The January transfer window is a delicate situation for any team who are in good form and going for the title, so it always looked like the main action at Old Trafford would be in the form of departures this month.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still has a big squad with multiple senior players struggling for any meaningful Premier League action, while the arrival of Amad Diallo will force others further down the pecking order.
It now looks like two departures are likely in the January window, with one looking at a more advanced stage than the other.
Facundo Pellistri always looked like a developmental signing and he’s been pretty impressive for the U23s, but the next stage of his development has to come in the form of senior football.
Obviously he’s not going to get many chances at Old Trafford during the second half of the season, so his likely move to La Liga should be perfect for him:
I am told that #MUFC’s Facundo Pellistri is close to signing on loan for a La Liga club
— Jonathan Shrager (@JonathanShrager) January 22, 2021
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We’re hearing Facundo Pellistri is set to join Valencia on a short-term loan.
Unconfirmed at this stage but looking likely.#MUFC pic.twitter.com/eVkZ2zjRWb
— StrettyNews.com (@StrettyNews) January 22, 2021
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Valencia aren’t the Champions League club of the early 2000s that we all remember anymore and they’re actually in a relegation battle this time round, so he should have a chance of playing at a high level and that can only help him progress.
The second exit isn’t quite so certain as there’s been plenty of talk about Jesse Lingard moving on, but a report from Record has now indicated that Porto are showing an interest in his situation.
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Lingard has had a real problem in recent seasons where his confidence just looks shot so that will continue to hurt him if he’s only getting fleeting opportunities here and there, so a move to a dominant side could be just what he needs to find his form again.
Wages are always going to be the big problem for him finding a transfer and it does look like the approach for Lingard is tentative at this stage, but it would be a good one for him if Porto do make a serious offer.
