Manchester United kick off a hectic winter schedule on Sunday when they face Everton at Goodison Park.
Erik ten Hag's international Reds were away representing their nations for the third time this season over the past fortnight, while the Dutchman remained at Carrington to prepare a crucial period in United's campaign. Following Sunday's trip to Merseyside, the Reds have a crucial Champions League clash at Galatasaray.
United were boosted by the return of Luke Shaw to training on Wednesday, the left-back having been absent with a muscular issue since August. Lisandro Martinez was also on the grass at Carrington, if only to watch his teammates prepare for the weekend.
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Here are your Thursday morning headlines.
Ten Hag optimistic
Erik ten Hag hopes to have a more stable squad to pick from throughout the winter period after falling victim to endless injury issues throughout the season so far.
Manchester United have been incredibly unfortunate with injuries since the campaign kicked off, losing the likes of Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and summer signing Rasmus Hojlund to long-term injuries. Ten Hag has often been forced into making multiple changes from game to game and form has suffered as a result.
United have endured a torrid start to the season, losing nine of their opening 18 matches across all competitions. They face a huge task progressing in their Champions League group and are far adrift of the Premier League's top four.
But after two weeks of international football United welcomed Shaw back into training and, apart from Andre Onana, look to have picked up no new concerns. And Ten Hag is hoping that consistency in the squad can breed consistency in results.
See what Ten Hag had to say here.
Ferguson admission
Brighton and Hove Albion chief executive Paul Barber has admitted that young striker Evan Ferguson will likely leave the AMEX despite recently signing a new long-term contract.
Manchester United are one of several top teams keeping tabs on Ferguson, who has developed into one of Europe's most promising stars over the past 12 months. Still only 19-years-old, the Republic or Ireland international has 11 Premier League goals to his name and is a key part of Roberto De Zerbi's exciting attack on the south coast.
Ferguson penned a new long-term contract with Brighton earlier this month, committing himself to the Seagulls until 2029. But MEN Sport understands the striker could leave next year and now Barber has fuelled speculation of a move away.
"At some point in the future, Evan's gonna be playing at an even higher level if his trajectory continues as it is," Barber told Soccerex TV. "We want to make sure that we do everything we can to prepare him for that - not just on the field, but off the field as well, give him as much support as we can."
