Manchester United are formulating plans ahead of the January transfer window as Ruben Amorim's side prepare to host West Ham United
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim and Manchester United face several transfer decisions in the January window
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Manchester United are gearing up to take on West Ham this Thursday, aiming for another unbeaten streak. Ruben Amorim's team delivered a strong second-half performance to secure a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace away from home at the weekend.
This was the perfect reply from United after their disappointing loss to a 10-man Everton side at home last week. That defeat brought an end to the team's five-match unbeaten run, but Amorim's squad managed to quickly bounce back with a win at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
United now face a quick turnaround as they prepare to host West Ham on Thursday evening. Here, MEN Sport examines some of the key talking points surrounding United.
Man United open to bids for four players
Manchester United are reportedly ready to part ways with four members of Ruben Amorim's squad during the January transfer window. ESPN has reported that the Red Devils are open to offers for Kobbie Mainoo, Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte and Tyrell Malacia.
It's claimed United will need to generate funds to chase midfield targets in January. However, there is a potential issue, as letting players go early in the window could leave Amorim with a thin squad while the Africa Cup of Nations is still underway.
Kobbie Mainoo of MAnchester United
Kobbie Mainoo has struggled for game time this season(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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All of the aforementioned United players have found game time hard to come by so far this season. Zirkzee has been reintroduced to the starting line-up due to injuries to other forwards, while Ugarte has only started three times.
England international Mainoo's only start this season came in the cup loss to Grimsby and he has repeatedly been linked with a move away from Old Trafford. Malacia, meanwhile, has yet to make an appearance this campaign.
Bryan Mbeumo boost
Manchester United will retain Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui for longer than initially expected before the Africa Cup of Nations. The trio are due to represent their countries at the competition, which kicks off on December 21, but a fresh FIFA ruling has permitted clubs to hold on to their players until December 15.
Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United
Bryan Mbeumo is one of three United players who will be competing in AFCON
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The cut-off date had previously been understood to be seven days earlier. This decision means Mbeumo, Amad and Mazraoui will now be available for the away fixture against Wolves on Monday, December 8, a match they were initially expected to miss.
However, it remains uncertain whether the extension will cover United's home game with Bournemouth on December 15. Mbeumo will join up with Cameroon for AFCON, while Amad will feature for Ivory Coast. Mazraoui will also aim to lead Morocco to success. The competition is due to conclude on January 18.
Before the ruling, Amorim shared his views on the subject: "We have the rules, when we have to release the players, so we will see. We are doing our job to try and maintain the players a little bit longer, but it is not just in our hands. We need to respect that, but we will try to do everything to protect the club, protect the players and protect the national team."