Manchester United have moved into a strong league position heading into 2021. As improbable as it seemed after the opening defeat at home to Palace, United are in the midst of a title fight.
We saw last season how one January signing can have a galvanising impact on the team.
Bruno Fernandes’ incredible impact will be tough for any player to replicate. But the point stands that one or two extra new faces could give this squad an extra lift – and become the difference between finishing second or first in the Premier League at the end of the season.
Snapping players up mid-season won’t be easy. United should still have a short list of players we should be targeting regardless. The club is in a strong position and the board have to try to take advantage and push on in an attempt to win the title and seize the moment.
Here is a look at three potential January additions who could be the difference between lifting silverware, and not…
Jadon Sancho
Now is the time to make Borussia Dortmund an offer and call their bluff. Sancho has been in poor form, without a league goal, and does not appear too happy in Germany. This presents United with an opportunity to try and prise him away.
Do Dortmund risk his poor form continuing and valuation dropping further by keeping him?
A mid-season move may not be likely, yet it is not impossible. It depends how much United want it. Last season the club went back for Bruno Fernandes after hesitating all summer. Could this be repeated with Sancho?
United have young wingers Pellistri and Diallo to develop, yet Sancho is further ahead in his development and ready to step in now. This would be the type of signing to further ignite United’s attack and reach the next level.
Teun Koopmeiners
United need to sign a long term replacement for Nemanja Matic and may not have to break the bank to do so.
AZ Alkmaar midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, 23, would be a moderately priced addition who would add good depth to United’s ranks.
Koopmeiners has scored 10 goals this season and provided five assists for AZ, while working tirelessly defensively.
In the Eredivisie this season he is averaging 2.9 tackles per game and 1.4 interceptions and features in Whoscored.com‘s team of the season so far.
Koopmeiners is a player who reads the game well, can play in the Matic role, and could become a very useful addition for a title challenging side.
David Alaba
Defence is perhaps the main addition United need to strengthen, and Bayern Munich’s David Alaba is available amid a contract dispute. Alaba has been linked to United by the MEN, with his deal expiring in the summer.
Alaba has won nine league titles at Bayern plus cup and Champions League medals too, and is still only 28. He can also play at left-back and in defensive midfield.
The Austrian’s experience could be vital to add to United’s defence for the run in, and he would have a point to prove to Bayern too.
This would be a signing which helps show United are ‘going for it’ and want to win now.
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