Jose Mourinho is wary of potential fixture congestion should Manchester United reach the EFL Cup final.
United seem on course for the Wembley showpiece as they head into the second leg of their semi-final at Hull on Thursday with a 2-0 lead.
Reaching the February 26 final, however, would mean the Premier League game against neighbours and top-four rivals Manchester City, scheduled for the same day, having to be rearranged.
With both Manchester clubs still in the FA Cup and also due to resume European campaigns in the spring, it is unclear when that fixture could be played.