Ruben Amorim is relying on INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe for arrivals this January (Image: Getty)
believes he may be in charge of the worst side in the history of the club. But co-owners are powerless to do anything about it in the transfer market until they raise cash through player sales.
dishing out United’s sixth defeat in 11 matches under the new manager will have been another wake-up call for senior figures at Old Trafford. With just over two weeks remaining in the window, departures are necessary for the incomings that would be absolutely vital for Amorim’s prospects of success.
Here, Express Sport takes you through who could leave and which targets may join the Red Devils if club chiefs finally click into gear…
Five on the chopping block
Of the quintet deemed most likely to be shipped out of Old Trafford before close of play in the winter window, United unquestionably want four to depart, although they may be torn about the other.
Alejandro Garnacho falls into the latter category. As one of the most exciting youngsters to have broken into the first team in recent years, the Red Devils will surely think twice before selling him. But with Napoli showing serious interest, and with the cash from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s move to Paris Saint-Germain burning a hole in their pocket, a Garnacho exit could be the trigger point United are crying out for.
Marcus Rashford’s time at the club appears to be over. The 27-year-old has been frozen out by Amorim, and amid interest from Italy, Germany and the , it is now only a question of where he ends up on loan, rather than whether he will go.
Napoli want Alejandro Garnacho to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Casemiro and Antony are both putting a huge strain on the wage bill. The former has been linked with the Saudi Pro League, and the latter a loan switch to Real Betis. United are also believed to be exploring loan destinations for Tyrell Malacia after all parties that an exit would be the best course of action.
£198m trio in the crosshairs
United transfer chiefs will surely go after two or three new faces if they manage to free up funds. Amorim’s top priority is believed to be a left wing-back, with Diogo Dalot currently filling in on his weaker side.
PSG star Nuno Mendes, who previously worked with Amorim at Sporting, is reportedly his top choice. But the Ligue 1 giants are asking for , so his services would not come cheap.
Jamie Gittens is also on the Red Devils’ radar. According to , Borussia Dortmund want an eye-watering £84m for the 20-year-old Englishman, but he would be an ideal replacement for Rashford, and he boasts 10 goal contributions in 18 Bundesliga appearances this campaign.
Viktor Gyokeres could complete United’s dream transfer trio. Amorim had him firing on all cylinders earlier this season, and with Joshua Zirkzee and floundering at Old Trafford, the temptation must be overwhelming to meet Sporting’s asking price, bring Gyokeres on board and have him show United’s underperforming duo how it’s done.
Whether the club could afford to splash out on all three depends on how their PSR position is affected by player sales and shedding weight from the wage bill.