After dismissing manager Ruben Amorim, Manchester United have a lot to sort out to ensure they have a productive January transfer window
Tom Victor and Harry Brent Senior Sports Writer
18:00, 06 Jan 2026
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has some big decisions to make in January(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Much of the focus at Manchester United right now is on who will replace Ruben Amorim – but that hasn’t stopped speculation over potential new signings.
This comes despite Amorim hinting at limited January investment just days before being dismissed. Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team for Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Burnley, with a successor expected to be named later in the month.
During last year’s winter transfer window, United were relatively inactive. Ayden Heaven arrived from Arsenal’s academy, followed later by Patrick Dorgu.
The club reportedly have several targets, particularly in midfield, with players like Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson high on their wish-list. Current indications suggest a January splurge is unlikely, particularly with the club spending over £200million on new talent in the summer.
That said, the Red Devils are expected to explore several possibilities, with various areas of the squad in need of bolstering. Here, we examine the latest transfer updates surrounding Old Trafford.
Bitshiabu deal ‘blocked’
El Chadaille Bitshiabu is unlikely to leave Leipzig in January(Image: Getty Images)
While United may have to wait until the summer to make major investments, more creative deals could still be explored in the interim. One option involves RB Leipzig defender El Chadaille Bitshiabu, with L’Equipe reporting that the Red Devils could propose a loan with an option to buy.
However, they are unlikely to be the only club interested. Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly considering a similar arrangement, Monaco are also in pursuit due to a defensive injury crisis and Lyon are said to be involved as well.
There is a bigger complication, though. Earlier reports from Bild suggest Leipzig are unwilling to allow the young centre-back to leave in January, whether on loan or permanently.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has plenty of work to do to ensure United have a productive window(Image: Getty Images)
Bitshiabu returned from a hamstring injury in December but has only seen limited action this season. Just three of his five appearances have been in the league, with Castello Lukeba and Willi Orban ahead of him in the pecking order.
Diomande move carries risk
Bitshiabu’s team-mate Yan Diomande’s impressive start at RB Leipzig has seen him attract attention across Europe too, but a January move away also appears unlikely. Diomande joined Leipzig from Leganes in the summer and has quickly made an impact, notably scoring a hat-trick against Eintracht Frankfurt in early December.
According to The Athletic, United are one of two Premier League clubs interested in him, with Tottenham also reportedly monitoring the Ivorian winger. Leipzig are expected to demand up to £86m, with several unnamed European clubs also showing interest.
Man United are mulling over a move for Yan Diomande(Image: Getty Images)
Premier League teams have had inconsistent results when signing players from Leipzig in recent windows. Josko Gvardiol and Dominik Szoboszlai have thrived for Manchester City and Liverpool, respectively, but attackers have not been as successful.
The jury is still out on Benjamin Sesko, who joined United from the Bundesliga side last window, while Timo Werner and Christopher Nkunku struggled to replicate their Leipzig form at Chelsea. Both forwards were eventually sold at a loss, with Werner returning to Leipzig and Nkunku moving to AC Milan.
Get United transfer news and updates on WhatsApp!
Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for this week and beyond, and you can get the latest team news, injury updates, reaction and analysis along with inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community. You can also join the 50,000 (and growing!) band of United fans who are following our WhatsApp Channel.
Sign up to our community here, and join our WhatsApp channel here.
—
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.