Man United must strengthen three positions in January to boost their top-four bid

Manchester United’s start to the new season has been anything but ideal, but the club still has considerable time to improve.

Nhận định Premier League 2023-2024: Dấu hỏi cho tham vọng của Man United

The Glazers’ persistent meddling with the club, their reluctance to allow new players with innovative ideas to join the Red Devils, and their continuous interference in the transfer market have contributed significantly to United’s on-field struggles.

Especially when we consider that Manchester United have spent over £1.4 billion on players since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. Therefore, in the event that the Red Devils do not strike it rich while playing online casino slots, they will require an alternative strategy to maintain momentum. 

The catastrophic error of tying the hands of Erik ten Hag during the summer transfer window is evident in the team’s worst performance in the Premier League in nearly four decades. 

Ten Hag trách trọng tài sau thất bại - VnExpress Thể thao

Despite working with a squad beleaguered by injuries and pampered brats like Antony and Jadon Sancho, the Dutchman is doing everything in his power to reverse Manchester United’s terrible fortunes.

The aforementioned individual is prepared to bid farewell to Old Trafford in January, having tarnished his rapport with the manager and thus brought an end to his disastrous tenure there. 

However, he will not be the only one. The forthcoming transfer window presents an ideal occasion to eliminate unnecessary personnel and alleviate the financial strain caused by an escalating wage bill.

Man Utd midfielder Donny van de Beek in talks with two clubs over loan move  before transfer window closes | Goal.com US

It is anticipated that Donny van de Beek’s protracted struggles will come to an end as soon as the January transfer window opens, and that Casemiro and Raphael Varane, both former Real Madrid players, will also be looking for new residences.

The Brazilian midfielder has slipped down the pecking order after an outstanding debut season in the Premier League, while the French defender has fallen behind Harry Maguire, which speaks volumes. 

Before the second half of the season, ten Hag could secure sufficient funds to bolster three critical positions should Manchester United be able to capitalize on their unsettled players.

Centre-back

Lisandro Martinez could be out for two months in latest Man Utd injury blow  | beIN SPORTS

Due to Lisandro Martinez’s susceptibility to injuries and Varane’s decline in form, United have a dearth of defensive options, leaving ten Hag with the second-string center-back duo for the majority of the early season.

United supporters are enraged by Maguire’s return to the starting lineup, despite the fact that the Englishman has not let down. The fact that Victor Lindelof has surpassed all expectations is insufficient.

The return of Jonny Evans to the Theatre of Dreams was an audible risk for Manchester United, and the club must now rectify previous errors. 

The Daily Mail reports that the Red Devils have designated Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo as a suitable substitute for the unpopular Varane. 

After a dreadful tenure at Barcelona, the 23-year-old has solidified his position as one of Ligue 1’s top defenders. 

Together with veteran ace Dante, Todibo has established Nice’s most formidable defense in the top-five divisions of Europe this season; the club have allowed just four goals in 12 matches. 

Defensive midfielder

Football rumours: Manchester United open to offers for Casemiro | beIN  SPORTS

A prospective departure of Casemiro would create space for a fresh deep-lying playmaker. Manchester United would be prudent to acquire a new defensive midfielder even if he remains.

The late summer introduction of Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina did not go as planned. During his early years at Old Trafford, the Moroccan encountered a difficult period due to his frequent deployments out of position. 

Christian Eriksen spends more time off the field than on it, whereas Mason Mount, who was acquired from Chelsea for a mega-money sum, is still adjusting to his new position.

Without undermining his personal qualities, Scott McTominay’s ascent in the hierarchy most effectively exemplifies the gravity of the crisis. 

Adrien Rabiot of Juventus, according to Calciomercato, may once more be a subject of interest this winter. The Red Devils have had a longstanding admiration for the former midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain.

Given that he is approaching the last half-month of his contract in Turin, Manchester United could potentially acquire him for a reduced price. 

Winger

Jadon Sancho told to leave Premier League in January transfer from Man Utd  to join club 'where his mind is settled' | The Sun

Sancho’s departure will not rectify the front third’s predicament. While such a development might boost team morale, it will not alter the reality that United is in dire need of a diligent winger. 

Following an outstanding 2022-23 season, Marcus Rashford has found himself at a disadvantage, whereas Antony is in danger of being involved in one of the most disastrous transactions in the club’s recent past.

Unable to generate opportunities or score goals, the Brazilian forward has been ineffective since joining the club from Ajax last summer. 

Alejandro Garnacho remains green despite his indisputable aptitude. 

The forgiving nature of the assaulting department is painted in all of this. 

United must find an economical acquisition to enhance ten Hag’s attacking options, as the war chest is half empty barring the departure of Sancho.

Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford would be an ideal acquisition, but a transfer seems unlikely at this point in the season.

This winter, Manchester United should prioritize acquiring a player with comparable qualities but at a reduced cost.