Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has faced challenges in revitalising the club’s season and is seeking to enhance his squad during the January transfer window.
After expending £200 million on new acquisitions during the previous summer transfer window, United lacks a substantial budget for the January window.
However, they continue to pursue potential transactions as the last week of the transfer window approaches, and some fresh acquisitions may be funded through player sales.
This is a potential lineup for Man Utd under Amorim, assuming a successful conclusion to the January transfer window.
Keeper: Andre Onana
Since his transfer to United from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023, Onana has experienced a range of outcomes at Old Trafford.
His direct stop to thwart Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap in Amorim’s inaugural match with United earned him the Premier League stop of the Month award for November 2024.
This becomes the goalkeeper’s second award this season, having previously received the honour for a double save against Crystal Palace in September.
However, he has also committed a series of notable errors in the 2024/25 season, including detrimental mistakes in losses to Nottingham Forest, Wolves, and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Altay Bayindir exhibited a commendable performance in the FA Cup victory against Arsenal; nonetheless, Amorim has maintained his confidence in Onana, who has participated in every Premier League match for United this season.
The Cameroon international must rectify his errors; yet, he continues to be the primary custodian at Old Trafford.
RCB: Matthijs de Ligt
De Ligt transferred to United from Bayern Munich last summer, but his collaboration with Erik ten Hag lasted merely twelve matches before the manager was dismissed at the end of October.
Notwithstanding the managerial transition at Old Trafford, the Netherlands international remains a primary selection on the United teamsheet.
He has participated in 14 of Amorim’s initial 17 matches in charge, having missed only the losses to Tottenham, Bournemouth, and Wolves due to illness.
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CCB: Harry Maguire
Maguire lost favour when Ten Hag assumed over at Old Trafford, but he has seen a revival under Amorim and is now a consistent starter.
His proficiency in a back three arrangement, which he has frequently utilised with England, has enabled him to excel, particularly in the victories over Manchester City and Arsenal.
Maguire is ideal when employing a three-defender formation’, Amorim stated following the Manchester derby. “He is flawless in the center.” All the players defended exceptionally well, not solely Harry. They exhibited a high level of concentration.
Acquisition made during the summer transfer window Leny Yoro may ultimately supplant the 31-year-old in the defensive hierarchy, but he is being gradually integrated into the club.
LCB: Lisandro Martinez Martinez is the sole senior left-footed centre-back in the United team, ensuring his position as the left-sided centre-back.
The Argentina international initially faced difficulties adapting to Amorim’s system but has now demonstrated his ability to excel inside a three-man defence.
The formation provides him increased liberty to advance, and he has recorded four direct goal contributions under Amorim.
The 27-year-old netted goals against Liverpool and Fulham, in addition to providing assists for Bruno Fernandes’ decisive goal against Rangers and Amad’s winning strike against Manchester City.