weight training regime as he prepares for next fight Conor Benn's next opponent is yet to be revealed
- United's downbeat players return home from 4-0 thrashing at Chelsea as boss Jose Mourinho contemplates day to forget Looked less than impressed on their return
- You twit! Anichebe scores own goal in embarrassing Twitter gaffe as striker copies and pastes PR message Took to Twitter to issue a rallying cry
- Joshua prepares for world title defence with surprise, live-streamed gym class The 26-year-old's session was shown in 57 Pure Gyms nationwide.
- Mayweather parties with pop diva Mariah Carey at her annual Halloween bash The singer was dressed in a tight red latex devil costume
- Payet gets in sticky situation as he shows off his skills by dribbling with a piece of chewing gum The West Ham man doesn't need a ball
LATEST MATCH REPORTS
- Manchester United 1-0 Manchester City: Juan Mata slots home to settle EFL Cup fourth round tie as Jose Mourinho gets revenge on old foe Pep Guardiola
- West Ham 2-1 Chelsea: Cheikhou Kouyate's incredible header and Edimilson Fernandes secure passage to League Cup quarter-finals for hosts
- Southampton 1-0 Sunderland: Sofiane Boufal's stunning strike seals Saints' place in next round
- Inter Milan 2-1 Torino: Joe Hart makes howler before Mauro Icardi snatches late winner for Frank de Boer's side
- Ross County 0-4 Celtic: The Hoops extend lead to seven points in the Scottish Premiership
- Rangers 1-1 St Johnstone: Joe Garner cancels out Blair Alston's opener as sides settle for share of the spoils
- Leonesa 1-7 Real Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale miss cup stroll against minnows
- Juventus 4-1 Sampdoria: The Old Lady maintain Serie A lead thanks to a Giorgio Chiellini double
- Bayern Munich 3-1 Augsburg: Philipp Lahm, Julian Green and David Alaba send holders through in German Cup
- Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham: Daniel Sturridge double sends Jurgen Klopp's team to EFL Cup quarter-finals
- Arsenal 2-0 Reading: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain nets double as Gunners book place in EFL Cup last eight
- Newcastle 6-0 Preston North End: Magpies run riot against 10-man Lilywhites as Aleksandar Mitrovic and Mohamed Diame bag braces
- Leeds 2-2 Norwich (AET, 3-2 on pens): Ronaldo Vieira scores crucial penalty to send Garry Monk's men through to quarter-finals of EFL Cup
- Bristol City 1-2 Hull City: Defenders Harry Maguire and Michael Dawson on target as Tigers claim morale-boosting win in EFL Cup
- Genoa 3-0 AC Milan: Serie A title hopes take a hit for Vincenzo Montella as Rossoneri miss chance to go top
FOOTBALL NEWS
Kompany leads Manchester City training ahead of West Brom clash, easing fears of more injury woe
Vincent Kompany trained with Manchester City on Thursday, alleviating fears the Belgian centre-half suffered any further fitness concerns in his team's EFL Cup defeat by Manchester United. Kompany has been beset by injury trouble once again this season and was replaced at half time during City's 1-0 reversal at Old Trafford.
Boateng scores twice as LA Galaxy beat Real Salt Lake without Gerrard to leave Arena's men dreaming of another MLS Cup
Perhaps the end of the road has already arrived for Steven Gerrard. Perhaps there will be no further additions to the 861 senior appearances of his decorated career. Gerrard’s injury-enforced absence from LA Galaxy’s 3-1 victory over Real Salt Lake in the end-of-season MLS Cup play-offs raises major question marks over whether there will be a fitting finale to the 36-year-old’s chapter as a player.
Tottenham gear up for Leicester clash as they look to end four-game winless streak
Tottenham may be the only team in the Premier League to remain unbeaten but Mauricio Pochettino's side go into Saturday's tie having failed to win each of their last four games in all competitions. The latest, a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday, saw them drop out of the EFL Cup at the fourth round stage.
Sorry about the 4-0 defeat... Mourinho's message to fans during walk to tunnel as he dedicates win to them
CHRIS WHEELER: Jose Mourinho won the Manchester derby to clinch a place in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup and admitted that he picked a full-strength team to make up for Sunday’s humiliation at the hands of his old club Chelsea. The Manchester United manager dedicated the win to the club’s fans and said he hoped it would wipe away the stain of a crushing 4-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Boufal stunner sees Southampton progress to quarter-finals of League Cup
SOUTHAMPTON 1-0 SUNDERLAND - SAM CUNNINGHAM AT ST MARY'S: David Moyes admitted he deserved to be sent to the stands as his Sunderland side exited the EFL Cup away to Southampton. The floundering Scot was incensed that his team were not awarded a last-minute penalty when Victor Anichebe went down under pressure from Maya Yoshida and he tore down the touchline, leaving his technical area.
OTHER SPORTS NEWS
Back to the 80s at Harlequins as stars wear dodgy gear at opening of their new gym
With one of the most iconic home shirts in world rugby, Harlequins are used to standing out from the crowd when it comes to their choice of kit. But the Aviva Premiership side took things to a new level on Thursday, marking the opening of their new gym by donning garish 1980s style gear for a training session.
Arrieta ensures the Cubs return to Chicago with World Series all square after convincing win over Cleveland
The Chicago Cubs tasted a World Series game victory for the first time in 71 years by winning in Cleveland and squaring Major League Baseball's best-of-seven title decider at 1-1. Cubs starter Jake Arrieta did not give up a hit in the first five innings to set up a 5-1 victory that has Chicago in good shape going into three straight home games, starting Friday when Wrigley Field will host its first World Series game since 1945.
Now that's what you call a pride of Lions! Former captains line up in Dublin as clock ticks down to next tour of New Zealand
Head coach Warren Gatland attended along with the likes of Brian O'Driscoll, Martin Johnson and Gavin Hastings, while Ronnie Dawson, the 1959 captain, was the oldest at the event. As well as the official photographs, which included members of the Lions' executive team, Ireland legend O'Driscoll shared an image on Instagram of the 12 captains together, captioned: 'Pretty exclusive club to be part of! #LivingLionsCaptains #onlymissingSam'.
RACING
THE BEST WRITING IN SPORT
After Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham all blood young talent in the League Cup, we ask... are the kids alright?
The League cup has a long history of showcasing the best emerging talent at top clubs. David Beckham, Cesc Fabregas and John Terry are among the global superstars who made their first club appearances in the competition, and it remains a stage for youngsters to demonstrate they are ready for first-team football. On Tuesday night Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham all gave chances to some of their new generation of young stars. Sportsmail takes a look at their chances of making it to the top...