Ralf Rangnick says Jesse Lingard is in control of his own destiny during this month's transfer window.
Lingard, who is out of contract at the end of this season, is wanted on loan by Newcastle for the rest of the season.
United would prefer a permanent deal and are unlikely to sanction a loan deal for Lingard, given the uncertainty with regard to Covid and potential injuries leaving them short of personnel.
Lingard, 29, is understood to want to run his contract down and assess his options at the end of the season, when he will have his pick of several clubs interested in signing him, including West Ham and Tottenham.
Interim United boss Rangnick said: "With Jesse, it's the same as quite a few other players. He's a really good player, Newcastle showed interest in him, but I am not the one dealing with that.
"If you ask me now what will happen in the next 10 days I cannot answer that question, I'm afraid.
"It's a question of what does the player want, what other options does he have, does he have the chance to get game time?
"I cannot answer for him, it has to be done by the players. He's a very good player, a technical player.
"Here at Manchester United it's not so easy, we have other players who can play in that position and we cannot change from one game to another, five or six positions.
"I know his contract is expiring in the summer, the question is what does he want to do?
"I wouldn't be unhappy if he stayed until the rest of the season, because he is a player who can always play and I know his level.
