The January transfer window opening is about to bring in a boatload of speculation with it and the same has started off on a positive note at least.
The Man Utd squad has a clear hole at left wing-back, reinforcements are needed in at least one of the three attacking positions, and a quality central midfielder wouldn’t go amiss either.
Not all of that will be possible in January especially because of United’s precarious financial situation where they need to sell to buy.
However, with pretty much the whole squad for sale at the right price, this could well be one of the busiest January windows in United’s history. The circumstances demand it.
Man Utd’s priority January target
When the money is tight, prioritising is needed for players, positions, and the long-term outlook, which is something United did in January 2023.
Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer arrived on two six-month loans to add numbers to the squad and regardless of their long-term contributions, both played a crucial role in that successful season.
Ineos don’t look like the type of regime to put tapes over a fracture, however, and that is reflected in who their top target for January is.
The Daily Mail reports that United have identified PSG’s Nuno Mendes as their priority target for January amidst his contract standoff in Paris.
His current deal expires in 2026 and there have been no signs recently of him signing a new one, leaving the door open for a reunion at Old Trafford.
Mendes broke through and established himself as a world-class prospect under Ruben Amorim at Sporting Lisbon so there’s familiarity there. Even Bruno Fernandes wanted Mendes at United before he joined PSG.
The report states that along with Mendes, there’s also interest in getting a striker, with Victor Osimhen a target but United realise that the move is too ambitious for January.
Nuno Mendes is the dream signing
Man Utd fans might flinch at the prospect of the Man Utd manager trying to sign a former player after joining the club because of the mess under Erik ten Hag.
However, the situation couldn’t be more different now because the ownership regime is completely overhauled from what it was then.
Amorim will have a say in the transfers but he won’t drive the strategy. Nuno Mendes just happens to represent the best of both worlds.
He has worked with Amorim, yes, but he also fills a problem position, is young but experienced at the top level, and can be had for relatively cheap due to his contract situation.
He would be the dream signing, especially if it happens in January, provided United can engineer some sales to make it happen.
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