It remains to be seen how busy Manchester United will be in the January transfer window, but multiple players could leave, as well as areas of the team that need strengthening.
Manchester United tend to prefer to do their business in the summer, but Ruben Amorim is in the process of rebuilding the squad, so it would make sense for Ineos to actively seek opportunities in the market.
It’s no secret that Amorim’s squad requires a lot of work if United are going to get back to competing for Premier League titles, with Arsenal and Man City appearing set to make it a two-horse race going into the New Year.
There have been plenty of rumours surrounding United potentially doing business in January, with Kobbie Mainoo linked with a move away from United.
Who do YOU think is Man Utd’s best January signing ever? Would you change the order?
Who else should be on this list?
Any departures could lead to arrivals, with revamping the midfield department likely to be at the top of United’s agenda. None of the main midfield targets will be available in January, like Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton, but that shouldn’t mean other opportunities in the market go amiss.
Here are three free agents in 2026 who United should consider swooping for in January. All of the players are out of contract at the end of the current season.
Marc Guehi
United have a long-standing interest in Marc Guehi and remain keen on the Crystal Palace captain heading into 2026, when the club will have an opportunity to sign a top Premier League proven defender for cheap or even free.
Guehi, 25, has become a leader at Selhurst Park and is now an established member of Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions ahead of the 2026 World Cup. This is shaping up to be a big year for the defender, after narrowly missing out on a move to Liverpool on transfer deadline day in the summer.
United will face a tussle to secure Guehi’s signature because Real Madrid, PSG and Liverpool have all been linked with moves.
At least for the England national team, Guehi is seen as the perfect replacement for Harry Maguire. That is something Amorim may want to consider if he decides to sign any new defenders.
Ruben Neves
After moving to Saudi Arabia to join Al-Hilal in 2023, Ruben Neves is looking for a way back to Europe, amid transfer links to United in the past month.
The former Wolves midfielder became a star in the Premier League during his six years at Molineux, where he was teammates with Matheus Cunha. He made 177 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 21 goals and recording nine assists.
However, it remains to be seen where Neves wants to move next, but there won’t be any shortage of options for the Portuguese midfielder in 2026 if he leaves the Middle East.
Linking up with Portuguese compatriots Amorim, Bruno Fernandes, and Diogo Dalot at Old Trafford may be an opportunity.
You have £100m to spend on a midfielder – who are YOU buying, Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton?
Or is there another realistic player you would sign instead? Let us know who!
Marcos Senesi
Another Premier League-proven player who could be on the verge of moving clubs in 2026 as a free agent is Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi.
Bournemouth will be desperate to keep Senesi, but Barcelona have been linked with a move for the Argentine international in recent weeks.
Everything suggests that he is not going to renew his contract at Bournemouth, making Senesi a potential target for most top clubs in Europe.
If Amorim is planning rearrangements or upgrades at the back, Senesi is an option worth considering.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
