Manchester United are currently the “worst team” in the club's history, according to Ruben Amorim – and new signings appear to be the only solution.
The only problem is that the Red Devils are running out of time to get deals over the line. There's only a week and a half left of the January 2025 transfer window and as it stands, not a single new signing has put pen to paper.
But that could all change in the coming days. A number of United stars could potentially leave Old Trafford, which could free up crucial funds for some new signings.
How many deals the club chiefs can make remains to be seen, but it could be a very exciting end to the term. Take a look at those that could be signed, many of which are earmarked for exits:
United's most obvious target is a move for Marcus Rashford. Since his suspension against Manchester City, he has made just one appearance in the first-team squad under Ruben Amorim.
Rashford has been linked with moves to Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan. He may even be followed to Italy by teammate Alejandro Garnacho.
The Argentinian striker was once again removed from the selection against City and appears to have little future at Old Trafford. Napoli have emerged as the most likely candidate for his signature, but Chelsea could potentially have a say in that.
The last high-profile attacker who could leave is Antony. The Brazilian was an unmitigated disaster at Old Trafford, but seems to be getting closer to a transfer to Real Betis.
The exits may not stop there. Both Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof are out of contract this summer, so January is the club's last chance to recoup the transfer fee. The latter has been linked with Leicester, while Celtic have been touted as a potential destination for the Dane.
A possible exit is a little clearer for Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who has been continuously linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. The Red Devils have been trying to get his huge wages off the books for some time now and any move to do so would be beneficial as they look to get signatures across the line.
Once these high earners are off the books, attention can turn to loans. Tyrell Malacia has been plagued by injuries during his time at Old Trafford and a temporary move could be positive in the long term.
Academy graduates Harry Amass and Dan Gore are both also in need of first-team exposure, so loan moves could be the perfect way for the pair to do that.
Looking at the incoming players, it seems the focus could potentially be on the left back position. Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu seems most likely to arrive in the coming days and will provide extra depth.
Should Malacia leave – and Luke Shaw is confined to the sidelines – United could opt for a new left-wing signing, with Nuno Mendes and Rayan Ait-Nouri both under consideration. It seems unlikely that all three will be signed, but a few additions aren't outside the realm of possibility.
By going on the attack, United could finally look at one of their long-term targets in the form of Viktor Gyokeres. The Sporting Lisbon striker was immediately linked with a move to Old Trafford after Amorim made his own move. It would be an expensive move to make in January – when they also have competition from Arsenal – but it's hard to say Gyokeres wouldn't be an excellent signing.