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Daniel Farke is confident Emiliano Buendia will remain at Norwich City, amid reported interest from Arsenal.

The former Argentina Under-20 international netted an excellent goal as Norwich beat Barnsley 1-0 on Saturday to cement their position at the top of the Championship.

The goal added to Buendia’s stock, and ramped up talk of a move to Arsenal, who have been linked with a move for the young Argentine in recent weeks.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is reported to be a fan of the forward, with Goal able to confirm that Arsenal have scouted him extensively.

Canaries boss Farke was asked about the future of the 24-year-old Argentinian and said he is confident the club would retain his services in January.

“Emi is a key player for us, an important member of the group, and he is totally committed to us,” Farke said. “He is our player and will continue to be our player - he is on a long-term contract with the club so we keep him.

“Everyone knows his qualities - and I don’t expect interest just because he scored a wonder goal today. He has scored a number like this for us and people know what he can do. It was an excellent finish and that is what Emi can do. He instinctively knows when to make a run and then has the quality to finish like that."

A creative force is top of Arteta’s wish list for the January transfer window, with the likes of Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt also linked .

Arteta hinted recently that he would need to get players off the wage bill before being able to boost his squad. 

The aim for Norwich is to bounce back into the Premier League, and Buendia is a key figure in their bid as they currently sit atop the league.

Norwich currently maintain a four-point lead over second-place Swansea and a six-point lead over third-place Brentford, who have a game in hand.

Arsenal, meanwhile, sit 14th in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's clash with West Brom.

After that, the Gunners will look ahead to an FA Cup third-round clash with Newcastle next Saturday.

Kosta Papic's Hearts of Oak began the New Year in style as they handed Ghana Premier League leaders Bechem United a 6-1 thrashing on Saturday.

A Victor Aidoo double and a goal each by Abdul Manaf Umar, Fredrick Ansah Botchway, Souleymane Lawali and Benjamin Kotey Afutu ensured full points for the Phobians in the matchday seven fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Ghana U20 striker Prince Kwabena Adu recorded the visitors' consolation goal.

The result has taken Hearts to second on the league table, behind Bechem, who still sit top of the table with three points clear. 

The match was also the fourth for former Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Enyimba and Young Africans coach Papic, who replaced Ernest Nii Odoom early into the season after a poor start to the latter's GPL campaign. The win is the second triumph for the Serbian on his return to the Phobian job for a second spell, having previously coached the club in 2008-09.

Papic made three changes to the team that started against King Faisal in their last game, bringing on William Dankyi, Daniel Barnieh Afriyie and Lawali in place of Michelle Sarpong, Patrick Razak and Afutu, who would later score as a substitute.

The highlight of the first half was Afriyie striking the woodwork in the 38th minute and Bechem's Emmanuel Asante receiving the marching orders for a second bookable offence a minute later.

After the break, the heavens opened with goals.

Umar broke the deadlock for Hearts in the 53rd minute before substitute Aidoo made it 2-0 with a cool finish in the 68th minute.

Five minutes later, Aidoo found the back of the net to put the Phobians in a comfortable lead. Then Botchway converted from the spot to make it 4-0.

Bechem would not go down without landing a blow of their own as Adu put the ball beyond Hearts goalkeeper Richmond Ayi to register a consolation.

Two minutes to full-time, Lawali scored for Hearts to add his name to the score sheet before Afutu wrapped things up with a strike on the stroke of full-time.

Hearts return to action against Elmina Sharks on matchday eight. 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes the floodgates will open for Anthony Martial in front of goal after seeing the French forward get back in the groove against Aston Villa.

The Red Devils’ No.9 found the target on 23 occasions last season, with that impressive return representing a personal best.

More of the same was expected this term, but Martial has found the going tough at times and he has just five efforts to his name, with only two of those coming in the Premier League.

An opener against Villa, in what was to be a 2-1 win for United, was Martial’s first in the league at Old Trafford this season, but Solskjaer is convinced there will be many more to come.

The Red Devils boss told reporters after seeing his favoured frontman turn home a cross from Aaron Wan-Bissaka: “I love diving headers. I can keep on about that in crossing and finishing sessions. It was a good goal.

