Manchester United have revealed their priorities regarding the current January transfer window and their plans for the summer.
Manchester United’s higher-ups have been scrutinised of late due to their strict stance on the January transfer window. A view that may have even caused Rúben Amorim to lose his job after he vented his frustrations about the stubborn nature of the United board.
United have held the same view on the January window for months; they are unlikely to spend big in the current window and have not prioritised a single position that they feel needs strengthening.
Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton are two names that have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, and the majority of United fans agree they would be welcome additions to the midfield, an area of the pitch which desperately needs strengthening.
Michael Carrick’s first game in charge displayed a stronger United side, who seemed to dominate the midfield, out-coaching Pep Guardiola and beating Manchester City 2-0 on Saturday in the Premier League.
Despite this positive result, it may provide INEOS with an opportunity to double down on their January window approach, at a time when fans may think that the squad is good enough to achieve European football come the end of the season.
United make fresh midfield verdict
The midfield has been an area of the pitch which has frustrated fans and coaches over the last couple of seasons at Old Trafford. Whilst Bruno Fernandes has always been a shining light on the side, he has had to be played out of position on occasions in a role which he is not suited to.
With Casemiro seemingly in his final season with the club and Manuel Ugarte not getting minutes, only Kobbie Mainoo seems to be in the club’s plans, especially under Carrick, until the end of the season.
However, INEOS have seemingly altered their priorities and are now open to waiting for a midfielder, with it still being a requirement under the next permanent manager in the summer.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, Pete O’Rourke explained, “We know that United are in the market for midfield reinforcements.
“I think they’ll probably expect to wait until the summer to launch moves for some of their top targets; the likes of Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba.
“Right now, I don’t think it’s a priority for United to move for that midfield position. I’ve been informed that United are looking at a left-winger in this month’s window, and even that would only be a loan deal as well.
“I don’t think United will be splashing out big money unless the right player becomes available.”
United focus on left-wing signing
Under Carrick, United have reverted to a back-four system, to the delight of the majority of the fanbase. This has left a few positions in this system weak in depth, and players who are naturally suited to playing in that area of the pitch, especially after missing out on Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City.
Patrick Dorgu was outstanding in United’s 2-0 win over City, even bagging a goal, but fans have seen the 21-year-old’s inconsistencies as he is still growing as a player in the Premier League. Matheus Cunha has also played on the left wing, but his talents feel wasted out wide.
According to Football Insider, Carrick is interested in signing a left-winger to add depth to the role in case of injuries and general rotation. As a result, United’s recruitment team have scouted the market for potential players to bring in on loan until the end of the season.
Past loan deals have never really hit the ground running at Old Trafford, but under an interim manager, the players play with more freedom and take more risks when being brought to Manchester temporarily.
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