After pulling up in the first half against Villa, a sight no United fan thought they would ever see, Captain Bruno Fernandes did not come out in the second half, with United now reportedly looking at midfield options for this winter transfer window.
Despite narrowly losing out away at Villa Park on Sunday, Rúben Amorim and his squad will be able to take some encouragement from the performance, especially with the players who were unavailable.
However, it appears now that United will not only be another player down heading into Boxing Day’s home fixture against Newcastle, but also without their captain following an injury to Bruno Fernandes.
Although he was able to play on for the remainder of the first half, which may have given some United fans some encouragement, Fernandes did not come out for the second half.
With the issue being described as a ‘soft tissue’ injury according to Rúben Amorim, it appears Bruno could be out for longer than we would all hope, and has allegedly pushed United into action ahead of the January window.
United to look at midfield targets this January
According to a recent report from Sully Talks, United are reportedly looking at midfield options this January, following Bruno Fernandes’ injury. Tests today will determine the extent of the injury, with Internal meetings having taken place to find solutions, and a decision is expected to be made soon.
With the recent injury to Kobbie Mainoo and speculation around a potential loan move exit in January, it is also a factor in United potentially acting in the upcoming winter window.
As well as this, with United also set to be in a head-to-head battle with Manchester City for the signature of Antoine Semenyo this January, who reportedly has £65 million release clause, it is yet to be seen how United would be able to fund multiple moves.
With United previously already being concretely linked to reported midfield targets for the 2026 summer window, it is not yet known if it would be possible for any of these players to be brought in this January.
Who could United bring in this January?
With the budget for the window still unknown, as well as what targets will be available as previously mentioned, it will certainly be interesting to observe how January will pan out for United.
With some of the names being reportedly targeted for United’s midfield consisting of Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, and Carlos Baleba, these would all be particularly hard for United to pull off in January as they all play for Premier League competition, as well as all be costly options.
Carlos Baleba would seemingly be the most achievable signing of the three this January, following a rough start to the season, Brighton could potentially look to cash in early.
However, this recent poor form has rung alarm bells for some United fans, with some questioning whether he would be the right fit despite the club’s remaining insistence on the young Cameroonian
Read More: Major update provided on Antoine Semenyo as Manchester United remain in January transfer race
With other cheaper names previously being mentioned, such as Angelo Stiller of Stuttgart, and Conor Gallagher of Atletico Madrid, it is unknown at this point if United would pivot towards these options in January, or wait until the summer and maintain their pursuit of their primary targets.
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