Three signings who would transform Manchester United in January

Manchester United’s form this season has come as a shock to many. They don’t always play the most attractive football or resoundingly beat teams 5-0, but they seem to have something they’ve been without in recent years – the ability to win.

Following Liverpool’s loss to Southampton this week, the title is now in the hands of United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, whose side are level on points with the current champions with a game in hand.

However, the Red Devils’ luck is likely to run out soon, meaning they should look to reinforce quality players in the January transfer window.

Here is a list of three players United should sign to avoid their inevitable drop off and win the Premier League for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.

Jadon Sancho

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Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Jadon Sancho is a name Man United fans will be familiar with.

Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing the winger in the summer, with Dortmund CEO Hans Joachim Watzke confirming Sancho was ‘ready to go’ to Old Trafford, but an agreement between the clubs was unable to be agreed.

The 20-year-old product of Manchester City’s academy had a breakout season in 2019/20, scoring 19 goals and assisting 18 in all competitions.

Although the numbers have slightly faded so far this season – five goals and nine assists – Sancho could add much needed balance on the right-hand side for Solskjaer’s side.

According to WhoScored, just 30 percent of United’s attacks come from the right-hand side compared to 44 percent from the left. With left-footed Mason Greenwood and Juan Mata often occupying the right-wing role for United, the side lack width on the right with the pair often cutting in onto their favourable left foot, thus making it easier for teams to defend against.

Reportedly available, albeit at a huge price, Sancho could be the out-and-out right winger who transforms a merely just-above-average side into title-winners.

Ruben Neves

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Despite not lacking numbers in the defensive midfield role, Manchester United lack outright quality.

Although Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay and Fred all occupy the role with differing qualities, it’s clear to see United could improve on the position.

Albeit not widely regarded as an outright defensive midfielder – perhaps more suited in a box-to-box role – Wolves’ Ruben Neves has the defensive capabilities to play the position with two more expansive midfielders in front of him. The Portuguese international regained possession more times in 2020 than anyone else in the league, showing he has the ability to win the ball back for his side.

Not only is Neves top-class without the ball, but his ability with the ball at his feet is arguably his strongest asset.

With a pass accuracy of 85% in the league and an average of one key pass per game, Neves is able to keep possession tidily but isn’t scared to take a risk, shown by his average of six long balls per game.

A keen shooter from distance, he takes aim from outside the box 1.4 times per game. His ability to at least trouble the goalkeeper from range could massively benefit United when facing sides in a low block, where space for attackers is limited.

Neves became the youngest player to captain his boyhood Porto in 2015 aged 18-years-old, suggesting he has experience beyond his years.

Now aged 23-years-old, Neves could make the defensive midfield position his at United for almost a decade. And with his value sure to increase, now might be the best time to pick him up.

David Alaba

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It’s no secret that United are defensively naïve. Their 24 league goals conceded is the most of any team in the top half of the table.

Despite a recent resurgence from Eric Bailly – who is injury prone and often unreliable – finding a consistent centre-half partner for captain Harry Maguire has been a bane throughout Solskjaer’s tenure at the club.

The perfect candidate for the role is Bayern Munich’s David Alaba.

Standing at 5ft 11, nimble Alaba would complement somewhat-rigid Maguire perfectly.

With over 350 appearances for Bayern playing in a wide range of positions, Alaba could offer United something they don’t currently have at the back: reliability.

At the age of 28-years-old the Austrian international is at the peak of his career and buying him would offer instant results.

Alaba is also used to winning silverware, having won the Bundesliga nine times, the Champions League twice – starting in both finals – and the DFB-Pokal six times.

With his contract due to expire in June this year, Alaba could be available for free in the summer. However, with Liverpool and Real Madrid reportedly interested in the signing, acquiring him in January may be the safest bet, with Bayern likely to offer him at a cut price while they can still gain cash for him.

Admittedly nearly impossible in January, signing the trio would really strengthen the side for years to come, as well as increasing their chances of lifting silverware this season.

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