Victor Osimhen has ruled out leaving Napoli before the end of the season, outlining his determination to see out their Scudetto bid before considering a move.

Manchester United have been touted as contenders for Osimhen's signature after terminating the contract of Cristiano Ronaldo, while Tottenham have previously been linked with the Nigeria international.

Osimhen leads Serie A's scoring charts with nine goals this season, and his superb form helped Napoli move eight points clear at the summit before the World Cup break.

Napoli have not won the Scudetto since Diego Maradona inspired them to glory in the 1989-90 campaign, and Osimhen is determined to end that drought before moving on.

"The future is this moment, it is winning something important in Italy. It is difficult to think of anything better than Napoli," he told Il Mattino.

"This is one of the greatest teams in Europe, it's an extraordinary club, and it's normal that now I'm only focused on what we have to do this season. 

"Because we haven't done anything yet, we have to win something. Then we'll see what happens."

Osimhen credits his own development to the methods of Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti, who led the side to a third-placed finish in his first campaign in charge last season.

"I always change, every day. It's important to continue to change, to grow, to always take a step forward," Osimhen said.

"My growth is linked to Spalletti, he believes in me, he gives me stimuli, makes me work hard and never lets me stop. 

"With him, everything is more simple because you understand that it's a job that he makes you do to improve further. It's just the beginning for me, I haven't reached any goal yet."

Bayern Munich are looking at Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez as the potential solution to their goalkeeper issue, as Manuel Neuer is expected to miss the second-half of the season through his skiing injury.

Martinez, 30, had an interesting journeyman career before arriving with Villa in 2020, having been contracted to Arsenal, but loaned out to Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham United, Wolves, Getafe and Reading.

In his first two seasons with Villa, Martinez kept 26 Premier League clean sheets, earning his Argentina debut in June 2021.

His ascension to La Albiceleste's number one saw him earn the 2021 Copa America Golden Glove as the tournament's best goalkeeper, and he followed it up with another Golden Glove after securing the World Cup title in a penalty shoot-out.

Neuer's leg fracture leaves Bayern without their first-choice goalkeeper, and with only a four-point gap atop the Bundesliga, they are reportedly desperate to secure a replacement in January.

TOP STORY – ARGENTINA WORLD CUP HERO TARGETED AS BAYERN'S NEUER REPLACEMENT

According to Media Foot, it is "out of the question" for Bayern to leave the January transfer window without a new goalkeeper, and Martinez's World Cup exploits have him at the top of the list.

He remains under contract with Villa until 2027, giving the Premier League side plenty of leverage in negotiations, and after signing him for £17million, will likely have their sights set on a significant profit to part ways with their world-class shot-stopper.

However, he is not the only keeper the German giants are keeping a close eye on from the World Cup, with Sky Sports Germany reporting they also are investigating Croatia's Dominic Livakovic and Morocco's Yassine Bounou.

That report states Bayern will try to tempt 34-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach's Yann Sommer to the club on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season, but that will not address their immediate pressing need.

ROUND-UP

– Sport is reporting Barcelona are in advanced negotiations with Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante on personal terms, as he is able to leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer after the season.

– Journalist Ekrem Konur claims Sevilla are the latest club to enquire about 22-year-old Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, who impressed for Morocco in Qatar.

– According to GiveMeSport, Chelsea are in the race to land 18-year-old Borussia Dortmund phenom Youssoufa Moukoko when his contract expires at the end of the season, while Si Phillips adds they will also try to sign out-of-contract Manchester United prospect Alejandro Garnacho.

– Sky Sports is reporting Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and multiple Premier League clubs have taken a liking to 27-year-old Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic after his performances at the World Cup for Croatia.

– According to Fabrizio Romano, 20-year-old Italian midfielder Ibrahima Bamba will likely leave Vitoria Guimaraes in January amid interest from Atalanta, Club Brugge and unnamed Premier League sides.

Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester City are reportedly the three leading candidates to land prized RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol after his excellent World Cup for Croatia.

