Manchester United have attempted to avoid the January transfer window in recent years but they may have no choice this winter
Manchester United's defence including Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu celebrate victory over Liverpool
Manchester United's defence including Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu celebrate victory over Liverpool
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Manchester United have previously looked at the January transfer window as more of an inconvenience rather than an opportunity.
Erik ten Hag was left to make do with Wout Weghorst in January 2023 when the Reds were desperate for a more established centre-forward. Go back to 2014 and Ed Woodward insisted that United were not in the business of 'short term fixes' when asked about January deals.
Last season, United changed that mindset slightly by bringing in Patrick Dorgu for the first team and Ayden Heaven to provide cover and potential at centre-back.
Fast forward nearly 12 months and United still have not quite solved their problems at left wing-back. Despite Dorgu being signed, Diogo Dalot has been the main starter on that side.
His performances have not been the best though. Dalot was easily worked by Dan Ndoye for the first against Nottingham Forest and he was flat-footed for the second.
Dorgu came on to replace him midway through the second half and while he looks more comfortable than Dalot, he is perhaps not the finished product. This leaves United with a conundrum.
Their only other option at the club to play in that position is Diego Leon but he is still very raw and is getting up to speed with the academy. It makes you wonder then whether or not United should look to jump into the January transfer window and sign a player for the here and now.
In Amorim's system, the wing-back roles are so important. Take a look at the right flank for instance.
Amad is by no means the perfect wing-back but his connection with Bryan Mbeumo has led to the pair becoming a big threat for United, something we are just not seeing on the left.
Buying another left wing-back is perhaps a luxury, especially with a midfield overhaul expected in the summer. But the issue is one that needs fixing if United are going to sustain a push for the top four.
United are getting to a stage where they no longer need the 'open heart surgery' that Ralf Rangnick infamously proposed. Just small tweaks are needed and the left wing-back role will not heal by itself.
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