Could Ruben Amorim and David Moyes agree a swap deal in the January transfer window? | National World / Getty Imagesplaceholder image
Could Ruben Amorim and David Moyes agree a swap deal in the January transfer window? | National World / Getty Images | National World / Getty Images
We used Football Manager 2026 to find out what Man Utd’s January transfer business might look like
Manchester United had a relatively-successful summer transfer window but plenty of work still needs done for Ruben Amorim to make further progress with his squad.
January can be a difficult time to do business as clubs are unwilling to let players leave partway through a season. However, there are plenty of opportunities to improve squads and United do need reinforcements.
There has been significant improvement from last campaign but Monday’s 1-0 loss to 10-man Everton highlighted that the Red Devils are far from the finished article. Up next for Amorim’s side is a tricky test against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The Eagles were beaten on Thursday night in their Europa Conference League outing away at Strasbourg while United will have had longer to prepare for the clash. The Eagles have started the season well despite their defeat on Thursday and are a tough prospect on home soil.
As United look to maximise their points return until the January window opens, we have used one of the most popular and realistic simulation tools available - Football Manager 2026. We take a look at what United’s January transfer business might look like.
Incoming transfers
The headline United deal from the January window according to the simulation will be the arrival of Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain. The 24-year-old striker has made 18 appearances for PSG this season, scoring five goals.
The Red Devils need another striker to help bolster their goal threat and Ramos could address that need.
Elsewhere, United are predicted to address their defensive needs with the signing of Djed Spence from Tottenham Hotspur. Dwight McNeil of Everton and Brentford’s Keane Lewis-Potter are also predicted to join Amorim’s squad.
United have been keen to add proven Premier League experience to their side and this is something the above trio can certainly provide. Four new faces would refresh Amorim’s squad but Spence and Ramos are the two who would likely get more gametime if the Football Manager simulation proved correct.
Outgoing transfers
Only one permanent exit was predicted for United, with Tyrell Malacia heading out the exit door for French side Rennes in a £1.1m deal. The left-back was surplus to requirements in the summer but a move away did not materialise. A January exit for the player is likely with his contract up at the end of the season and there are currently no plans to extend it.
Other exits saw some of United’s youngsters head out on loan with Sekou Kone dropping into the EFL with Burton Albion and Shea Lacey heading to Port Vale. Defender Ayden Heaven was also predicted to leave on loan after some first-team experience last season.
Wrexham have been forecast to pick up him on a six-month deal. They are 10th in the Championship at the time of publication and just two points outside the top six.
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