 "Manchester United are languishing in 13th place in the Premier League this season with just 29 points. AP")
Manchester United endured a disappointing January transfer window wherein they signed just two players, Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven, both defenders. While United acquired Dorgu from Lecce for £25m, including a potential bonus of £4m, Ayden joined the club from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee. Amid scoring struggles, United f ailed to sign even a single attacking option .
Marcus Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan till the end of the season amid falling out of favour under manager Ruben Amorim. Tyrell Malacia, on the other hand, joined PSV Eindhoven on loan. Strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have netted just a combined total of five goals in the Premier League this season so far.
Red Devils eyeing major overhaul in summer
A major reason for United’s conservative approach in the January transfer window is reportedly said to because the Red Devils are eyeing a major overhaul in the summer transfer window. According to a report in ESPN, United looked at several attacking options, including French footballer Mathys Tel, who eventually joined Tottenham on loan from Bayern Munich.
United decided against signing Tel because of Bayern’s loan fee demand of approximately £5 million and also without an option to make the deal permanent. According to insiders quoted by ESPN, the financial position of United is considered to be “very tight”, although their careful approach in the January transfer window will help them strengthen their squad in the summer.
Victor Lindelöf and Cristian Eriksen will be out of contract at the end of the ongoing season, with both set to leave on free transfers. United are also looking to remove Casemiro’s salary from the wage bill.
According to a source quoted by ESPN, Geovany Quenda of Sporting CP is one of the main targets for United. There’s a release clause of €100m for the teenager, but Sporting are ready to negotiate a fee around €60m. United are languishing in 13th place in the Premier League with 29 points from 24 matches.
United have qualified for the UEFA Europa League round of 16 , having finished the league stage in third place. Amorim’s side will next face Leicester City in the fourth round of FA Cup on Friday night.