Gvardiol, 20, has emerged as one of the top young centre-backs in the world after breaking into Leipzig's starting XI last season, and with 19 senior caps for Croatia under his belt already, he is well established on the international stage.

Having been signed from Dinamo Zagreb for €16million in 2020, that deal has proven to be a bargain, but it remains to be seen if Leipzig feel it is good business to part ways with their young star with four more years remaining on his contract.

TOP STORY - EUROPE'S TOP CLUBS CIRCLE CROATIA'S ROCK IN DEFENSE

Gvardiol may feel his future does not lie in Leipzig, but with his contract tying him to the club until 2027, he has no leverage in negotiations.

According to The Mirror, Chelsea have been planning a raid on Leipzig for months and would like to bring Gvardiol across with Christopher Nkunku, who they are said to have already secured in a future deal.

That report states Madrid are hoping to place a bid at the end of the season, but Chelsea have a January move in mind, although with Leipzig only six points off the Bundesliga summit they will likely need a stunning offer to force their hand mid-season.

That offer could come from City, who The Sun believes are preparing a €110m bid that would make Gvardiol the most expensive defender in history.

ROUND-UP

– Sky Sports is reporting Chelsea and Liverpool are closely monitoring 21-year-old Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, who was a standout for Ecuador at the World Cup.

– According to Foot Mercato, Fiorentina and Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat is pushing for a move to Liverpool.

– Sky Sports Germany believes Manchester United will not renew the contract of goalkeeper David De Gea and will look for a replacement at the end of the season.

– Manchester United are looking to sign 25-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram in January, per Sport Bild.

– The Daily Mail is reporting West Ham will pursue a loan deal for United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka in January.

Manchester United are set to be a prime mover in the January transfer window.

The Red Devils have parted ways with Cristiano Ronaldo following their falling-out, meaning they are likely to be eager for a new forward option.

United are also six months into manager Erik ten Hag's tenure, which has got off to a solid start, sitting fifth in the Premier League, but the Dutchman wants to keep building.

TOP STORY - MAN UTD SET TO REVIVE BID FOR DE JONG IN JANUARY

Manchester United will revive their interest in Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong in January after their failed pursuit of him prior to this season, according to the Manchester Evening News.

United manager Erik ten Hag was keen to land his fellow countryman following his arrival at Old Trafford.

The cultured midfielder's contract with the Blaugrana is complicated by the LaLiga club's financial situation but De Jong has so far remained committed to Barca despite the interest.

However, the report claims De Jong has privately told Ten Hag he would be happy to move to United.

ROUND-UP

– Fabrizio Romano claims Chelsea have completed a deal for RB Leipzig's French forward Christopher Nkunku, which will officially go through at the end of the season.

– Liverpool are interested in Milan's Algerian defensive midfielder Ismael Bennacer and are set to meet with him to open talks, claims Relevo.

– Sky Sports claims Chelsea and Liverpool will joust for the signature of Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, although neither club has opened talks yet.

– The Telegraph reports Gareth Southgate has decided he wants to remain as England manager despite their World Cup quarter-final exit to France.

PSV head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy accepts in-demand forward Cody Gakpo may be on his way out of the club in the January transfer window.

Gakpo has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Liverpool after impressing at Qatar 2022 with the Netherlands.

The 23-year-old became only the second player in World Cup history, after Italy's Alessandro Altobelli in 1986, to open the scoring in all three games in the same group stage.

He failed to find the net in the knockout stages against the United States and Argentina, with the latter ending the Netherlands' run on penalties at the quarter-final stage.

PSV director of football Marcel Brands recently declared only a club-record fee would prise him away, and Van Nistelrooy will not stand in Gakpo's way should he wish to leave.

"I enjoyed watching him [in Qatar]. He deserves this because of how he has behaved, how he's continued to work and continued to perform," Van Nistelrooy told Voetbal International.

"I was able to help him from very close by and that makes me proud. And then I'll give him his path when it comes.

"If I have the choice, I prefer the summer [window], but it can also be now. You just know there comes a time when you can't say no."

Gakpo boasts 17 goals and eight assists in 31 games this season, including a division-leading nine goals in the Eredivisie.

