Manchester United have had a relatively quiet transfer window thus far, but they’re expected to ramp up efforts to bolster the squad over the next couple of days.
To say the Red Devils are having a bad season will be putting it mildly.
Ruben Amorim’s side are flying in the Europa League. They’re one win away from sealing automatic qualification to the next round, but their domestic campaign has been appalling.
United are languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table. They sit 12th on the log after collecting 29 points from 23 games and are just as close to the relegation zone as they are to the top four.
The Red Devils are still trying to find their feet under their new manager, but it’s clear the squad isn’t built to play Amorim’s demanding brand of football.
United need a major rebuild to turn things around, but that’ll have to wait until summer. However, they’ll still be looking to bolster key areas of the squad before Monday’s transfer deadline.
That said, let’s go over some of the transfer news surrounding United, with only a few days left in the January transfer window.
Man United still interested in Matheus Cunha
United are still interested in Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha but may struggle to lure him away from the Midlands this month.
The Red Devils are well aware of Cunha’s qualities as the Brazilian played a key role in Wolves’ shocking 2-1 win against Amorim’s side back in December.
Those who bought Manchester United vs Wolves tickets from Seatsnet.com watched on as Cunha bagged a goal and an assist to condemn the Red Devils to a crushing defeat.
However, United’s interest in Cunha predates his masterclass at Molineux Stadium. The 25-year-old is seen as an ideal fit for Amorim’s system.
The Portuguese manager sets up his team with double tens playing behind a central striker, and Cunha will fit seamlessly into the system, especially when asked to play off a focal point.
The former Atletico Madrid ace has been in outstanding form for Wolves this season, returning ten goals and four assists in 22 Premier League games for a team battling relegation.
While he’d be an ideal signing for Amorim’s side, United may need to cough up a significant amount to convince Wolves into a sale.
The Wanderers are not interested in entertaining offers for their talisman, with Arsenal also interested in the Brazilian international.
They’re trying to get him to sign a new deal, but the striker has stalled, giving hope to potential suitors.
Cunha’s body language has been called into question by his manager, Vitor Pereira, but the Portuguese manager still believes in his undeniable talent.
Cunha’s contract with Wolves runs until the summer of 2027, so it remains to be seen if United can pull off a deal for the dazzling forward this month.
If they don’t, they’ll likely return for his signature in the summer.
Man United told what they must do to sign Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku
United are also exploring a potential loan deal for Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku as they look to bolster their attacking options before the transfer window closes.
Journalist Dharmesh Sheth has revealed that while the Red Devils are keen on the French striker, a move depends on their ability to offload players.
United have struggled for goals in the Premier League this season, and with financial constraints limiting their ability to make big signings, they are seeking creative solutions in the market.
Reports suggest that Alejandro Garnacho could be used in a swap deal with Chelsea for Nkunku, though no formal approach has been made by the London club for the young Argentine.
Additionally, United are considering a move for Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel, who is eager to leave the German giants in search of more playing time.
Sheth explained on Sky Sports that if United were to negotiate a deal involving Garnacho with Chelsea, it could pave the way for Nkunku’s loan move to Old Trafford.
However, Bayern are also in the mix, and Tel’s potential switch to Chelsea could complicate matters.
“Manchester United have looked into the possibility of a deal for Christopher Nkunku, but there would only be a loan,” Sheth told Sky Sports.
“They’ve got no chance of doing a permanent deal for Nkunku. It will cost them too much money. If United, and it’s a big ‘if’, did business with Chelsea for [Alejandro] Garnacho, they’ll already be talking then.
“And it would smooth the way for Nkunku to maybe make a move on loan to Old Trafford.
“But Nkunku is interested in Bayern Munich as well, and they maybe have a player in Mathys Tel that Chelsea could be interested in.”
United’s financial situation means they may have to sell players before making significant moves.
Both Garnacho and Marcus Rashford, as academy graduates, represent ‘pure profit’ in financial terms, which could help the club comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) if they decide to pursue a new forward.
Man United agree deal to sign Patrick Dorgu from Lecce
Meanwhile, United have completed their first big signing of the winter transfer window, securing the highly-rated Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.
The Red Devils had been actively searching for a left wing-back and have now found their ideal solution.
After weeks of negotiations, United have reached a verbal agreement with the Italian club.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal on his X account, revealing that United will pay £25 million upfront, with an additional £4m in performance-related add-ons.
The 20-year-old becomes the first major signing under Amorim. Dorgu is a natural left-back but can play in multiple positions, including left wing-back, right wing-back, and even as a winger.
This season, he has been used primarily in attacking roles for Lecce, but Amorim is expected to utilise him as a left wing-back at Old Trafford.
With Diogo Dalot struggling in the makeshift role, Dorgu is expected to offer more attacking threat and defensive stability.
The Denmark international has impressed in Serie A, averaging 6.9 duels won per game, along with 2.1 tackles, 4.7 recoveries, and 1.7 clearances.
