Ralf Rangnick has told his unhappy Manchester United stars to behave in a professional way and prove they deserve the chance to play.
As many as 11 United players are said to be considering their futures, after becoming disillusioned with their failure to get regular game-time under interim boss Rangnick.
Many players are said to be underwhelmed with Rangnick's tactics, managerial style and the appointment of his assistants, on the back of United's shock 1-0 home defeat to Wolves.
But Rangnick warned those players unhappy with their situation to show their professionalism in training and prove to him they are worthy of selection.
“We have players with contracts expiring in the summer, we have maybe also one or two players who want to leave and who are under contract,” said Rangnick.
“It's about the players dealing with that in a professional way, to show in training, to show up, when they get chance to play.
“If this is not the case, the player, club and the agents need to discuss the situation. I cannot say anything else, I will address that to the players direct.
“This is not only an issue with a club like Manchester United, when you have a big squad.
“In the first two games, we had most players available, we had three centre-backs missing against Wolves, but in general we had most players available, apart from Paul Pogba.
“Only 10 outfield players can play, with three subs, so then you have quite a number of players who don't even play or are not even in the squad.
“Those players are unhappy about the situation, it's obvious, clear. I tend to explain to players every two or three weeks why they are not playing and that's an issue in our team and other clubs.
Asked if United's player were on board with his philosophy, Rangnick said: “They're at least trying, I'm sure they are listening and we showed that in the last games against Palace, Burnley and parts against Norwich and Newcastle, that they are trying to follow the advice I give them.
“We concede less goals than before, an average of 1.7 per game that we have conceded so far - 0.6 in those games.
“Yes, still, it's about balance, we need to find the best possible balance before offence and defence and this is something we have to get better on.”
