Simon Stone
BBC Sport at Carrington

Image source, Getty Images

"It's fair to say Louis van Gaal is adopting a realistic approach to Manchester United's Premier League title chances.

"After six successive wins, and most recently accounting for Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City, a sense of optimism around Old Trafford has been growing.

"Journalists at this morning's press conference were ready to tackle the subject ahead of United's trip to Stamford Bridge.

"Indeed, the very first question was: 'What makes you think you can be the first team to win at Stamford Bridge in the league this season?'.

"Van Gaal ignored it completely, instead reeling off a list of injuries that has accounted for four members of his squad.

"Later, when asked if his team could win the title - with six games left and United eight points adrift - rather than talk up the chances of it happening, Van Gaal finished off his answer by saying "it is not logical".

Jose Mourinho believes that Chelsea have been the target of more social media abuse than any other Premier League clubs because of their dominance.

"I think it is because we are boring - we have been top of the league since day one. That is something people in this country don't like.

"Everyone would love the Premier League to be like the Championship where four teams are separated by a couple of points.

"I know that would be the ideal scenario in the Premier League, but we are trying not to allow that to happen."

Jose Mourinho is asked who he thinks should win the Premier League Manager of the Year award...

"I don't know. Me? No. I'm the last one because I've never got a manager of the month so how I can think about that? I'm not here to win that - I'm here to win the Premier League."

Jose Mourinho downplays Manchester United's injury worries: "Their squad is amazing - in numbers and quality. I sat down this week to analyse the opponents and I realise what they have. Van Gaal is a fantastic coach and they are more than ready."

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On his relationship with Louis Van Gaal: "I consider him a big big friend but because of jobs - fighting for the same objectives - we are not speaking every week. But the deep feelings towards a friend doesn't change."

Jose Mourinho on Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard's nomination for the PFA Player of the Year award: "He has been very consistent since the beginning of the season. In my opinion he wants to win the league - that's what we want too, to win the Premier League not the player of the year. But obviously if a player deserves something special and it comes from fellow players it means a bit more. If Eden wins that then great- but his objective to win Premier League."

Jose Mourinho says Chelsea against Manchester United is "special fixture": "To play against Manchester United is to play against one of biggest clubs in the world. This is the game everybody wants to play in. I'm not worried about motivating the players to be focused on the game - because there is no need. It is an easy job. Everyone is excited to play."

Ladies and gentlemen, we give you Jose Mourinho. The Chelsea boss strolls into the media room, gives a thumbs up to one of the journalists - I think he is ready....

Image source, Reuters

World number 18 Gael Monfils continues his good run of form at the Monte Carlo Masters.

The Frenchman knocked out second seed Roger Federer and has now beaten ninth seed Grigor Dimitrov in impressive fashion, winning 6-1 6-3.

The right-hander is through to his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 semi-final since he reached the final of the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris five years ago.

Monfils will now take on Tomas Berdych in Saturday's semi-final where he will aim to overturn a 5-1 record in favour of the Czech.

We've heard a bit from the red corner and now it's over to the Blues. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will be speaking to the media ahead of Saturday's clash with Manchester United in approximately 10 minutes.

Manchester United's injury list has four new members.

Daley Blind is out with an ankle problem, Michael Carrick has a calf problem, Phil Jones has an ankle injury while Marcus Rojo has a stomach issue.

Manager Louis Van Gaal confirmed all four will miss Saturday's game at Chelsea.

Image source, Getty Images

A familiar face has been back on the Saracens training pitch this week - England fly-half Owen Farrell.

The 23-year-old is set to make his return from injury in tomorrow's European Champions Cup semi-final against Clermont Auvergne.

Farrell has been out of action for nearly three months, missing the entire Six Nations, after injuring his knee in the pool match against Clermont in January.

Now he will start on the bench for the match in St Etienne.

The Championship player of the season shortlist - Middlesbrough's Patrick Bamford, Watford's Troy Deeney and Ipswich's Daryl Murphy - is prompting plenty of discussion. Here are a few of your text messages...

