Ruben Amorim has admitted that Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee might leave Old Trafford in January, provided it does not harm Manchester United's interests. The Red Devils boss insists that the club cannot suffer losses merely to appease unhappy players.
Neither Mainoo nor Zirkzee have earned a Premier League start this campaign. The Dutch striker has managed just 82 minutes in the top flight, whilst academy talent Mainoo has clocked up just 93 minutes since his substitute appearance against Burnley back in August. Both players will be eager for increased match time to boost their chances of being selected for the World Cup next summer.
They require greater pitch time to secure call-ups for the Netherlands and England, respectively, for the tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
United face losing Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui during the Africa Cup of Nations.
With attacking injuries to Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, Amorim is determined not to be left undermanned.
The Portuguese coach could propel United into fourth position with a convincing enough victory over Everton on Monday.
Such a result would represent a remarkable turnaround from the club's dismal 15th-place showing last season.
Amorim acknowledges his players' potential frustration but refuses to compromise United's advancement.
"I was a football player," he said. "I understand everything, and I want to help my players in every situation. I understand the frustration of some players, seeing the World Cup is there. I know what it means.
"But the first thing is that the club comes first. If I can help the club and the players, I will be happy. If not I have to think about the team."
Despite enjoying a five-match unbeaten streak, Amorim remains cautious, aware that his team's progress hangs in the balance after United let slip leads against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham before the international break.
The 40-year-old is keen to utilise all resources at his disposal to prevent any derailment. "I don't like to say the storm is over," he stated.
"It's my job, especially in our club, to always have that feeling [that a storm is coming]. It gives me the sense of urgency in every training [session] and, in the Premier League, everything can change so fast because all the teams can win any game."