The Red Devils have now gone four matches in a row without scoring for the first time since 1992 after another limp display.

Second half goals from Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus see the Hammers climb above United in the table.

Welch will complete her remarkable journey from the playing fields of north east England to the top flight when she takes charge of Fulham against Burnley at Craven Cottage.

Ten Hag knows he needs to give the Old Trafford faithful something to shout about.

Villa go to Manchester United on Boxing Day after blowing their chance to go top of the table on Friday.

Forty-year-old set to become league’s first female referee and her appearance may have a welcome effect of lessening abuse

The Gunners boss will be aiming for a clean sheet after likening the challenge of playing away to Liverpool as being stuck on a spin cycle.

Arsenal are further down the track towards a title-winning team while Liverpool wrestle with a volatile streak.

Manager has been badly let down by absent owners making poor decisions but is not blameless for the club’s malaise.

The Gunners head to face Liverpool on Saturday knowing victory would leave them top of the Premier League table on Christmas Day.

Arsenal became the last of the clubs who joined the original Super League in 2021 to confirm their position on Friday.

But are the Liverpool cables the most electrified? Is there an Anfield Factor?

They would remain top at Christmas if Arsenal and Liverpool draw on Saturday after Emery took over when Villa were 14th in October last year.

Super League may struggle to return but football will be transformed by the ECJ ruling

Clubs including Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan – founder members of the original Super League back in 2021 – have already pledged their commitment to the existing competitions.

The verdict means European clubs can join another continental league -- without the threat of sanctions -- instead of playing in competitions run solely by UEFA.

Even if elements of new proposals raise more questions than answers, Fifa and Uefa know their dominance is under threat.

Backers of the European Super League declared victory after a court found rules allowing UEFA the right to grant prior approval to new competitions were contrary to EU law.

Arsene Wenger always said Anfield was the away ground he admired and dreaded visiting most. 

One of the great certainties of winter is managers in the English Premier League complaining about too many games at Christmas.