Manchester United enter the winter transfer window with financial pressures, tactical demands and the need to overhaul their squad under new boss Ruben Amorim. While the Red Devils have no tradition of spending big in January, restructuring the squad and addressing lingering issues is essential if they are to achieve their long-term goals.
The last time the Old Trafford team made an official contract in the winter transfer window was in January 2020 with the appearance of Bruno Fernandes. Since then, the deals have been mainly temporary, such as the cases of Wout Weghorst, Marcel Sabitzer or Jack Butland.
The club's finances are now in a state of disarray. Reportedly, Man United have recorded a loss of £372.8 million over the past five years. This has forced the board to tighten spending under the supervision of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
In this context, the January transfer window is expected to be limited. However, if they can raise funds from selling or lending players, The Red Devils have the opportunity to add new faces.
Ruben Amorim is currently using a 3-4-3 formation, which requires reinforcement in the wing-back position, especially on the left flank when Man United lack depth. Tyrell Malacia has just returned after 18 months of injury, while Luke Shaw is still out for a while. Dalot is the usual option to fill this position but is showing a decline in form.
In addition, midfield is also an area where Man United can add this winter. Although Amorim's priority is to maximize the ability of the current squad, adding a central midfielder will help the Portuguese strategist have new options.
Some potential names that Man United can look to are Alphonso Davies or Alvaro Fernandez. Davies is entering the final year of his contract and has been linked with the “Red Devils” leadership. The biggest obstacle is the Canadian star’s high salary.
As for Fernandez, the Old Trafford club have the right to buy back the young Spanish talent from Benfica, where he has established himself after moving for 9 million Euros. However, re-recruiting a player who has not had the opportunity to play could be seen as a step backwards for Man United.
On the other hand, to make way for new recruits, Man United are likely to have to part ways with some of their squad members. Having announced that he is looking for a new challenge, Marcus Rashford could leave the club. Although PSG has been rumoured as a destination, no European club is currently willing to meet the English star's salary of more than £325,000/week. A loan deal or a transfer to the Saudi Pro League could be a reasonable option.
Other names such as Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Antony or some young players can also be loaned or sold to reduce the squad this winter. In particular, former captain Harry Maguire is also on the list of possible departures when the 31-year-old center-back's contract expires at the end of the season and is being expressed great interest by Napoli.
Manchester United are entering the January transfer window cautiously, as they seek to balance their finances and meet the tactical demands of manager Ruben Amorim. Despite not being able to make any big-money signings, the Red Devils still have the opportunity to make sensible moves to pursue their ambitions for the remainder of the season.
