Fay: Manchester United transfer exit could unleash Chido Obi - opinion

The international break might feel like a tedious distraction, but for several Manchester United players it is a reminder of how little time they have left to impress national team coaches.

Ruben Amorim will have watched on with interest as 17 players represented their respective nations over the last week, though there is just as much interest in those who were not selected in the latest stage of World Cup qualifiers.

Joshua Zirkzee is one of those. He hoped the move to Manchester last year would accelerate his career, but it has since stalled. He was done little favour when compatriot Erik ten Hag was sacked, while the change of formation under Ruben Amorim initially appeared to suit his unorthodox style of play before he targeted specialists in the roles this past summer.

The Dutch forward sees himself as a '9.5', a player who does not fit the traditional role of either an attacking midfielder or a striker, but is capable of doing a little bit of both. It is a versatility that makes him a useful squad player, but a lack of mastery that does not make him a compelling option to ever start.

That has certainly been the case this season. Zirkzee has been named in every matchday squad this season but has managed just 82 minutes of action across four cameo appearances. That is less time on the pitch than Andre Onana for the club, and he is only ahead of Ayden Heaven and Tyler Fredricson in minutes played this campaign.

Zirkzee might appear to be the most natural replacement for Benjamin Sesko in the forward line, though Amorim would rather play Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount or Bryan Mbeumo there, and utilise a false nine rather than a nine and a half. Given the lack of playing time, it is perhaps no surprise the 24-year-old was omitted from the latest Netherlands squad, with any hope of a World Cup call-up now looking slim.

It is for this reason he could leave in January. United are set to hold talks with both Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo over their lack of playing time, with both eager to feature regularly in the hope they can represent their respective nations next summer. It is understood United are reluctant to let either go, given the lack of cover they have in each position.

There would be little sense allowing Mainoo to leave when they only have four recognised senior central midfielders, though the argument to let Zirkzee leave could be strengthened by the promise of teenage striker Chido Obi.

The 17-year-old has yet to feature in a matchday squad this season but has already made eight competitive appearances for the first team and shone on their post-season tour of Asia earlier in the year. He was handed the No.32 shirt in the summer as a reward for the progress he had made, but so far this season, he has three goals in seven appearances at U21 level, a timely reminder of the work he still has to do if he is to make it at an elite level.

Expectations must be tempered to nurture such a raw talent, though the proposed exit of Zirkzee in the winter window could push him higher up the pecking order and give him the senior involvement he wants. Even at his young age, Obi is arguably the most natural replacement for Sesko in a traditional striker role and would provide Amorim with another option from the bench, even if he doesn't feature regularly.

Those who have watched Obi since he joined the club from Arsenal will be aware of the fundamental ability he has, though there is a clear need to finesse it in a senior environment. A January loan exit for the teenager would be another sensible consideration if Zirkzee remained at the club, with the balancing act of giving players minutes made even harder by the lack of European football and early exit from the Carabao Cup.

Zirkzee needs those minutes the most and if he leaves then Obi is ready to take his place.

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