Recent reports on Manchester United’s transfer policy in the upcoming January window have come to the fore.
United went on a spending spree of around £225.4 million in the summer to recruit the likes of Antony, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Martin Dubravka, and Tyrell Malacia. However, one can argue that some glaring holes still exist in the team and will need to be covered with more signings. A striker and a goalkeeper could be necessary, while the Red Devils may also need reinforcements in the wing-back positions.
Manchester United Have a Solid Stance on Transfers in January
🔊 "You can't win anything in this moment in the season, it's a game-by-game [process]," Erik adds.
"Good is not good enough, and tomorrow we have a chance to do it even better." 🤛#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 2, 2022
United Hierarchy Don’t Intend to Add New Players to the Squad
While Erik ten Hag may look to bring in some new faces to bolster United’s chances of finishing in the top four of the English Premier League, it seems that will not be the case.
Samuel Luckhurst of Manchester Evening News reports that the bulk of the Red Devils’ transfer activity during the January window will concern renewing contracts and extending existing ones. Primarily, a decision will be made on the contract situation of David de Gea, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Fred, and Marcus Rashford.
The five players will see their deals expire in the summer, but the club holds the option of extending the deals for another year.
Read More: An up-and-coming star is reportedly set for a contract renewal
The report added that right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka could also see his stint with the club end. The former Crystal Palace star will be allowed to leave should a suitable offer come for him. Wan-Bissaka was potentially told that he was free to leave at the end of last season, but no suitable offer was on the table.
If Wan-Bissaka were to leave, the Red Devils will have the option of recalling Ethan Laird from his loan spell at Queens Park Rangers.
⚡️ Training with a purpose. #MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/h7F4cvc1BO
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 2, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo Potentially Set to Remain at United Amid ‘Limited Options’
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo landed in the lap of controversy after walking out through the tunnel during United’s match against Chelsea. He has since made up with the squad and Erik ten Hag, leading to starts against FC Sheriff and West Ham United.
The legendary footballer was reportedly interested in a move away from Old Trafford in the summer in search of UEFA Champions League football. However, he did not receive an offer to his liking and was forced to stay.
Luckhurst stated in the report that amidst all the furore, the 37-year-old could see out his season with the Red Devils. It is unlikely that Ronaldo will receive an offer from a Champions League side. With the group stages of the tournament coming to an end and United lacking players to lead the line, Ronaldo’s “options are even more limited.”
As the season progresses, Manchester United will look to secure a top-four spot in the league while aiming to win the UEFA Europa League. Despite no reinforcements in the transfer market in January, Ten Hag and his men will look to maximise their chances of winning as many trophies as possible.
The Red Devils travel to Spain for their next round of fixtures in the Europa League, where they will look to overthrow Real Sociedad as the group leaders. With a progression to the next round guaranteed, it remains to be seen how the side will shape up.
