After a difficult start to the 2024/25 season, a dream January transfer window would certainly not look out of place at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim arrived at the peak of the season, with the fixture list leaving little time on the training pitch to implement his methods. What might have become clear is that his team is not good enough.
Since the sacking of Erik ten Hag, United have failed to improve their fortunes. The club are 14th ahead of Newcastle United and despite a string of signings in the summer, a few more may be needed to transform the club's fortunes.
Mirror Football take a look at what would be the perfect transfer window for the Red Devils.
Marcus Rashford exit
The club is open to a transfer and Marcus Rashord wants to leave. An exit for the academy star may be a moment of sadness, but it is a sale that has to happen.
If United can find a candidate willing to pay a fee and the 27-year-old's salary, it will prove to be a game-changing result for the club whose transfer coffers would be boosted. If nothing else, Amorim will be spared from answering questions after leaving his lead out of the matchday squad.
A new attacker is coming
Scoring goals hasn't been easy for United in recent times. The club currently has a negative goal difference in the Premier League, scoring just 21 goals in 18 games. A third of those goals also came in just two games.
Rashford's departure would leave Amorim even more short of attackers and while full of potential, Rasmus Hojlund has not yet been able to fully shoulder the burden of finding the net. Goals win games and a new striker may be needed to fix that.
There are reports that a gentleman's agreement has been struck that will prevent Amorim from raiding Sporting for players next month, but Viktor Gyokeres is the standout candidate. The Swede will not be cheap, but is already familiar with Amorim's approach and United was previously served by a mega signing in Bruno Fernandes in January.
A new left back
With Luke Shaw still struggling with injuries and Tyrell Malacia Amorim yet to convince, having a natural left-back is high on the agenda at Old Trafford. A player who knows the 39-year-old head coach is also said to be looking for an exit.
Paris Saint-Germain star Nune Mendes has seen discussions over a new contract stall in the French capital and has experience playing under Amorim at Sporting. It would bring more balance to United's defense and restore a position that has long been a problem.
True perfection?
While it is never an ideal situation to sell players before buying them, United do have players who will soon leave their books. If that can be achieved in January, the club will benefit even more from giving new players time to acclimatise to the Premier League.
A large number of names, including Rashford, Malacia, Joshua Zirkzee, Antony, Jonny Evans and Christian Eriksen, have already been left out of the match selection by Amorim. In a perfect window, perhaps United can complete some good things in the first month of 2025 to rid Amorim of players he won't use.
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