The January transfer window is fast approaching and Ruben Amorim may be increasingly wondering whether the month can offer any hope.
Manchester United's defeat to Bournemouth once again highlighted the job their new manager has to do, with questions surrounding who he can build the team around. Marcus Rashford was left out of the squad for the third time against the Cherries, but is far from the end of the problems Amorim must solve.
The Red Devils face Wolves on Boxing Day, with Newcastle following suit before the club gets a chance to delve into the market. Some of the United squad could spend their careers with the 13-time Premier League champions.
Mirror Football takes a closer look at some of the biggest transfer news and rumors surrounding Old Trafford.
Shock swap deal
Marcus Rashford's final exit from Old Trafford could be via a surprise swap deal. The United Academy player has admitted he wants a new challenge, with the club open to sanctioning a transfer.
That could see Rashford leave next month, although the Red Devils do not want to strengthen their rivals in the Premier League. That means teams from Europe could see their interest piqued, with Barcelona being a candidate.
However, to get a transfer over the line despite financial constraints, reports in Spain require a swap deal. Hansi Flick is now said to have given Barca 'the approval' to use Ansu Fati as a substitute to sign Rashford.
Summer deal possible
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Manchester United are one of several clubs in the hunt for Atalanta midfielder Ederson. However, a deal in the summer is considered more likely than in January.
United have been constantly scouting the Brazilian ace and appear to be on the verge of making good on their interests.
“I can guarantee that several clubs in Europe are keeping an eye on Ederson, Man Utd is one of them. For sure, Man Utd love the player,” Romano said.
“Ruben Amorim wants intensity and when you think about intensity, Ederson is probably one of the most intense midfielders in Europe. He's a three-way candidate, top, top player.
“The January transfer window will be very complicated but the feeling is that Ederson could leave in the summer. United have sent their scouts several times to scout Ederson. He has many fans across Europe.”
Neville demands an overhaul
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has called on Ruben Amorim to overhaul the club. With the club currently in 13th place and struggling to improve, the new United boss will have been under no illusions about the players he has at his disposal.
“He sees what Manchester United fans have been looking at for the last 10 years. There needs to be a cultural change,” Neville told Sky Sports. “It's a very torrid time, there's not much to say about the performance levels or the way they're playing.
“They are all guys who are trying their best, it's not a personal attack, but they are not good enough to play for Manchester United because this club wants to be at the top. The same as Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea – those clubs strive to be top, but you have to get there.
“It's very clear when you look at these players, they are not good enough.”
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