“Anthony is going to improve. He’s going to be better and better. He’s had a few chances this season. 

“He’s still creating chances, he’s just not had that little bit of luck, margins in front of goal. They’ll come. We saw a better version of Anthony, a more confident one.”

Solskjaer, as a former striker himself, is always on hand to offer words of advice to Martial.

He has been holding regular talks with the 25-year-old during the 2020-21 campaign and expects “class” to shine through when it comes to a proven performer.

The Norwegian added on his efforts to bring the best out of Martial: “We’ve had some chats, of course.

“We have spoken about last season and how important he was for us then and he is going to be important for us this season.

“A player’s form is temporary but when you have got class that is permanent. I think he has proven he is class.

“Now he is getting fitter and fitter and that means he is going to get better and better.”

United, who have moved level with Liverpool at the top of the table, are about to put their Premier League commitments on hold as attention turns to knockout football and meetings with Manchester City and Watford in Carabao Cup and FA Cup competition.

Eberechi Eze and Jeffrey Schlupp scored to help Crystal Palace secure a 2-0 victory over Sheffield United in Saturday’s Premier League game.

Eze was handed his 14th league appearance since teaming up with the Eagles in the summer from Queens Park Rangers.

The Anglo-Nigerian utilized the opportunity to score his second Premier League goal of the season in fantastic fashion, similar to his debut goal for Palace in November, which won him the club's Goal of the Month award.

Schlupp also impressed in the encounter, scoring his second league goal in 15 appearances this season for the Selhurst Park outfit.

The Ghana international put Roy Hodgson’s men in front after four minutes into the encounter with a well-taken strike.

Schlupp’s strike is Palace’s fastest Premier League goal since November 2017 when James McArthur scored against Everton less than a minute into the game.

The forward then made ways for Eze in the 40th minute after suffering an injury, and the Super Eagles target continued from where Ghana forward had left off.

Moments before the end of the first-half, Eze sent Palace supporters into jubilation when he fired home a beauty.

The Nigerian midfielder dribbled past Sheffield United defenders before unleashing a fine strike into the back of the net.

After scoring his first goal for Palace from a free-kick, the 22-year-old, thus, become the first player to score two Premier League goals from outside the box since Ricky Newman in 1994.

Ivory Coast international Wilfried Zaha featured for the duration of the game while Black Stars forward Jordan Ayew was brought on in the 48th minute for Christian Benteke.  

The victory moved Palace to the 13th spot on the league table, above Arsenal, after gathering 22 points from 17 games.

Crystal Palace will hope to continue the impressive performance in their next outing against Wolverhampton Wanderers in a FA Cup tie on January 8.

Ronald Koeman says Lionel Messi is back to full fitness and “really excited” to be in the Barcelona squad for the game with Huesca.

Messi was absent for the 1-1 draw with Eibar in La Liga on Tuesday on account of an ankle injury.

Koeman described Messi as a “ bit banged up in his ankle ” ahead of the game with Eibar, but he trained freely on New Year’s Eve and was pictured with his team-mates on Saturday.

Following the training session, Koeman confirmed the club’s talisman at 100 per cent fitness and ready for the trip to Huesca on Sunday.

“Leo is fine,” Dutch coach Koeman said at a press conference . “He was training the 30th and 31st while the rest of the squad was resting. 

“No doubts for him, he has great fitness and is happy and really excited and that is important for us.”

Messi returns with Barca facing an uphill battle in the Liga title race.

The draw with Eibar meant Barcelona entered 2021 trailing leaders Atletico Madrid by 10 points.

Even with a peak-form Messi, Barca would find it tough to peg back the deficit and the focus may now turn to the Champions League and securing a top-four finish in La Liga.

A player not in the squad for the trip to Huesca is midfielder Philippe Coutinho who has been sidelined by a knee injury that has required surgery .

“Philippe will be about three months out injured,” Koeman said. “He has always been an important player, and will be important again, but now he has to recover. 

“I do not know when he will be 100% recovered. He is an important absence and we will have to see how we can solve Philippe’s absence.”

Also missing the trip to Huesca is defender Samuel Umtiti who has been sidelined by a stomach illness.

