Man Utd Eyes Major January 2026 Transfer Targets to Transform Squad
Overall, Manchester United can feel quite satisfied with their summer transfer activities.
Reliable additions in the attacking department have predictably enhanced a previously struggling forward line, while consistency has been established in goal through the acquisition of understated Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Nevertheless, Ruben Amorim and the leadership at Old Trafford will recognize that the Portuguese manager's current roster remains far from the finished article. Considerable work still lies ahead if United are to reclaim their standing among the Premier League's elite, though at least 2025-26 hasn't been entirely disappointing.
Preparations will already be underway for their January transfer window, with the club's areas of need quite clear this winter.
Here are the positions Man Utd will prioritize strengthening this winter, along with some possible targets.
Holding Midfielder
Man Utd's focus on strengthening a struggling attack left them with limited resources to enhance their midfield during the summer, though they did make a brief attempt for Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba.
Amorim has chosen to deploy Bruno Fernandes in his midfield partnership, frequently alongside Casemiro, and a less demanding fixture list has restricted rotation opportunities in this area. It's clear that, despite their history at Sporting CP, Amorim no longer has confidence in Manuel Ugarte, while the promising Kobbie Mainoo has also found playing time scarce.
Mainoo isn't expected to move on loan this winter but remains on the periphery of the squad. United would be smart to bring in at least one midfielder whom Amorim is prepared to utilize.
Casemiro has enjoyed a revival this season alongside the impressive Fernandes, but United require a succession plan. The Brazilian's deal runs out at season's end. Therefore, Amorim should pursue a defensive midfielder who can anchor the midfield while Fernandes operates in more advanced creative areas.
A defensive midfielder must be their January priority, though an additional box-to-box player wouldn't hurt either.
Key Targets
Despite their disappointing 2024-25 season, Man Utd still managed to lure two of the Premier League's most sought-after talents to Old Trafford during the summer, and they'll believe they can convince their primary midfield targets to switch clubs mid-season.
Three names stand out in United's midfield pursuit: Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba. Baleba's performances have declined this season, but he fits the midfielder profile they need, while Anderson has demonstrated for England his capability to fulfill a more disciplined central role. Wharton is the finest passer among them, remarkably efficient, but he struggles defensively.
Beyond England, Sevilla's Lucien Agoumé represents the affordable defensive midfield option that makes considerable sense, given his defensive capabilities. Meanwhile, another skilled technician in Angelo Stiller has been mentioned as a potential candidate. However, his defensive weaknesses are more significant than Wharton's.
Atalanta's Éderson merits a high-profile transfer.
Left Wingback
Wingbacks serve such a crucial offensive function in any three-center-back formation, and there's no question that Man Utd's shortage of quality in wide positions has hindered Amorim's slow start.
There have been encouraging developments on the right, with Amad adapting from a more forward position and building a promising partnership with Bryan Mbeumo. However, the left flank presents challenges for the Red Devils.
Luke Shaw would have been ideal for this role half a decade ago, but his physical condition no longer permits such demanding runs up and down the field. Consequently, Amorim has two choices for the left wing-back spot, and both are equally disappointing.
Diogo Dalot becomes too predictable when operating on his weaker side, while the shirt has proven burdensome for Patrick Dorgu since his January arrival. There's still opportunity for the Danish international to improve, particularly in possession, but Man Utd fans haven't witnessed it yet.
Amorim himself acknowledged that his current wingback choices simply don't meet the required standard.
Key Targets
It's a specialized position that demands a specific type of player. If only 2016-17 Marcos Alonso were available, right?
Among the finest at this position, including Inter's Federico Dimarco and Bayer Leverkusen's Alejandro Grimaldo, are well established in their careers, and it appears more probable for United to pursue a younger specialist to challenge Dorgu for the position.
Juventus' Andrea Cambiaso is a flexible player who's equally comfortable operating centrally as he is along the flank. Manchester City were connected with him during the summer, but they switched to Rayan Aït-Nouri instead.
Miguel Gutiérrez has been inconsistent at Antonio Conte's Napoli, but he was instrumental in Girona's Champions League qualification under Míchel. Eintracht Frankfurt's Nathaniel Brown offers pace as an attacking outlet, while RB Leipzig's David Raum provides consistent end product.
Centre Back
Man Utd might not actively pursue a centre back this winter, with Amorim reasonably well-equipped at the position, particularly now that Lisandro Martínez has returned from his extended injury layoff.
The Portuguese manager has at least two options for each position in his back three, so United may only seek a centre back if an attractive opportunity presents itself.
Naturally, Martínez has endured two major injury problems since joining the club, so it's important to monitor his progress over the coming weeks. Additionally, Leny Yoro has faced some challenges this season but remains an extremely talented defender who should ultimately become a foundation of this United squad.
Key Targets
Marc Guéhi is expected to depart Crystal Palace in 2026, and the Eagles will likely allow their captain to leave this winter to secure a transfer fee. His contract concludes at season's end.
Numerous clubs are reportedly interested, including Liverpool and Bayern Munich. United, however, may enter the race if Palace are willing to sell at a reasonable price. Given his experience with the system Amorim favors, Guéhi would appear to be an ideal match for the Red Devils.