The irony is Manchester United have thrown away far better opportunities than this to break into the top five this season.

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 .

All the latest Premier League reaction as Aston Villa win their 10th match in a row and stay in the title hunt as they beat Manchester United 2-1.

Ayden Heaven has lifted the lid on Ruben Amorim's formation change after Manchester United's 1-0 win over Newcastle on Friday night.

The first example of ponderous passing from Amorim’s side was ruthlessly pounced upon. Semenyo speared through the cloud of confusion between Mount and Luke Shaw, driving into the box before picking out the bottom corner with a wonderfully crisp finish.

Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United reign continues to flit from the sublime to the ridiculous, as evidenced once again by last night’s mesmerising 4-4

Manchester United didn't have a game in midweek, but events elsewhere are set to impact them later in their campaign.

Man Utd predicted lineup vs. Bournemouth (3-4-2-1): Lammens; Mazraoui, Yoro, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Mount; Cunha.

It was another bad night for Manchester United and Ruben Amorim Richard Sellers/Allstar via Getty Images There is an acceptance this season, more so than in recent years, that this Manchester United side are going to lose games. More than a few, actually.