Manchester United have several positions which need to be reinforced in 2025 as Ineos prepare to axe underperformers.
Ruben Amorim is over a month into his job as the head coach of Manchester United and by now, he will be well aware of the strengths and weaknesses in his squad.
It seems clear Amorim wants a left wing-back, while additions across the field would be welcomed.
The uncertain future surrounding Altay Bayindir means a new second-choice goalkeeper could also well be on the list for United.
Interestingly, these issues could potentially be solved by United signing players who previously left the club. So here are four players that Ineos could bring back to Old Trafford in the new year.
Alvaro Fernandez
The most obvious name on the list was always going to be Alvaro Fernandez, who is developing very well at Benfica.
United let Fernandez leave for just £5m last summer, however, Ineos chiefs had the masterstroke of adding a buy-back option into the deal.
So with Amorim’s troubles at left wing-back, United could re-sign Fernandez by triggering his £16m buy-back – which sees the Red Devils leading the race for his signature.
Angel Gomes
Next on the list is a player who could cost United absolutely nothing in 2025, Angel Gomes.
Gomes’ contract at Lille expires in 2025, with United one of the main suitors to bring him back to England.
Amorim is said to be keen on Gomes, while the former Carrington star also fancies a return to his old stomping ground instead of moving to Tottenham.
This would be a very shrewd move, and Gomes could fit into the left-sided No.10 role perfectly in this 3-4-2-1 system.
Matej Kovar
Next up is another player who will be available for cheap, former United youth goalkeeper Matej Kovar.
2025 is likely to see United in the market for a new second-choice goalkeeper, and in Europe, the former United man is as reliable a back-up as any.
The Czech international is almost always impressive for Xabi Alonso’s side. In his past three performances, he’s kept clean sheets against Inter Milan, Bayern Munich and Salzburg. Impressive.
United have an option to buy Kovar back and the 6ft 5in keeper has hinted at returning to the club previously. So if Bayindir leaves, this is the move to make.
Wildcard – Paul Pogba
The final name is less of a logical move but one which would please a lot of fans, a heart-over-head kind of move.
Paul Pogba is set to return to football and last week there were reports from the Independent, suggesting he could be a target for Manchester City.
Well, as United need midfield additions, adding a player like Pogba on a six-month initial contract is pretty low risk as he’d not demand a huge wage either.
Pogba could play in the pivot or either in one of the two No.10 positions. A completely ridiculous move, but one which may just tick boxes at least until next summer when the Red Devils can heavily invest.
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