Manchester United return to action in seven days as Michael Carrick seeks improved performances. A lot of the first-team squad are still away representing their country in various international competitions.
A total of 13 senior stars were originally selected during this break and whilst Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro received late call-ups to the Netherlands and France squads, respectively, some of their team-mates have had to withdraw due to injury.
Kobbie Mainoo, Karl Darlow, Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Sesko did not report for their national teams and Patrick Dorgu has returned to the club after sustaining a hamstring injury for Denmark. Bruno Fernandes also picked up a knock but has returned to playing for Portugal and picked up two assists in a 4-2 victory over Denmark.
Scott McTominay's future in doubt
One ex-United player who also isn't in action this break is Scotland's Scott McTominay. The 29-year-old is still recovering from heart surgery, but new details about his uncertain Napoli future have emerged.
Since departing United in August 2024 for Napoli, McTominay has notably flourished. He's claimed the Scudetto and Supercoppa Italiana and has become a supporters' favourite.
However, according to Corriere dello Sport, Napoli will need to bridge the gap in contract negotiations with the Scot. It indicates that discussions about an extension have been ongoing for months, but both sides remain far apart in their valuations and McTominay's uncertain future is a major topic of conversation.
"It's not easy, but we're trying," Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna said last month. Negotiations will resume after the 29-year-old returns to action following surgery for a benign cardiac arrhythmia.
The Italian publication reports that McTominay is demanding between £6.8m and £7.7m per season until 2030, a figure that currently exceeds the club's financial means. The former United midfielder is understood to be keen on prolonging his time in Naples, though only if the terms are favourable.
Harry Amass plan
Elsewhere, academy product Harry Amass came close to departing United during the summer and was amongst several youngsters the club was prepared to allow to leave.
Nevertheless, he remained at the club and has already featured under manager Carrick. United now want to secure his services for the longer term and are expected to trigger the 12-month extension clause in the 19-year-old's existing deal.
It's believed he will then be loaned out in January to gain first-team experience. Amass signed for United in 2023 from Watford's academy, turning down Chelsea in the process.
He made his first senior start for the club in April 2025 and last September joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan. He impressed at Hillsborough until January, when his loan arrangement ended. Amass was subsequently sent to Norwich City for the rest of the season before returning to Old Trafford following a period out injured.
