It is set to be a busy week for Manchester United as they step up their preparations for a pivotal few weeks in their season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side face a trip to Chelsea a week on Monday knowing a win would revitalsie their dreams of Champions League qualification, while FA Cup and Europa League matches sit on the horizon.
The next few weeks will not only define United's season, but they could also dictate the future of Solskjaer at the club ahead of another big summer of change at Old Trafford.
It is just as well that United's squad is nearing a return to full strength and soon the Norwegian manager will be presented with a welcome dilemma - choosing his strongest side.
Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo are expected to be part of the United squad which travels for a warm weather training camp this weekend as Solskjaer finally gets a chance to properly integrate his January additions to his squad. However, Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay won't be making the trip, but the duo are edging ever nearer to a return.
With a long-term absence for Marcus Rashford the only other serious concern for United the stage is now set for a number of fringe players to prove their worth and showcase their own offerings to the first-team.
Pogba's return will throw up a conundrum to Solskjaer in terms of midfield personnel as he looks to bring the best out of January arrival Fernandes while also offering enough versatility to combat any opponents presented to them.
Last season United reduced first-team opportunities available to Ander Herrera and Romelu Lukaku when it became clear their futures no longer lay at the club, and it will be interesting to see how Solskjaer treats the Frenchman upon his return.
Up front there is a big decision to make in terms to who leads the line while Rashford remains sidelined. Anthony Martial has struggled in recent weeks, while Mason Greeenwood's best performances have come as an impact substitute on the right-hand side. The door is open for Ighalo to make a big impact on his debut, and depending on his performances in training this week could feasibly work his way into the new best XI.
Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata have surprised most fans with their high level of performance this calendar year, while Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams are both impressing in different aspects of their game at left-back.
Even among the positives there are concerns over the form of a few first-team players, a side note which again identifies the necessity for further arrivals once the season comes to an end.
However, with two new arrivals last month and a number of key players close to an injury return United can't have much excuse for their fluctuating form to continue once the winter break is done. By the time February is up, Solskjaer should have a far better idea of what his best XI should be for the remainder of the season.
