Not only is there a question mark over who will be in charge, but United must also freshen up a squad that has once again underperformed this time around.
If reports are accurate, it may well be that two of United's long-term targets end up reuniting at Old Trafford.
TOP STORY – POCHETTINO WANTS KANE TO JOIN HIM AT UNITED
Mauricio Pochettino has long been considered the favourite to take over from Ralf Rangnick should the interim manager, as expected, step aside at the end of the season.
According to the Telegraph, Pochettino wants assurances that he will be financially backed if he leaves Paris Saint-Germain, with Tottenham striker Harry Kane reported to be on his radar.
Kane and Pochettino previously worked together for five and a half years at Tottenham and are said to still remain in contact.
However, Spurs resisted big-money interest from Manchester City for their star player last year and are not expected to budge too much on their valuation in the next window.
ROUND-UP
- Gareth Bale looks increasingly likely to leave Real Madrid when his contract expires later this year. According to one report, from Tuttomercatoweb, the Wales international has reached an agreement to return to Tottenham, where he spent last season on loan.
- Sport claims that Frenkie de Jong has no intention of leaving Barcelona in the next transfer window. The Ajax academy product is rumoured to be a target for Liverpool and Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
- Real Madrid have added Arsenal full-back Kieran Tierney to their list of transfer targets, Spanish outlet El Espanol reports. Los Blancos are seeking a replacement for Marcelo, who turns 34 in May and is soon to become a free agent.
- According to transfer expert Ekrem Konur, Brazilian side Flamengo remain in talks to sign Neto from Barcelona on a free contract. The once-capped Brazil international has played second-fiddle to Marc-Andre ter Stegen for the past three seasons.
- Inter midfielder Arturo Vidal is a man in demand ahead of becoming a free agent in July. Calciomercato suggests that Premier League sides Aston Villa and Tottenham, as well as Marseille and Galatasaray, are set to battle it out for his signature.
The 28-year-old revealed his regret at leaving Inter for Chelsea and questioned boss Thomas Tuchel's tactics, leading to him being dropped for the 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
Lukaku has returned for the Blues' two matches since, but doubts remain over whether he will still be a Chelsea player come the start of next season.
TOP STORY – LUKAKU LINED UP AS MBAPPE REPLACEMENT?
PSG look certain to lose Kylian Mbappe at the end of the campaign as the Real Madrid target fast approaches the end of his contract at the Parc des Princes.
The Ligue 1 giants are on the lookout for possible replacements and, according to El Nacional, Lukaku is one of those being considered by the club's wealthy backers.
The report suggests PSG are willing to pay €90million (£75.1m) to persuade Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to part ways with the club's all-time record signing.
Lukaku, who apologised for giving the explosive interview in December, has scored eight goals in 20 appearances since returning to west London five months ago.
ROUND-UP
– Tottenham have decided to sell Steven Bergwijn this month amid interest from several clubs, according to Fabrizio Romano. Ajax are said to be among the sides to have already made an offer for the Netherlands international.
– Anthony Martial wants to leave Manchester United and has been touted as a possible target for Barcelona. But Spanish outlet Sport claims that, while Barca are eager to strengthen in the final third, Martial is not on their radar in this window.
– Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is wanted by a number of Europe's heavyweight clubs. According to Foot Mercato, PSG are prepared to pay more than the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, but the latter remains the Germany international's preferred choice.
– A rumoured target for Chelsea and Bayern, Sergino Dest's Barcelona future may become clearer in the coming days. El Nacional claims the defender's representatives are set to hold talks with the Catalan giants.
– After being jeered off the pitch by his own supporters in Tottenham's 3-1 FA Cup win over Morecambe on Sunday, The Athletic reports that club-record signing Tanguy Ndombele is hopeful of ending his tumultuous spell in north London this month.
– The Athletic also reports Aston Villa are now the favourites to sign Everton full-back Lucas Digne, despite previous interest from Chelsea. Newcastle United have also been linked, but Digne is apparently not considering a move to the relegation-threatened side.
Mbappe, 21, has repeatedly been linked to Real Madrid, rumours which only intensified after the forward was involved in a bust-up with coach Thomas Tuchel.
