Need to know
Manchester United are running out of time to make some final signings and sales before the transfer window shuts on February 2
Ruben Neves in action for Al Hilal
Ruben Neves is among the stars linked with Manchester United this January(Image: Getty Images)
We asked AI to dictate Manchester United's transfer policy for the final few days of the winter window, and here's what it said:
We told AI to pretend it was in charge of transfers for United and to recommend some ins and outs before the window shuts on February 2.
It recommended signing Ruben Neves to stabilise the midfield, adding: With Casemiro set to leave in the summer, Neves - whose own Al Hilal deal ends in June - could offer elite Premier League experience and composure for a relatively low fee.
Another recommendation was to acquire Murillo from Nottingham Forest to anchor the defence, noting that the Brazilian centre-back provides the pace and left-footed balance required to transition back to a traditional four-man defensive line - and the recommendations continue below...
Another suggestion was to add Hayden Hackney for technical depth. Interim United manager Michael Carrick knows the Middlesbrough star from their time together at the Riverside Stadium, and his arrival would provide a high-potential, press-resistant alternative to some of the current midfield options.
Harry Maguire's future remains a big what-if, given the defender's contract situation, and AI recommends United sell Maguire to Serie A suitors. With Napoli and Inter interested and his contract nearing its end, moving the veteran now helps clear the wage bill and facilitates the shift to a more mobile defence - perhaps aided by a deal for Murillo.
United are also advised to facilitate a permanent exit for Marcus Rashford. Currently on loan at Barcelona, finalising his permanent sale now could provide a significant cash injection to fund immediate reinforcements - for example, a new striker.
One AI recommendation, which might be met with resistance, is the suggestion that United need to listen to offers for Mason Mount. The argument is that his stint at Old Trafford has remained inconsistent, and selling him would recoup funds while allowing more creative freedom for Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.
Back to the striker situation, and United have been encouraged to target Mikel Oyarzabal as a versatile forward option. The Real Sociedad captain’s ability to play across the front line would be a massive upgrade in leadership and clinical finishing for the run-in.
And finally, in a suggestion which shows what has changed since Ruben Amorim's exit, there's a call to keep Kobbie Mainoo at all costs. Despite interest from major European clubs during his spell on the bench, he is the cornerstone of Carrick’s new system and must be given a long-term contract extension immediately.
READ MORE ON WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH UNITED’S TRANSFERS IN THE REAL WORLD:What Michael Carrick told Casemiro after Manchester United contract decision