Manchester United are preparing to face West Ham on Thursday night with transfer updates surrounding the Red Devils and clarity on the AFCON ruling
Jake Bayliss Sport Writer - U35s and Neil Docking
07:59, 03 Dec 2025
Ruben Amorim
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Ruben Amorim has had some good news at Manchester United
Manchester United are gearing up to take on struggling West Ham on Thursday with the chance to maintain positive momentum.
Ruben Amorim's squad put on a strong second-half performance to secure a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace away from home at the weekend. This was the perfect comeback from United after their disappointing defeat at home to a 10-man Everton side last week, which once again raised questions about the Portuguese coach's tactics and suitability to one of the biggest jobs in world football.
That loss brought an end to the team's five-match unbeaten run, but Amorim's men bounced back quickly with a win at Selhurst Park on Sunday. United now face a quick turnaround as they prepare to host West Ham on Thursday night. Here's all the latest news from Old Trafford.
United ready to entertain offers for four players
Kobbie Mainoo of MAnchester United
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Kobbie Mainoo has struggled for game time this season(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
According to reports, Manchester United are open to selling four members of Ruben Amorim's squad during the January transfer window.
ESPN has reported the Red Devils are willing to consider offers for Kobbie Mainoo, Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte and Tyrell Malacia.
The report suggests United need to generate funds to chase midfield targets in January. However, there's a potential snag, as letting players go early in the window could leave Amorim with a thin squad while the Africa Cup of Nations is still underway.
All the aforementioned United players have had limited game time this season. Zirkzee has made it back into the starting XI 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 continues to be linked with a potential departure from Old Trafford. Malacia, meanwhile, has yet to make an appearance this campaign.
Bryan Mbeumo boost
Bryan Mbeumo will miss a number of Manchester United matches over December and January
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Bryan Mbeumo will miss a number of Manchester United matches over December and January(Image: (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images))
United will have Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui available for longer than anticipated before the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off, reports the Mirror.
The three players are due to represent their countries at the tournament, which commences on December 21, but a fresh FIFA ruling has permitted clubs to retain their players until December 15.
The previous deadline was believed to be a week earlier. This ruling means Mbeumo, Amad and Mazraoui will now be eligible for the away fixture against Wolves on Monday, December 8, a match they were originally set to miss.
However, it's still uncertain whether the extension will cover United's home encounter with Bournemouth on December 15. Mbeumo will join up with Cameroon for AFCON, while Amad will represent the Ivory Coast.
Ruben Amorim has some of his key players longer than anticipated before AFCON
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Ruben Amorim has some of his key players longer than anticipated before AFCON(Image: Simon Dael/Shutterstock)
Mazraoui will also aim to lead Morocco to glory. The tournament is due to conclude on January 18.
Prior to the ruling, Amorim offered his perspective on the matter: "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.
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"We need to respect that, but we will try to do everything to protect the club, protect the players and protect the national team."