Umtiti joins Gerard Pique, Sergi Roberto and Ansu Fati on the list of absences for Barcelona.

The trip to Huesca is the first of a run of four successive away games - Athletic Club, Granada and Elche being the others - for Barca as they bid to battle their way back into the Liga title picture.

Erik Lamela has issued an apology after breaking coronavirus protocols over the Christmas period.

The Tottenham forward joined team-mates Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso - along with West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini - at a Christmas party that was in contravention of the current Covid-19 restrictions.

Lamela did not feature in the Tottenham squad for the 3-0 win over Leeds United on Saturday, and took to Twitter following the game to apologise.

"I want to apologise for a decision I made over Christmas which I deeply regret,” Lamela said . “On reflection I understand the seriousness of my actions and the impact it has on others. 

“I am truly thankful to everyone working hard to keep us safe and I feel ashamed knowing I’ve let people down.”

Following the win over Leeds, Spurs boss Jose Mourinho spoke of his disappointment at learning of the gathering.

Asked if he was angered by the behaviour of his players, Mourinho said : "I prefer to say disappointed.

"We know what we are internally. We don't need to open the door to you and let you know what is going on internally, what are going to be the consequences, how we approached that negative surprise. I feel disappointed, just that."

The actions of Reguilon, Lo Celso and Lamela did not have a detrimental impact on the rest of the Spurs squad, as they were impressive in the win over Leeds.

The 3-0 victory snapped a run of four league games without a win, and Mourinho was pleased with how his side closed out the game.

“It was a good performance where we reached the objective of the three points, where strategically the players understood how to close the door to the danger and how to explore some fragilities in the way they play that can be exposed,” Mourinho told the club’s official website .

“Everyone knows they can score goals, everyone knows how aggressive they are going forward, but I believe the team was always in control, always took the initiative.

“For about 20, 25 minutes in the second half, I don’t know physically, mentally, we had a period where we gave them the initiative, but when [Moussa] Sissoko and Lucas [Moura] came into the game, we got again that energy, that control and in the last part of the game if someone is going to score a goal it’s us.”

Eddie Nketiah credits Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa with making him a better player for Arsenal despite enduring a difficult loan spell at Elland Road that led to him being recalled to Emirates Stadium.

The highly-rated England U21 international linked up with the Whites at the start of the 2019-20 campaign.

His potential was embraced by Leeds, but the form of Patrick Bamford and Bielsa’s penchant for fielding a solitary frontman left the youngster feeling frustrated on the sidelines.

A season-long deal was eventually cut short, with Mikel Arteta welcoming the promising striker back into his plans.

Nketiah took in just 19 appearances for Leeds across all competitions, including only two Championship starts, but he believes experience outside of north London has benefitted him.

“I’m grateful for my time at Leeds,” the 21-year-old told talkSPORT.

“Bielsa is a very demanding manager, so every day I was pushing myself to the limit in training, and I feel that mentality has stuck with me at Arsenal, to always give my all in training and in matches.

“I also learned a lot defensively off the ball with the way Leeds play, I learned a lot about the importance of pressing from the front, defending from the front and the impact it can have to the team and the way we play.

“I definitely learned a lot, I put myself out of my comfort zone which was a good thing for me, it’s made me a lot stronger mentally and has improved me as a player.

“I’m grateful for my time there.

“Obviously things worked out for me in the end with coming back to Arsenal, so I’m grateful for the experience I had and I feel like it made me a better player and a better person.”

Nketiah is seeing another loan move mooted with the January transfer window open, as he struggles for starts in 2020-21, but Arteta is showing faith in youth and chances are expected to come his way at some stage.

“It’s great to see the young players that are playing at the moment doing so well,” Nketiah added.

“B [Bukayo Sako] is doing well, Emile [Smith Rowe] has come into the team and has done well too, it’s great to see everyone making an impact and working hard and showing their confidence.

“As young players I think we always try to bring that breath of fresh air, that energy and enthusiasm.

“I try to always play with a bit of freedom and confidence. Obviously the manager allows us to have that confidence by picking us and giving us that game time.

