Manchester United manager Michael Carrick will reportedly use the international break to arrange a behind-closed-doors friendly against Lausanne-Sport, aiming to kickstart his side's season after a slow start.
Carrick's Plan to Revive United's Campaign
United are not back in action until later this month, but Carrick will remain busy. The Red Devils exited the Carabao Cup and picked up five points from five league games before the pause in club football, leaving them 12th in the Premier League table.
The Telegraph reports that United are set to face Lausanne-Sport, a Swiss side also owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The friendly gives Carrick a chance to test his players in a match environment and trial potential solutions ahead of facing Tottenham Hotspur on October 10.
Lausanne-Sport have endured a worse start to their own league campaign than United. Luka Elsner's side are rooted to the bottom of the Swiss Super League, having won just one of their nine games so far.
Rooney Apologises to Sesko
Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney has issued an apology to striker Benjamin Sesko after questioning the player's willingness to play through the pain barrier. Sesko featured as a substitute in each of United's four league games before missing the draw with Fulham before the international break with a shin issue.
Rooney had previously said on his Stick to United podcast: "If you're trying to play No9 [for Man United] and you've got a must-win game and you've got a sore shin and you're not playing... that's a big part of the problem. Unless you physically can't play, you play when you're injured."
The club's record goalscorer has since rowed back his criticism. The 40-year-old has apologised to Sesko due to the extent of his injury, which prompted him to withdraw from the Slovenia squad.
"Well, if it's long-term, then I suppose I should apologise," Rooney said on Stick to United. "So, I apologise, Sesko. I apologise if I misjudged you. Sorry."
