It was a near-perfect weekend for Manchester United as they dealt a major blow to their rivals in the race for the top four – and they could yet land another before the end of the January transfer window.
Ralf Rangnick’s side are in the driving seat heading into the winter break after leaving it late to beat West Ham, and things only got better for them after Marcus Rashford’s winner.
With Arsenal and Tottenham dropping points the following day, United now lead the way in the race for the top four.
With no game now until February 4, the only thing left of interest this month is the end of the transfer window, although it looks likely to be a quiet week or so for United fans.
Rangnick has already suggested he won’t be eyeing up any additions before the window slams shut, but this could be an opportunity to drive home their advantage over their rivals for the top four – and one of those sides in particular.
Eyebrows were raised when Tottenham’s squad was announced for Sunday’s clash with Chelsea – Dele Alli’s omission gained most of the attention, but it was Giovani Lo Celso’s absence which could also be of interest to United.
The Argentinian took straight to Instagram when it became clear he wouldn’t be involved, raising questions over his future with Spurs.
"Regarding the questions I received I would like to clear out that I am 100 per cent in good physical condition," Lo Celso wrote.
"I have no problem and I feel very well. I wish the best to my team in the derby today."
Antonio Conte was tight-lipped when asked about Lo Celso’s future afterwards, saying: “I selected the players for this game and this question is one for the club to answer.”
Judging by the Argentina international’s comments though, his days at White Hart Lane could well be numbered, and he may well find himself making his exit before the end of January – so could Old Trafford be a possible destination?
If there’s one area where United need to strengthen, it’s certainly in midfield, and the 25-year-old would certainly improve their options in that department, even if it were just as a short-term solution.
Not to mention, a move for Lo Celso would weaken one of United’s main rivals for a Champions League spot this season, with signs recently that Conte is growing somewhat weary of his side’s predicament.
Dele is another player who's been linked with United in the past, gained the admiration of Sir Alex Ferguson, and might be worth a punt despite his poor form in the past year or two.
The strength of Tottenham’s squad has been called into question, with Roy Keane adamant they don’t have enough to take them to fourth this season.
Speaking after their defeat to Chelsea, Keane said: “You look at Conte today, as good as he is he was probably still looking over his shoulder and going this squad, I don’t think, are good enough to get top four.
“Tottenham, the starting 11 is decent, but 11 players is not enough. It’s the squad of players that get you over the line.”
It looks likely that Spurs will be shedding players, and may well end up not replacing them, which could further damage their top four hopes. If that’s the case, it might well be worth United testing the water with Lo Celso or even Dele.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