“It’s been great to see the young players do so well, so hopefully we can keep making an impact and keep helping the team.”

Maritzburg United secured a much-needed 2-1 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match which was played at Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday evening.

Thabiso Kutumela handed the Team of Choice a two-lead with a first-half brace and Victor Letsoalo scored what proved to be a late consolation goal for Phunya Sele Sele. 

The Team of Choice were desperate to end their 14-match winless run in the league including last season's games and they had ended 2020 with a 2-2 draw with Stellenbosch FC.

Coach Ernst Middendorp made his intentions clear by naming two out-and-out strikers Thabiso Kutumela and Judas Moseamedi in the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, Siwelele were hoping to return to winning ways after drawing 1-1 with Kaizer Chiefs in a PSL match, before losing 2-0 to Nigeria's Rivers United in the Caf Confederation Cup clash.

Harris Tchilimbou led Celtic's attack in the absence of Ndumiso Mabena, while coach John Maduka deployed Tumelo Mangweni and Siphelele Luthuli as the two central attacking midfielders. 

Maritzburg dominated the match from the start and they fired the first warning through Tebogo Tlolane, whose curling effort was brilliantly saved by Celtic goalkeeper Sipho Chaine. 

The Team of Choice continued to press Siwelele and they managed to break the deadlock four minutes before the half-hour mark after some good work by Keagan Buchanan.

The former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder played an excellent pass to Kutumela, who then rounded Chaine, before firing home to hand Maritzburg a well-deserved 1-0 lead.

The Team of Choice continued to attack after taking the lead and they were awarded a penalty after Daylon Claason was fouled in the box by Ryan De Jongh.

Former Orlando Pirates striker Kutumela made no mistake from the penalty spot as he beat Chaine with a powerful low shot to make it 2-0 to Maritzburg eight minutes before the half-time break.

Shadrack Kobedi, who is an attacking midfielder by trade, was introduced by Maduka prior to the start of the second-half as the visitors looked to pull one back.

Phunya Sele Sele saw most of the ball after the start, but they could not create clear cut chances as they gave away possession in the final third.

However, Celtic upped the tempo after the hour-mark and Thato Lingwati's headed effort was easily saved by Maritzburg keeper Jethren Barr, who also gathered Motebang Sera's long-range shot.

Victor Letsoalo was a constant thorn in the side of Maritzburg's defence and the former Baroka FC centre forward forced Barr into two fantastic saves.

However, Letsoalo was not to be denied in the 83rd minute as he beat Barr from close range with an acrobatic effort after the Team of Choice's defence was caught ball watching.

Both teams then launched late attacks in search of another goal, but it never came and ultimately, Maritzburg secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Celtic.

The win saw Maritzburg climb up to the 15th spot on the league standings with five points from nine games, while Celtic slipped down to 11th place having accumulated eight points from eight matches.

Maritzburg will now take on Chiefs in a league game on January 9 and Celtic are scheduled to face Rivers away in the Confederation Cup first round second-leg game on January 6.

Manchester United will struggle to win the Premier League this season even with Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings, says Michael Owen, with the Red Devils told they are not yet as “rounded” as Liverpool and Manchester City.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have overcome a slow start to the 2020-21 campaign and forced their way into the title picture.

Owen admits the men from Old Trafford are “right in the mix”, with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa seeing them pull level with defending champions Liverpool at the top of the table.

There is, however, still a long way to go before major silverware is handed out.

United have found consistency hard to maintain in recent years and will need to buck that trend in order to remain among the frontrunners.

They have enough talent at their disposal to chase down a first crown in eight years, with Portuguese playmaker Fernandes now a talismanic presence in the middle of their midfield.

Owen, though, is not convinced that the Red Devils boast the experience and strength in depth that has allowed arch-rivals from Manchester and Merseyside to reach the summit of domestic and European games.

The former United striker told Premier League Productions when asked if an in-form Fernandes makes Solskjaer’s side serious contenders: “I’m not sure they can win the title with him to be honest.

“I still think they’re… I think they’re a brilliant counter-attacking team, against the bigger and better teams they are exceptional and can give anyone a problem.

“The question I have is when they’re in possession against teams like Wolves and trying to break them down.”

