Manchester United have made an active start in the transfer window with outgoings, which might later create space for incomings.
It was clear before the transfer window opened that this January 2024 transfer window would not see a spending spree from the Red Devils.
That doesn’t mean Manchester United don’t need reinforcements. The very opposite. United are experiencing a tough season and need help, especially up front.
Summer signing Rasmus Hojlund has netted only one Premier League goal this season, and he would likely thrive in a situation where a little pressure is taken off him, from an experienced forward.
READ MORE: Manchester United transfer history 2013 to present day
Manchester United transfer window objectives
Manchester United had two major transfer window objectives. One was to strengthen by adding a striker, short-term. We are still waiting on that one.
But it has become a little bit more likely after the club’s other transfer market objective was emphatically ticked off.
United’s main other priority was to get rid of unwanted players. Namely Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho.
Van de Beek had played only 21 minutes of football this season, and none since September, with Sancho contributing to 64 minutes, the last of which came in August.
Both players were not in manager Erik ten Hag‘s plans, and the clear objective was to move them on.
Now, due to the way their stock had fallen dramatically over the past year, United could not demand a fair fee for either.
So the club have opted for loan deals to the Bundesliga, essentially development loans, with the hope both players recover some value, and can be sold for a reasonable price in the summer.
United are also saving some money on wages for both players. Not the whole amount, but enough, almost £3 million from Sancho’s salary alone.
Importantly too, Manchester United have got this business done early, with both unwanted players dispatched by January 11. Van de Beek’s loan went through on the 1st.
This gives Manchester United some time to play with and plan the next move, which may or may not involve a striker signing.
Short-term striker deal helps
Signing a striker in the short-term can help Manchester United’s goal-shy attack, which has failed to see any player reach double figures in all competititons.
The market could really open up if Anthony Martial is sold this month, but that is going to be difficult, with the Frenchman a particularly high-earner.
Nonetheless, Martial is contributing little at Old Trafford, and United need to find a player who can contribute. A new arrival can give the team a lift, and might even be the difference between playing Champions League football next season, or missing out.
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