But PSG are prepared to make the France international see out his contract, rather than lose one of their star players.
TOP STORY – PSG STANDING FIRM OVER MBAPPE AMID MADRID LINKS
PSG will not listen to offers for Mbappe amid links to Real Madrid, according to Marca.
Mbappe is contracted in Paris until 2022 and the Ligue 1 giants are willing to make him see out his deal.
PSG have also tried to extend Mbappe's contract, moves which are set to continue despite his seeming unhappiness at the club.
ROUND-UP
- With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer under some pressure at Old Trafford, Mauricio Pochettino has not given up on becoming Manchester United manager ahead of next season, according to the Mirror.
- While Pochettino may arrive, Paul Pogba seems likely to leave United. Tuttosport reports the midfielder and Juventus attacker Paulo Dybala dream of playing together again, with Pogba perhaps set for a return to Turin. Dybala is in contract talks with Juventus with his deal expiring in 2022.
- Jack Grealish seems to know where he wants to be. Goal reports the midfielder is ready to join Manchester United from Aston Villa, although no formal talks have taken place. The Sun says Grealish prefers Manchester United over other clubs, while the Mirror reports Manchester City have joined the race for the Englishman.
- With Luis Suarez set to miss most of the rest of the season due to injury, Barcelonaare eyeing a move for … Luis Suarez. El Larguero reports Barcelona have made contact with Real Zaragoza over the forward, who is on loan from Watford. Suarez has scored 14 goals in the Segunda Division this season.
- On loan at Newcastle United from Tottenham, Danny Rose will be watched by Paris Saint-Germain ahead of a possible move at the end of the season, according to The Sun.
Los Blancos, along with Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Manchester United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, were keen on the former Borussia Dortmund forward.
Ultimately, the Norwegian decided to join Manchester City, starting on fire with 14 goals in 10 games in all competitions, but Madrid are keeping an eye on him.
TOP STORY – MADRID PLANNING LONG-TERM MOVES FOR CITY DUO
Spanish giants Real Madrid are plotting moves to sign Manchester City pair Joao Cancelo and Erling Haaland, reports AS.
Madrid will attempt to sign the 28-year-old Portuguese full-back in mid-2023, with Cancelo contracted until 2027, although the report claims he will cost around €40-50million (£35-44m).
The Spanish champions are planning a swoop for Haaland but not until 2024, with Karim Benzema in the twilight of his career.
Haaland reportedly has a termination clause in his City contract worth €180m (£158m) up until 2024.
ROUND-UP
– The Daily Star reports that Manchester United and David De Gea are set for key talks on his future, with the goalkeeper's contract expiring in mid-2023. United hold an option to extend his stay.
– Manchester United may struggle in their bid to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, with the Villans to turn down any offer for him in January, claims Football Insider.
– Barcelona are keen to sign Wolves 25-year-old midfielder Ruben Neves as a long-term replacement for 34-year-old Sergio Busquets, reports Sport. Neves will be the Blaugrana's top target at the end of this season.
– Gerard Pique is not interested in joining Atletico Madrid in January, claims Sport. The defender has fallen out of favour at Barcelona, but he is determined to fight for his spot.
– Calciomercato claims that Chelsea are interested in Inter wing-back Denzel Dumfries. The Italian club may be willing to part with the Dutchman for approximately £44m.
– Colombian forward Luis Muriel is ready to leave Atalanta, with a move to Fiorentina on the cards, according to Calciomercato.
– PSV striker Cody Gakpo is likely to have more offers in January with Manchester United, Southampton and Everton all still interested, claims Football Transfers.
– Thomas Tuchel is Real Madrid 's preferred replacement for Carlo Ancelotti, according to El Nacional. The Italian has told the club he does not intend to manage Madrid beyond this season.
The Napoli striker is valued at around €80million by the Serie A leaders.
Manchester United are understood to be interested in Osimhen.
TOP STORY – REAL TO RIVAL MAN UTD FOR OSIMHEN
The race for Napoli forward Osimhen is heating up with Real Madrid joining United in pursuit of his signature, according to Calciomercato.
Osimhen's Napoli contract does not expire until 2025 but both clubs are ready to flex their muscles and move for him in the off-season transfer window.
