Manchester United's Premier League revival this season hit another snag on Sunday with a 1-1 draw versus Everton.
Although there are clear signs of progress under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with United having only lost two of their past 13 games in all competitions, they remain frustratingly inconsistent.
Several players are improving under Solskjaer's management: Scott McTominay, Fred and Marcus Rashford among them. But others are now facing a fight for their spots in the first team. Here are three of them...
Anthony Martial
Ryan Giggs ought to know a United prodigy when he sees one; especially a player with a magical left-foot and an eye for goal.
Like almost everyone, Giggs has been hugely impressed with Mason Greenwood this season and the United legend on Martial by comparing the two forwards — who now look to be battling for one position.
"It’s all these sort of things that you’re not getting off him at the moment," and his slump in form.
"With Mason coming on and doing that, getting in positions to score goals, he [Martial] is going to be under pressure, because he’s not giving you anything defensively and he’s not giving you anything offensively either."
Greenwood's form has also gleaned praise from Gary Neville and in truth looks the greater threat down the middle for United.
Amid United transfer interest in Erling Haaland, another striker, Martial will know he now faces a huge challenge.
Luke Shaw
Shaw's performance against Everton divided opinion among United fans.
While there were some who recognised his contribution, both defensively and as an outlet on the overlap, others continue to demand more from the 24-year-old. Partly, that's down to Aaron Wan-Bissaka's tremendous impact on the opposition side, though Shaw's ardent supporters would say the former Southampton left-back offers more than Wan-Bissaka going forward.
Either way, the emergence of Brandon Williams means Solskjaer has a big decision to make for upcoming fixtures against Watford, Newcastle and Burnley.
It's likely the 19-year-old will get another chance to advance his cause in the Carabao Cuo quarter-final against Colchester in midweek and if we see another big Williams display, Shaw may be concerned.
Jesse Lingard
It feels like Lingard is taking one step forward and two steps back at the moment.
For every positive display, such as the one versus Man City, there is the return of those nagging doubts. And the sense United need an upgrade in the No.10 position will only grow when labour against teams like Everton. You cannot help but feel United would be improved by a James Maddison or a Jack Grealish.
In the short-term, while it will be difficult for United to sign a quality playmaker in January, United aren't blessed with squad options to replace Lingard. Andreas Pereira has flattered to deceive in that role, Angel Gomes is out of favour with Solskjaer amid a contract dispute, but United could turn to Juan Mata.
The Spaniard was introduced far too late against Everton but, even at 31, has something to offer this team.
