Manchester United look set to be in the race for Champions League football this season after keeping up with the pack after 11 games in the Premier League, but a strong January could ensure this.
After a poor start to the season, Manchester United are five games unbeaten in the Premier League, comfortably in the pack chasing Champions League football.
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Over the coming weeks, United have favourable fixtures which could result in the Red Devils pushing into a more comfortable position in the table.
Ineos only demand United finish 6th, and Ruben Amorim therefore has a huge chance to overachieve this and secure a return to Europe’s premier competition.
Qualifying for the Champions League is far from guaranteed, as it looks like a fiercely competitive race to achieve it this season. Therefore, making January transfer moves could make a world of difference for United.
Antoine Semenyo playing against Nottingham Forest
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Two of Manchester United’s Premier League-proven targets might be available in January
It has been well documented that United won’t be able to sign a top midfield target in January, this being Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba or Adam Wharton.
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Therefore, the money should be spent elsewhere to improve United’s squad, and Ben Jacobs has now shared two targets who could be available in January. This includes Antoine Semenyo with his £65m release clause.
“United are interested in Semenyo. Despite that he can play as a left wing back, he is very intent on being a winger because that’s where all of his form is. Think if the club moves, it will be because they can add another winger/10.”
Jacobs then added that nothing is stopping United financially from signing the Ghana international. Meanwhile, despite United in Focus exclusively revealing that Wolves don’t want to sell Joao Gomes, Jacobs has suggested that there is a chance they will cash in.
“You have Joao Gomes, who I wouldn’t say is available, but suitors may be encouraged to try their luck in January, looking at the league table, because from Wolves’ perspective, if they were to go down, the price they will get in the summer would be less than what people are prepared to pay mid-season.”
This double swoop would be game-changing for United, adding an all-round quality midfielder and another versatile attacker who might be perfect at left wing-back.
Adding such quality in two problem positions would likely be enough to guarantee the Red Devils Champions League football qualification and all the financial benefits that it entails.
How Manchester United could line-up with Antoine Semenyo and Joao Gomes
The additions of Semenyo and Gomes would add real quality to an increasingly talented United side, in arguably the two problem positions.
Semenyo would slot right in as the left wing-back, occupying the same role as Amad, with plenty of license to get forward. His final product in situations like Patrick Dorgu finds himself in often could be key to more goals flowing at Old Trafford.
Additionally, in midfield, Gomes would be an upgrade alongside either Casemiro or Bruno Fernandes, depending on the opponent. The Brazilian is a true all-rounder and still has lots of potential he has yet to unleash.
Manchester United line-up potential after January transfer window
Manchester United line-up potential after January transfer window
This line-up above could be United’s strongest team if this double swoop comes off, but whether it is possible or not remains to be seen.