Manchester United will be grateful for the break from Premier League action as they attempt to put some off-field challenges behind them and reignite their top-four push.
Interim manager Ralf Rangnick is attempting to deal with a squad packed with unhappy players, with some reportedly regretting the club’s decision to opt for the German rather than offering the job to Antonio Conte.
United are still expected to be busy in the transfer market, though. Teden Mengi has already completed a loan move to Birmingham City, with other exits due to follow, but there will also be some new recruits if Rangnick gets his way.
Arsenal, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur are all still ahead of United in the race for the fourth Champions League spot, but if the manager is able to strengthen in key positions then hopes of a top-four finish are far from over.
Here, Mirror Football looks at some of the latest transfer gossip as United attempt to make the most of a big month.
West Ham revive Lingard interest
Jesse Lingard is among the United players said to be unhappy after broken promises under Solskjaer haven’t been followed by a noticeable increase in minutes under Rangnick.
The England international returned to Gareth Southgate’s squad after an impressive loan spell at West Ham United last season, but his situation since returning to Old Trafford has seen him drop back out with a place in the 2022 World Cup squad at risk.
According to talkSPORT, the Hammers are exploring the possibility of bringing the 29-year-old back to the London Stadium on a permanent deal, with the club hopeful of persuading him to leave in January rather than waiting until his contract expires in the summer.
Lingard’s contract situation means the fee would likely be a lot less than United were asking over the summer, with the midfielder showing few signs of wanting to extend his stay,
Let the extreme coach know how to substitute players,he really affected us in the loss to wolves by substituting Greenwood and Sancho