Manchester United are eyeing a move for two left-wingers, while a third could be available as his club would “consider a sale”.
Manchester United’s January transfer business is likely to be as interesting as the last games under Rúben Amorim. While some loan deals may be completed for under-21s players, any first-team action is likely to be very limited given Michael Carrick’s temporary status in charge of the senior side.
However, Patrick Dorgu’s injury against Arsenal could put all of that into question. Dorgu has started both of Carrick’s games as the left-winger, impressing in both, with a good goal against City, before the best of the season against Arsenal to put United 2-1 up. Matheus Cunha sealed the win from the bench, but Dorgu’s hamstring injury put a slight dampener on events.
Some reports have stated Dorgu will be out until the March international break, while others state the extent of his injury isn’t yet known. United may feel forced into looking for another winger, with no other natural left-sided player in the squad.
Cunha is the most obvious alternative, but he traditionally favours playing in the half-space rather than on the flank, unlike Dorgu. Finding another player of Dorgu’s profile could be crucial to keeping United’s Champions League hopes alive.
Left-wing targets named
The only natural left-winger still contracted to United is Marcus Rashford. He is on loan at Barcelona, but is expected to sign for the club permanently in the summer. This leaves United to search for alternatives, one of which is AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.
The Mail have reported Milan “would consider a sale” for the Portugal international, with United likely to stick with a back four if Carrick remains or not. But INEOS’ preference is Premier League-proven options.
Chelsea’s Tyrique George and Everton’s Illiman Ndiaye are said to be under consideration, as both would be preferable to INEOS. George is “available to leave” Liam Rosenior’s side, while Ndiaye remains under contract until 2029.
Perhaps United will make a move for one of the targets towards the end of the January window if Carrick requests a replacement for Dorgu, although he could be asked to make do with Mason Mount and Cunha.
United’s recruitment errors
Many agree that Jason Wilcox has done a good job since being appointed director of football in place of Dan Ashworth, but he has made some errors.
When INEOS were appointed, reports stated that they wouldn’t sign players just for one manager, they would be able to adapt to potential future ones, and this should’ve been the case for the outgoings too.
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Alejandro Garnacho and Rashford both leaving in the same window now seems a silly decision. It has left United without a natural left-sided player, while they have two on the right flank. Baffling.
Even Dorgu isn’t a natural left-winger. His previous time in the attacking third for Lecce and United had come from the right wing.
United must plan for the future with any future additions, or risk another situation like this.
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