With the 2019/20 Premier League now just past its halfway point and a busy Christmas programme almost done, it’s time to hand out some imaginary mid-season awards.

These are the standout quotes from the world of punditry in 2019...

It’s not been a common pre-kick-off feeling this season but, for once, looking at a United teamsheet gave me hope last night.

Solskjaer enjoys a wonderful return to form

Ian Whittell on the biggest talking points from a dramatic Manchester Derby.

Daniel Storey breaks down the big talking points of the Manchester Derby.

The result ended a run of three straight wins for Spurs in that time, and allowed United to move to sixth place.

Manchester United reached the last 32 of the Europa League in convincing fashion last night, a competition which is taking on increasing importance for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in what has been a this frustrating ly average campaign.

After what United fans have been through this past six months, one doesn’t wish to sound ungrateful.

Of all the potential impacts of VAR on the Premier League, one surprise knock-on effect could be witnessed at Stamford Bridge yesterday, and twice at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

Manchester United have condemned racial abuse which was aimed at midfielder Paul Pogba on social media after his missed penalty in the 1-1 draw at Wolves on Monday night.

Paul Pogba squandered the chance to send Manchester United to the top of the fledgling table as he missed yet another Premier League penalty.

Happy anniversary to us, dear reader. It’s 20 years to the week since this column began, and how very different the United world is today.

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer may well experience first-hand tonight the gulf in class that currently exists between his Manchester United side and their treble-chasing neighbours but, regardless of the result, the club’s new manager is already searingly honest in his appraisal of their standing in the English game.

No doubt as to what was the dominant angry shout of the past week: “That was never a pen!” (Well, leaving aside Neymar’s dad yelling at King Eric.)

If Ole Gunnar Solskjaer thought he had written the biggest moment in Manchester United’s European history when he scored the winning goal in the 1999 final, Marcus Rashford wrote one that may prove to be every bit as significant in the 93rd minute of an astonishing last 16 tie in Paris last night.

Nobody wants to say it out loud, but quite a few Reds are thinking it: has The Ole Bounce ended? A harsh suggestion, perhaps, after a ninth win in 10, and at a ground where even Manchester City have recently fallen.

Solskjaer has brought Manchester United up off their knees

Tottenham 0 Manchester United 1

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s magical reign as Manchester United boss survived its biggest test to date at St James’ Park last night, his second- half substitute Romelu Lukaku scoring with his first touch of the game and helping to write his interim manager into the record books.

England rounded off a year to remember by progressing to the inaugural Nations League finals with a stirring comeback against World Cup semi-final foes, Croatia.

Jose Mourinho has launched a remarkable defence of the way he uses Marcus Rashford, reeling off a list of statistics as the Manchester United manager lashed out at "obsessed" pundits.

It's back!

Harry Kane is setting his sights on challenging Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for the title of best player on the planet.

Marcus Rashford is set to boost England’s World Cup preparations by returning to training today.

Daniel Storey on the weekend’s talking points...

Ryan Giggs is determined to promote young talent in his new role as Wales manager after playing his part in the rise of Marcus Rashford.

In the euphoric afterglow of the Liverpool victory, some of you may have been wondering about the seemingly anachronistic downbeat coda to last week’s column.

This nightmare at the Theatre of Dreams was no more than Manchester United deserved, not least for their cautious approach against unfancied Seville, who march into the quarter-finals of the Champions League at their expense.

Jose Mourinho offered a brutal riposte to Frank de Boer’s criticism over his handling of Marcus Rashford, with the Manchester United boss tearing into the “worst manager in Premier League history”.

A brutal comeback!

Here was one of Jose Mourinho’s finest Manchester United hours, certainly of this season, and one that could have far-reaching implications for his club, and perhaps, England.

Jose Mourinho has dismissed concerns over Marcus Rashford’s lack of game-time as the World Cup approaches, putting the ball in Gareth Southgate’s court by saying the forward will be selected if the England manager trusts him.

Monday morning Quarterbacking with Daniel Storey.

Goalkeeper Sergio Romero will start for Manchester United against Derby.

Jesse Lingard’s second-half heroics may have plastered over some of the cracks in Manchester United’s season, but Jose Mourinho was left to count the cost of a damaging six days.

Bristol City 2 Man United 1: Bristol City defender Joe Bryan believes self-confidence and belief carried them into the Carabao Cup semi-finals after last night’s dramatic 2-1 win over Manchester United at Ashton Gate.

Jose Mourinho is set to recall Henrikh Mkhitaryan for Manchester United’s Carabao Cup quarter-final at Championship side Bristol City tonight.

Man United 1 - Bournemouth 0: Romelu Lukaku ensured Manchester United returned to winning ways following the intense disappointment of the weekend derby defeat and all that went with it, but this was still a far from convincing showing from Jose Mourinho’s side.