Manchester United are likely in need of a new centre-back in 2026 as Rúben Amorim continues to shape and improve his current squad.
In the summer transfer window, Manchester United opted to strengthen their attacking line, acquiring Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo for an initial combined fee of just over £180 million.
At the same time, deadline day saw the defence improve with goalkeeper Senne Lammens joining on deadline day for a further £18 million.
However, the next two transfer windows in 2026 will undoubtedly focus on outfield defensive reinforcements.
Those such as Harry Maguire and Casemiro are in the final season of their contracts, while an ageing defensive line with the likes of Luke Shaw will also need to be refreshed.
United showing interest in Palace’s Guehi
Another dramatic deadline day story saw Liverpool agree to sign Marc Guehi for around £30 million from Crystal Palace. However, the deal was pulled in the final moments after the South London side’s manager, Oliver Glanser, threatened to quit if the English defender was sold.
Guehi is in the final season of his current contract and is set to become a free agent from 1 July 2026 if he is not signed in January. While Liveprool’s interest remains, according to TBR Football, United have thrown their hat in the ring, too.
“I said months ago that Marc Guehi is going to be one of the most in-demand Bosman free transfers of all-time, and that is how it is shaping up,” transfer journalist Graeme Bailey told TBR Football.
“Every major club in England, now including Manchester United, are keen, whilst abroad, it is a who’s who of world football from Real Madrid and Barcelona to Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. He is going to have his pick.
“But I am told that as relaxed as he is on the pitch, he mirrors that off the pitch, but that is another big part of his appeal. His character is a huge reason why all these clubs have no qualms about going for him.”
Amorim says only long-term signings will be made
There has been a lot of talk about possible reinforcements United could make in the January transfer window, with many suggesting that the club could sign a new midfielder on loan to help round out their squad.
Amorim was asked whether the club could consider such a move. The United boss replied by saying that while anything can happen in the window, the club will only look to make signings who will have a long-term impact.
“A lot of things can happen,” he said.. “Even in our club, and you know that we have the World Cup, some players are not playing, they will ask to leave, so I have to manage everything.”
He continued: “We want to bring players, everyone here, we want to bring players that we can see a big future in Manchester United,” he said.
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“We are not just buying one guy, because now we feel in December that we need this kind of player for now. We want to buy players that we know we are not going to change a lot of times.
“So that is our idea. I don’t know what is going to happen, but of course, we think about how we can improve the team, and in January, the window is open, we can do something.”
While a short-term loan signing in midfield would therefore not likely be considered by Amorim and United, the possible free transfer of Marc Guehi aligns much better with their long-term vision.
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