Manchester United are in for a pivotal four months before the January transfer window reopens for Premier League clubs
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
As the dust begins to settle following the summer transfer window, Manchester United are now taking stock of the business that has been done and what is to come.
In truth, it was a busier summer than many of us were expecting from the Reds, particularly after United lost the Europa League final. The attack has had a complete makeover while there have been plenty of outgoings which, for a time, did not look likely.
But with us firmly in the midst of the first international break of the campaign, this is a great opportunity to take stock on the summer that was and the priorities we would have for the next few weeks. Here, MEN Sport has a go at managing United.
Mainoo meeting
The first port of call for Ruben Amorim will surely be to collar Kobbie Mainoo for a chat at Carrington. His exclusion from the England squad allows Amorim the opportunity to have a frank and open conversation with the 20-year-old.
It was disappointing but not altogether surprising that Mainoo requested a loan move away from United after being cast aside by Amorim for much of the campaign so far. That being said, the Portuguese head coach wants the midfielder to remain in the building and in his plans so a meeting to express that would be a good place to start.
If Mainoo was so eager to leave Old Trafford, he would have handed in a transfer request rather than a loan equivalent. That suggests there should be no concerns surrounding the midfielder's attitude moving forward and there is still a chance that he can prove to be a real asset at Amorim's United.
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Malacia transfer
Another player who asked to leave but is facing a much more uncertain future is Tyrell Malacia. He is the last remaining member of the so-called 'bomb squad' to be without a new club and he faces a long wait until January to move on.
It is in both United and Malacia's interests to organise a transfer for him sooner rather than later. A move to Turkey or Saudi Arabia is therefore the only option left.
No interest has materialised from clubs in either country to date but that could all change. Even if it is just a loan until January, at least the 26-year-old would be getting games under his belt.
Goalkeeper call
Perhaps of more urgency is figuring out what to do in the goalkeeper department. United have four senior goalkeepers in their ranks and ultimately that is one too many.
Senne Lammens of Manchester United poses with Director of Football Jason Wilcox after signing for the club at Carrington Training Ground on September 01, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Senne Lammens secured his move to Manchester United on deadline day
(Image: Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Senne Lammens looks highly unlikely to leave on loan - if that was the plan we would have heard by now. Tom Heaton has only just signed a new deal so that leaves just one of two men who need to exit.
You would imagine that finding a suitor for Altay Bayindir would be easier considering his Turkish roots. However, Andre Onana's exit could be given the green light should a significant sum come in - most likely from Saudi Arabia.
Either way, someone has to go.
January plan
Last up, United need to start making a plan for the January transfer window now which they will be able to implement straightaway. The mid-season market is notoriously difficult to negotiate so planning is everything.
It goes without saying that, as things stand, midfield would be the priority. Whether United have the funds to sign a big name like Carlos Baleba or Adam Wharton midway through the season remains to be seen.
But either way, the desire will surely be there to add at least one central midfielder to tide the club on to next summer. Of course, this is all presuming that other areas of the squad do not need sorting come January.
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