Your Monday briefing: 11 key points for Reds

There was plenty to talk about for Manchester United supporters over the weekend, particularly after the clinical 3-0 win at Sunderland. If you are out of the loop, or simply want to catch up quickly, here's our recap of events from Friday to Sunday night...

1: UNITED BACK IN FIFTH
That’s the main talking point, of course, after the victory at the Stadium of Light moved us up the Premier League table with Arsenal set to play on Monday night. It was vitally important to get those three points, too, after Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Liverpool all secured wins on Saturday. The race for the Champions League qualification places is heating up to boiling point.

2: SMALL PROBLEM FOR DE GEA
Jose Mourinho told MUTV that a "small problem" ruled David out of contention on Sunday, and the manager later told BBC Sport that Sergio Romero is likely to retain his place in Thursday’s Europa League tie at Anderlecht (partly because he’s a regular in that competition). De Gea is expected to feature in next weekend’s Premier League match against Chelsea at Old Trafford.

3: VALENCIA ALSO MISSED OUT
Antonio did not travel to the North East either, but Mourinho reckons the famously-dependable right-back will be available for this week’s European tie. “We played with the players available,” Jose told MUTV. “Not one single player stayed at Manchester because we were thinking about resting or we were thinking about rotation or about Anderlecht. These are the players available at the moment and, when I look to the others one, I just expect Valencia to be ready to play and no more.”

4: FELLAINI CAPTAIN FOR FIRST TIME
Wayne Rooney and Chris Smalling were both injured, and Michael Carrick was on the bench, so the skipper’s armband at Sunderland was passed to Marouane Fellaini for the first time in his Reds career. He later tweeted: “Important three points – great team effort and I’m very proud to be captain today.”

5: POGBA REACHED 50 APPEARANCES
The French summer signing tallied up the landmark after he was recalled to the starting XI, and he almost capped it with a goal. He thrice went close to scoring, firstly with a long-range effort in the first half, later with a free-kick and again with a volley.

6: LUKE SHAW PRAISED
The left-back was also recalled to the team and exited the action on 61 minutes, seemingly with an injury after taking a kick to the ankle. Thankfully, Mourinho said Luke was only taken off as he had earned a yellow card. "It was good to protect him but it was also good for him to play one hour with a good solid performance and no mistakes, so I'm really pleased for him," Jose said.

7: ZLATAN: I’M LIKE BENJAMIN BUTTON
Ibra said this brilliant line to Sky Sports after scoring the opener: “The older you are, the more experienced, the more intelligent you are, and you don't waste energy on things you don't need. I feel like Benjamin Button. I was born old and will die young.” The stats back his theory up, too, given that it was his 250th goal from 309 appearances for club and country since turning 30 years old.

8: RASHFORD BACK AMONG THE GOALS
The 19-year-old claimed the final goal at Sunderland and that was his first Premier League strike since the 4-1 win over Leicester City back in September. "Happy to be back among the goals," he later tweeted.

9: LINGARD MADE A FAN’S DAY
Jesse was replaced by Marcus Rashford on 64 minutes and, moments later, he walked from the dugout to a disabled supporter along the side of the pitch to present him with his shirt. It was a nice touch from the 24-year-old, who signed a new long-term contract at United earlier in the week.

10: SUPPORT FOR ANDY COLE
The United legend underwent surgery for a kidney transplant during the week, which inspired a section of our travelling fans to chant his name during the game. Andy later tweeted to thank everybody for the support he has received, writing: “Just been reading all the messages sent… thank you for your support and well wishes. The #MUFC away end putting a smile on my face today.”

11: DREAM DAY FOR FANS
This is a perfect note to finish on: the MU Foundation held its Dream Day event at the Aon Training Complex on Saturday, when children with life-limiting conditions got to meet the players, pose for photos and grab as many autographs as possible! Click here to see the best images from the event.