Sunday’s defeat in the Manchester Derby highlighted the gulf between Manchester United and their city rivals. After an underwhelming summer transfer window and a poor start to the season, Jose Mourinho will be keen for January reinforcements. Last Word on Football looks at a Manchester United January transfer wish-list.
Manchester United’s January Transfer Targets
Centre Back
Jose Mourinho was desperate for a new centre-back over the summer. However, United’s pursuit of Harry Maguire proved fruitless, leaving Mourinho frustrated. The need for higher quality has been highlighted by the inconsistent performances of Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones this season.
One name linked with a move to Old Trafford is Medhi Benatia. Juventus are reportedly shopping the 31-year-old, looking for a fee of £15 million. With only five Serie A appearances this season, Benatia appears likely to leave Juventus in January. Both Arsenal and AC Milan are also interested. Benatia has experience of playing for big clubs, previously spending time with Bayern Munich and Marseille. However, Benatia has struggled for consistency during his career.
A younger option with greater long-term potential is Fiorentina’s Nikolai Milenkovic. At 21, Milenkovic has drawn comparisons with United legend and fellow Serbian Nemanja Vidic. Mourinho has personally watched Milenkovic this season and left impressed. Fiorentina have put a £40 million price tag on Milenkovic’s head. Should United identify Milenkovic as their number one target, they may face competition from Tottenham.
Creative Talent
With Alexis Sanchez failing to perform on a regular basis and Juan Mata linked with a move from Old Trafford, United could find themselves in the market for a playmaker.
One such player is Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrine. At just 22, Pellegrine is enjoying his strongest season. A central midfielder, Pellegrine is capable of playing an advanced or box-to-box role. A Roma academy product, Pellegrine has a £30 million release clause in his contract.
Another option could be Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek. United have shown a willingness to negotiate with Premier League rivals, notably for the above mentioned Sanchez and Mata. Loftus-Cheek has grown disillusioned this season, with minimal playing time. Stuck behind Ross Barkley and Mateo Kovacic in the pecking order, Loftus-Cheek’s future appears to be away from Stamford Bridge. The powerful midfielder demonstrated his creativity and ball playing skills on loan at Crystal Palace last season and aged 22 has potential to improve.
Width
Anthony Martial has thrived in a wider role over the last few weeks. However, United can boast little depth in the position, particularly on the right.
One of Europe’s hottest talents is Lille’s Nicolas Pepe. The young winger is thriving in his second top-flight season. With eight goals to his name already, Pepe has caught the eye of Manchester City and Arsenal. A pacy winger, Pepe thrives when running at defenders. His five Ligue 1 assists this season highlight his creative spark. At just 23, he is also young enough to develop his defensive nous. With competition from Europe’s elite, United will have to pay a steep price estimated to be £30 million. Interestingly, Pepe has been quoted in France as saying he has no intention of a January transfer. A transfer with a loan back option could be explored by potential suitors.
Italy winger Federico Chiesa is also on United’s radar. Another Fiorentina player, Chiesa operates on the right-hand side. During his short career, Chiesa has played as a traditional winger and at wing-back. This versatility may appeal to Mourinho, who expects his wingers to contribute defensively. Chiesa, also linked with Chelsea, has fantastic feet and is an exceptional dribbler.
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