 "Manchester United are in need of a rebuild in the ongoing January transfer window. Reuters")
Despite the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim, Manchester United find themselves in a crisis of their own. The Red Devils are languishing in 13th place in the English Premier League, with just 23 points from 20 matches, meaning that they are more closer to the relegation zone than they are to the top four . United’s last win in any competition came against rivals Manchester City in the Premier League on 15 December. Since then, United have lost four matches on the trot, and drawn their latest fixture against Liverpool in the Premier League.
Surely, it goes without saying that United will have to do business in the January transfer window to rebuild the squad. Quite a few players have been rumoured to leave Manchester United as well and this includes their star forward Marcus Rashford. Let’s now take a deeper look into which players could leave United and which players could stay back.
Players who could stay at Manchester United
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho
The young England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo could be an integral part of the Manchester United setup for the years to come. According to Sky Sports, despite reports of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) concerns, United are not preparing to sell either Mainoo or even Alejandro Garnacho, who has thrived in recent times. Mainoo’s contract is till 2027, whereas Garnacho’s deal runs till 2028.
Amad Diallo
Amad Diallo has been a silver lining under Amorim at United. The Ivory Coast international, who scored the winner against City, is close to signing a new contract that will keep him at the club till 2030, as per transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano. Diallo has scored three goals and provided six assists in 18 games in the Premier League, while also scoring two goals in six Europa League matches.
Harry Maguire
Only a few days ago, Ruben Amorim confirmed that the club would trigger a one-year extension in Harry Maguire’s contract. Maguire had fallen out of favour under former boss Erik ten Hag but has been getting regular game time under Amorim. “[For] Harry Maguire, we are going to trigger our option,” Amorim said. “I spoke with him this morning and I told him he has to improve on the pitch, we need him a lot,” he added.
Which players could leave Manchester United?
Marcus Rashford
The biggest name that is doing the rounds in terms of leaving Manchester United is Marcus Rashford . Since the team’s 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen in mid-December, Rashford has not played for United and has subsequently fallen out of favour under Amorim. AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund have been reportedly eyeing the England international, who did feature in the squad in United’s loss against Newcastle but remained on the bench.
According to The Athletic, Rashford’s representatives held talks with AC Milan, who are eyeing a loan move in the January transfer window. Should United lose Rashford, it will be a significant blow to what has already been a season to forget.
Casemiro
Casemiro is another player whose game time has been limited in recent weeks . The Brazilian could be on his way to Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr as the likeliest destination, according to The Telegraph. Should this move happen, Casemiro would then reunite with his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. Casemiro has also played with Ronaldo at Manchester United during the Portugal international’s second stint with the club.
Antony
It’s safe to say that Antony has been a flop at Old Trafford, and we could see the Brazilian and United part ways in January. Nothing is certain however and according to Fabrizio Romano, while Antony has been linked with Greek side Olympiacos, talks have not progressed from the club and player perspective in the last few days. The dilemma around Antony it seems will continue for the rest of the transfer window.
Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee started the 2024-25 season on a promising note, scoring a goal on the opening night of the Premier League against Fulham in August, but has struggled for consistency ever since. He did net two goals against Everton in early December but has endured an underwhelming campaign so far. According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Zirkzee has agreed to a move to Juventus, where he could reunited with coach Thiago Motta.