Owen added: “I watched them the other day [in a dogged 1-0 win over Wolves] and there were no chances. Listen, they’re right in the mix, no question about it.

“They’re second on goal difference, but are they as rounded a team as Liverpool or Man City? I still think they’re a step behind and I still think it will be a struggle for them to win the title.

“But the way they’re playing, anything is possible.”

United’s focus is about to shift to domestic cup matters, with their next two outings set to see them face neighbours City in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and Watford in the third round of the FA Cup.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's arrival at AC Milan last year "was a godsend" that helped transform the club, according to head coach Stefano Pioli.

The ex-Sweden international returned to San Siro for a second permanent spell with the Italian giants roughly a year ago, making his second debut as a substitute against Sampdoria on January 6.

He has been in sensational form since then, scoring 20 and assisting six goals in 24 Serie A matches in 2020, a tally bettered only by Ciro Immobile (34 goal involvements in 33 games) and Cristiano Ronaldo (38 in 29).

Ibrahimovic's haul includes a return of 10 goals in six league matches in the first half of this season, two of those strikes coming in Milan's 3-1 win over Napoli in November before he limped off with an injury that has kept him sidelined since.

That double saw him match Gunnar Nordahl for the second-most Serie A goals from the first eight games played of a season, behind only Marco van Basten (12 in 1992-93).

Ibrahimovic is also the oldest player to net at least 10 goals in the first eight Serie A matchdays, and Pioli has hailed the veteran striker's impact over the past 12 months.

"When he arrived, we knew it was a delicate moment, it was a godsend, it gave a shock and energy that the team did not have at that moment," Pioli said at a news conference previewing Sunday's trip to Benevento. 

"The January transfer market has given us a hand in the past. But let's think about the match against Benevento."

As well as struggling with niggling injuries, Ibrahimovic has also spent a spell on the sidelines this term with coronavirus.

Milan have fared well in the 39-year-old's absence, however, winning six and drawing two of the eight Serie A matches he has missed for a 75 per cent win rate, compared to 66.7% across the six games he has started.

But while Pioli is unwilling to rush Ibrahimovic's return, he is understandably eager to get one of his key men back on the field.

"He can't wait to get back, but we need caution," he said. "I hope he can come back as soon as possible."

Another key performer for Serie A table-toppers Milan this season has been full-back Theo Hernandez, who has chipped in with three goals and an assist in his past three outings.

Hernandez was directly involved in 11 league goals – six scored and five assisted – in 2020 and also completed the most successful dribbles in the competition (57).

That includes a last-gasp winner against Lazio last time out, though Pioli can see the former Real Madrid man getting better with time.

"He has played for [Real] Madrid and has incredible potential," Pioli said. "With work, he is improving day by day, proving to be at a high level. 

"But he can still improve in both phases of the game."

Jose Mourinho was disappointed to learn of a Christmas party which saw Tottenham players Sergio Reguilon, Erik Lamela and Giovani Lo Celso breach coronavirus regulations.

Pictures circulated on social media of the Spurs trio at a festive gathering, with West Ham's Manuel Lanzini also in attendance.

The party went against Covid-19 rules put in place by the UK government as those present ignored social-distancing guidelines.

Head coach Mourinho was particularly disheartened having gifted Reguilon with a cooked pig to help him adjust to his first Christmas in England.

"I gave him an amazing gift, a Portuguese piglet, which is amazing for Portuguese and Spanish," Mourinho said after Tottenham's 3-0 defeat of Leeds United on Saturday.

"I gave him it because I was told he was going to spend Christmas on his own. I had this thought about him. He was not alone, as you can see.

"We as a club feel disappointed. We give the players all the education, we give the players all the conditions and, of course, we are not happy. It was a negative surprise for us."

Reguilon had started Spurs' prior match at Wolves but was an unused substitute against Leeds, while Lamela was absent from the squad. Lo Celso is injured.

Between the games against Wolves and Leeds, Tottenham had a trip to Fulham postponed due to coronavirus cases in the home camp.

Asked if he was angered by the behaviour of his players, Mourinho added: "I prefer to say disappointed.

