Manchester United could be looking to bolster Erik ten Hag’s squad next month in hopes of overseeing a more spirited second half of the 2023/2024 campaign.
With European and Carabao Cup action out of the picture for the Red Devils, their focus will now entirely be on a top-four Premier League finish and advancing as far as possible in the FA Cup, having reached the final of the competition last season.
Ten Hag has been forced to navigate a debilitating injury crisis across the term thus far, with a number of players still sidelined as the team continues to tackle the festive period. With that in mind, fewer fixtures in the new year could bode well for the Dutchman and his squad.
However, reinforcements may also be required given the stark competition for a Champions League spot; Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City currently occupy the places, but Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also battling to be amongst the mix come May 2024.
Romano divulges United’s interest in Bundesliga trio
As per Fabrizio Romano, United aren’t expecting a busy winter window, although they have drawn up a three-man shortlist of potential targets.
He said in his latest Kick stream (as cited by Manchester World): “The important message for United fans is they won’t do incredible or big things in January. Don’t expect to see super big names joining Manchester United. But Man United are looking at the market in two positions.
“First: They [United] are having regular meetings with agents. They are meeting regularly to decide on targets for January. For United, the priorities are centre-back – looking at some possibilities. My feeling is they will look at some cheap names for the January window and go for some big names in the summer transfer window.
“My understanding is Man United want to sign a top player at centre-back, but this scenario is more likely in the summer because of Financial Fair Play and many reasons. Then a striker. I think it is important to understand what happens with a striker. Yes, Manchester United had talks with the agents of [Serhou] Guirassy, he is one of the players Man United are considering.
“Man United had conversations with the agent of Donyell Malen, who is ready to leave Borussia Dortmund in 2024 and has new agents. Man United had conversations with the agents of Timo Werner. I’m hearing that Man United are also speaking to other players in that position.
“They are looking at options but for the striker position, it is important to understand what is happening with Martial. Martial is out of contract in the summer of 2024 and is not expected to be offered a contract and the clause to offer a new contract is not expected to be triggered. So the opportunity to let Martial leave already in January, in case they receive a proposal, is something potentially concrete.”
