Manchester United are running out of time to add to their squad before the January transfer window closes, with head coach Ruben Amorim still looking for reinforcements
Manchester United take on Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday against the backdrop of what could be a very busy end to the January transfer window.
United boss Ruben Amorim was left staring at another defeat on Sunday, with a 3-1 reverse against Brighton leaving his team comfortably in the bottom half of the Premier League table. He has suggested he made a mistake with post-match comments describing the team as the worst in United’s history, but that doesn’t hide the fact that reinforcements are required.
Left wing-back appears to be the position with the most urgent need, with a number of players linked. Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu appears to be top of the list, with Nuno Mendes now looking set to stay at Paris Saint-Germain.
There could also be a number of exits before the window shuts, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho both available for the right price. Here are Mirror Football‘s latest lines from around Old Trafford.
Barcelona’s Rashford meeting
Representatives for Marcus Rashford met with Barcelona on Tuesday, according to Sky Sports. The Catalan club appears to be Rashford’s preference, though other clubs are in the mix.
The England international isn’t Barca’s first choice, according to reports in Spain, but could end up joining as a more realistic option than their top targets. Those targets are said to include Premier League duo Alexander Isak and Luis Diaz, as well as Serie A hotshot Rafa Leao.
Barcelona didn’t find goals too hard to come by on Tuesday, though. They came from behind to win 5-4 away to Benfica, solidifying their status as the top scorers in the Champions League.
Dorgu alternatives emerge
Manchester United have three Premier League players in their sights as they explore their left-back options, according to The i. Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri and Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell are all on their radar, though it remains to be seen whether any would be available in January.
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Lecce star Patrick Dorgu is thought to remain their top target, but an initial bid has fallen short. United could yet return for the Danish international before the window shuts, though.
If United want Kerkez, they could yet face competition from Liverpool. The Merseyside club, who are thought to want a longer-term successor to Andy Robertson, have also been linked less strongly with Algeria international Ait-Nouri.
Carreras return unlikely
One man who doesn’t seem likely to solve that left-sided sisue is Alvaro Carreras. The Spanish youngster left United for Benfica in July after a successful loan, with a buy-back clause included, but has no plans to leave Estadio da Luz.
“No. Actually, you never know, but I have a contract for many years here at Benfica, I’m happy,” Carreras told DAZN (via Sport Witness) after Benfica’s loss to Barcelona. “They gave me the opportunity to grow, and I owe everything to them.”
Carreras has three goals and four assists in 30 appearances for Benfica this term. He is under contract with the Portuguese club until the summer of 2029.
The official programme cover for Manchester United v Rangers has been revealed, and it is paying tribute to ‘The King’, Denis Law. As well as the cover, there will be special features inside dedicated to the Manchester United and Scotland legend. Copies will be available at Old Trafford on matchday or online.
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