Sudden change in plans: United in the market for a late January move following latest development – report

The only piece of business that was expected at Manchester United during January was a possible midfield signing. Former head coach Ruben Amorim had identified the position as one in urgent need of reinforcements, but INEOS chose to focus on the attack, and strengthening in the middle of the park was kept on the back burner. With the top targets unlikely to jump ship in the middle of the season, the co-owners thought it prudent to save up and strike next summer. However, those plans might need to be recalibrated following Patrick Dorgu’s hamstring injury. The in-form Dane is set to be out for 10 weeks, with United badly in need of cover on the left flank. Patrick Dorgu injury comes at the worst time Luke Shaw is the only out-and-out left-back at Michael Carrick’s disposal, with both Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui being make-shift options at best. Diego Leon is not considered ready to make the step-up, while Tyrell Malacia’s time at Old Trafford is up. If the England international suffers an injury, the Red Devils could fall short. Not to mention the former Lecce star’s impact in attack. As per The Daily Mail, the 20-time English league champions could venture into the market late on in order to find a versatile alternative. Change in plans “They need a midfielder and, depending on what further testing this week reveals about the damage to Patrick Dorgu’s hamstring, another option down the left. “Taking the left-sided issue to start with: Carrick now has just one orthodox left back option available to him in Luke Shaw, while Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount are both different profiles to Dorgu. “Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui could play at left back were something to happen to Shaw. But Dorgu’s final test results could yet precipitate a late move for an alternative, given both Diego Leon and Tyrell Malacia are not viable first-team options between now and the final day at Brighton.” No names have been mentioned as yet. Whether United can plug this gap before the window closes or they choose to ignore the obvious discrepancy will be interesting to see. Carrick might not be too pleased if INEOS leave him short before the business end of the campaign. Feature image Ion Alcoba Beitia via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25