Today is transfer deadline day, with the window ‘slamming shut’ at 11pm UK time. It has been a truly mixed one for Manchester United, with Jack Butland and Wout Weghorst signed on loan.
Of these, only Weghorst really counts as strengthening the first team. Butland is merely a back-up who might not play a single game for the club.
This is marginally better than January 2022, a transfer window where Manchester United signed nobody. Weghorst at least partially solves a problem up front, without being a long-term solution.
On the other hand, United are sitting by while others strengthen. Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea have all bought players permanently this window. United’s spending is on hold with the club up for sale. This may be short-term pain for long-term gain.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
Potential Manchester United deadline day signings
There might be one late transfer left for Manchester United, just don’t count on it. Manager Erik ten Hag insisted last week he would be looking.
He told the club website: “If I had the opportunity in the comings days, then I would go for it but this is not only up to me.”
This was before Christian Eriksen picked up an injury at the weekend. Midfield has suddenly become an area in need of extra focus, with Donny van de Beek out for the season.
So who could United target? Options are limited. Youri Tielemans might be one option, while Ryan Gravenberch looks fanciful despite his limited game time at Bayern.
Fulham are showing bargains are out there, chasing Serbia international midfielder Sasa Lukic for just £8 million, The Mail report.
United should have had an emergency list ready for such an event. It’s possible Atletico Madrid might be persuaded to let Saul Niguez go out on loan. He has started only six La Liga games after his loan at Chelsea last season.
The Odion Ighalo deal in 2020 has warned us to prepare for the unexpected. This last minute desperation loan only materialised with hours to go.
The most likely option is United sign nobody, but for now, we have some hope that the club will be able to pull a rabbit from the hat.
10 players who could leave on deadline day
What we can expect to see on transfer deadline day is player outgoings. Manchester United have a surplus of talent needing to go out on loan, possibly with one or two permanent departures. Last night the club confirmed the departure of goalkeeper Ondrej Mastny on loan to Portadown. Here is a look at 10 more who could leave…
Axel Tuanzebe: Now back training with the first team, Axel Tuanzebe does not really have much prospect of first team football this season. ESPN speculate he could even leave permanently on deadline day, however, a loan is more likely, if at all, with clubs having to take a gamble on his fitness.
Brandon Williams: Brandon Williams made the bench for United at the weekend, and could be kept as back-up at full-back. The MEN report Williams is keen to leave on loan. If a permanent offer comes in, United should take it.
Anthony Elanga: There are as many as 10 clubs looking to sign Anthony Elanga on loan, claims Fabrizio Romano. United could still look to keep him as extra cover in attack.
Charlie McNeill: Promising youngster Charlie McNeill is set to leave on loan. The Mail report he is close to joining Newport County in League Two for the rest of the season.
Bjorn Hardley: A report in The Sun a fortnight ago claimed Bjorn Hardley was one of three players expected to leave on loan, along with Charlie McNeill and Charlie Savage. Savage clinched a loan to Forest Green Rovers, with McNeill on the verge of a departure, Hardley could be next.
Nathan Bishop: Don’t be surprised to see young goalkeeper Nathan Bishop sent out on loan. Erik ten Hag declined to call him up, signing experienced pro Jack Butland instead. Bishop spent the entirety of last season on loan at Mansfield Town and could be allowed to go on loan again.
Charlie Wellens: Charlie Wellens spent the first part of the season on loan at Oldham Athletic. A change in manager switched his fortunes and he returned. Alan Nixon recently claimed Barnsley are showing interest in a loan move.
Dishon Bernard: After successful loans at Salford City and Hull City, defender Dishon Bernard is expected to have another opportunity to head out. The Mail report talks have been opened with Portsmouth over a loan move.
Zidane Iqbal: Manchester United may keep Zidane Iqbal as cover, due to midfield injuries. However, if Erik ten Hag does manage to sign a midfield player before the deadline, Iqbal is likely to be made available.
Joe Hugill: Goal scorers are tough to find and Joe Hugill is at a similar career stage to McNeill, where he needs first team football. He has been in-form for the under-21s lately and could benefit from going out on loan.
Who won’t be leaving Manchester United
Facundo Pellistri was linked with a loan, however, he is set to stay with manager Erik ten Hag impressed by his recent performances.
There have been ambitious enquiries from foreign clubs for defenders Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, reports The Mail. United will not be letting either player leave, with defensive cover needed.
It also looks like Phil Jones will be sticking around to see out his contract too. Ten Hag said last week that Jones has not completed a training session since July, so he won’t be leaving on loan or permanently.
Teden Mengi is also unavailable after picking up an injury against Cadiz on the winter tour.
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