Ruben Amorim’s side could look to La Liga for January improvements
It was a sign of how far Manchester United have fallen that their victory at home to Sunderland was greeted with such euphoria and relief, but that’s the Red Devils’ reality in 2025.
While previously keeping a clean sheet and scoring multiple goals against a newly promoted side at Old Trafford was the expectation rather than an exception, this was only the third time Amorim managed that feat against any Premier League side.
Of course, an impressive debut doesn’t always mean a player is a guaranteed star. Romelu Lukaku scored and starred for Chelsea against Arsenal in the first game of his second stint at Stamford Bridge and Roy Keane praised the Blues for having “bought the real deal for £90-odd million, it’s a no brainer,” instead of half that fee on “potential” and we all know how that turned out.
But for now, it looks like Manchester United need to focus on finding another centre-back to complete the back three, a right-wing back to compliment Patrick Dorgu and allow Amad Diallo to return to his strongest position, and help in central midfield so Bruno Fernandes regains his will to live. So who could they sign, and what will their lineup look like after that investment?
Sporting star the perfect centre back target for Amorim revival
If anyone at Old Trafford believes Luke Shaw is the long-term answer at left centre-back then things are even worse than we thought. Ayden Heaven has played just 67 minutes in what it was hoped could be his breakout campaign, and Harry Maguire’s days in red appear severely limited unless he joins Wrexham.
Instead, left-footed 24-year-old Goncalo Inacio could be the perfect player to target. Inacio broke through at Sporting became a first team regular under Amorim and has gone on to amass 223 appearances for the club, and started for Portugal in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final.
Come January, he’ll have 18 months left on his contract and a release clause of £51m, so while Amorim has resided the urge to plunder his former club so far, that resolve could be tested if Manchester United’s defensive struggles continue - Sunderland marked their first clean sheet of the season in all competitions.
£70m Real Madrid midfielder could solve United’s midfield woes
Eduardo Camavinga is yet to start a game for Real Madrid this season (though he missed four games with an ankle injury), and while he’s still only aged 22, could be at a crossroads in his career at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
Manchester United and Chelsea have both been linked with the Frenchman in a deal costing up to €80m (£70m), and he’d certainly be an upgrade on Manchester United’s current midfield options, bringing a defensive bite they’re currently sorely missing.
He’s better at progressing the ball up the field than Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte too and importantly would also bring some much-needed versatility to the squad featured at left-back for Real Madrid as well as centrally, including in the Champions League.
Cheap World Cup winner completes Manchester United puzzle
The oldest player on this list could prove to be a bit of a bargain, though it seems Manchester United will have to battle their city rivals to sign Atletico Madrid wing-back Nahuel Molina. With a name that includes one of Gary Neville’s more famous endorsements, Molina sounds like Red Devil already and aged 27, he’d be able to make an instant impact at Old Trafford.
Molina has scored and assisted in every season he’s played in Europe since Udinese signed him in 2020 while retaining a defensive solidity that put him in the top 12% of fullbacks in Europe’s top five leagues for tackling in the last year.
With 18 months remaining on his contract in the Spanish capital, Molina is reportedly available for €25m-€30m (£22m-£26m) and should be entering his prime, having already won the World Cup, Cup of Champions (Finalissima) and two Copa America crowns with Argentina.
In an era where the effort of Manchester United players is repeatedly questioned, Molina has shown his energy and commitment repeatedly on international duty starting on the flank behind Lionel Messi who while brilliant, doesn’t exactly cover as much of the pitch as prime N’Golo Kante.
Manchester United 2026 starting XI if predictions come true: Lammens; Yoro, De Ligt, Inacio; Molina, Casemiro, Camavinga; Mbuemo, Fernandes; Sesko.
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