Man Utd's ideal January: FOUR new signings as two summer arrivals face the dump
Robin Bairner
- 29 Nov 2023 08:01 GMT
- 3 min read
Manchester United’s ideal January will see them complete four new signings, with concerns over Sofyan Amrabat’s “indifferent” start to life at Old Trafford.
According to a report in the Guardian, Man Utd are seeking a right-sided central defender, a defensive midfield, a No.8 and a forward.
This overhaul will be driven by incoming minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is set to buy 25% of the club from the Glazer brothers and will take over the running of the sporting aspect of the Old Trafford side.
There is an acknowledgement that completing this volume of transfers in the middle of the season will be a difficult challenge, particularly with Man Utd constrained by Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions and Ratcliffe likely to make sweeping changes among the recruitment staff at the club.
With regard to the first point, United will have more FFP leeway if they can sell players, but they found this difficult in the summer as they tried to offload players such as Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire, who did not want to leave.
In January, though, the difficult relationship Erik ten Hag has with players such as Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and perhaps even Casemiro could be a catalyst of these players to leave Old Trafford, with the potential for big money coming in. All three are wanted by the Saudi Pro League.
Amrabat and Mount for the chop?
FootballTransfers understands that a centre-back is Man Utd’s priority and this is reiterated by the report. Jean-Clair Todibo is their main goal here.
Another midfield overhaul is slated following the disappointing performance of Amrabat since arriving on loan from Fiorentina this summer.
He has started only four Premier League matches this season and Kobbie Mainoo was preferred to him during Sunday’s 3-0 win over Everton – a fixture that the 18-year-old shone in.
Similarly, Mason Mount appears under threat following his €64 million transfer from Chelsea, with Man Utd looking for alternatives in the No.8 role.
Of the four additions Man Utd are targeting, a centre-forward is the lowest down the priority list, despite Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund having just one Premier League goal between them this season.
