Ruben Amorim will be heading into the Winter period all too conscious of the fact that a good January transfer window could help his side get into the Champions League places and potentially earn the club a lot of money going into next season.
Furthermore, the benefit of being in the Champions League is that it is much easier to attract good players. However, significant January moves could be difficult as it has already been reported that targets such as Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest could be tough to get across the line due to his £100 million-plus price tag.
United will need to be smart in January, and they have been linked to several different players, including a new Premier League midfielder, wing-back options, centre-backs, and perhaps most shockingly, a world-class Real Madrid star.
This is how Amorim’s starting XI could look after the January window, if some of the recent transfer rumours were to come true...
Lammens has impressed since joining in the summer transfer window. He will likely be United's long-term option at the back.
1. GK - Senne Lammens
Lammens has impressed since joining in the summer transfer window. He will likely be United's long-term option at the back. | Manchester United via Getty Images
Branthwaite has long been linked with a move to United, and reports have said that they could re-ignite their interest in him during the January transfer window.
2. CB - Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton)
Branthwaite has long been linked with a move to United, and reports have said that they could re-ignite their interest in him during the January transfer window. | Getty Images
De Ligt is one of the first names on the team sheet and the standout choice in defence this season.
3. CB - Matthijs De Ligt
De Ligt is one of the first names on the team sheet and the standout choice in defence this season. | Getty Images
Martinez featured on the bench against Everton, he is back and fully fit again for United now.
4. CB - Lisandro Martinez
Martinez featured on the bench against Everton, he is back and fully fit again for United now. | Getty Images