Manchester United must alter transfer window thinking as trio face potential lengthy absence

Manchester United's summer will be defined by what they do in the transfer market.

A decade of poor recruitment means Ruben Amorim is starting from behind the curve as he seeks to rebuild his squad.

The Reds are closing in on the £62.5million capture of Matheus Cunha but their top striker target Liam Delap has rejected a move to Old Trafford in favour of Chelsea.

United will need an additional centre forward this summer but they business must also factor in a winter wildcard.

The Africa Cup of Nations returns this year and United face the prospect of losing three key players for up to six weeks, potentially missing a glut of matches.

Goalkeeper Andre Onana, versatile defender Noussair Mazraoui and attacking star Amad are all set to be involved in the tournament for Cameroon, Morocco and the Ivory Coast respectively.

All three nations could go deep in the tournament, which runs from December 21 to January 18. Morocco are hosting the tournament and are the current favourites while both Cameroon and Ivory Coast are well fancied to progress to the latter stages.

The competition clashes with a busy period in the Premier League with the hectic Christmas schedule often a defining point in the calendar while the FA Cup starts in January for Premier League clubs and the winter transfer window will also open.

Onana is currently first choice goalkeeper at Old Trafford and while his long term future remains uncertain, the unconvincing performances of back up Altay Bayindir - who may depart this summer - highlight the importance of United adding at least a second choice stopper to the ranks this summer.

Mazraoui's absence would be keenly felt given his adaptability and availability this term while Amad departing would greatly