Why Manchester United could lose Andre Onana and Sofyan Amrabat for a month

Manchester United look set to be without summer signings Andre Onana and Sofyan Amrabat for a month in January with them likely to represent their countries at the Africa Cup of Nations in July.

The tournament was originally due to be played this summer, however it was called off due to adverse weather conditions on the continent. In March, it was confirmed that the competition would be moved to the start of next year, specifically January 13 to February 11, 2024.

When the announcement was made that the tournament would take place mid-season, it was of little concern to a United side who had no one from African countries in their squad. But during a summer in which Erik ten Hag signed seven players, two of them look set to jet off in January.

Onana, who joined in a £47.72million deal from Inter Milan, had retired from international duty after being sent home during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The goalkeeper reportedly fell out with manager Rigobert Song and confirmed he would no longer represent his country on social media.

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However, Onana was included in the 24-man squad to face Burundi in their AFCON qualifier and the 27-year-old's stance on playing for his country looks to have softened. Should he get through the international break unscathed, then a place in the setup for January would be likely.

United are yet to confirm the signing of Amrabat but the club had agreed a deal with Fiorentina as of Friday lunchtime. The major sticking point was said to be around a £10million loan fee, which the Reds have now agreed to pay - there is also an option to make the move permanent.

A private jet had already been arranged to set off from Florence once an