The 23-year-old forward's stock has risen dramatically since Napoli signed him for €70m from Lille in 2020.
ROUND-UP
- Inter are lining up a move for Borussia Monchengladbach's Marcus Thuram as they prepare for Lautaro Martinez to be prized away amid interest from Manchester City, claims The Sun.
- Nicolo Schira claims that Milan have agreed personal terms with Lille defender and Newcastle United target Sven Botman, who has been lured by a five-year deal.
- Barcelona are set to join the race for Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, who has interest from Arsenal and Manchester United, reports the Mail.
- The Express claims that Aston Villa are interested in manager Steven Gerrard's ex-Liverpool team-mate Luis Suarez along with Milan's Franck Kessie .
- Teenage England international Jude Bellingham has opted to remain with Borussia Dortmund for one more season, claims Bild.
- Kicker claims that Roma have joined the pursuit for Stuttgart's Sasa Kalajdzic along with Tottenham, West Ham, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig .
- West Ham are interested in Bristol City striker Antoine Semenyo, according to The Mirror, while Celtic are also tracking him.
The rapid winger was of interest to Tottenham in the off-season, when they were coached by former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
Though Nuno's spell at Spurs was short-lived, it appears Antonio Conte is also an admirer of Traore.
TOP STORY: SPURS TO MAKE TRAORE MOVE?
Tottenham are looking for reinforcements this month, as they aim to provide Antonio Conte with the resources he needs to push for Champions League qualification. However, they were dealt a blow this week when Conte confirmed Son Heung-min is set to miss the rest of January with a muscular injury.
With Son out, Sky Sports believes Tottenham will reignite their interest in Traore, a player they wanted to sign before the season started.
The report also states that Spurs may bring in Traore to provide competition for both an attacking role and right wing-back duties in Conte's preferred 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 shape.
ROUND-UP
- According to Fichajes, two Premier League clubs are interested in signing Barcelona forward Martin Braithwaite .
- Sky Sports reports that Aston Villa wish to sign Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma this month.
- The same outlet has also claimed that Real Madrid's Gareth Bale may consider a move to the Championship, with Swansea City or Cardiff City mooted as possible destinations.
- Fabrizio Romano has said that Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is unlikely to join Arsenal in January.
- According to the presenter Oriol Domenech on TV3, Barca president Joan Laporta has been telling people close to him that he is very confident of signing Erling Haaland later this year.
- Manchester United are preparing a bid for PSG forward Mauro Icardi, should Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani leave the club, L'Equipe reports.
- Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that Juventushave received several offers for midfielder Arthur, who could leave this month.
Phillips, 26, has been with Leeds since 2010, but Football Insider has reported he has no interest in remaining with the club next season, even if they remain in the Premier League.
The tough midfielder followed in the footsteps of Wilfried Zaha and Jack Butland as the only English players in the 21st century to earn a senior cap while having never played in any country's top division, and confirmed his class at Euro 2020, starting every game and earning the title of England's 2020-21 Men's Player of the Year.
TOP STORY – PHILLIPS GETS READY FOR EXCITING NEW CHAPTER
Believed to be valued at £60million, this will be the first time in Phillips' career that he has a chance to shape his own future and pick a situation he feels can elevate him into the conversation of the world's top midfielders.
There will be a Paul Pogba-sized hole in the centre of United's line-up, Villa have signalled their intent with their move for Philippe Coutinho, and David Moyes reportedly has visions of owning the English centre-mid pairing of Phillips and Declan Rice – or replacing the latter if they cannot retain his services through upcoming the transfer window.
Phillips missed four months of this season – from December to March – with a serious hamstring injury, restricting him to just one goal and one assist from 21 club appearances across the Premier League and Carabao Cup.
ROUND-UP
– Newcastlehave made Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin a priority target in the upcoming transfer window, according to the Telegraph.
– Fichajes is reporting Bayern Munich have entered the race for Paul Pogba, while The Mirror claims Juventus are confident about the Frenchman returning to his former Italian club.
– According to Give Me Sport, Chelseaare looking to bring in Sevilla's Jules Kounde to replace outgoing defenders Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
– Marca is reporting some of the world's biggest clubs, including Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Arsenaland Milanare chasing 19-year-old Racing striker Charly Alcaraz.
