Manchester United must revisit summer 2024 interest for “sensation” star who’s now left out of his squad

Manchester United must revisit a last-minute loan deal they almost sanctioned in August 2024 amid multiple transfer outgoings in the January transfer window.

Manchester United are within the 2025 January transfer window while the club is going through a challenging phase, having endured four consecutive defeats across the Premier League and Carabao Cup before the new year.

A battling 2-2 draw with league leaders Liverpool, however, has provided a glimmer of hope, easing some concerns about the team’s recent performances.

Rúben Amorim faces the task of addressing the squad’s key weaknesses, including the need for a left-back, a centre-back, a striker, and multiple midfielders. However, financial limitations caused by significant spending under Erik ten Hag have made substantial reinforcements a tough prospect.

To address these challenges, United are focusing on offloading players in January and the summer to free up funds and build the resources needed for a crucial rebuild.

United must reconsider loan move for Chukwuemeka

With United reportedly keen to offload Casemiro in the winter market due to his high wages, Amorim will no doubt want to bring in fresh midfield reinforcements as United challenge for the Europa League trophy and look to climb back up the Premier League table.

In August last summer, with just days to go before the transfer deadline, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth reported that United were engaging in talks with Chelsea for a last-minute move for young midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka.

Although a transfer ultimately did not materialise, with Chelsea and United instead negotiating a loan move that saw Jadon Sancho sign at Stamford Bridge on loan, with the deal becoming permanent for £25 million in the summer, it’s a deal that they should consider in January.

According to reports from Germany, the 21-year-old who has been previously dubbed a “sensation” is of interest to Borussia Dortmund, with the Premier League outfit happy to let him leave this month.

Chukwuemeka was left out of Chelsea’s squad to face League Two side Morecambe F.C. in the third round of the FA Cup, with the Bundesliga outfit exploring a loan deal.

This is a deal that United should be all over amid Dortmund’s interest, as the player would no doubt relish the challenge of playing at United.

Chukwuemeka would fill the hole in Amorim’s midfield

Under Amorim, it has become clear that Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are the only players who are realistically able to cover the ground needed with enough talent in the two No. 8 positions in his 3-4-3 system.

While Bruno Fernandes is also capable, he has proven he is much more effective playing in the advanced roles, with his display against Liverpool showing his magnificence and effectiveness in United’s attack when he has the backing of Mainoo and Ugarte behind him.

Read More: Manchester United think they made a “mistake” with £37m transfer, says David Ornstein

However, United will play both in the Europa League and Premier League for the remainder of this season amid the possibility of advancing through the FA Cup should they defeat Arsenal.

They will need more midfield cover, and with Casemiro looking likely to depart while Christian Eriksen has failed to prove himself, signing Chukwuemeka on a short-term loan could be a fantastic piece of business for the club.

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Wednesday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.