Dan, Barnet: Where is Bournemouth's Matt Ritchie?!?! 11 goals and 15 assists with his team top of the table!

Cherries fan: Calum Wilson of Bournemouth would be my pick, going up a division and smashing it!

Chris: I didn't know it was the Championship striker of the year award.

Image source, AP

It has been a shocking week of fashion faux pas in the football world.

First Charles N'Zogbia turned up to training in a questionable two piece floral number but Napoli's Faouzi Ghoulam has just upped the ante.

Following his sides 4-1 Europa League victory over Wolfsburg, the defender celebrated by stripping down to his underwear - as you do.

The underwear in question happened to be a rather snazzy pair of Dragon Ball Z - a Japanese manga cartoon - briefs.

Image source, Getty Images

Not the ideal situation, then, for Louis van Gaal's Manchester United going into Saturday's clash with league leaders Chelsea.

Van Gaal told reporters Michael Carrick, Marcus Rojo, Phil Jones and Daley Blind all picked up injuries in last weekend's 4-2 win over Manchester City.

"It is the worst scenario," said the Dutchman.

"Marcos and Phil can both play left central defender, and Jonny Evans is also suspended so I do not have many choices.

"Daley Blind and Michael Carrick could have played as holding midfields and I do not have another option. It is a puzzle."

Van Gaal said he may consider Wayne Rooney for a midfield role.

Image source, Getty Images

Michael van Gerwen remains top of the Premier League table, despite suffering his first defeat of the competition.

The 25-year-old, who won the Premier League in 2013, lost 7-3 to fellow Dutchman and defending champion Raymond van Barneveld in Aberdeen.

Dave Chisnall could have overtaken Van Gerwen at the top but lost 7-3 to Phil Taylor in week 11, before the 16-times world champion drew his second match of the night 6-6 with Stephen Bunting.

Scotland's Gary Anderson drew 6-6 with James Wade and a resurgent Adrian Lewis beat Bunting 7-2 in Thursday's other two games.

Louis van Gaal has arrived at Carrington and he's revealed Michael Carrick, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones & Daley Blind will all miss Saturday's game at Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Jonny Evans is still suspended but Luke Shaw is available.

Tick tock. The journalists assembled at Manchester United's Carrington training ground will be checking their watches as they patiently wait for the arrival of Louis van Gaal.

The Dutchman will be talking about Sunday's trip to Chelsea - and whatever else takes his fancy. Perhaps he might recommend a dish from the Chinese restaurant he visited after Sunday's derby win..., external

Image source, Getty Images

There's a resounding cry of "Where's Bradley Johnson?" after we told you the nominations for Championship player of the year.

Patrick Bamford (Middlesbrough), Troy Deeney (Watford) and Daryl Murphy (Ipswich) got the nod from the league's managers ahead of the Norwich midfielder, who has scored 13 goals this season.

Your reaction on #bbcsportsday:

Richard Baxter: Surprised Bradley Johnson isn't up for Championship player of the year. 13 goals from midfield, some top performances as well.

Dylan Toy: Championship player of the year: Where on earth is Bradley Johnson?

Paul Webb: Where is Bradley Johnson? 13 goals from midfield & integral to NCFC's promotion push!

I spy a #wheresbradleyjohnson hashtag campaign....

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini is poised to lead out his side against Tottenham on Sunday.

The Argentine defender has missed the last three games following his straight red card at Everton, and had to watch defeats against Arsenal, Sunderland and Liverpool from the stands.

"It's fantastic to have Colo back this weekend," manager John Carver told the club website.

"He's our captain, the leader of this football club and has been for a long time. Having him out there will give everyone - players and staff - a huge lift, and I'm sure we will get a huge performance out of him."

Image source, Getty Images

Northampton Saints have signed England Under-20 tight-head prop Paul Hill from Yorkshire Carnegie.

A Junior World Championship winner in 2014, the 20-year-old started four of England's five matches in their recent Under-20 Six Nations-winning campaign.

Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder described Hill as "a tremendous prospect".