Manchester United will be looking to break into the top four with victory over local rivals Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
David Moyes’ men go into the game on the back of their 4-2 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, and will be hoping for a repeat of last season’s success at the Etihad Stadium.
Last December, Robin Van Persie scored a stoppage time free kick to secure all three points for the would be champions, after City had pulled level following two first half goals from Wayne Rooney.
Both forwards were also on the score sheet in Tuesday evening’s win in the Champions League, and both are set to start again this weekend, though Rafael, Phil Jones and Danny Welbeck and long-term absentee Darren Fletcher all remain side-lined.
Meanwhile, highly rated midfielder Jesse Lingard has joined Championship side Birmingham City on a one-month loan deal, the Independent understands.
The 20 year old, who impressed in preseason, is yet to make his senior debut for United and will now gain further first team experience in the second tier, having spent two months with Leicester City last term.
Elsewhere, the club will turn their attention to Southampton left-back Luke Shaw in January after failing to secure the services of Leighton Baines, the Daily Star understands.