Speaking during the Netherlands' World Cup campaign, Gakpo said he will "think about" any interest that arrives from Man Utd, who showed an interest earlier this year.

"I thought about Manchester United before, but when that didn't happen I didn't know anymore and started to doubt," Gakpo said.

"Then Leeds United came and I wondered if I should go there. Now I'll wait for everything. I haven't heard from Manchester United yet, but when they come, I'll think about it."

PSV are not back in league action until January 7 when hosting Sparta Rotterdam at Philips Stadium.

Ander Herrera found his exit from Manchester United an emotionally taxing departure, calling it "painful" to leave the Premier League club.

The Spaniard, who spent five years at Old Trafford before moving on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, is currently on a season-long loan with Athletic Club.

During his time with United, Herrera helped the club to FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League honours, and was named their Player of the Year for the 2016-17 season.

Having departed at the close of his contract, it was assumed the Red Devils had been happy to let him go, and Herrera has now revealed the lack of a suitable offer throughout his final few seasons was tough to take.

"To leave, it was difficult because six months before, I was expecting that offer for me to stay," a tearful Herrera told United's website. "It's not the moment to talk bad about anyone, and I am not going to do it.

"But I expected a little bit more from the club. I [won] the Player of the Year, and the club didn't call me that summer to sign a new contract, [like] they did with other players.

"That was painful for me. I think I deserved it, and they didn't do it. After, the conditions changed because I was not happy with that little moment with the club.

"At the end of the third season, [I had won] three titles [and] Player of the Year, and they didn't call me in the summer. I was feeling a bit down."

Herrera revealed United did table an offer at the start of his final season, only for him to turn it down as they had failed to come at the right moment for him.

"They called me when I had one year left on the contract and the things, they were not right for me," he added.

"They didn't come at the right moment in my opinion, and in my agent's opinion, and in my family's opinion as well."

Newcastle United are reportedly looking to add more firepower to their forward line, and have identified Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as one of their "main priorities".

Kvaratskhelia, 21, arrived in Napoli in July after a €10million purchase from Georgian side Dinamo Batumi, having previously played with Russia's Rubin Kazan before the invasion of Ukraine allowed foreign players to leave.

The Georgia international with 19 senior caps under his belt has been a revelation for Napoli, starting 11 of the 12 games he has been healthy for, resulting in six goals and seven assists for the Serie A leaders.

He has been just as impressive in the Champions League, collecting both a goal and an assist in back-to-back wins over Ajax, after contributing an assist in a 4-1 demolition of Liverpool.

Just six months after his arrival in Italy, the exciting winger's transfer value has skyrocketed, and Napoli will be faced with a tough decision about whether to cash-in on the player dubbed 'Kvaradona'.

TOP STORY – NEWCASTLE PLAN MOVE FOR GEORGIAN SENSATION KVARATSKHELIA

According to The Times, Kvaratskhelia has been scouted regularly by Newcastle this season, and they have been so impressed that "he has become one of the club's main priorities for the next two transfer windows".

With Napoli in the hunt for their first Serie A title since the 1989-90 season, it remains to be seen if they would part ways with one of their key contributors, but a bid in excess of €50m could force the Italian side into a serious meeting.

Newcastle are also enjoying their best season in some time, and although they will have their sights set on a Champions League berth, the Magpies will likely persist at the end of the season if a transfer in January is not an option.

ROUND-UP

– Mediafoot is reporting Manchester United are considering a move for 31-year-old Atletico Madrid and France forward Antoine Griezmann, while The Telegraph claims the Red Devils are after 23-year-old PSV and the Netherlands standout Cody Gakpo.

– According to The Times, Wolves are planning a busy transfer window, with Todofichajes reporting they want Spanish international Isco from Sevilla, as well as United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, per Express and Star.

– Journalist Ekrem Konur believes Everton have entered the bidding war for 22-year-old Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus after his excellent World Cup for Ghana.

– Sky Sports is reporting Leicester City, Wolves and West Ham are all showing interest in 22-year-old Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, who plays for Angers in Ligue 1.

