Manchester United are reportedly set to block the departure of some players during the January transfer window. They brought in four new faces over the summer as Ruben Amorim geared up for his first full season in charge. Since then, the Red Devils have ascended to sixth place in the Premier League table and have won their last three top-flight matches.
One of their summer acquisitions was Bryan Mbeumo, who has netted five times since his switch from Brentford. However, it won't be long before United will be without the forward's services. Mbeumo is set to be included in the Cameroon squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for December and January.
If he is chosen, the 26-year-old will be unavailable for United during Cameroon's involvement in the tournament, potentially missing a number of club games.
As a result, the Red Devils have opted against allowing certain players to exit the club in January, according to The Sun.
Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo are two players rumoured to be on the move away from United during the winter window. It was reported over the weekend that Zirkzee is expected to request a transfer at the turn of the year.
West Ham are believed to be keen on offering the Dutch international an escape from his Old Trafford struggles. He only managed seven goals in 49 appearances across all competitions last season.
Zirkzee has made just four appearances this term, with his most recent league goal for United dating back to December. Mainoo has also been rumoured to be considering a mid-season departure from the Reds after requesting a loan move in the summer.
However, it is believed that if either player expresses a desire to leave Old Trafford, they will not be permitted to depart before the end of the season.
Amad and Noussair Mazraoui may also join their national teams to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations, which would render them unavailable for United for several weeks.
United will be hoping to make it four straight wins when they go up against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The following weekend, they will travel south to face Tottenham in their final Premier League game before the November international break.