Manchester United head into a crucial festive period facing a significant squad shortage, with three key players absent for their trip to face Aston Villa this Sunday. The Red Devils will be without Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui, who have all departed for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Emery's Commitment to Sancho's Revival
One subplot to the weekend's clash is the absence of Jadon Sancho, who is ineligible to face his parent club. The Manchester United winger is currently on loan at Villa Park, and speculation had suggested his stay could be cut short in January. However, Villa manager Unai Emery has firmly dismissed those rumours, outlining a clear plan to extract the best from the England international in the second half of the season.
Emery stated his belief in Sancho, acknowledging the player's need to rediscover his peak form. "Jadon is still young," Emery said. "He has had an amazing career and is now in a moment where he needs help to recover his best performance. I have this challenge with him."
The Spanish coach confirmed that Sancho's next appearance will be against Chelsea in early January, marking a fresh start for the player at Villa. Emery's commitment suggests Manchester United will be watching closely, as the loan spell is now viewed as a critical rehabilitation project for the £73 million signing.
Zirkzee Advised to Seek Serie A Switch
Meanwhile, another Manchester United forward, Joshua Zirkzee, has been advised to consider a January exit to reignite his career. Former Roma striker Daniel Fonseca has publicly urged the Serie A club to target the Dutchman, labelling him the "ideal" signing for Jose Mourinho's side.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Fonseca said: "Gasperini deserves a big attacking signing in January. I keep hearing about Manchester United’s Zirkzee; he’d be perfect." This public courting comes amid a difficult start to life at Old Trafford for the 24-year-old.
Zirkzee has managed just one goal in ten appearances this season, a strike against Crystal Palace. His game time has been inconsistent, featuring two full matches but also being limited to brief cameos of just seven minutes against Wolves and Bournemouth. With goals hard to come by, the advice from Fonseca may tempt the striker to seek more regular football elsewhere.
United's Festive Fixture Challenge
Manager Ruben Amorim faces a testing schedule without his AFCON contingent. Following the trip to Villa Park on Sunday, Manchester United host Newcastle on Boxing Day before welcoming Wolves to Old Trafford just four days later. These three matches before the New Year will be a stern test of the squad's depth.
Currently sitting in the top half of the Premier League table, the Red Devils will be desperate to navigate this period successfully and maintain their momentum. The performances of those stepping into the void left by Mbeumo and others could define their mid-season position.
The coming weeks are pivotal, both for the team's campaign and for the futures of individuals like Sancho and Zirkzee, whose paths at Manchester United appear to be at a crossroads.
