MANCHESTER UNITED’S line up could look very different after the January transfer window.
The Red Devils are set to lose four players to international duty during the Africa Cup of Nations.
Meanwhile, a new year clear out could also see both Casemiro and Raphael Varane leave the club.
As a result, Erik ten Hag may be forced into naming a new look side come the start of February.
A quartet of United stars are set to be called up for AFCON, which is being held in the Ivory Coast between January 13 and February 11.
Sofyan Amrabat and Hannibal Mejbri are expected to appear for Morocco and Tunisia, respectively.
Andre Onana will also be involved for Cameroon after returning to the international fold in recent weeks.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s potential inclusion in DR Congo’s squad may cause the most headaches, though.
The full-back has reportedly been approached to switch his international allegiance from England after previously representing the Leopards at under-17 level in 2015.
His absence during the tournament would leave Diogo Dalot as United’s only senior right-back.
As for potential departures, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s imminent arrival to lead football operations could prompt a clear out of the squad.
Both Casemiro and Varane have been highlighted as players the club may look to move on when the window re-opens.
Ten Hag is even understood to have gone as far as identifying Jean-Clair Todibo as a replacement for his fellow Frenchman.
The defender currently plays for Nice, who are owned by Ratcliffe’s Ineos group, and has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford.
He would likely partner Lisandro Martinez in the centre of defence, with the World Cup winner set to return from a foot injury in the new year.
Further forward, Casemiro’s exit, paired with the absences of Amrabat and Mejbri, could cause issues in midfield.
Ten Hag would likely call upon Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay in front of the defence during AFCON.
Fortunately for United fans, their front four of Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund is set to remain intact.
