Round-up as Manchester United prepare for their return to the Champions League

Manchester United are looking for lift-off following a frustratingly mixed start to the season. Head coach Michael Carrick is looking to build on the momentum gained from guiding United to third place and back the Champions League.

But despite a kind-looking start on paper, the Red Devils have just four points from three games and sit 11th in the Premier League table. On Sunday, Carrick's side were pegged back by Everton deep into added time as they were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw.

United are now preparing to return to the Champions League and their first appearance in the competition's new format, which sees an initial 36-team league phase.

United kick off their campaign against the Azerbaijani side Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday, before attention returns to domestic duty and Sunday's Manchester derby. Here's a round-up of the latest news from Old Trafford…

Rashford 'smelling of roses'

Peter Schmeichel said Marcus Rashford is like a new signing as he hailed the returning winger's early-season form. After loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona, Rashford has looked something close to his brilliant best since being reintegrated into the team after a summer transfer failed to materialise.

United legend Schmeichel was especially impressed with the forward at Everton. He told Viaplay: "Coming away from that game, Rashford is now smelling of roses. I thought he was absolutely fantastic."

The Dane added: "It just shows that there's some intent now for Marcus to go back to what he was for Manchester United four years ago, when he scored 30 goals in one season.

"He was playing like this. Seeing his team-mates, putting them in, getting the ball into good positions, stepping up, getting the ball into the box. He wasn't trying to do everything himself, [he was] trying to be dangerous.

"If that's what we get for this season, welcome back, Marcus. We have missed you, because he is then one of the top players in the world."

Record deal signed

United have landed a record sleeve sponsorship deal with a financial technology company. The lucrative tie-up will see SumUp - described by the club as a "leading global fintech company" - feature on United's first-team shirts, replacing DXC Technology.

It is the club's biggest ever sleeve sponsorship deal, although it is unclear exactly how much the contract will be worth. It is believed to be worth more than the recently agreed training kit sponsorship deal with Betway, which will reportedly net the club around £20million per year.

United's chief business officer, Marc Armstrong, said: "The new agreement supports our commercial growth strategy and reflects the continued appeal of Manchester United as a platform for ambitious brands looking to connect with audiences around the world."

SumUp branding will appear on the shirts for the first time against Sabah. It will also appear on the academy and women's teams' shirts.