Manchester United were busy in the summer transfer window, investing over £200m in new signings. The Red Devils focused their early efforts on strengthening the attack after an underwhelming time in front of goal last campaign.
The Premier League giants managed just 44 goals in 38 league games, finishing 15th in the table.
INEOS signed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko to hand Ruben Amorim a new-look frontline combining Premier League experience with youthful exuberance.
United also signed Senne Lammens on deadline day, handing their Portuguese head coach another option between the sticks. A new midfielder was reportedly on the agenda as well, but the Red Devils ended the window without strengthening in that area.
It now appears that the English giants are ready to revisit their plans at the turn of the year.
United want a new midfielder in January
Speaking to TBR Football, journalist Graeme Bailey stated that United want to sign a new midfielder and a right wing-back in January.
“They’ve got plans in place and are working according to that structure. They’re still looking for a pivot midfielder and operating on the assumption that Amorim will be backed to build the squad he wants. Of course, things can always change, but right now, that’s the direction they’re moving in,” said Bailey.
“They are looking at the defence too, a right wing-back, I am told, is on their radar. Centrally, they are considering what is needed.
“So, do [Harry] Maguire, [Luke] Shaw, [Lisandro] Martinez have long-term futures? That is something they have to assess, and so central defence could be an area that needs someone.”
Maguire’s contract at the Theatre of Dreams expires at the end of the season, but a recent report from The Peoples Person stated that he is already in talks over a new deal.
Midfield is the weak link
After the first eight games of the season, the midfield is arguably the weak link in Amorim’s squad. United have lost four matches and won just three in all competitions so far.
The Portuguese head coach has stationed Bruno Fernandes in midfield this season, pairing him with Casemiro in most matches. However, the Brazilian no longer has the legs to dictate play, which is why the Red Devils were keen to sign a defensive midfielder in the summer.
Meanwhile, Amad has performed well in the right wing-back role, but he is naturally a forward. Diogo Dalot is also an option for the position, but he has yet to convince. As such, it is understandable why Amorim would want to bring in a new face for the role.
Plans to sign a new centre-back, however, are likely to depend on Lisandro Martinez’s fitness. The Argentine is currently recovering from an ACL injury but is expected to return to action by the end of the month.
Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
