- 4 hours ago
Five players who could join Man Utd in January
Suraj Radia
- 2 Jan 2025 09:54 CST
- 4 min read
The January transfer window could prove to be a huge one for Manchester United after beginning a new era with Ruben Amorim at the helm.
The former Sporting boss replaced Erik ten Hag as manager in November and will be looking to bring in players in order to suit his tactical system.
United are likely to act in the market after making their worst-ever start to a Premier League season and also seeing a number of star players struggle with injuries.
With the club entering another phase of transition under Amorim, FootballTransfers looks at five players who could join United in the January transfer window.
Alvaro Carreras (Benfica)
Both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have endured an injury-hit 12 months, which has forced Amorim to use Diogo Dalot in an unsuited left-wing-back position over the past few weeks.
As a result, signing an upgrade is deemed a priority in 2025 and Man Utd's search for a new left-back could lead them to a familiar face.
Having only permanently left United for €6 million in the summer, a €20m buy-back option in the contract of Alvaro Carreras could see the 21-year-old re-join the club after a bright start to life with Benfica, particularly with Amorim already aware of the defender’s credentials in Portugal.
Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting)
Amorim’s success at Sporting has seen him linked with a number of his former players, none perhaps more so than the prolific Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swede has boasted an astonishing record since moving to the Portuguese side in 2023 and it is believed that Amorim’s departure will soon lead to Gyokeres following suit.
STATS
Viktor Gyökeres
F (C)
Sporting CP
Viktor Gyökeres
F (C)
Sporting CP
Gyokeres is thought to be available for a cut-price €70m fee and his relationship with Amorim could give United the edge over any rivals, while also providing an injection of goals that the team sorely needs.
Nuno Mendes
In addition to the aforementioned Carreras, Man Utd are also interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes.
The Portugal international worked under Amorim at Sporting CP and he is reportedly keen to reunite with the Red Devils boss at Old Trafford this year.
Rumours suggest that Mendes has rejected a contract extension offer from PSG, and Man Utd are now eyeing a mid-season move as they look to bolster their backline.
Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea)
While Gyokeres is Man Utd's preferred forward target, the Red Devils have also been persistently linked with a move for Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku.
The France international struggled with injuries during his first season at Stamford Bridge and he is now behind Nicolas Jackson in the pecking order under Enzo Maresca.
Although Chelsea have insisted they want to keep hold of Nkunku, the Blues will likely consider reasonable offers for the Frenchman and United could pounce if his situation does not improve.
Sverre Nypan (Rosenborg)
A midfielder is also believed to be a target for United, with question marks over the long-term future of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
While United have historically considered proven quantities such as Frenkie de Jong and Leon Goretzka, the club have recently pivoted to target younger and more affordable talents with potential instead.
One player who United have repeatedly scouted is Sverre Nypan, the 18-year-old who has been labelled the new Martin Odegaard after becoming the youngest player to feature and score in Rosenborg’s history.
