Man Utd’s strongest XI as January window slams shut includes Patrick Dorgu and Kobbie Mainoo position decision

Add as preferred source on Google

The January window is now shut, and it’s difficult to say whether Manchester United have had a successful window.

In terms of incoming, Patrick Dorgu has been bought from Lecce and Ayden Heaven has arrived from Arsenal – but that was it.

Outgoings were a little different, with Antony leaving for Real Betis, and Tyrell Malacia departing to PSV Eindhoven – but the big news had to be Marcus Rashford’s loan to Aston Villa.

The current United squad is what Ruben Amorim now has to work with until the end of the season. So, with this, here’s his strongest XI.

• READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date

Manchester United’s strongest team under Ruben Amorim

GK – Andre Onana

Just. Andre Onana is on thin ice, but should probably still be preferred to Altay Bayindir. Whether this changes in the coming weeks remains to be seen.

LWB – Patrick Dorgu

Patrick Dorgu will be Manchester United’s starting wing-back for the remainder of the season. Luke Shaw is good on his day, but his injury record means he simply can’t be utilised effectively at Old Trafford.

CB – Leny Yoro

With Lisandro Martinez seemingly out for the season, Leny Yoro is going to have to step up. Difficult half-season ahead for the youngster.

CB – Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire has been solid under Amorim and is probably one of the first names on the teamsheet for the Portuguese.

CB – Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt has also proven a wise signing. The Dutch defender is another easy name in the starting XI given United’s current situation.

RWB – Noussair Mazraoui

Like De Ligt, a good purchase. Has been off it lately, but has been lightyears ahead of Diogo Dalot who has been entirely frustrating for United this season.

CM – Manuel Ugarte

Manuel Ugarte probably stakes the claim for the signing of the summer. The Uruguayan is the tough-tackling midfielder United have been crying out for and is an easy pick.

CM – Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United’s captain should be included, and we’d deploy him in the slightly deeper role with Ugarte.

CAM – Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo, after the failed striker experiment, should play further forward in the 10. His creative abilities are too good to ignore.

RW – Amad

Player of the season, without a doubt. Amad should be deployed on the right in attack.

LW – Alejandro Garnacho

He’s been kept around, so needs to be trusted. We have Alejandro Garnacho on the left. The young Argentine can still go on to be a fantastic player for Manchester United, as he’s shown in glimpses.

ST – Rasmus Hojlund

A tough one, we’d say Rasmus Hojlund just edges it over Joshua Zirkzee. Hojlund’s goal record last season does show there is something there, he just needs a couple to go in and hopefully, he’ll find form. If not – goals could be scarce once again in the second half of the season.