– According to Calciomercato, Paris Saint-Germain are confident they will land Inter centre-back Milan Skriniar on a free transfer at the end of the season. 

Cristiano Ronaldo may decide to end his playing career after seeing his dream of winning the World Cup dashed, says his former Manchester United team-mate Patrice Evra.

Ronaldo was used only as a substitute for the final two games of Portugal's campaign in Qatar, which ended with a surprise 1-0 defeat to Morocco in the last eight.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner became the first player to score in five different editions of the World Cup last month, but all eight of his goals at the tournament have come in the group stage.

Ronaldo has been strongly linked with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr since his United contract was terminated last month, but Evra believes he may hang up his boots.

"When I talked to him, we didn't talk especially about what he's going to do next. I don't know. I don't know if Ronaldo will retire," Evra told Sky Sports News on Friday.

"Sometimes at the end of your career you think, 'okay, I think it's time to stop', especially when you're not in the starting eleven with your national team. 

"Ronaldo wanted to play and be fit to win the World Cup with his country, this was his dream. Now he doesn't have that dream, I don't talk for Cristiano, but I won't be surprised if he retires. 

"Now, everything Ronaldo does, he's a bad person and a bad player or whatever, so I wouldn't be surprised if he decides to retire."

Ronaldo's great rival Lionel Messi has the chance to cap his career by lifting the World Cup for the first time on Sunday, having helped Argentina to the final with a series of talismanic displays.

Some have suggested Messi must win the World Cup to be considered the greatest player to have played the sport, but Evra feels the Argentina captain has already secured that status – alongside Ronaldo.

"He needs to win this World Cup? No. Him and Ronaldo are already the greatest," Evra added.

"Why does Messi need to win this World Cup? I think this is for the Argentina players to put him on the same level as Diego Maradona.

"Even when they say Messi does not have a good record with Argentina, he already played six finals with them. The debate is not whether Messi can be the greatest, he's already the greatest.

"But guys, let's not forget, Messi is the greatest and Ronaldo is the greatest, too. People have different opinions, and Ronaldo is there.

"It doesn't matter if he doesn't play the final, he's still the greatest. We have to respect every different opinion."

Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a bevy of forward options in the January transfer window, including Milan's Rafael Leao and Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic.

The Stamford Bridge side are said to have already come to terms on a deal worth at least €10million for 19-year-old striker David Datro Fofana from Norwegian side Molde, per Fabrizio Romano, but their hunt for reinforcements will not stop there.

With young Chelsea striker Armando Broja set for an extended stint on the sidelines due to injury, they are looking to bring in at least one more new face – or perhaps an old face.

TOP STORY – CHELSEA LOOK TO SERIE A FOR NEW MARQUEE FORWARD

According to Calciomercato and ESPN, Chelsea are engaged in discussions about Serie A forward Leao, Vlahovic, and Roma's Tammy Abraham – who left Chelsea in August 2021.

Recent reports claimed Milan had rejected a €70m offer from Chelsea for Leao, and are trying to hold out for his full €150m release clause, but ESPN's update states it will take "at least €80m" – a figure that is not scaring the Premier League side away.

Vlahovic is also believed to be available due to Juventus' behind-the-scenes turmoil, while Abraham has a €75m buy-back option, but that price is said to be above what Chelsea are willing to pay for him.

Meanwhile, the Evening Standard are reporting Atletico Madrid have offered Chelsea two more options up top, giving them the opportunity to buy Joao Felix or Matheus Cunha.

ROUND-UP

– Mundo Deportivo is reporting Liverpool will have to pay £87m for 21-year-old Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who they are believed to have made a pre-agreement with.

– According to 90min, Manchester City have circled Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham and Arsenal's Bukayo Saka as two key targets going forward.

– Manchester United, Newcastle United and Real Madrid are the teams competing for the signature of breakout PSV talent Cody Gakpo, per the Mirror.

– Sport are reporting Barcelona are the favourites to sign Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, as he would prefer to head to Spain instead of the Premier League.

– According to SoccerNews, the agent of Fiorentina midfielder and Morocco standout Sofyan Amrabat is pushing for his move to Liverpool.

