Manchester United transfer news live Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 'stance' on Jadon Sancho saga as Man Utd player nears exit

Manchester United’s early exit from the League Cup means they have had a week's rest ahead of Saturday's early kick off with West Ham

December is a busy month but Erik ten Hag will be more hectic in the new year as he navigates the transfer window. The club have already outlined they do not expect many arrivals but the Dutchman will have to deal with the exits of several players.

While Donny van de Beek is nearing his leave and Jadon Sancho is likely to be loaned out, potentially four players are set to jet off to the Ivory Coast for the Africa Cup of Nations. Andre Onana, Sofyan Amrabat, Amad and Hannibal Mejbri will make United’s squad thinner.

Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is not yet in place and so his first transfer market will likely come in the summer. He will also have kept a close eye on yesterday's Super League ruling.

The Super League is back under a different banner however United have already confirmed they will not be taking part in it.

Keep tabs on the latest takeover news and transfer rumours from United below.

United will have to sell to buy in January. Erik ten Hag and key figures behind the scenes at Old Trafford spent big this summer and there are lingering concerns over FFP when it comes to the mid-season window. It feels a little like Groundhog Day.

Ten Hag carried out the same plan last season on his way to loaning in Jack Butland, Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst as winter additions. United might have no other choice than to repeat that unpopular transfer trick next month.

Erik ten Hag has had a rotten season with positive results blighted by frequent drop-offs in the following matches.

Many pundits have called for Ten Hag to keep his job despite United's under-par campaign, saying that it is