United must alter transfer window thinking as trio face possible 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 hamper United's attacking threat. The 22-year-old has been a standout performer for the Reds this season and contributed 11

goals. Using this season's United fixture list as a guide, there were six matches during the period earmarked for AFCON this year plus two fixtures within two days either side where

players would be away if they advanced to the final. The date for clubs to release players is yet to be determined because the tournament falls outside FIFA window but with the group stage

running until December 31, it seems certain the trio will miss at least four fixtures and up to seven or eight. United cannot base their transfer activity on what might happen in seven

months time, but it must be a consideration.