Three weeks is an unbelievable time to sit fidgeting on the grid, but come tomorrow Huddersfield Town will be revved up and the duel will be on.
That being so, Jonjo Shelvey will hold centre stage spotlight.
Paul Merson, who could play a bit himself, believes that Gareth Southgate missed a trick with Shelvey during the international break and he could be right. In an age of stereotype Jonjo bucks the trend. He passes like an arrow straight at the very heart of a defence and, on a good day, destroys the opposition.
Of course with any artist there is going to be frustration and let down, but surely inventiveness will always beat the predictable. In United’s current team of hard grafters Shelvey is a splash of colour.
As football is entertainment – showbiz if you like – let us pay lip service to those who can brighten lives.
It has been suggested England’s door to the World Cup finals remains open for Shelvey – and Jamaal Lascelles for that matter – but realistically I cannot see it.
Southgate would have made a call to arms before now if either was going to be Russia-bound.
Let both instead play what will be a crucial role in United’s survival fight.