– The Athletic claims that if Raheem Sterling is to leave Manchester City in the upcoming transfer window, it will not be to Premier League clubs Arsenal or Tottenham, instead favouring one of Europe's top teams in Champions League contention.
The 24-year-old winger joined English Premier League (EPL) club Aston Villa last summer amid a flurry of high expectations for everyone involved in the deal. The player has, so far, failed to live up to many of those expectations.
Bailey’s problems have in the main stemmed from being unable to take the pitch. Two thigh injuries and an ankle injury saw the players miss significant time on the sideline. In fact, the forward has only been able to take part in 18 matches, with just 7 starts.
The player has given glimpses of his tremendous potential in a cameo against Everton last September, assisting one goal before scoring a belter. Bailey suffered a season-ending injury but has since returned to action for the Jamaica national team where he scored in the CONCACAF Nation’s League. It is a trend the forward intends to continue.
“Talk the same talk you did last season,” Bailey warned his critics via Instagram.
“New season incoming, I’m coming for everything they said I couldn’t achieve, mark my words.”
United have been without Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez over the past few weeks, with the latter set to miss the rest of the season.
Losing both in quick succession seemed a huge blow, but Lindelof and Luke Shaw – who has been moved centrally – have generally done well in their stead.
Lindelof enjoyed arguably one of his best games in a United shirt last weekend against Brighton and Hove Albion as they secured passage to the FA Cup final, and although the Red Devils threw away a lead against Tottenham in midweek, the Sweden international was hardly culpable.
Against in-form Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, Lindelof routinely seemed to be in the right place at the right time, making a team-high four clearances, including a vital one off the goal-line to deny the visitors a late equaliser.
Clearly, Ten Hag has been impressed, with Lindelof earning chances ahead of maligned club captain Harry Maguire.
"He's playing fantastic," Ten Hag said of Lindelof to BBC Match of the Day.
"Really good games in and out of possession. Today, totally defending in control, but then building up as well, good positioning, good decisions, so we are happy with that.
"The games and life are much easier if you get the second goal earlier or get the second goal. We already have seen we have many players, including Lindelof, who are determined to win the game in attack and defence and that is what you need if you want to be successful."
Victory for United ensured that, even if Liverpool beat Tottenham, Ten Hag's men will end the weekend seven points clear of fifth.
United will also have at least one game in hand on each of the three teams directly below them, meaning a top-four spot is all but theirs with six matches left.
Ten Hag is not taking anything for granted but recognises they are in a good position.
"I'm really happy with the points but also with the performance," Ten Hag continued.
"Really good performance against a Villa side who did not lose in 10 games and scored in every game.
"We were in complete control. It could have been 3-1 or 4-1 [to United], so a really good and impressive performance.
"We have seen character today, we were determined, passionate and we had to win, and we played good football.
"We look from game to game and next we have Brighton, so we need to work hard again. We need to show passion again and not worry about the table.
"We are totally in control [in the race for top four], it's all about us and it's in our hands."
Villa were 5-0 up from a resounding win in Edinburgh last week and completed formalities in the second leg as first-half goals from Jhon Duran and Leon Bailey put them out of sight.
Substitute Matty Cash sealed a 3-0 win on the night as Villa hosted European football for the first time since 2010 and they now await Friday’s group-stage draw in Monaco to learn who they will face.
Four-time Europa League winner Emery said: “Yes of course (I’m happy). We finished it tonight.
“We needed to be in the group stage and we have to be happy and enjoy it with our supporters.
“Today it was a full stadium and to finish and qualify was fantastic. I’m really happy because I really enjoy it in Europe and I want to enjoy it now with Aston Villa.”
The Spaniard is expecting Villa to complete the loan signing of Clement Lenglet before the transfer window closes on Friday.
“He’s not completely signed, but he’s close to signing with us,” Emery said.
“He’s a player who can help us. With the injury to Tyrone Mings, he can replace him in the squad.”
Emery said it “was possible” that Philippe Coutinho could leave Villa Park on deadline day and added: “I’m very happy with our squad.
“The club made a big effort to complete our squad. There’s still one day to go and we’re going to be ready.”
