On the shortlist of names are Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Tyler Adams and Angelo Stiller, but it seems unlikely that any of them will be available until the summer. In terms of this January, Conor Gallagher and Ruben Neves are seen as much more realistic targets for the Red Devils to sign mid-season.

Morgan Rogers curled in a stunner before Matheus Cunha fired home to level just before the break. Rogers scored his second as he beat Leny Yoro to find the top-right corner again and the hosts held on. Villa's 10th straight win in all competitions sees them stay third, three points behind leaders Arsenal.

Manchester United are now seen as highly unlikely to grant a January exit to midfielder Kobbie Mainoo following the injury to captain Bruno Fernandes.

Man Utd, who lost captain Bruno Fernandes to injury at half-time, will feel they should have left Villa Park with at least a point but Matheus Cunha missed a great chance to score his second equaliser of the afternoon. The result means Ruben Amorim’s side remain seventh in the table having failed to move level on points with Chelsea and Liverpool.

There's progress at Man United this season, but their defensive problems are far from being solved, so this game screams goals. Aston Villa sit third, with United sixth after 16 games. Villa are just three points behind league leaders Arsenal, so this match is of maximum importance in what could be a historical campaign.

If the past 20 years have shown us anything, it’s that United has been able to manage growth and spend large amounts, despite massive debts.

The AFCON starts on December 21, 2025, and ends on January 18, 2026. Mbeumo isn’t the only Manchester United player to play in the AFCON, as Amad Diallo of the Ivory Coast and Noussair Mazraoui of Morocco will be playing in the tournament as well.

Photo by Fabrizio Romano SNS Rasmus Hoyleun, who was treated as a troublemaker at Manchester United, won the cup. Immediately after winning the championship, he made headlines when he sent a message shooting his former team Manchester United.

Antoine Semenyo has been linked with a January transfer to Manchester United amid reports of a release clause in the attacker's Bournemouth contract.