"We know what we are internally. We don't need to open the door to you and let you know what is going on internally, what are going to be the consequences, how we approached that negative surprise. I feel disappointed, just that."

Lanzini appeared as a substitute in West Ham's 1-0 win at Everton on Friday but apologised for his part in the controversy the following day.

"I want to apologise for a bad mistake I made over Christmas and I take full responsibility for my actions," the midfielder wrote.

"I know people have made difficult sacrifices to stay safe and I should be setting a better example."

Harry Kane and Son Heung-min have taken their prolific partnership to new heights, with the Tottenham pair equalling an all-time Premier League goalscoring record.

Son converted Kane’s inch-perfect cross with a tidy first-time finish into the bottom-right corner to put Spurs 2-0 up against Leeds on Saturday, after Kane had opened the scoring from the penalty spot. 

The pair have now combined to score 13 Premier League goals so far this season – equalling a record which had stood for more than 25 years. Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton were the only previous pair to assist each other so many times in a season, during Blackburn’s title-winning campaign in 1994-95.

The goal was also Son’s 100th in all competitions for Spurs, and his 12th in 16 league games this season. Only Kane has scored more since he arrived in north London with 169, and nine of those 12 so far this year have been assisted by Kane.

Kane brought up a minor personal milestone of his own with his opening goal from the spot. It was his 10th league goal of the season which, when added to his 10 assists at that point, took him level with the number of goal contributions he managed in the whole of 2019-20. His assist for Son took him past that benchmark soon after.

It also meant Kane has now scored against all 30 of the teams he has faced in the Premier League.

Former Spurs and England striker Jermain Defoe recently said he thought Kane and Son were the best partnership in world football.

"With Kane and Son, what Mourinho has done has been incredible,' Defoe said on the Mennie Talks Podcast.

"Those two are the best partnership in world football at the minute. The hardest thing that you can do at the top level is to be consistent, so for those two to show that consistency, for me is unbelievable.

“Son is dynamic, so he runs in behind. He gets the ball and he is direct, he beats people.”

Jose Mourinho has said he expected Son to sign a new contract at some point as he believes the South Korean wants to spend the rest of his career at Spurs.

He said: “I just trust Sonny and Mr [Daniel] Levy [Tottenham chairman], I know both want to stay, if possible, for life and until the end of their careers, so I see Son signing a new contract here.

“But I don't believe – I don't even ask – for something to happen now because it's not the right moment."

Ronald Koeman claims to have no regrets at seeing Luis Suarez leave Barcelona, with the Dutch coach claiming that the decision to part with the proven striker was taken by those above him.

A Camp Nou icon returned to Catalunya in a managerial capacity over the summer following the sacking of Quique Setien.

One of his first pieces of business was to bid farewell to Uruguayan frontman Suarez, with the South American allowed to link up with La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid.

A man who plundered 198 goals for the Blaugrana has been outscoring his former team-mates this season, with an eight-goal return in the Spanish top flight better than Lionel Messi and Co have managed.

Barca could be forgiven for wishing they had kept the 33-year-old on their books, but Koeman is reluctant to dwell on events of the past.

He has said: “No, I don’t regret letting go of Suarez. I always highlighted his qualities. The decision was already made by the club and him.”

There could be more outgoings at Barca over the coming weeks, now that the January transfer window has opened, with Koeman adding: “Players going out on loan? Yes. I think that some players have to play games and in this club they have it complicated.”

Movement in the opposite direction will be difficult, with funds in short supply, and it may that Barca have to make do until the summer.

Their boss said: “If we don’t sign anyone, it’s because of the club or the financial situation.

“With Ramon Planes we have prepared how we think the club should be. We have the plan, but we don’t decide. The new president has to do it.”

Barca already have plenty of talent at their disposal, with the hope being that talismanic captain Messi will burst into life at some stage.

He sat out a 1-1 draw with Eibar at the end of 2020, but will be back in contention for a trip to Huesca on Sunday.

Koeman said of the mercurial Argentine: “Messi is fine, he has trained on the 30th and 31st, days that his team-mates had days off. He has not had any more discomfort and he’s eager.

