[Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent](https://www.footballinsider247.com/author/pete-o-rourke-transfer-correspondent)
Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.
Despite suggestions that Michael Carrick's squad is short in a number of key positions, including on the wing and up front, any moves for attacking players have been put on ice.
Instead, the Red Devils are ready to accelerate plans to sign new defensive players in the mid-season window, with a left-back and centre-back currently high on their list.
Having targeted attacking reinforcements in 2025, and strengthened their midfield in 2026, the upcoming 2027 transfer windows are being reserved for defensive signings.
This comes amid concerns about how Carrick's side have defended this season, where they have kept just one clean sheet in 11 games, will force the recruitment team to act.
What is Man United's January transfer priority?
Football Insider revealed on 4 October that Man United are aiming to make multiple signings in the January transfer window given their ongoing defensive concerns.
Failing to bring in new options during the summer has left them short of quality, and played a big part in what has been a miserable start to the season for Carrick's side.
As a result, they know what they need to do in upcoming windows, and are prepared to put other plans on the back burner in order to prioritise additions at the back.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I don't think it'd be a top target for Man United right now to strengthen their attack, it'll be put on the back burner.
"The main priority for United probably in the next couple of transfer windows is to restructure their defence, because that's been a problem position for Michael Carrick.
"That back line is obviously going to need strengthening with players out of contract and obviously they've struggled as well this season, conceding too many goals.
Which defenders are on Man United's radar?
As a result of what has been a poor start to the new season, especially at the back, there have been suggestions that United must strengthen across all defensive positions.
During the summer, the Red Devils were linked with moves to sign a number of left-backs, centre-backs and right-backs, and are continuing to assess their options.
Football Insider revealed last month that Lewis Hall remains a top target for Man United, despite having missed out during the summer, and they could make a move next year.
The England international recently signed a new deal with Newcastle after Man United failed in their pursuit, but that has done little to deter their interest in his signature.
Instead, they are believed to be lining up a fresh move ahead of next summer's window, and could make another attempt to lure Hall away from Newcastle.