Manchester United face a crucial few weeks in the January transfer window.
It will be the first opportunity to add to the squad since the November managerial change and a constructive month could be the difference between a second half revival of the season and a possible worst ever Premier League finish.
United will not be fixed in a single transfer window in mid-season, but there is no time like the present to start addressing the issues.
There won't be a massive spending spree, mainly because availability and/or value is limited in the January market, but also because clubs across the board need to be more careful with financial decisions in order not to risk violate the regulations.
These are the key positions United could target next month.
Left back has been a problematic position since the end of the 2022/23 season. Luke Shaw has missed a lot of football through injury and Tyrell Malacia, who was always more of a squad player than a regular starter, is still building himself up after more than a year.
Diogo Dalot has often filled in for her, but she takes depth from the right and is not a long-term solution.
Main objectives
United has been linked with Hungary International Milos Kerkez in the past, although Premier League-based players are usually more expensive as a general rule. It may also be difficult to convince him to leave Bournemouth at this time. of Fulham Antonee Robinson THERE expressed interest in a transfer to challenge himself, with the star of Brest Bradley Locke also related.
Rayan Ait-Nuri from Wolves is a proven Premier League player, but again, expensive.
With Marcus Rashford he is probably nearing the end of his career at Old TraffordUnited may soon be short on the left side of attack. Alejandro Garnacho is the other option there, while Bruno Fernandes has moved into a central midfield position.
Mason Mount was also an option, but again is ruled out for “a few weeks,” so depth is lacking without reinforcements.
Main objectives
Former Manchester City star Leroy Sane has been constantly linked with a move away from Bayern Munich due to his expired contract with the Bundesliga. January would be their last chance to get a transfer fee for the German if he were to leave.
there was speculation in Italy that Juventus may be willing to sell the 19-year-old talent Kenan Yildiz to raise funds for other parts of the squad.
One of United's biggest problems this season has been putting the ball in the net – even against Bournemouth last time out, their xG was clearly superior despite losing 3-0. The team's 21 goals in 17 Premier League games average 1.2 per game, which pales into insignificance compared to Liverpool's average of 2.3.
Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have both shared time on the pitch since Amorim took over in November, usually depending on how the boss views the opposition each game. They have shown potential but United need more firepower and competition.
Main objectives
If money were no object, the apparent ideal would be Viktor Gyokeres. The prolific Swede transformed into Europe's hottest striker under Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP and his output has suddenly slowed since the boss left Lisbon for Manchester last month.
The main problem is getting Gyokere for something less than his €100m (£83m) release clause at a time when budgets should be a real consideration due to PSR.
United have used the loan market to fill gaps in recent years, although it hasn't worked massively given the players – Odion Ighalo and Wout Weghorst – they've ended up with. If Paris Saint-Germain would be willing to allow it Randal Cole Moan go on loan, this may be worth exploring.