“Messidependencia? I think it’s still there, yes. This has been the case many years, he has resolved many games. That’s why he’s the best in the world.”

Koeman added on Messi’s future, with the 33-year-old continuing to run his contract down towards free agency: “Leo has said that he will not decide his future now and we have to respect it. We shouldn’t worry.”

The next step in Manchester United’s evolution needs to see them bring in a “goalscoring machine”, says Lee Sharpe, with Erling Haaland and Harry Kane considered to fit the mould for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Two prolific frontmen have seen moves to Old Trafford mooted in recent times.

United had hoped to position themselves at the front of a queue for Haaland 12 months ago, with the presence of Norwegian coach Solskjaer working in their favour, but the talented 20-year-old headed to Borussia Dortmund.

Tottenham talisman Kane is another to have been linked with the Red Devils on a regular basis, with talk of £200 million ($273m) deals doing the rounds at one stage.

Sharpe believes United, who have forced their way back into title contention this season, need a player of that ilk to provide competition and inspiration for the likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.

The former Red Devils winger told Stadium Astro when asked if Haaland would be the best option: “I think Haaland is unbelievable.

“I played with his dad at Leeds and he couldn’t score a goal if he tried and his son has come out as this prolific goalscoring machine – he’s absolutely unbelievable.

“I’d love to see him at Old Trafford but whoever signs him, if someone does at the end of this season, watch out.

“If Liverpool or Man City get him, I don’t think there is anyone to stop them going and winning the league.

“I think Martial on his day can be absolutely fantastic and then he can switch off and not look interested and stroll around the place.

“[Edinson] Cavani, years of experience and a great goalscorer, but I’m not sure he can do it week in, week out. He will be used as more of an impact sub. Rashford will chop and change from the middle to the wide position.

“I think the next thing for United is Haaland or someone like Harry Kane – a goalscoring machine because they do create so many chances.

“If you are a goalscorer, a natural goalscorer, you are going to get chances and you are going to score bagfuls at that club.”

Martial opened the scoring for United in their most recent outing, but Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes once again proved to the match-winner as his penalty helped to edge out Aston Villa 2-1 – with that victory drawing the Red Devils level with Liverpool at the top of the table.

Fulham’s Premier League game against Burnley on Sunday has been postponed after the London club reported a fresh outbreak of positive Covid-19 cases.

It is the second Cottagers game to be called off because of coronavirus in the space of five days after Wednesday’s game against Tottenham was also postponed, and is the fourth Premier League game in total in just under a month.

A Fulham statement read: “Following further new positive results returned from the most recent Covid-19 tests, the club can confirm that this Sunday’s away fixture at Burnley has been postponed after discussions with the Premier League and advice from medical teams.

“Those who tested positive are self-isolating in line with UK government and Premier League guidance.

“The welfare of our players, staff and their families continue to be of paramount importance, and we wish those who have tested positive a safe and speedy recovery.”

A Premier League statement added: "After the postponement of their match against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, Fulham’s players and staff were immediately retested and this morning have reported a further increase in positive Covid-19 cases.

“Following Fulham’s request to rearrange the Burnley fixture, the Premier League’s board has taken into consideration further independent medical advice and decided to postpone the match due to the exceptional circumstances of the ongoing outbreak at the club.

“With the health of players and staff the priority, the League and Fulham will agree a further action plan to control the outbreak to allow the club to resume their season safely. Players and staff will now be retested as part of a revised testing schedule.

"With low numbers of positive tests across the overwhelming majority of clubs, the League continues to have confidence in its COVID-19 protocols, fully backed by the government, to enable fixtures to be played as scheduled."

Newcastle’s game against Aston Villa was the first match to be called off at the start of December following an outbreak at the Magpies’ training ground. Manchester City’s game against Everton on Monday was also called off just four hours before kick-off due to an outbreak among the City squad.

The postponements come as the UK battles a surge in coronavirus cases caused in part by a new, more transmissible version of the disease.

That had prompted talk of the Premier League stopping the season for a few weeks to act as a ‘circuit breaker’ and surpress the spread of Covid-19.

However, the Premier League says it has no plans to pause the season, while West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady says such a proposal has never been discussed by clubs.