It’s well known that the January Transfer Window is a notoriously difficult time to complete the major deals – which the so-called ‘bigger’ clubs sometimes feel the need to take it to that next level. For Manchester United, there is much work ahead.
Over the years, there have been some major deals completed during the winter window, with both Patrice Evra and Nemanja Matic moving to Old Trafford during the same January. In more recent years, Alexis Sanchez made a mid-season move to Manchester, though as we all know that didn’t work out too well…
The 2020 January transfer window finds United in a position where they need to recruit some quality. Here, we’ll go through it position-by-position and look at potential signings during this month, while also looking forward to the summer.
The inconsistency of United this season is the major reason why reinforcements are needed at Old Trafford. Various injuries, plus poor form and performances, have highlighted the deficiencies in the squad.
One of the major areas which needs strengthening is the midfield, especially with the whole Paul Pogba transfer saga refusing to go away. In all likelihood, the French World Cup winner will leave the club in the summer at the very latest. There are, however, other areas of the squad which need addressing.
Today, we start with the shot-stoppers – though this is actually an area United have had much success with.
Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper position is an area that feels well-placed going forward, despite some uncomfortable moments for David De Gea over the past 12 months. However, as the old saying goes ‘form is temporary but class is permanent’.
Now that the speculation surrounding the Spaniard’s future has subsided due to signing a new long-term contract, De Gea will spend the next few years (at least) in Manchester.
In terms of cover and competition, Sergio Romero has undoubtedly been one of the best number two goalkeepers that the Premier League has seen. He remains Argentina’s best goalkeeper but I suspect that he wants to start playing more regularly – and a move this summer could well happen, to say, a Porto-type club.
Dean Henderson is likely to return to United at the end of his loan spell with Sheffield United. His form with Sheffield United has been exemplary and the Englishman has the ability to challenge De Gea for the number one shirt and make his mark at the club. Therefore I cannot see us letting Henderson leave permanently when his short-term deal in the Steel City expires.
The contract of Lee Grant, our third choice stopper, expires this summer – and he could well leave on a free transfer, possibly back to Stoke to replace Jack Butland who could well move on. Although Grant could well be tempted to stay on at United to help develop Henderson and provide experience and competition amongst the Goalkeepers in the group.
Then there’s also Joel Pereira, currently on loan at Scottish Premiership club Hearts. My feeling is that come this summer Henderson will return, Romero will leave, Grant will stay on and Pereira will also move on permanently, with young Matej Kovar going out on loan to get some experience as a number one, possibly in League One or Two.
No incomings are needed.
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