The Reds are still considering midfield plans for January and Al Hilal’s Neves – who spent six years in English football with Wolves, five of which were in the Premier League – is being mentioned as a transfer candidate.

Mason Mount's 2026 World Cup dreams are all but over after the midfielder came off at the break during Manchester United's 1-0 Boxing Day win over Newcastle. Mount was replaced by youngster Jack Fletcher for the second half of Friday's narrow victory on just his 23rd league start since he left Premier League rivals Chelsea for Old Trafford back in 2022 .

"Clean sheet, back four, so I don't need a press conference, Kobbie Mainoo is injured, so all the subjects are covered and we can "go home to enjoy Boxing Day," Ruben Amorim joked after Man United beat Newcastle 1-0.

Manchester United are without a number of key players as a result of AFCON - and Ruben Amorim is running the risk of losing another to suspension if he isn't on his best behaviour.