Manchester United transfer news often makes big headlines, especially when the January window rolls around.
And with Erik Ten Hag’s side struggling once more in the Premier League and already out of the Champions League, it’s no surprise to see fans calling for reinforcements.
United have won just once in their last five league matches, and currently sit eighth in the table. They laboured to a 2-0 victory over League One strugglers Wigan on Monday in the FA Cup third round.
With their disappointing form plain to see, we at Sportslens have taken a look at where United need to strengthen in January, and lined up some potential targets.
Manchester United January Transfer Window Targets
Serhou Guirassy
It’s no secret that United could do with improving in front of goal. Their top scorer in the Premier League at the moment is defensive midfielder Scott McTominay.
Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford have three apiece, while new arrival Rasmus Højlund has just one league goal.
A solution to their woes up front could well be Serhou Guirassy. The Guinean striker has 17 Bundesliga goals for Stuttgart this season and is one of the hottest forwards in Europe at the moment.
Serhou Guirassy has scored 17 goals in just 14 Bundesliga appearances this season
A player to watch this transfer window 👀 pic.twitter.com/9Tr1Qna6kZ
— PFF FC (@PFF_FC) January 10, 2024
Whilst his form has been eye-catching, it’s not the only reason Europe’s biggest clubs are circling. With a release clause thought to be just £15 million, he could be signed for well below his market value.
If United want to bring him to Old Trafford, they’ll have to act fast. Not only are other clubs also chasing Guirassy’s signature, but the release clause is due to expire in the near future.
Hayden Hackney
Reports suggest United are one of several clubs pursuing highly-rated Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney. The 21-year-old scored the winner in Boro’s Carabao Cup semi-final win over Chelsea, and has also attracted attention from Tottenham.
Hayden Hackney became the first Boro player to score against Chelsea since Mark Viduka in August 2006, ending a run of 14 hours and six minutes without a goal against the Blues.
📊 @Carabao_Cup pic.twitter.com/Kpy2QBOqhM
— The Boro Breakdown Podcast (@Boro_Breakdown) January 10, 2024
An England under-21 international, Hackney has developed superbly under former United star Michael Carrick.
Reports claim Middlesbrough are expecting offers this window, but will not sell unless they receive a ‘sensational’ offer for the youngster.
Joshua Zirkzee
Another attacker linked with United is Bologna’s Dutch striker, Joshua Zrikzee. The 22-year-old has seven goals in 21 games for the Netherlands under-21 side, with another seven in Serie A this season.
Joshua Zirkzee. A lot of things i like about this guy as a number 9 . pic.twitter.com/W93qITKXU8
— George Ambangile (@George_Ambangil) January 8, 2024
Zirkzee’s agent has downplayed talks of a January move for his client, but Italian media claims United remain long-term admirers of the striker.
Erik Ten Hag may yet opt for a summer move for Zirkzee, who has a rumoured release clause of £34 million.
Manchester United Defender Transfer Targets
Defensively, United have the fifth-best record in the Premier League, conceding 27 goals to date. Despite some criticism since his arrival in the summer, Andre Onana’s six clean sheets is tied with Liverpool’s Alisson Becker for the most of any keeper this season.
But with almost every centre-back at Ten Hag’s disposal suffering from injury problems at some point this season, its clear backup is needed.
Raphael Varane has been in and out of the side with form and fitness issues. Harry Maguire meanwhile has been sidelined since mid-December with a groin injury, as has Victor Lindelof.
The longest-term defensive injury for United is Lisandro Martinez, though. The Argentine has not played since September due to a foot injury and is reportedly still ‘weeks away’ from a return.
It’s clear then that Ten Hag is in desperate need of reinforcements at the back, which has ignited several Manchester United transfer rumours.
Jean-Clair Todibo
First up is OGC Nice defender, Jean-Clair Todibo. The 24-year-old Frenchman has made 14 appearances in Ligue 1 this season.
A highly-rated prospect, Todibo made his senior international debut in September, and has been linked with a move to some of Europe’s major clubs, including United.
With a reported €40 million price tag, Nice are said to be in no rush to sell, so it would take a decent offer for them to part with one of their prized assets.
Leny Yoro
Reports suggest there could be a battle for the signature of another young French defender. Leny Yoro has attracted attention from both United and rivals Manchester City.
The wonderkid made his debut for Lille at just 16, the same age as a certain Eden Hazard when he came through their academy.
🚨🥈| 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Manchester United have CHECKED the condition of Lille's 18-year-old defender Leny Yoro. [@Ekremkonur] #MUFC 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/Z9ievjlCeI
— UtdTruthful (@Utdtruthful) January 10, 2024
United are not afraid to splash big money on youngsters, but they will need to hurry if they are to beat their neighbours to this particular starlet.
Giorgio Scalvini
A more imminent potential deal is the one for Giorgio Scalvini. United are apparently in ‘advanced negotiations’ for the 20-year-old Italian.
French news outlet Les Bons Conceil Du Sports has claimed Scalvini could become the first United signing of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era.
A product of the academy at Atalanta, the defender is already a full international. He’s earned seven caps for the Azzurri, as well as 77 first team games for his club.
Giorgio Scalvini CB to Manchester United
Who says YES?
Who says NO ? pic.twitter.com/9mYh7mpsIf— 🌍NikDanz (@Nik_danz) January 4, 2024
Although there’s differing levels of probability to some of these Manchester United transfer rumours, anything can happen.
The January window is notorious for throwing up a few surprises, as clubs scramble for mid-season reinforcements.
Who United will sign, if anyone, may have a huge impact on how their season finishes. Ten Hag and his staff therefore need to act decisively and wisely if they are to succeed in the market.
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