With the January transfer window looming, we’ve taken a look at Manchester United’s transfer targets for the upcoming window.
Eric Ten Hag’s side crashed out of the UEFA Champions League following a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on Tuesday. They also failed to qualify for the Europa League knockouts, finishing bottom of Group A.
To add to their misery, United were humbled by Bournemouth in their last Premier League game, losing 3-0 at home. As a result, there have been calls from fans for Ten Hag to bolster the ranks at Old Trafford.
But it remains to be seen whether there will be many – or any – new faces through the door at United this January.
Will Manchester United Sign Anyone In January?
Multiple reports suggest that United’s January transfer window will be quiet in terms of incoming players. With mounting pressure on Eric Ten Hag following his side’s disastrous Champions League campaign, the club’s hierarchy may not wish to bankroll further misguided signings.
However, the club have backed their manager so far during his tenure. In less than two years, Ten Hag has spent £400 million on new players.
Few of these arrivals have delivered what was expected of them, with Antony (£85 million) and Andre Onana (£47 million) taking significant criticism. But with 16 players joining United under Ten Hag’s management, it can’t be argued that this isn’t his squad.
As for this upcoming window, while it’s not clear how active United will be, they will certainly be monitoring plenty of potential targets.
Manchester United January Transfer Targets
One such January transfer target for United is Serhou Guirassy. The 27-year-old Guinean forward has sparked interest from Newcastle, and has 18 goals for Stuttgart this season.
Guirassy scored 11 Bundesliga goals last season, but is one of Europe’s top-scoring forwards this campaign. With a reported release clause of just £15 million, he could be a shrewd signing that comes with minimal risk.
Another player Manchester United are reportedly in the race for is Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo. The 24-year-old has been weighting up his future at Camp Nou, and has caught the attention of numerous clubs.
🚨 Bayern director Christoph Freund on Ronald Araújo: “I don’t want to make a statement on that”.
“The transfer window is approaching. Generally speaking — there are some talks, but I don't want to say anything about that in detail”, told @kerry_hau. pic.twitter.com/ZCi3ZqW9vG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 11, 2023
It is believed Araujo’s preference is to remain at Barca, having recently secured a starting spot. But with his long-term future less certain, United are reportedly keeping tabs on his situation.
If they did make a move, they would face possible competition from the likes of Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Liverpool. The Uruguayan remains under contract until 2026, though, which makes a move less likely this season.
Could Kalvin Phillips Be Joining United?
A more surprising United transfer rumour to emerge in recent weeks is the potential signing of England midfielder, Kalvin Phillips. The Manchester City man has been starved of minutes at the Etihad, with Pep Guardiola all but confirming his impending exit.
But while Phillips may be a perfect fit in the deep-lying role that United need, it may prove an impossible task to sign the boyhood Leeds United fan.
Speaking last summer, Phillips said: “You know my loyalty to Leeds. My family as well – they’re all Leeds fans. I was honoured that United wanted me, such a big team and one of the biggest teams in the world.
“But no, I had to stay loyal to Leeds and choose to go to the other side of Manchester. It’s just the way I am, the way I think and the way I’ll always be. I want to be loyal to the people who’ve given me the biggest opportunity in the world.”
Phillips’ loyalty may well be tested this window, though. With minimal game time and the European Championships looming, could we see the England star join the red half of Manchester in order to maintain his place in Gareth Southgate’s squad?
Fabrizio Romano Manchester United News
As for what transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has to say, it’s mostly about exits at United. The Italian reporter has indicated that United will allow Donny van de Beek to leave the club in January, with several clubs interested.
🚨🔴 EXCLUSIVE: Eintracht Frankfurt lead the race to sign Donny van de Beek on loan from Manchester United. Talks are advancing.
Understand Girona also asked for Donny on loan but offering different conditions at this stage.
Time for decision soon — Donny will leave United. pic.twitter.com/iwipngLaD3
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 12, 2023
United could let as many as five major names leave this window. Casimero, Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane, and Anthony Martial have all been linked with a move, with Ten Hag reportedly happy to let each player go.
One man United are no longer allowing to leave is Scott McTominay. The midfielder has been a key part of Ten Hag’s midfield since his return to the side, and is now expected to stay beyond the January window.
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