Manchester United could transform their prospects during the January transfer window, with a number of realistic incomings and outgoings at Ruben Amorim’s fingertips
Tom Sunderland Sports Writer
11:00, 25 Dec 2025
Marcus Rashford’s future could be resolved in January(Image: Soccrates Images, Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim’s options seem to be limited as the January transfer window approaches, but Manchester United are still in a position to compete in the market. With Africa Cup of Nations commitments and injuries already taking their toll on the squad, a shake-up could be beneficial.
Bruno Fernandes‘ recent injury is likely to result in the longest absence he’s had since moving to England nearly six years ago. This is compounded by the absences of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui, who are all currently competing in Morocco.
However, it’s not just potential new signings that could lift spirits at Old Trafford as Marcus Rashford appears to be on the brink of leaving. Mirror Football analyses several potential game-changers that have the potential to transform a promising season into a highly successful one.
While this may not be the happy ending many envisaged for Rashford at United, it could alleviate a lot of pressure for the club. With his ties in Manchester seemingly irreparable, a swift resolution would be a positive outcome at this point.
Rashford’s value is high due to his impressive form at Barcelona, who have the option to secure a bargain £28million deal for the forward. Despite their financial difficulties, it’s still within the Spanish powerhouse’s means to afford such a fee, although it may be optimistic to expect a deal to be finalised this far ahead of schedule.
READ MORE: Marcus Rashford sends Man Utd clear message on future ahead of January transfer windowREAD MORE: ‘I worked with Marcus Rashford – this one thing caused him to leave Man Utd’
Clearing Rashford’s hefty £300,000-a-week salary from the payroll would be a significant relief for United’s board, even if Barca are footing the bill during his loan spell. This would equate to a saving of around £16m over the remaining two years of Rashford’s contract, excluding any transfer fee.
If Barca were to decide Rashford had earned a permanent move as soon as next month, it would provide United with an immediate cash boost to reinvest. And the amount would be appreciated following a summer of heavy expenditure.
Securing established stars in the winter is always challenging, but Conor Gallagher presents an enticing prospect. Not only does the ex-Chelsea player have the potential to break into the starting XI, but he also fits the profile of player United currently need and could be available in January, possibly via an initial loan deal.
After an impressive debut season at Atletico Madrid, Gallagher has fallen out of favour under Diego Simeone. He’s only made eight starts in all competitions during the first half of the season, with suggestions a fee of around £26m could secure his departure from Spain.
Could Conor Gallagher find his way to Old Trafford?(Image: Diego Souto/Getty Images)
A versatile midfielder who can fill various roles, Gallagher would certainly ease the burden during Fernandes’ absence. And with rumours once again circulating that the United captain could depart next year, signing a replacement now would demonstrate excellent foresight.
The only drawback to bringing Gallagher on board is that it could further hinder the opportunities for Kobbie Mainoo to get game time. However, it seems increasingly likely Amorim doesn’t have immediate plans to promote the academy graduate in any case.
German prodigy joins
Despite the summer signings of Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, United’s attacking options still appear somewhat thin. Sesko’s recent injury exposed a worrying lack of depth in the forward line, a gap that Joshua Zirkzee and Cunha haven’t quite managed to fill in recent weeks.
Said El Mala is one of Germany’s current most-exciting prospects(Image: Getty Images)
Koln gem Said El Mala isn’t a natural frontman, and Amorim’s favoured 3-4-2-1 formation doesn’t necessarily accommodate wingers of his variety. However, at 19 years old, the right manager could shape him into a formidable threat in a modified role, and his age profile would mean the manager could bide his time developing the player.
El Mala’s 6’2″ stature may seem awkward out wide, but he has been used as a centre forward by Koln on occasion. The teenager has netted six goals and provided three assists in just 15 Bundesliga appearances this season, showing a natural goal-scoring instinct that could flourish if nurtured at Old Trafford.
Once again, United would be wise to act swiftly as Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Manchester City and Tottenham are among the clubs vying for his signature. His signing could come with a hefty price tag given he’s contracted at Koln until 2030, but El Mala may be the kind of talent who becomes a key figure at the club for years to come.
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