What to expect from Man Utd in the January transfer window

Paul Macdonald

• Updated: 20 May 2021 11:26 BST
• 2 min read

Man Utd are currently sitting in second place in the Premier League table, level on points with reigning champions Liverpool, having played a game less than their bitter rivals.

It’s not a situation many people expected the Red Devils to be in after their sluggish start to the campaign began with a dismal display at home to Crystal Palace but, it’s one that the club’s hierarchy may want to capitalise on in the shape of additions to the squad this January.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already been able to welcome 18-year-old winger Amad Diallo to Old Trafford after the Ivorian completed his £37m move from Atalanta, which was agreed on deadline day in the summer window, on Thursday.

It remains to be seen whether there is money for Solskjaer to spend this winter, but what business can we realistically expect the 20-time champions to conduct over the course of the transfer window?

Man Utd’s January priorities

United may be on the lookout for suitable first-team stars to come in and improve their starting XI, but their priority will almost certainly be to offload the remaining deadwood in their squad.

Players such as Sergio Romero, Phil Jones, Jesse Lingard and Marcos Rojo are on big wages at Old Trafford and are yet to make a Premier League appearance between them in 2020/21.

The Guardian are reporting that Jones and Lingard could join up with former Man Utd defender Steve Bruce at Newcastle. The Magpies need defensive and creative reinforcements, and Bruce could turn to his former side to find them.

Argentine pair Romero and Rojo have been tipped to return to their homeland with Primera Division giants Boca Juniors. The Sun have claimed that the goalkeeper has already said his goodbyes to his Man Utd current teammates, while ESPN have reported that Boca and Rojo have already agreed the terms of a two-year contract.

One man who could depart Manchester on a temporary basis is 20-year-old academy graduate Brandon Williams. The versatile full-back has been heavily linked with a short-term loan to Southampton as the youngster searches for regular game time.

Other possibilities

Manchester United’s very public pursuit of Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho was one of the summer windows worst kept secrets. The Englishman has struggled with his form in the following months and, although it is believed the England international is still wanted at Old Trafford, it’s unlikely that Ed Woodward is prepared to meet his £107m price tag six months on.

A world-class centre-back is top of most United supporter’s wish list. Eric Bailly has impressed in recent weeks, but the Ivorian struggles with injuries and a more reliable defender could elevate Solskjaer’s men to the next level. RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano has been the name suggested the strongest, however, with Julian Nagelsmann’s charges still in the Champions League and fighting for the Bundesliga title, a January move doesn’t appear to be on the cards.