The January transfer window is officially open and Manchester United may be wise to do some mid-season business. This month has been notoriously a seller’s market, and the Red Devils’ failure to defeat underground side Wolves on Tuesday further highlighted the gaping hole in manager Ruben Amorim’s side.
Injuries and withdrawal from the African Cup of Nations didn’t help, but Amorim needs help as soon as possible. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS could be a welcome boost in the form of a new contract for the Portuguese manager, with Express Sport looking at an ideal first move at Old Trafford this month…
Archie Griggs – Ruben Neves
It’s clear that United need more quality in their midfield, and they could do far worse than signing Neves, who is already proven in the Premier League and would deliver a lot.
His profile is something United don’t currently have and his arrival means he brings a new dimension to their engine room. He also has strong chemistry with Bruno Fernandes, who played for Portugal and captained the Red Devils.
Tom Parsons – Conor Gallagher
Manchester United have improved steadily since the dark days of August, but the numbers fell short in several key areas over the Christmas period.
The Red Devils are in need of a new midfielder and it is thought they could make a splash with the signings of players like Elliott Anderson and Carlos Baleva.
But Ruben Amorim should instead turn to Conor Gallagher, who has fallen out of favor at Atletico Madrid.
The English player played for Chelsea in the Premier League and has a physical presence that can have a big impact on games. And if United show serious intent to sign him, the deal could be scrapped relatively quickly.
Charlie Mallam – Angelo Stiller
For me, Manchester United’s biggest weakness is clearly the central midfield. They lack a player that coach Ruben Amorim trusts to control the game and dictate the tempo. Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller may be just that guy.
The German, who turns 25 in April, is stylistically comparable to Toni Kroos and Luka Modric and is elite at winning duels and completing progressive passes. He can play in two or three midfield, which suits Amorim.
Stiller could be signed this month if United offer a reasonable fee of around £40m. Signing him would be a real coup and would greatly help the Red Devils’ chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
Jack McEachen – Ruben Neves
Ruben Neves was one of the Premier League’s best midfielders before becoming one of the many top stars to choose a new life in Saudi Arabia.
Tweets about his intention to leave the Middle East should put all English clubs, including Manchester United, on high alert.
There are no midfielders at Old Trafford with a guaranteed future beyond this season, and Neves would add much-needed quality and control at a bargain price.
