A Christmas gift for the fans of each Premier League team

Manchester City (Current league position 2nd)

Whilst it was fitting to see Lionel Messi lift the World Cup to cement his place in history as one of the greatest of all time, arguably the best current player on the planet was missing from the tournament. That Norwegian Erling Haaland has been waiting in the wings will surely play into the hands of the defending champions, with the striker set to return fresh and eager to add to his tally of 18 Premier League goals. City sent 16 players to Qatar, so the ideal present will be positivity and confidence from the likes of World Cup winner Julian Alvarez and a point to prove from Kevin De Bruyne, who’s Belgian side crashed out in disappointing fashion.

Manchester United (Current league position 5th)

Utd fans got an early Christmas present when the Ronaldo saga was dealt with during the break, with the enigmatic star moving on to pastures new. Fans got a reminder of why this is no bad thing during Portugal’s run in the tournament, which was soured by several Ronaldo strops as things did not altogether go his way. The encouraging England form of Marcus Rashford and, in particular, Harry Maguire sends Utd into their opening games against Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Bournemouth in a positive mood.

Newcastle United (Current league position 3rd)

With 5 league wins on the trot to finish the opening part of the campaign, United fans could be forgiven for fearing that the winter break came at the wrong time. Everything clicked for the Magpies early on, even after record £60million signing Alexander Isak went down with an injury in October. Leading performers Miguel Almiron and Joelinton did not travel to Qatar and so it’s a double Christmas present for the Magpies with a fresh looking squad ready to re-engage in league combat and confirmation that Gareth Southgate will be continuing as England manager, keeping the FA at bay from revered manager Eddie Howe.