Manchester United do not expect to do any major business in the January transfer window but will remain alert to any market opportunities that might arise this month.
United already planned to refresh their midfield this summer before they appointed Michael Carrick as caretaker head coach, while they are also expected to step up their interest in a left winger ahead of an anticipated change of formation. If they had signed Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth this month, the plan would have been to use him as a left winger in a 4-3-3 set-up, rather than Ruben Amorim's favoured 3-4-2-1 approach.
The club intend to conduct their major transfer business at the end of the season and are well aware that top targets are rarely available during the winter window. However, they will consider any long-term targets who might be available before deadline day. Here are a look at the deals they could still conduct.
The transfers Manchester United could complete this month
1. The transfers Manchester United could complete this month
The transfers Manchester United could complete this month | Manchester World | Getty Images Photo: Manchester World | Getty Images
United are more likely to sign a top midfield target at the end of the season but could take advantage of any market opportunities this month. Ruben Neves would be a good short-term solution while still offering a long-term value.
2. Midfielder - signed
United are more likely to sign a top midfield target at the end of the season but could take advantage of any market opportunities this month. Ruben Neves would be a good short-term solution while still offering a long-term value. | Getty Images
United failed to sell Malacia in the summer and will allow him to leave again this month if an offer is made. He is deemed surplus to requirements and played for the U21s on Monday night.
3. Tyrell Malacia - sold
United failed to sell Malacia in the summer and will allow him to leave again this month if an offer is made. He is deemed surplus to requirements and played for the U21s on Monday night. | Getty Images
Leon has yet to make his competitive debut for the club and could be allowed to leave on loan to gain some valuable first-team experience.
4. Diego Leon - loan
Leon has yet to make his competitive debut for the club and could be allowed to leave on loan to gain some valuable first-team experience. | Getty Images