Manchester United signed off for the break for the World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The Red Devils now have over a month without a competitive match due to the international tournament, which will allow senior figures at the club, including head coach Erik ten Hag, to carefully analyse the opening months of the 2022-23 campaign.

There is no question that the 20-time English champions will be keeping a close eye on the tournament, though, especially as a number of their alleged transfer targets will be in action in Qatar.

Here, Sports Mole looks at five players that Man United could be closely watching during the competition, which will officially get underway on Sunday.

Antonio Silva (Portugal, Benfica)

Antonio Silva is yet to make a single appearance for Portugal, but his form for Benfica in the opening months of the campaign has seen him named in the squad.

The 19-year-old is allegedly viewed by Man United as a possible replacement for Harry Maguire, who could leave Old Trafford next year due to his struggles at the club.

Silva has made 18 appearances for Benfica this season, including six outings in the Champions League, and it will be fascinating to see how much he is used by Portugal boss Fernando Santos in Qatar.

Jurrien Timber (Netherlands, Ajax)

Man United were strongly linked with Jurrien Timber over the summer, but the Netherlands international ultimately signed a new contract at Ajax.

There is again speculation surrounding the defender, though, with Man United head coach Ten Hag still believed to be keen on a reunion with the 21-year-old, who has made 21 outings for Ajax this term.

Timber's ability to play as both a centre-back and a right-back has allegedly made him a leading target for the Red Devils, who might be closely monitoring his performances in Qatar.

Jude Bellingham (England, Borussia Dortmund)

Borussia Dortmund will find it difficult to keep hold of Jude Bellingham next summer due to the intense speculation surrounding his future.

Man United are said to be one of a number of leading clubs to be interested in the 19-year-old, who has scored nine times and registered three assists in 22 outings for BVB this term.

Bellingham is widely expected to be a starter for England at the World Cup, and it could be a breakthrough tournament for the former Birmingham City youngster.

Cody Gakpo (Netherlands, PSV Eindhoven)

Man United were in the running for Cody Gakpo during the summer, with the club holding talks with both PSV Eindhoven and the player over a switch to Old Trafford.

The 23-year-old will represent Holland at the World Cup, and he will enter the competition off the back of scoring 13 goals and registering 17 assists in 24 appearances for PSV this term.

Gakpo recently said that he is expecting to see out the campaign with his current side, but it looks almost certain that he will be moving on during next summer's transfer window.

Lautaro Martinez (Argentina, Inter Milan)

Man United will be in the market for a new centre-forward next year, with Cristiano Ronaldo almost certain to depart.

The Red Devils are believed to be long-term admirers of Lautaro Martinez, who will turn out for Argentina at the upcoming World Cup, and a move ahead of the 2023-24 campaign cannot be ruled out.

The 25-year-old has scored eight goals and registered six assists in 21 appearances for Inter this term, while he has 21 goals in 40 caps for Argentina, who are fancied by many to seriously challenge for the trophy. body check tags ::