Manchester United are considering the futures of three loan stars who are currently playing in the Championship.
Ethan Laird, Hannibal Mejbri and Amad are all applying themselves in England's second tier after making summer moves, but each individual has a recall option available. United are conscious that more minutes will further their development yet still have to consider the make-up of the first-team squad, according to the MEN.
Erik ten Hag is still in the midst of building a playing group and may have to utilise the younger players to fill holes that still exist. Comings and goings in the New Year may well influence who - if any - return to Old Trafford earlier than planned from their spells away.
Laird has been on loan at QPR, who will now be on the lookout for a new boss after Michael Beale's exit to Rangers. He's been a regular at Loftus Road having played ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who doesn't seem to be in Ten Hag's plans, during pre-season.
Should the out of favour right-back look to leave Manchester in the New Year then Ten Hag may recall Laird as cover for current first choice Diogo Dalot, who has enjoyed a renaissance since the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a year ago.
Amad's future at Sunderland could also be determined by whether or not United are able to add reinforcements to their forward line. The Ivorian was signed for big money from Atalanta and has played sporadically in between loan spells at Rangers and the Black Cats.
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Cristiano Ronaldo's departure leaves Ten Hag light of a forward and Amad could prove to be a short-term solution. Ronaldo was by no means a regular, but still provided an option off the bench or if the coach wanted to rotate. Amad is also left-footed, which is seen as a positive in the current squad.
United are open to adding more new faces in January - and will be financially better off having freed themselves from Ronaldo's mammoth wages for the next six months. PSV's Cody Gakpo, who has already scored at the World Cup, has been rumoured as a target for the Red Devils.
Hannibal's place at Birmingham may prove to be more secure for the remainder of the campaign. The midfielder made several substitute cameos towards the end of last season and earned praise for his fighting spirit. United are well stocked in midfield however following the arrivals of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in the summer, which has only added to the competition that exists.
