Striker signs, two players sold - Ruben Amorim's dream Manchester United January transfer window

Not long after taking charge of Manchester United for the very first time, part of Ruben Amorim's focus will switch to the January transfer window.

After being installed as Erik ten Hag's successor earlier this month, it is only natural the 39-year-old will want to gradually put his own stamp on the squad of players he has inherited.

United started the process of transforming their recruitment model during the summer, signing younger players who had not yet reached their respective peaks. However, the likelihood of Amorim installing a new formation at Old Trafford means the United hierarchy will have to recruit to his needs.

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It goes without saying that United, historically, are not big-spenders in the January window. Ten Hag was not allowed to make a single permanent addition mid-season during his time at the club. Amad, who joined the club in January 2021, was United's last permanent addition in January.

With that in mind, Amorim will not be supplied with unlimited funds ahead of the second half of the season to add to his squad. At the same time, that is not to say any incomings can be completely ruled out.

Just as it was in the summer, United's main focus should be on outgoings. United, regardless of who was in charge, already knew they needed to approach the upcoming window with the intention of shifting more dead wood.

United have a handful of players whose contracts are up at the end of this season, meaning the January window will represent the last chance to sell them and secure a transfer fee. The club does hold the option to extend some out-of-contract players' deals by a further year, but that option is not available on Victor Lindelof's and Christian Eriksen's deals.

Their respective contracts conclude at the end of June and it is unlikely they will be renewed. United were desperate to sell Lindelof in the summer, and Eriksen, despite his good start to the season, is not considered as a long-term solution in midfield at the age of almost 33.

Considering they will both have just six months left on their deals come January, United will not bank big fees for either of them. However, they have been guilty of allowing players to run down their contracts and then lose them for nothing in the past. Banking a fee of any kind is better than nothing.

There are other players within the squad that Amorim may soon deem surplus to requirements, but said players will not be so easy to move on, such as Antony. He has flopped since joining United for a fee north of £85million in September 2022, and has made a paltry five appearances this term.

However, United are still paying money to Ajax, meaning the chances of offloading him permanently are slim. Furthermore, United would have no choice but to accept a huge financial loss. Their best hope of offloading him will be via a loan, on the assumption he is not a key figure within Amorim's plans.

United youngster Dan Gore could also benefit from a loan. He has experienced a deeply frustrating year, spending several months out injured. The former Port Vale loanee is currently recovering from his latest setback but is expected to be back on the grass very soon.

As far as incomings are concerned, United, as already documented, are unlikely to make sweeping changes, meaning Amorim will have to wait until the summer before he can have his first meaningful opportunity to make his mark.

Nevertheless, if there is a chance to add to his squad, he should make the most of it. It is no secret United need to upgrade several areas within their ranks to turn them back into title contenders, but those missions will have to be left until the summer.

There is no denying United could do with strengthening the left side of their defence. Luke Shaw's absence is still ongoing and it has become impossible for the club to rely on him. As brilliant as he is when he is fit, he is not fit often enough.

Tyrell Malacia has only just made his first appearance for the Under-21s after more than 500 days on the sidelines, meaning it would be a big ask of him to almost immediately reclaim a first-team place and make the position his own. Harry Amass, who is still yet to make his debut, could be an outside candidate to claim the role.

United would also benefit from signing a striker. Rasmus Hojlund has scored just twice so far this season and Joshua Zirkzee is not a natural goal-getter. However, strikers cost money, particularly in January, and United are unlikely to spend big.

Just as they did in January 2023 when they swooped for Wout Weghorst, United might have to rely on a loan signing again. They would need a more prolific option this time around though.