Pep Guardiola made it clear he is not happy with Manchester City's schedule after the World Cup.

City defeated Girona 2-0 in a friendly on Saturday, with Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland getting the goals.

The pair were two of four outfield players among City's first-team regulars, along with Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan, to have started the match.

Reserve goalkeeper Stefan Ortega and back-up left-back Sergio Gomez also featured from the off, but the rest of the squad was made up of academy players.

City face Liverpool in the EFL Cup last 16 on Thursday, before taking on Leeds United and Everton on December 28 and 31 respectively in the Premier League, and Guardiola claimed he did not yet have enough players to prepare for the festive fixture list.

"We have four players – five players," Guardiola told City's official media channel.

"We have to see how they are coming back [from the World Cup]. We don't have players. The big brains of football made this schedule so we are going to play this game."

City had plenty of representation in Qatar, though De Bruyne and Gundogan had returned after early exits for Belgium and Germany respectively.

Aymeric Laporte and Rodri were knocked out in the last 16 with Spain and will return next week, while England internationals Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, John Stones and Kalvin Phillips, along with Portugal trio Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva, as well as Netherlands defender Nathan Ake, are also set to join back up with the squad soon.

"Some players coming back now, in the next few days, step by step we have the people here," Guardiola added.

"People are coming back soon. After that the English players and Portuguese – they're coming back."

Indeed, despite being one of the best teams in world football, City have only one player who will be competing in the final between Argentina and France on Sunday.

Julian Alvarez has been one of Argentina's best performers in Qatar, scoring four goals, including twice in their semi-final win over Croatia.

"All of us are really happy for him," said Guardiola.

Arthur will not return to Juventus in January and could stay at Liverpool beyond this season, the midfielder's agent said.

Brazil international Arthur has played just 13 minutes for Liverpool since joining on loan from Juventus in September, being sidelined by a muscle injury that required surgery.

The 26-year-old is expected to return to action before the end of December, but recent reports suggested he may head back to his parent club next month.

However, agent Federico Pastorello has denied those claims and suggested there is a chance of Arthur staying at Anfield for the long term should his Juve future not be resolved.

"He will stay at Liverpool in January, 100 per cent," Pastorello told Tuttomercatoweb. "It's an aspect that has never been under discussion.

"I don't know who has started these rumours regarding a return to Turin, but that is not the case, absolutely. It is not foreseen in the contract and there is no possibility.

"Nobody has questioned his stay – not Liverpool nor Juventus. As far as next season is concerned, when the current one ends we'll see.

"If [Massimiliano] Allegri continues at Juve, a solution will have to be found. If Liverpool want to renew the loan or make an offer, I think they'll find fertile ground."

Liverpool have the right to buy Arthur, who previously spent two years with Barcelona prior to joining Juventus in June 2020. The option entails a reported £32.3million (€37.5m) fee to be paid at the end of the season.

The Gremio academy product was a surprise signing for Liverpool on deadline day in the past transfer window, and Pastorello has revealed how the move came about.

"The operation was born out of stubbornness to look for something," Pastorello said. "Liverpool had previously given signs of approval, but they didn't have space [in the squad]."

He said Liverpool made an approach when Jordan Henderson suffered an injury.

"It was the penultimate day of the transfer market. Liverpool called us saying they wanted to close the deal and from there we got down to business," the agent added. "We left for Liverpool on the last transfer day for visits and signings."

Arthur is one of 12 midfielders to have featured for Liverpool this season, yet they continue to be linked with the likes of Sofyan Amrabat, Enzo Fernandez and Jude Bellingham.

Jurgen Klopp's side return to competitive action on Thursday following the World Cup break with a trip to Manchester City in the last 16 of the EFL Cup.

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. 

Jurgen Klopp has suggested he will not consider selecting Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool's return to action against Manchester City next week.

Van Dijk returned to training with Liverpool in Dubai this week on the back of the Netherlands' elimination from the World Cup against Argentina last Friday.

The 31-year-old played a full part in all five of his country's matches in Qatar – including extra time in the quarter-final loss to Argentina – totalling 480 minutes of action.

However, while Klopp does not want to rush Van Dijk's comeback, he has yet to make a call on England duo Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Henderson did not finish any of the three England matches he started, while Alexander-Arnold managed just 33 minutes on the field across the Three Lions' five matches.

"Yes, there's a chance, of course – they're training already," Klopp told Liverpool's official website when asked if any returning World Cup players would be in action against City.

"Hendo is already training here. Virgil is training here, but I don't think we will try that. Hendo we will see, Trent we will see. 

"But this group worked now together for nearly two weeks and we made a real step and that's cool. I don't know in this moment.

