Manchester United are now just two days away from a return to action and the start of a hectic winter schedule.
The Reds head to Goodison Park on Sunday to face Everton in what will be a game filled with tension. The Toffees dropped into the relegation zone after being handed a 10-point ban for breaking profit and sustainability rules, a judgement which fans have not taken lightly.
Erik ten Hag admitted on Thursday evening that Rasmus Hojlund is a doubt for the game, having picked up a muscle injury before the international break. The 20-year-old faces a late test but Anthony Martial could come in for him.
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Here are your Friday morning headlines.
Everton warning
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin insists the Goodison Park atmosphere will be 'more electric' than ever for the visit of Manchester United on Sunday following their points deduction.
Sean Dyche's side were plunged into the relegation zone during the international break after being docked 10 points for breaching profit and sustainability rules. It is the most severe Premier League punishment ever and leaves the Toffees in 19th, level on points with bottom-placed Sheffield United.
The feeling among Everton supporters is that the punishment handed to them was highly unjust and there are plans to protest before and during Sunday's game against United. Calvert-Lewin is enjoying a purple patch of form and insists he and his teammates have been unified by the deduction.
“I’ve played in a lot of games against United at Goodison, and the atmosphere is always incredible," Calvert-Lewin told Everton's official website. “I expect the weekend to be no different – if not, more electric."
See what else the Toffees striker had to say here.
Antony slammed
Former striker Andy Cole has compared Manchester United's spending habits to shopping at Primark and Zara amid Antony's ongoing struggles.
United, who will get their Premier League campaign back up and running against Everton on Sunday, signed Antony in September 2022 in a deal that could eventually be worth £85.5million. He was manager Erik ten Hag's leading target to strengthen the club's right-wing options after Jadon Sancho's underwhelming maiden season at Old Trafford in 2021/22.
However, Antony has not fared any better, currently finding himself without a goal since April and without an assist since May. He has scored eight goals and registered just three assists in 56 appearances for the club so far.
Having brought in Rasmus Hojlund to spearhead United's attack in the summer, Ten Hag needed his wingers to be at the peak of their powers, providing ammunition for the Dane in the centre. However, Antony, though not alone, has failed to increase his attacking output.
