Manchester United are reportedly on the lookout for a ‘low-cost’ striker and right-sided centre-back in the New Year. It is expected to be a busy January transfer window for the 13-time Premier League champions although doubts are hanging over Old Trafford as the club awaits a 25 per cent investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS.
Providing the British billionaire’s bid for a minority stake is given the green light, he is proposing to install a new sporting director to oversee transfers while Ratcliffe and Co are set to take charge of football operations at the club.
The cash-strapped Red Devils are handcuffed by FFP regulations and with no clear end date in sight for Ratcliffe’s proposal they will have to be careful about their spending next month. According to the Athletic, Erik ten Hag wants another striker and a right-sided centre-back to bolster his side but it is anticipated that those transfers will either be low-cost, on loan or facilitated by exits.
In terms of outgoings, there are plenty of Man Utd players being linked with a move away from the club. Jadon Sancho has been banished from the first team following a social media spat with his manager and has since been deemed surplus to requirements.
The former Borussia Dortmund star is attracting interest from clubs in Serie A, Bundesliga and the Turkish Super Lig but his wage demands are proving to be a stumbling block. Meanwhile, United’s preference for a striker and right-sided centre-back in January goes hand in hand with reports linking Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane with departures.
Reports in Spain claim Real Madrid are interested in re-signing Varane, who joined the Red Devils from Real in 2021, while Man Utd are said to be willing to allow Martial to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season. at the end of the season.
Donny van de Beek is also expected to leave on January 1 after agreeing a loan deal to join Eintracht Frankfurt. Casemiro is also reportedly weighing up his options after receiving a mega-money offer from Saudi Arabia.
It is unclear which Saudi side he could end up at but there is a big bundle of money on the table for him if he chooses to play in the Middle East – and he’s not the only one. Director of football John Murtough has reportedly held talks with Saudi Pro League chiefs over three other players; Sancho, Varane and Martial.