Manchester United's EFL Cup tie with Burnley will be played in front of a reduced capacity, following advice from safety authorities.

The Red Devils welcome the Championship leaders to Old Trafford for the last-16 clash on Wednesday, with Clarets boss and ex-Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany returning to the home of his former rivals.

The match coincides with a day of industrial action affecting North West Ambulance Service, culminating in the unavailability of ambulance service personnel.

At the request of the authorities, tiers in the West Stand and North Stand are required to be closed as part of a "robust" medical plan, which will allow around 62,000 fans to be in attendance, with Old Trafford usually able to house around 74,000.

"Everyone at Manchester United shares the inevitable disappointment caused by this news, particularly to those ticket holders who will be impacted," a statement on the club's official website read.

"However, the safety of our fans is always our priority. As the match is currently sold out, we have written to fans in the affected areas offering the option of a full refund. 

"No action is required from fans with tickets in other areas of the ground at this time. We will do our utmost to relocate anyone who is impacted and has not chosen to accept a refund, prioritising full and cup season ticket holders."

The Premier League has welcomed a declaration from the European Union Court of Justice (CJEU) that attempts to sanction European Super League clubs would be legal.

On Thursday, CJEU advocate general Athanasios Rantos dealt a blow to the Super League's supporters – including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus – stating UEFA and FIFA would be acting lawfully by preventing clubs from participating in third-party competitions.

With a judgement expected in the new year, Rantos was responding to a request by a Madrid court for a ruling on whether the governing bodies could take action in accordance with competition law and fundamental freedoms.

Supporters of the Super League had argued sanctions would be incompatible with EU competition law.

But UEFA described Rantos' opinion as "an encouraging step towards preserving the existing dynamic and democratic governance structure of the European football pyramid."

Both FIFA and the European Club Association – of which Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are no longer members – have also welcomed the message.

The Premier League echoed those thoughts in a statement on Thursday, outlining its continued support for open, merit-based access to European competitions. 

"We share the advocate general's clear view that open access is fundamental to European club football," the statement read.

"Further to today's opinion, the Premier League reiterates its commitment to the principles underpinning the current balance of domestic and European competitions including open access, annual merit-based qualification from domestic leagues for European club competitions, weekends reserved for domestic football and substantial solidarity funding for football development.

"The fans' voice regarding the essential nature of sporting integrity has been heard.

"Above all, the focus of Premier League clubs is on improving the collective strength and competitiveness of the league in the best interests of the wider game.

"The Premier League will continue to engage in an open dialogue, with all relevant stakeholders, about how best to protect the complementary balance between domestic and European club football."

Each of the six English clubs involved in the Super League's ill-fated launch last year withdrew their support amid fierce opposition from supporters, players and the media.

Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer says the club are "going forward with the process" of exploring a potential takeover at Old Trafford.

The Glazers, who have owned United since 2005, announced last month they were open to selling the club as they planned to "explore strategic alternatives".

There has been increasing pressure on the Glazers in recent years, with fans regularly protesting and demonstrating their frustrations with the running of the club, while Erik ten Hag welcomed the possibility of fresh investment at Old Trafford.

Avram Glazer was at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday, where France beat Morocco 2-0 to advance to the World Cup final.

When asked for an update on the sale of United outside the stadium, the 62-year-old told The Athletic: "It's not necessarily a sale, it's a process, and we're going forward with the process, so we'll see what happens.

"That's the update, it's the process and the process is proceeding."

Bastian Schweinsteiger believes Anthony Martial can become one of Manchester United's "best players" with confidence and the right guidance.

Despite sustaining a hamstring injury during pre-season, Martial has registered four goals and two assists in seven appearances this term.

The forward will hope to feature when United to return to action against Burnley in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

Schweinsteiger played alongside Martial at Old Trafford for just under two seasons, the latter marking his debut with a stunning individual goal in a 3-1 victory over Liverpool in September 2015.

The former Germany international is confident the 27-year-old can shine under Erik ten Hag. 

"His potential is immense," Schweinsteiger told MUTV. "I remember very well when he arrived at United, and he scored the goal against Liverpool in a special way.