"I hope we all get through it and we all know in England, and in Europe in general, there's kind of a virus going around, so we hope we can stay out of that. 

"Then we'll make the decision obviously on Wednesday who can play on Thursday. But it's good and will be a very interesting game after that period, but I'm looking forward to it."

Liverpool defeated Milan 4-1 in their second mid-season friendly on Friday, with Darwin Nunez – who suffered early World Cup heartbreak with Uruguay – scoring twice.

Mohamed Salah and Thiago Alcantara were also on target for Liverpool in the United Arab Emirates, where Klopp used 22 different players, including a number of youngsters.

"In general, tonight was the result of the last 10 days what we saw in training and tonight we could bring it on the pitch, which is obviously nice," Klopp said.

"I'm not sure the academy [players] could watch the game tonight but when you see these boys and performing in a game like this, it's cool. 

"It's a real physical game, adult football is a physical game and the boys need to make these steps so they can get ready for it step by step. 

"The physical part will come but until you are that strong, you can create a lot of ideas, you can do things a bit smarter. 

"There was a lot of really good things tonight and that's why we play football. We want to see good football games."

Liverpool's trip to the Etihad Stadium is followed four days later by a visit to Aston Villa on their return to Premier League action, before hosting Leicester City on December 30.

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.

Andrew Robertson says Liverpool's players will "just focus on playing" amid talk of the Premier League giants being up for sale.

Fenway Sports Group is looking for outside investment to help pursue the club's goals, while also being open to the possibility of a full sale.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Robertson said he and his team-mates cannot be distracted by talk of a potential takeover, with the Premier League season set to resume following the World Cup, which concludes in Qatar on Sunday.

"Honestly, we just focus on playing football," he said. "Obviously you see the stuff in the press and you see stuff around potential new buyers or that the club has been put up for sale and things like that, but we can't control it.

"All we can do is play football, all we can do is control what is on the pitch. There's enough work on the pitch for us to not have to worry about anything else and yes, whatever else happens [with the owners] will happen."

Liverpool are on a warm-weather training camp in Dubai after a frustrating start to the 2022-23 season where they won just six of their 14 league games (D4, L4), only winning their first away game in the league at Tottenham in November.

After finishing one point behind Manchester City in the title race and losing 1-0 to Real Madrid in the Champions League final last season, Liverpool came agonisingly close to completing a unique quadruple, having won the EFL Cup and FA Cup.

However, they have already lost more league games this season (four) than in 2021-22 (two), and Robertson acknowledged they must rediscover their consistency if they are to recover their campaign, particularly away from home.

"I think over the past few years, one of the things you can say about this team is that we've been so consistent - we've just lacked that a bit this season," he said. 

"The setbacks have been too common for a team like us that people have become used to us not dropping too many points.

"Our away form has not been where it needs to be. Obviously away from home in the Champions League we did well at Rangers [7-1 win] and Ajax [3-0 win], but it's not quite been to the standard we need to be in the Premier League.

"Home games are important and we have to take care of those but to compete in this league, to go for the Champions League places or the league itself you need to be winning away games and we haven't quite done that.

"It's been a wee bit inconsistent, which isn't like us, and it's important now that we get that consistency back for the second half of the season. That's the only way we will get the points we need and start climbing the table.

"We're obviously not in a position where we want to be."

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.

Steven Gerrard is convinced the World Cup break will benefit Liverpool's bid to rescue their season, backing the Reds to make a flying start when the Premier League returns.

Liverpool fell narrowly short of winning an unprecedented quadruple last term, lifting the EFL Cup and FA Cup before finishing as runners-up in the Premier League and Champions League.

Jurgen Klopp's team have failed to mount a similar charge this season, and they entered the World Cup break sitting sixth in the Premier League, a troubling 15 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

Asked whether it felt like Liverpool had been afforded a second pre-season, former Reds captain Gerrard told the club's website: "Yeah, it's an opportunity to get a lot of work in on the training ground, reset a few things.

"I'm sure Jurgen and his staff are doing a lot of things tactically, but it's also an opportunity to have a much-needed rest. They've played a lot of football over the last few years, they were involved in every competition last year.

"So to have a small pre-season before a ball was kicked, [then] to have this opportunity to rest and then have a second build-up, I'm hoping that Liverpool come flying out of the blocks."

Liverpool's run to three cup finals meant they played an energy-sapping 63 games in the 2021-22 campaign, and Gerrard believes the continuing break could tee them up for a thrilling finish to the 2022-23 season.

"I expect a really strong six months and finish to the season, because important players have had the chance to rest and recover and the players in the World Cup should come back full of confidence, in a good place, physically ready," said former Rangers and Aston Villa boss Gerrard.

