Manchester United face a crucial few weeks in the January transfer window.
This will be the first opportunity to add to the squad since the managerial change in November, and a constructive month could be the difference between the second half of the season and a possible worst Premier League finish ever.
United won't be fixed in one mid-season transfer window, but there's no time like the present to start addressing the issues.
There will be no collective spending spree, largely due to limited availability and/or value in the January market, but also because clubs around the world have to be more careful with financial decisions so as not to risk breaching regulations.
These are the key positions United could look to target next month.
Left-back has been a problematic position since the end of the 2022/23 season. Luke Shaw has missed a lot of football through injury, and Terrell Malcia, who has always been more of a team player than a starter, is still building himself more than a year later.
Diogo Dalot has often filled in, but he takes depth away from the right flank and is not a long-term solution.
Main objectives
United have been linked with Hungary International Milos Kerkez In the past, though, Premier League players tended to be more expensive as a general rule. It may also be difficult to convince him to leave Bournemouth at this time. Fulham Anthony Robinson He has He showed interest in transportation To challenge himself with the star of Brest Bradley Loco Also linked.
Rayan Ait Nouri From Wolves he is a proven player in the Premier League, but once again he is very expensive.
With Marcus Rashford He may be nearing the end of his career at Old TraffordUnited may soon be short on the left side of the attack. Alejandro Garnacho is the other option there, while Bruno Fernandes has switched between that and the central midfield position.
Mason Mount was also an option but was again ruled out “for several weeks”, so the depth is non-existent without reinforcement.
Main objectives
Former Manchester City star Leroy Sane He was He has been repeatedly linked with a Bayern Munich exit Due to the expiration of his contract with the German League. January will be their last chance to collect a transfer fee for the Germany international if he wants to leave.
He was there Speculation in Italy That Juventus may be willing to sell the 19-year-old talent Kenan Yildiz In order to raise money for other parts of the team.
One of United's biggest problems this season has been putting the ball in the back of the net – even against Bournemouth last time out, their xG was noticeably superior despite losing 3-0. The team's 21 goals in 17 Premier League matches averages 1.2 goals per game, which pales in comparison to Liverpool's average of 2.3.
Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hoglund have both shared time on the pitch since Amorim took over in November, and it usually depends on how the coach views the opposition in each match. They have shown potential, but United need more firepower and competition.
Main objectives
If money were no object, the obvious ideal would be that Victor Geukeris. The prolific Swede turned into Europe's most important striker under Ruben Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, and his production has suddenly slowed since the coach left Lisbon for Manchester last month.
The main problem is getting Gyokeres for anything less than his €100m (£83m) release clause at a time when budgets have to be a real consideration due to the PSR.
United have used the loan market to fill gaps in recent years, although that has not been very successful given the two players – Odion Ighalo and Wute Figurst – they have ended up signing. If PSG are willing to allow it Randall Cole Moane Going on loan, that might be worth exploring.
