Manchester United could enjoy a transformative January window under Ruben Amorim, with Marcus Rashford's £28m Barcelona move potentially funding a move for one England team-mate
16:00, 25 Dec 2025
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona during the warming up during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v CA Osasuna at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium
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Marcus Rashford's permanent sale could be a welcome boost for Manchester United during the January transfer window(Image: Soccrates Images, Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim's choices may be restricted as the January transfer window approaches, but Manchester United are far from out of the running in the market. With Africa Cup of Nations commitments and injuries already impacting the squad, a shake-up could be hugely beneficial.
Bruno Fernandes' recent injury is likely to result in the longest absence for the midfielder since his move to England nearly six years ago. This is compounded by the unavailability of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui, all of whom are currently on duty in Morocco.
However, it's not just new signings that could lift spirits at Old Trafford as Marcus Rashford edges closer to a permanent exit. Daily Star Sport analyses several realistic moves that could transform United's prospects in what could be the dawn of a new era for the club.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.
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It seems only a matter of time before Rashford leaves United for good(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Rashford leaves permanently
While this may not be the happy ending many envisaged for Rashford at United, it would certainly alleviate some pressure for the club at present. With his ties in Manchester seemingly irreparable, a swift resolution would be a positive outcome for all parties.
Rashford's value is high due to his impressive form at Barcelona, who have the option to secure a bargain £28million deal for the forward. Despite their reportedly precarious financial situation, it's still within the Catalan club's means to afford such a fee.
Clearing Rashford's hefty £300,000-a-week salary from the wage bill would be a significant relief for United's board, even if Barca are footing the bill during his loan spell. This amounts to a saving of roughly £16m over the remaining two years of his United contract, excluding any transfer fee.
Should Barca decide Rashford has earned a permanent move ahead of schedule, it would provide United with an immediate cash boost to reinvest next month. And the sum would be welcome following a summer of heavy spending.
Conor Gallagher signed
Conor Gallagher of Atletico de Madrid looks on prior the game the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and Levante UD at Riyadh Air Metropolitano
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Conor Gallagher looks like a sensible signing as he struggles for prominent in Madrid(Image: Diego Souto/Getty Images)
Securing established stars in the winter is always a challenge, but Conor Gallagher presents one avenue very much worth exploring. The ex-Chelsea star not only has potential for the starting XI, but he also fits the profile of player United currently need and could be available in January, possibly on loan at first.
After an impressive debut season at Atletico Madrid, Gallagher has fallen out of favour under Diego Simeone. He's only made eight starts in all competitions in the first half of the season, with Fabrizio Romano suggesting a fee of around £26m might be enough to lure him away from Spain.
A versatile asset capable of filling various roles in midfield, Gallagher would certainly ease the burden during Fernandes' absence. And with rumours once again circulating that the United captain could depart next year, securing a replacement now would demonstrate excellent foresight.
The only drawback to bringing Gallagher on board is that it could further hinder Kobbie Mainoo's chances of getting game time. However, it seems increasingly likely Amorim doesn't have immediate plans to promote the local lad.
German wunderkind joins
Said El Mala of Cologne looks on during the Bundesliga match between SV Werder Bremen and 1. FC Köln at Weserstadion
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Koln forward Said El Mala is being monitored by some of Europe's biggest clubs(Image: Getty Images)
Despite the summer signings of Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, United's attacking options still appear somewhat thin. Sesko's recent injury exposed a worrying lack of depth up front, a gap that Joshua Zirkzee and Cunha didn't quite manage to fill in recent weeks.
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Koln prospect Said El Mala isn't a natural centre forward, and Amorim's favoured 3-4-2-1 formation doesn't necessarily accommodate a winger, where he tends to thrive. Nevertheless, the right manager could shape the 19-year-old into a formidable threat elsewhere in attack, with the player having displayed versatility in other areas.
El Mala's 6'2" stature may seem awkward out wide, but he has been used as a centre forward by Koln on occasion. The teenager has netted six goals and provided three assists in just 15 Bundesliga appearances this season, showing a natural goal-scoring instinct that could flourish if nurtured at Old Trafford.
Once again, it would be wise for United to act swiftly, especially as Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Manchester City are also vying for his signature. Signing him won't come cheap given his contract with Koln runs until 2030, but El Mala could be the kind of talent who becomes a key figure at Old Trafford for many years to come.