"I expect a really strong, exciting finish to the season for the Reds."

Liverpool resume competitive action with an EFL Cup trip to Manchester City next Thursday, before visiting Villa – who sacked Gerrard as head coach in October – on December 26 in their next Premier League game.

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."

The powerful European Club Association hailed the latest setback to the European Super League as "a clear rejection" of the plans of a "self-interested few".

UEFA and FIFA would be acting lawfully by freezing out the proposed competition and its teams, the European Union Court of Justice advocate general Athanasios Rantos said on Thursday.

Formally announcing his non-binding opinion in Luxembourg, ahead of a judgement expected in the new year, Rantos was responding to a request by a Madrid court for a ruling on whether FIFA and UEFA would have the right to take action in accordance with competition law and fundamental freedoms.

European Super League (ESLC) officials have argued such actions should be regarded as anti-competitive and incompatible with EU competition law.

Responding to the opinion from Rantos, the European Club Association (ECA) said the message proposed "a clear rejection of the efforts of a few to undermine the foundations and historical heritage of European football for the many".

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are no longer members of the ECA, having quit when the breakaway was announced in April 2021 and retained an interest in the breakaway getting off the ground even after its dramatic near-immediate collapse.

The nine clubs that fled the Super League project have returned to the ECA fold after withdrawing their resignations from the group. Those clubs are Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham, Atletico Madrid, Inter and Milan.

The ECA, which represents nearly 250 clubs, said it remained "explicit in its strong opposition towards those self-interested few seeking to disrupt European club football and undermine the values that underpin it".

In a statement, it added: "ECA stands for the responsible, progressive evolution of football and remains steadfast in its belief that in Europe this should be achieved alongside and in partnership with UEFA as the legitimate governing body, together with other fellow professional football stakeholders and European and governmental institutions.

"A great amount of positive reform and progress has been achieved by ECA working in collaborative partnership with UEFA in recent years for the benefit of the entire European football ecosystem."

FIFA also said it welcomed the news from Luxembourg. It backed the opinion that any new competition would need approval from the world and European governing bodies, and that sanctions could be imposed if that was not forthcoming.

FIFA praised the noting by Rantos "of the special nature of sport, including the pyramid structure, which preserves the nature of sporting merit and open competitions accessible to all, as well as the principles of promotion and relegation, competitive balance, and financial solidarity".

Bernd Reichart, CEO of A22 Sports Management, the company formed to deliver the Super League project, believes it can still be realised.

Clubs from across Europe's top leagues would be targeted to be involved, with the concern of those in opposition being that it would weaken existing competitions.

Reichart said: "The opinion of the advocate general is one step in an ongoing case, and we are pleased with the recognition of the right of third parties to organise pan-European club competitions.

"The advocate general made clear that UEFA has a monopolistic position which comes with important responsibilities for enabling third parties to act freely in the market.

"However, we believe the 15 judges of the Grand Chamber who are entrusted with the responsibility to examine this case, will go substantially further and provide the opportunity for clubs to manage their own destiny in Europe."

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.

Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin believes a January move for Arsenal target Mykhaylo Mudryk is "50-50" after holding talks over his potential sale.

The Ukraine international has garnered interest from Europe's top clubs with his impressive Champions League displays, in which he has recorded three goals and two assists in six appearances.

Premier League leaders Arsenal have been closely linked to the 21-year-old, who recently stated he was a fan of head coach Mikel Arteta's style of play and followed their results.

Mudryk was reportedly close to a move away in the most recent transfer window with the likes of Brentford and Everton interested, though the winger ultimately stayed with the 13-time Ukrainian Premier League champions.

But his time with Shakhtar is looking increasingly close to ending with Palkin, who held talks with several clubs in London this week, stating a January transfer is definitely possible.

Asked if Mudryk will move in the upcoming window, Palkin told The Athletic: "To be honest, I do not know.

"At the moment, we are quite far from what we want and what clubs propose. It's not so far but it is not what we need.

"We have discussions. One club, another club, they negotiate. We are in the process. Will it close this month? I don't know.

"It is maybe 50-50 with regards to the winter transfer window. I don't want to talk about figures now. We are in discussions. We have interest from some English clubs and we are in the process."

Brentford failed to get a move over the line in the last window, and Mudryk's Champions League performances have now caught the attention of the elite clubs in the country.

Questioned on whether Manchester City were interested, Palkin replied: "Every day, I read about another English club.

"If you believe the newspapers, it is all of [the English clubs]. But to be honest, it is true as I have had contact from many clubs. A lot of them are involved in this process."