It has been a fairly turbulent start for Ralf Rangnick at Manchester United, with plenty of staff turnaround at backroom level - but the January transfer window could see a mass player exodus as well.
Coaches Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna have both departed since Rangnick arrived and forward Anthony Martial has made his desire to exit crystal clear.
Speaking ahead of United's Monday night trip to Newcastle, Rangnick seemingly alluded to the fact there may be more like Martial, waiting in the wings to call time on their Old Trafford stay.
“Right now my full focus is on the current players and getting to know them," the United boss explained.
"We’ve been together now for more than three weeks so I think I have a much better overview on all the players we have currently.
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"For me, it’s about developing those players but if a player wants to leave because he feels he will not get enough game-time here with us then we can speak about that, but it’s not only about what the player wants, it’s also about the situation of the club.
"Two things need to come together if a player wants to leave – one thing is if he wants to leave, but on the other hand the needs of the club need to be satisfied."
Rangnick echoed similar sentiments when talking about Martial directly, insisting that if no buyer is found then the Frenchman will stay put.
Recalling a conversation the pair had before his pre-match media duties, Rangnick explained how both parties need to be satisfied with the situation.
"We spoke on Wednesday, we spoke at length," Rangnick told the media. "He explained to me he’s been at United for seven years and he feels it’s the right time for a change, to go somewhere else.
"In a way this is understandable, I could follow his thoughts but on the other hand, it’s also important to see the situation of the club. We have COVID times, we have three competitions in which we still have high ambitions.
"I told him as long as there’s no club showing interest in him, and it shouldn’t only be in the interest of the player it should also be in the interest of the club. So far, there’s been no offer and as long as this is the case he’ll stay."
Martial is not the only name to be touted with a potential Old Trafford exit, fellow forward Edinson Cavani is also rumoured to be keen on seeking a new challenge elsewhere.
Donny van de Beek has endured a miserable year and a half in Manchester, spending the majority of his time on the bench.
The Dutchman could view the January transfer window as a chance to end his United nightmare, with Everton just one Premier League side to have registered an interest.
Paul Pogba's future seems increasingly likely to be away from Old Trafford, the Frenchman's contract up at the end of this term.