Hibs are going through a difficult spell having sacked manager Lee Johnson on Sunday after a home defeat to Livingston had left them bottom of the cinch Premiership without a point.
They were outclassed for large periods in both legs against Villa, but were given a rapturous send-off by their noisy 2,200 travelling fans and caretaker boss David Gray said he was proud of them and his players.
Former Hibs defender Gray, appointed caretaker for a third time after Johnson’s departure, said: “I’m proud of the players.
“They worked right to the very end in difficult circumstances all round at the football club at the moment, but I can’t fault the effort or commitment from the players.
“Playing against this level of opposition, if you switch off for a split second or make a slight mistake, you get punished. They’re a top, top team with fantastic players.”
On Hibs’ impressive following, Gray added: “I’ve been at the club nearly 10 years now and they’ve always been fantastic.
“You say there was 2,000, I’m sure there was a lot more that came down. Fantastic support as always.”
Villa had lost back-to-back games to Newcastle and Manchester United but put that right against Forest to strengthen their grip on a top-four place.
Ollie Watkins and Douglas Luiz’s double saw them cruise into a 3-0 first-half lead only for Forest to scare them with goals either side of half-time through Moussa Niakhate and Morgan Gibbs-White.
But Leon Bailey struck on the hour to give Villa breathing space and they saw it out to give themselves a cushion over the chasing pack.
Emery said: “We were very excited and very motivated after we lost two matches at home after a long time in a row winning matches here, and feeling comfortable and strong and connected with our supporters and being confident.
“But after we lost two matches a home we could have lost a little bit of our confidence and could have lost something tactically.
“But we were planning the same matches that we played against Newcastle and Manchester United, even though we lost.
“We reacted well in Sheffield (United) and reacted well against Fulham and we were focused on getting confirmation we reacted well at home.
“Firstly playing with personality and second trying to control the game with our style. First half we did fantastically and I was very happy, I was feeling comfortable and confident.
“When they scored the goal it was the only chance we conceded in the first half and we started the second half with some doubt and they scored a goal but our reaction was fantastic as well, like we did before in other matches.
“After some doubt we reacted and were again playing with personality and trying to control the game.”
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo was left to rue “a bad performance”.
Forest were overrun in the opening 40 minutes, but still found themselves back in the game with their goals either side of half-time.
They could not complete a comeback, though, as their poor start cost them.
“We started really, really bad, the beginning of the game was bad, it was too easy for the opponent to score,” the Portuguese said.
“We didn’t play well. A very bad first half, even though the goal gave us some hope, we started the second half really well at 3-2, we had a good chance for 3-3, the game was there for us.
“Then again a bad situation that put Villa 4-2 and it was game over. To sum up, a bad performance.
“That is something we are going to work on, analyse and try to understand why and try to understand if we can be better.
“I really believe we can do better – individually and as a team because it is too easy for the opponent to score.”
Since joining the Clarets from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the transfer window, Bailey has been used sparingly in the team’s line-up and is yet to start a match. Against Everton, however, he gave fans a hint of what could be in store for this season with a match-changing introduction.
Bailey entered the pitch in the 61st minute and had almost an immediate impact on proceedings. After Matty Cash’s thunderous shot put the hosts ahead in the 66th minute, Bailey’s viciously swung corner was headed into the back of his own net by Lucas Digne.
The Jamaican then got his first goal for Villa in fine style after sprinting on from the halfway line to a long ball provided by Danny Ings and crashing his shot into the net past a stranded Everton keeper Asmir Begović. Things, however, ended on a worrying note for Bailey who had to be substituted in the 82nd minute after going down with an injury. The change was later revealed to be more of a precaution.
“To have the fans chanting my name when I was going on, it was such an amazing feeling. Words can’t even explain. The fans were great tonight, it was perfect for me to get the goal for them tonight. I feel welcome as a Villa player,” Bailey said following the match.
“I was just excited to get on the pitch, and I delivered, it was a perfect night,” he added.
As for the injury, the player did not think it was that serious.
“It might have been from hitting the ball, maybe I hit it too hard. I just felt a little stiff in my quad, but I don’t think it’s anything serious. So instead of risking it, I just decided to come out instead of risking it. We have a lot of games coming up.”
