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If ever there was an indication that the relationship between Jesse Lingard and Manchester United has reached its breaking point, Ralf Rangnick's decision to not even include Lingard in the Manchester United squad to play Brentord was surely more than a pointer that the midfielder will be on his way out of Old Trafford, BEFORE the end of the January window.

Probably NOT the news Hammers fans wanted to hear is that the 'preening one' himself, Christiano Ronaldo is aiming to be fit in order to play against West Ham this Saturday. Ronaldo has missed United's last few games and could be fit to face Brentford tonight, but it is doubtful he will be risked, instead he will be saved for Saturday.

On the one hand it is a pity not to have faced the Old Trafford team without Ronaldo, but on the other hand at least David Moyes WILL have Kurt Zouma and Tomas Soucek available as well as Aaron Cresswell, so on balance it is a better scenario.

If we had a pound for every time we have mentioned West Ham's need for a proper striker to give Mikey Antonio support and competition, we would already be a long way to being able to afford one of 'Arry's retirement Villas on the South Coast.

Perhaps Hammers fans are in denial when it comes to acquiring top players? The Haller and Anderson 'experience' having done little to enhance a feeling of bonhomie among fans AND club officials, so when news RE-EMERGED of Hammers 'interest' in Patrick Schick, it was greeted with a more than considerable scepticism.