"With him, you need to give him confidence. But you also need to push him sometimes, and then he can be one of the best players.

"But he has to understand that first, and that’s the job of the coaches and also the team-mates.

"If you play with someone like him, you want to see the quality of this player all the time. You expect it because you know what this player is able to do.

"When I played with him, my goal was always to put him in the right position with the ball. So, to give him the ball in the right moments where he can show his abilities the most.

"Like one against one, one against two, with the ball, facing the opponents' goal.

"They are the moments he [is] waiting for, and then he's actually producing. At the end of the day, what matters for him is goals and assists."

Milan's Portuguese forward Rafael Leao will be a key player of interest in the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old helped Milan clinched the Italian Serie A title last term, netting 11 goals for the Rossoneri.

According to reports, Leao is unwilling to pen a contract extension with Milan, who failed to meet his demands.

TOP STORY - CHELSEA GET JUMP IN RAFAEL LEAO CHASE

Chelsea have emerged as the frontrunners in the hotly contested pursuit of Milan forward Rafael Leao, claims GiveMeSport's Dean Jones.

Leao enters the final 18 months of his Milan contract in January, with interest also reportedly coming from Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Milan may be willing to let the Portuguese depart in January if they cannot convince him to sign a new deal, rating him at £86million (€100m).

ROUND-UP

– Chelsea's planned mid-year move for RB Leipzig's Christopher Nkunku will not be brought forward to January despite a season-ending ACL injury for Armando Broja, reports Fabrizio Romano.

– CBS's Ben Jacobs claims Dusan Vlahovic exiting Juventus in 2023 is a "very real possibility", including a possible January move, with Chelsea among the clubs in contact with the Serbian's representatives.

– Real Madrid have joined the race for Netherlands international Cody Gakpo, claims AS. Manchester United are also interested in the PSV forward, who was pursued by Leeds United in the last transfer window.

– ESPN claims Manchester United will enquire with Benfica about the status of Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos, who netted a hat-trick against Switzerland at the World Cup.

– Bayer Leverkusen are interested in signing West Ham full-back Vladimir Coufal, claims Sky Sports. The Czech, who is contracted until 2024 with the option of another year, also has interest from two other Premier League clubs.

Manchester United being sold by the Glazer family would be positive for the club, according to manager Erik ten Hag.

The Glazers, who have owned United since 2005, announced last month they were open to selling the club as they planned to "explore strategic alternatives".

There has been increasing pressure on the Glazers in recent years, with protests commonly seen from fans as frustration grew with the running of the club.

As United seek to compete with the financial might of Manchester City, as well as the new Saudi Arabian owners of Newcastle United, Ten Hag feels fresh investment at Old Trafford would be exciting news for the club.

"There will be more investment possible which is good," said Ten Hag.

"We [Ten Hag and CEO Richard Arnold] spoke about the culture we want, we spoke about objectives, goals and the culture and he confirmed it won't change.

"It will be even better because more money will become available for this project."

Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group confirmed they were looking for new investment in November, while Chelsea were taken over by American businessman Todd Boehly earlier this year.

Ten Hag believes increasing United's financial capabilities is necessary as they look to return to the top table of English football, having lifted just three major trophies since legendary manager Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

"There's a change in circumstances when you compare [the Premier League] with five or 10 years ago," Ten Hag added.

"Newcastle are coming, even West Ham, maybe not now in the table but they have huge investment. Tottenham definitely and I don't need to talk about City and Liverpool or Chelsea.

"You can quickly count seven or eight clubs that can compete in this league.

"It's also about strategy, not just money. But it's clear that when you don't have the right players and quality players you will not be successful and achieve the targets you set."

After a difficult start to life as United manager since joining from Ajax, Ten Hag's men enjoyed an upturn in form as they went into the World Cup break in fifth place.

United resume their season against Burnley in the EFL Cup on December 21, before they return to Premier League action against Nottingham Forest the following week.

They will be without superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo, whose bombshell interview with Piers Morgan led to his contract with the club being mutually terminated in late November.