Erik ten Hag has turned things around spectacularly at Manchester United and the Dutchman should be given to reinforce his squad in the January transfer window. After the shock of the first two defeats to start the season, the Red Devils have been on a tear in the Premier League, and it’s clear the direction of the club is trending upwards. United have been more compact defensively under the Dutchman, while forwards such as Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have started to thrive following the much-needed departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ten Hag’s summer signings, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, and Casemiro, have all also bedded in perfectly during the first half of the campaign, taking United to fourth in the table, nine points behind league-leaders Arsenal.
With Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham struggling to various degrees, United have an excellent chance of finishing in the top four or even mounting a surprise title charge. But to do so, the Red Devils must dip into the transfer market again in January to bolster their squad.
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With Cristiano Ronaldo offloaded, Manchester United need to bolster their attacking ranks in January for the second half of the season. With most of the marquee strikers like Dusan Vlahovic, Harry Kane, or Victor Oshimen unlikely to be sold in January, United may have to look for a short-term option till the end of the season to make up the numbers.
The Red Devils have been linked with striker Wout Weghorst in this January transfer window, but another Dutch forward who could be a perfect fit this winter is Memphis Depay. Barcelona are looking to offload the Netherlands forward this off-season, and United could bring back Depay on a short-term loan deal for the rest of the season. The 28-year-old is an elite technician and can be an adequate backup to Anthony Martial for the remainder of the campaign.
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Christian Eriksen and Casemiro have added some much-needed steel and style to Manchester United’s midfield since their summer arrivals, but the Red Devils still need more technical security in the middle of the park. With the Frenkie de Jong saga unlikely to be resolved, one player United can go for in the January transfer window is Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans.
The Belgian midfielder is one of the best technicians in the Premier League and could be available for a bargain price this winter with just six months left on his contract with the Foxes.
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One of the biggest upgrades Manchester United can make in the transfer window is signing a new goalkeeper that fits Erik ten Hag’s style of play. David de Gea has made some improvements as a passer and sweeper but is still not natural at coming off his line or playing out from the back. Signing a modern goalkeeper comfortable with the ball at his feet will significantly raise United’s ceiling as a team, and one player they can look at in the January transfer window is FC Porto keeper Diogo Costa.
The Portuguese shot-stopper didn’t have the best time at the 2022 FIFA World Cup for this country but is one of the most promising young keepers in Europe. Costa has saved three penalties for Porto in the Champions League this season and has also kept six clean sheets in the Primera Liga.
[Featured Image Credit: Memphis Depay]
ML Sports