Man Utd's long wait for a game

It has been a strange season at Manchester United, with long gaps between games because of due to no European football.

Now, when the Premier League is gearing up to start again, United must wait until Monday - when they face Everton. They do not have another Saturday game in the league until the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on 17 January.

Still, head coach Ruben Amorim is speaking to the media later on Friday.

I wonder if transfers are on the agenda - in particular whether reinforcements are likely in midfield.

United are sticking to their mantra of no big-money signings being likely in January, but midfield is clearly a priority and no-one should be surprised Elliott Anderson is on their radar - he very much put himself there with an outstanding performance in the 2-2 draw with Amorim's side at the City Ground at the start of this month.

I do think it would take a significant sale - Joshua Zirkzee for instance - for United to really make a move - and everyone is aware of Kobbie Mainoo's desire to play regularly to give himself the chance of making England's World Cup squad.

There are two issues. The first is Benjamin Sesko's injury, which Amorim should update on later.

The other is the impending departure of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui to the Africa Cup of Nations.

I cannot see Amorim wanting to lose anyone before those three return from Morocco towards the end of next month.

Come back to this page later on Friday for all the key lines from Amorim.