Manchester United enter the January transfer window with limited funds and growing challenges on the pitch.
Ruben Amorim, the new head coach, has had a difficult start trying to mold a struggling team into a cohesive unit. The club has been hit with injuries, inconsistent performances, and a lack of depth in key positions.
Despite posting financial losses of over £300 million across three seasons, United must find ways to strengthen their squad.
With a tight budget and a need for smart decisions, this window could shape the rest of their campaign.
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What do Manchester United need in January?
United’s priority areas are clear: a reliable left-back, and an effective striker.
The left-back position has been problematic due to recurring injuries. Luke Shaw is sidelined again, and Tyrell Malacia is still recovering from a long-term injury.
Diogo Dalot has often stepped in but is better suited to the right side. Amorim’s 3-4-3 system relies on strong wing-backs, and the current options are not enough.
Up front, United are struggling to score goals consistently. The team average just over one goal per game in the Premier League, far below expectations.
Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have shown flashes of potential, but there’s a pressing need for a more prolific striker.
Manchester United transfer targets for January 2025
Below is an updated list of potential Manchester United signings. We’ve split them into dream and realistic options to give a clearer picture of who could join the squad in January.
Dream Signings
- Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP)
Amorim admires Viktor Gyokeres, who thrived under his management at Sporting CP. However, his release clause of €100 million (£83 million) makes him an unrealistic option for now.
- Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane is another name linked with United, and with his contract running out, the German winger could be available at a reduced price. His links to Man City make this an unlikely transfer, though.
Realistic Options
- Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth)
Milos Kerkez’s performances for Bournemouth have seen him linked with a few major clubs. The difficulty would come in tempting the Cherries to sell mid-season, but it’s not out of the question.
- Antonee Robinson (Fulham)
Like Kerkez, Robinson is seen as a potential long-term solution to United’s issues down the left. Like Kerkez, he would cost a fair amount of money.
United have been tentatively linked to Victor Osimhen before, and now that he has been frozen out of Antonio Conte’s Napoli plans, it’s a deal that could happen. There is even talk of a part-exchange deal involving Marcus Rashford. Keep an eye on this one.
In terms of United’s striker pursuits, a loan move could be the most practical solution. Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani might be an option if the French club agrees to a temporary deal.
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Who could leave Manchester United in January?
United’s financial situation means the club is open to offers for most players, but only one seems certain to leave in January.
Marcus Rashford has been left out of Amorim’s squad since being dropped for the derby win over Man City, and there is little indication that he will — or even wants to — force his way back in. The problem is the fact his lucrative contract runs until 2028, so his huge wages mean there is limited interest from major European clubs. A loan or move to the Saudi Pro League could emerge as possibilities.
Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen are nearing the end of their contracts and could be sold for a minimal fee if suitors come calling. Harry Maguire‘s future is uncertain, but he is much more likely to leave at the end of the season, if at all.
Casemiro would be sold if United received a sufficient bid, as would Antony, but neither is likely to be the subject of serious offers. Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a possible return to Italy after failing to convince in a red shirt.
Amorim is also reportedly unimpressed with goalkeepers Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, but only the latter will realistically be allowed to go in January. A summer overhaul in that department is much more likely.
United is also expected to send several young players on loan. Toby Collyer, Harry Amass, and Ethan Ennis are among those who might leave temporarily to gain first-team experience.
Manchester United contracts latest
The club is working to secure Amad Diallo to a long-term deal. The winger has impressed this season, and while United have the option to extend his deal by a year to the end of 2025/26, the club want to tie him down for much longer.
Maguire’s contract might also be extended by a year at least to preserve his transfer value, but Eriksen and Lindelof are unlikely to receive new deals. Veterans Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton will also likely be released.
United face tough decisions with limited funds and key players nearing the end of their contracts. Balancing short-term needs with long-term planning will be crucial as Amorim looks to build a competitive team.
