Manchester United have endured a difficult start to the season, with Ruben Amorim’s side winning just one of their opening four Premier League games
Manchester United have had a rocky start to the Premier League season, with just one win, one draw and two losses in their first four matches. The results leave them languishing in 14th place in the table, having secured only four points out of a possible twelve so far.
The 3-0 defeat at the hands of rivals Manchester City was a bitter pill for United fans to swallow. The shaky start has once again cast doubt over the future of manager Ruben Amorim.
Despite splashing out around £200 million on new talent during the summer transfer window, including striker Benjamin Sesko and forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, the team’s early performances have highlighted ongoing issues within the squad. With the summer transfer window now firmly shut, it seems that any more changes to the squad will need to wait until January.
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Amid mounting pressure, Amorim may already be considering his options for the winter window, should he still be at the helm. A successful January could alleviate some of the strain on the Portuguese boss.
So, what might an ideal January window look like for Amorim and United?
In terms of incoming players, there’s no question that bolstering the midfield should be top of United’s agenda. The club did attempt to secure new players over the summer.
However, Brighton’s firm refusal to sell Carlos Baleba led to United abandoning any potential deal. Yet, they may decide to try their luck again in January, hoping that the Seagulls might be more amenable to a sale.
If that’s the case, then talks could start, with a deal hopefully being struck between all parties. The addition of Baleba could potentially offer Bruno Fernandes more leeway, even if he is operating in a deeper midfield position.
Another name linked with United recently is Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. The midfielder turned heads with his performances for England against both Andorra and Serbia during the international break.
The ex-Newcastle player has demonstrated his ability to command games and set the pace, something that United have been lacking this season. However, as with Baleba, striking a deal with Forest may not be straightforward, as they’ll be eager to retain a key player, particularly during Ange Postecoglou’s first transfer window with the club.
Moving away from the midfield, another area where United are likely to need additional cover is at right-back. At present, Diego Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are the squad’s two recognised players in that position
An injury or suspension to just one would leave United short on options. United have been linked with an interest in Inter’s Denzel Dumfries for some time.
The full-back has recently confessed that he’d be open to a move to the Premier League, and would bring experience and quality to that side of defence.
If United manage to secure the signings of both Baleba and Anderson, or two other defensive midfielders in the January window, it could pave the way for Kobbie Mainoo to depart on loan for the remainder of the season. The midfielder expressed his wish for a temporary move during the summer, but United declined.
The addition of new midfield options would enable the academy graduate to seek regular playing time elsewhere.
Defender Tyler Fredricson could also possibly be loaned out. With Lisandro Martinez expected to return from injury within the next few months, if the centre-back can regain match fitness quickly, it would provide sufficient defensive cover to allow the 20-year-old to gain more experience of first-team football.
Chido Obi might be another player heading out on loan. Despite making his United debut last season, the striker hasn’t made a matchday squad this season and has been playing for the U21 team. A loan spell could give him more exposure to first-team football in the second half of the season, potentially returning as an improved player.
Tyrell Malacia could be on the verge of a permanent exit. The full-back was rumoured to be leaving in the summer, but a transfer never came to fruition.
Dream squad after the window
Goalkeepers: Senne Lammens, Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton.
Defenders: Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, Patrick Dorgu, Luke Shaw, Diego Leon, Denzel Dumfries, Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui.
Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount.
Forwards: Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, Joshua Zirkzee.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
