- 13 hours ago
Five players who could join Man Utd in January
Suraj Radia
- Updated: 1 Dec 2024 08:03 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 finally returned to action after long-term injury issues but neither player has proven fit or reliable enough to count on at left-back.
With Shaw also being used as a left-sided centre-back under Amorim, United are believed to have made a left-back their priority in January and their search 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 rejoin 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 will undoubtedly see 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)
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.
Goncalo Inacio (Sporting)
Gyokeres may be the obvious candidate linked to United but the reliance of Shaw at centre-back, combined with the injuries and inconsistency of Lisandro Martinez has shown United’s lack of options in the left-side of their defence, especially in Amorim’s back three system.
Goncalo Inacio established himself as Sporting’s leader at the back under Amorim and it would not be a surprise to see the United boss turn to his reliable stalwart if a centre-back was targeted in January.
Current ETV
Gonçalo Inácio
D (CL)
Sporting CP
Gonçalo Inácio
D (CL)
Sporting CP
ETV Range
€18.6M - €31M
With his contract due to expire in 2027, Sporting could be tempted to cash in on Inacio and the 23-year-old’s versatility and composure on the ball could make him an ideal option for United.
Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea)
United could consider Premier League-ready players to come in mid-season and instantly turn around the club’s fortunes, particularly if they come at a reasonable price.
With that mindset, it is perhaps unsurprising to see persistent speculation linking Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku to United, with the Frenchman desperate for first team football after making just one Premier League start under Enzo Maresca this season.
Although Maresca has insisted he wants to keep hold of Nkunku, Chelsea will consider reasonable offers for the Frenchman due to the player’s frustration and United could pounce if the 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 like 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 17-year-old who has been labelled the new Martin Odegaard after becoming the youngest player to feature and score in Rosenborg’s history and the teenager could end up making the switch to Old Trafford in the winter.
