Marcus Rashford of Manchester United looks on
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United looks on
The January transfer window is fast approaching and Ruben Amorim may increasingly be wondering if the month could offer some hope.
Manchester United's defeat to Bournemouth highlighted once again the work their new manager has to do, with questions over who he can build the team around. Marcus Rashford was left out of the squad for a third time against the Cherries, but is by no means the end of the problems Amorim has to solve.
The Red Devils next face Wolves on Boxing Day with Newcastle to follow before the club have an opportunity to delve into the market. Some of United's squad could be playing for their careers with the 13-times Premier League champions.
Mirror Football takes a look at some of the biggest transfer news and rumours surrounding Old Trafford.
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Ruben Amorim discovers Man Utd players to build around as clear verdict given on 'hopeless' squad](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manutd-ruben-amorim-squad-verdict-34364874)
Shock swap deal
Marcus Rashford's latest avenue out of Old Trafford could be via a surpise swap deal. The United academy product has admitted he wants a new challenge with the club open to sanctioning a move.
That could see Rashford depart as early as next month, though the Red Devils are keen not to strengthen any of their Premier League rivals. That means teams from Europe could see their interest piqued, with Barcelona said to be a candidate.
However, to get a transfer over the line amid financial constraints, a swap deal is necessary according to reports in Spain. Hansi Flick is now said to have provided ‘the OK’ for Barca to use Ansu Fati as a makeweight to sign Rashford.
Summer deal possible
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Manchester United are one of a number of clubs chasing Atalanta midfielder Ederson. A deal in the summer has been deemed more likely than in January however.
United have persistently scouted the Brazilian ace and appear to be close to acting upon their interest.
“I can guarantee to you that several clubs around Europe are monitoring Ederson, Man Utd are one of them. For sure, Man Utd like the player," said Romano.
“Ruben Amorim wants intensity and when you think of intensity, Ederson is probably one of the most intense midfielders around Europe. He’s running for three players, top, top player.
"January transfer window will be really complicated but the feeling is that Ederson could leave in the summer. United have sent their scouts several times to scout Ederson. He has many fans around Europe."
Neville demands overhaul
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has called upon Ruben Amorim to undertake an overhaul at the club. With the club in 13th and struggling to improve, the new United boss will have been left under no illusion of the players he has at his disposal.
Ruben Amorim has some big decisions to make ( Image: Ash Donelon/Getty Images)
"He's seeing what Manchester United fans have watched for 10 years, there has got to be a cultural overhaul," Neville told Sky Sports. "It is a real torrid time, there is not a lot to like about performance levels or the way they play.
"They are all lads trying their best, it's not a personal assault, but they are not good enough to play for Manchester United, because this club aims to be at the top. The same as Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea - those clubs aim to be top, but you have got to get there.
"It's quite clear watching these players, they are not good enough."
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