Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's mistake could by Crystal Palace's gain this January as the Eagles continue their bid to sign midfielder Donny van de Beek on loan from Manchester United.
The out-of-favour Dutchman, who arrived at the club under Solskjaer for £35million in 2020, is said to be upset by his lack of playing time as he mulls over leaving the club for more minutes this month.
Van de Beek was reportedly close to agreeing to a loan move to Everton last summer but decided against it following positive talks with Solskjaer about his role at the club.
The midfielder is understood to now regret listening to that advice as he is yet to start a Premier League game this season and made only three starts under Solskjaer before the Norwegian lost his job and was replaced by Ralf Rangnick.
United's new head coach is said to be reluctant about letting the midfielder leave in January, though there has been interest from Crystal Palace this month.
Eagles manager Patrick Vieira has said he wants to bring in players this window but so far the club are yet to sign anyone. Their interest in Van de Beek was first reported on Tuesday and the clubs are now engaged in 'positive talks', according to MailOnline.
Palace's midfield is currently missing two senior players in James McArthur (injury) and Cheikhou Kouyate (AFCON), which has left Vieira light on options in the middle of the pitch.
Conor Gallagher, Will Hughes and Jeffrey Schlupp have played together as a three in recent weeks though the addition of Van de Beek would provide competition for places and alleviate pressure on Gallagher to provide the bulk of the attacking responsibility from midfield.
Should the Dutchman come to south London this month he would fill Palace's second domestic loan spot, with the first being filled by Chelsea man Gallagher.
The Eagles also have French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta currently one year into an 18-month loan deal from German side Mainz.
The forward has scored two goals and has one assist from his last three starts in a Palace shirt and there is now talk of him staying at Selhurst Park on a permanent deal once his loan expires.