JJ Gabriel scored another spectacular goal(Image: Zohaib Alam - MUFC, Manchester United via Getty Images)

Manchester United have a weekend break courtesy of their premature FA Cup exit. The Red Devils suffered defeat to Brighton in the third round whilst top four competitors Liverpool and Chelsea have both faced an additional fixture on their schedule.

Michael Carrick's team also lack midweek commitments, having missed out on European qualification this campaign. This means by the time they meet Aston Villa on March 15 they'll have had 11 days between matches. Should they win that game it could prove pivotal for their ambitions of securing next season's Champions League football. United and Villa sit level on points in third and fourth positions respectively, with Chelsea trailing the duo by just three points.

Whatever unfolds between now and the end of the season could significantly influence United's managerial strategy and transfer opportunities. Here, the Daily Star Sport look at the latest updates from around Old Trafford.

JJ Gabriel playing for Manchester United Under-18s(Image: Manchester United, Manchester United via Getty Images)

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