A weekend without Premier League football and, with Manchester United out of the FA Cup, we were expecting a quiet few days. Unfortunately, the club has been in the headlines more than ever, and not in the way most fans would want.

In an interview with Sky News at an industrial conference in Antwerp, co-owner and figurehead Sir Jim Ratcliffe gave a view on UK politics and his comments on immigration, most notably his use of the word 'colonised', have sparked a media furore.

Ratcliffe offered an apology for offence caused by his choice of language but there has been a strong response from politicians, fan groups, and others. We consider the ramifications for the club and round up some of the news closer to football matters.

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Michael Carrick's 100% record as interim Manchester United manager (in this spell, at least) has come to and end. It was a disappointing game when compared to the four wins so far, of course, but how badly should we feel?

Let's not forget, it should have been a defeat. Benjamin Sesko rescued a point in Stratford with an innovative finish deep into injury time. Does Sesko have qualities that are useful against this sort of opposition, should he be starting more games, and should he have been introduced earlier?

Coming up this weekend... nothing. Well, not for the men's team anyway. We talk about what we'll do with a little extra spare time on our hands and catch up with some interesting correspondence.

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MUFC's fourth consecutive win continued Michael Carrick's perfect start as Manchester United manager. OK, Spurs held their own until captain "Cristian" Romero was dismissed for a tackle on Casemiro, but the team is growing in confidence and the gap to third (and second) is narrowing.

Our Bry found the corner after a neat set-piece routine and the evergreen, ever-prolific, Bruno sealed the win in the second half (albeit not before a few Andy Mitten nerves). In truth, there was very little jeopardy as they wrapped up a nice, easy victory.

West Ham away next, a rare midweek fixture, and despite the Hammers spending most of the season in the relegation zone this could be a tricky one. Stratford has been the site of some stinkers recently and Nuno's team have a glimpse of hope after some decent results.

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