Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has reportedly held talks with three Red Devils stars in an attempt to find consistent results.
Their expensively-assembled squad has broadly under-delivered so far this season, and failing to secure Champions League qualification could yield numerous knock-on effects in the summer.
United returned to winning ways against Brighton last time out.
Their impressive 2-0 victory called time on a troubling run which had seem them draw three consecutive games against opposition who, on paper, were overmatched.
Rangnick must gear up his side for a crunch tie against Leeds United on Sunday, which is set to be played at a raucous Elland Road.
Tempers are expected to flair for Leeds’ first home Premier League tie against their bitter rivals since 2003, and United may need their big personalities to pull through.
As such, The Daily Mail claim that Rangnick has held one-on-one talks with Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes this week as he attempts to rally the troops.
Reports indicated that a divide had opened up in the United dressing room, although that was denied by several senior stars.
And Rangnick may be making sure that harmony is restored in talks with three of the club’s highest-profile players.
Ronaldo tops United’s scoring charts this season with 15 in all competitions, but onlookers have been quick to criticise his lack of contribution when he does not find the net.
Reports suggest that the club will not stand in his way if he expresses a desire to leave in the summer – a request which may be lodged if their top-four bid falls short.
The honeymoon period after his sensational summer return is now in the past, and his goal against Brighton could be the first sign that he can kick on and finish the season strongly.
As for Pogba, the Frenchman is in a curious position at Old Trafford as his contract winds down and an inevitable exit creeps closer.
He has spent much of the season out injured, but Rangnick will be fully aware that if fit and firing, the 28-year-old could leave the ultimate parting gift this season by hauling his team over the line in their race for fourth place.
Fernandes seemingly struggled to gel with Ronaldo during the season’s early stages, but has found an extra gear in recent weeks and looks to be controlling games as he did under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
United’s next few games will be crucial to their top-four bid, which could be derailed if the chasing pack continue their upward momentum.
The Red Devils sit fourth, but West Ham, Arsenal and Tottenham are all within touching distance, and the latter duo have the luxury of games in hand.