Welp! The January window is closed and Manchester United failed to bring anyone in. This wasn’t too shocking given the way in which the club has been run since the Glazer takeover. United spent much of this window attempting to clean house, but only temporarily. All of the players United sent away this month were on loan deals, so they will eventually be back. Manchester United’s January transfer window was an utter shambles!
Manchester United will have to make their push for the top 4 in the latter half of the season without any new faces. The Red Devils will be just fine up front with no lack of depth at the attacking positions, despite the departure of Anthony Martial and he who shall not be named (MG11). But, their already shallow midfield actually got smaller this window. McTominay and Fred will have to remain United’s primary holders in the midfield. Perhaps Paul Pogba may fancy dominating the midfield for the remainder of the season in efforts of making a good move away this summer.
The squad also failed to add anyone to its backline. There is no lack of depth at the back, but the performances of the defense as a whole has shown a real need for change. Although the pairing of Maguire and Varane honestly hasn’t played consistently enough this season to really flourish. Regardless, let’s break down the bigger headlines of this January transfer window!
United Transfer Talk – Donny van de Beek to Everton
After failing yet again under another manager to get quality playing time, van de Beek has left for Everton until the end of the season. This is a loan deal with no option to buy as the United board desire to hold onto him for any new incoming manager this summer to make a decision on the Dutchman. Van de Beek will most likely play a vital role for Everton to finish out the season as the Toffees look to move up the table. It’s all hands on deck for Everton so don’t think they wont use their loan players.
Everton has just appointed Frank Lampard as their new manger as well. Van de Beek has played against Lampard when he was with Ajax in the Champions League. Reports are that Lampard really fancies Van de Beek and the young midfielder is happy to play for him. Van de Beek said, “I can learn a lot from him because he was a little bit in the same position – a midfield player who scored a lot of goals”. Hopefully Van de Beek can put a good run of performances together and proves his case for a spot in United’s starting 11 next season.
United Transfer Talk – Anthony Martial to Sevilla
Anthony Martial has made the move to La Liga with Sevilla for the remainder of the season on loan. It’s unclear weather this will be the end of Martial’s time with United as the board have reportedly asked him to hold off on making any decisions on his future until a new manager is appointed. Martial will surely have his fair opportunity to stake a claim as Sevilla’s number 9 moving forward this season as the club lacks any consistent goal scorers. The Frenchmen is reportedly ‘open minded’ about his future, so there is a chance that whomever United’s new manager is this summer could dictate Martials future.
Martial will surely not be missed by this current United side. He’s shown the ability in the past to be someone you’d consider un-droppable, but we haven’t seen that man in a long time. Perhaps, he can rediscover his goal scoring touch in Spain. Although, I still don’t see him having a future with United due to his inconsistent past. There is a proper player in there and I hope he shows himself. Although, with United already having the likes of Sancho and Rashford I see no need for him right now. Ronaldo will continue to lead our front line. That is, until a new man is brought in to play a proper number 9 role.
Amad Diallo to Rangers
Finally, the last major news of the transfer window involves the young Ivory Coast winger Amad Diallo. The Manchester United winger joins Rangers in the Scottish Premiership for the remainder of the season. At just 19 years old this is a good move for Diallo. There is currently too much depth up top for United at the moment. Diallo needs this move to get constant match experience and keep developing his game. The Scottish premiership may not be the most luxurious league but it is competitive, tough, and is similar to the style of the premier league.
Diallo has already played a match for Rangers, and received a start in the match. Diallo scored just 4 minutes into the match with a fine finish. His quality shown brightly throughout the match, but there was a clear lack of chemistry with his new teammates. Although, this is expected and inevitable when making a move to a new side. Diallo was subbed off in the 66 minute, but the Rangers manager was very impressed. Rangers manager van Bronkhurst said, “You could see his quality, I mean he made the first goal he was very good in the space in the second post, you could see what he can give to the team”. Diallo’s loan move is an example of a good decision made by United this window.
What to Look Forward to
Well, with the January window now officially closed, United fans can begin looking ahead to the remainder of the season and the summer window. It’s vital no matter what United’s plans are in the summer that they finish this season in the top 4. Many of the potential transfers planned for United this summer rest on the guarantee of Champions League Football. Much of the United boards current plans for the summer window will also depend on who is appointed as the long term replacement for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
According to many reports, United plan to make 4 signings this summer. Leading that list of potential targets is Declan Rice. It’s no secret United’s biggest weakness is the lack of a quality holding midfielder. Rice would surely improve this side, so let’s hope the club can make it happen.
Outside of Declan Rice the other transfer targets still remain unclear. There has been talk of John McGinn coming in from Aston Villa, and Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund. Personally, I hope the club makes Bellingham their top priority as his signing would secure the United midfield for potentially the next decade. And, of course there are still the rumors about Erling Haaland but there are also major reports saying United are out of the race for the Norwegian. United fans will hope and fantasize about many potential moves this summer, but for now the most important thing is that United finishes in the top 4 this season.
Quick Updates
Teden Mengi has left for Birmingham on loan.
Axel Tuanzebe completed his move to Serie A side Napoli this winter window. There is the potential this move is made permanent.
Ethan Laird moves to Bournemouth as the Cherries chase promotion from the Championship this season.
Reece Devine goes to Walsall on loan.
Matej Kovar has gone out to Burton Albion on loan.
Pochettino and Ten Heng remain United’s top targets to become the permanent manger this summer.
This completes this weeks edition of Manchester United transfer talk. The January window is now closed and we look ahead to summer.
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