Manchester United’s recent resurgence has led the club to look towards summer rather than January for transfer targets – even with the loss of several key stars in the new year to the Africa Cup of Nations.
United supporters are looking up rather than down for the first time since Ruben Amorim took charge, with transfer talk hotting up that a big-money arrival, mostly likely in central midfield, could put them in an even stronger position for a top-four finish.
Data has been at the centre of identifying any potential new recruits – and the club feel that results have given them breathing space.
Contrary to reports, the club are reluctant to spend big. United have been careful in the market so far under Ineos and won’t be held to ransom in January – notoriously a difficult time of year to get sensible deals over the line.
Man Utd’s long-term midfield targets
The plan remains to focus on long-term targets, who are likely to be pursued in the summer. A January dip into the market would therefore only take place if one of those pursuits is brought forward.
The i Paper has learned three central midfield options – Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson – are all being looked at. A reluctance from the selling clubs to part ways in January, plus the inflated asking prices, especially for Baleba and Anderson, will make any negotiation process arduous.
Having three top midfield targets, as well as keeping tabs on others, ensures United can bide their time.
Casemiro’s form has been a revelation so far this season, but there is little cover in the defensive role for the ageing Brazilian, whose lucrative contract runs out in the summer.
It is understood the club are considering offering the 33-year-old a new deal, but only on reduced terms.
Which Man Utd players are going to Afcon?
Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo have been as pivotal to United’s recent revival, with the pair striking up a bond on and off the pitch.
Both, however, could be missing for over a month as they represent their respective countries at the Africa Cup of Nations, which is due to start on 21 December.
Defender Noussair Mazraoui will also represent host nation Morocco at the tournament. The final is on 18 January. There were suggestions that their absentees would force United’s hand in the market.
Sources insisted the tournament will have no such influence. The fact that it is starting so early this time around – the 2023 edition did not get under way until 13 January – has played a big part in the club’s thinking.
From when the window opens, United have just three league games before the Afcon final. Any group-stage exit would see either of the three absentees back just a few days into the new year.
Zirkzee and Mainoo’s futures
Given the lack of European football and early Carabao Cup exit, United have had the rare luxury of playing one game per week, lessening the need for squad rotation.
That has of course left some on the periphery feeling disgruntled. Namely Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee.
Amorim has often insisted he is reluctant to allow either player to leave, especially Mainoo given the paucity of other midfield options. The academy graduate is, however, understood to be keen on a loan switch in January, with Napoli, Bayern Munich and a host of Premier League clubs eyeing his signature.
Mainoo is understood to be uninterested in a permanent move away from Old Trafford, but he is conscious of playing regularly with a shot at an England recall, in a World Cup year, on his mind.
Zirkzee is the more likely of the pair to leave on loan, with the club feeling more action for him will benefit them in the long run.
Any exit – Roma, Everton and West Ham are the current frontrunners – will depend on the extent of Benjamin Sesko’s injury and form of the new arrival.
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