Meek defeats to Bournemouth in the Premier League and Bayern Munich in the Champions League over the past seven days means Erik ten Hag and his side are under pressure to perform with Liverpool on the horizon this weekend. The Reds are out of Europe and surrendered their Carabao Cup defence last month.
The FA Cup has yet to begin while despite their indifferent form they remain in contention for a top four (or five) place to secure Champions League football next term.
The January transfer window could offer an opportunity but United are not in a strong position, on or off the pitch. We asked our United writers for their views on what might happen next month...
■TYRONE MARSHALL
What United need to do and what United can do are two very different subjects for January. This squad clearly needs more quality but it just isn't going to happen next month. Quality players rarely move in Januand and United can't afford quality players.
Their European exit has further damaged their compliance with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules and sales now have to be the priority, especially as there are only two competitions left for Erik ten Hag's squad this season.
Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho are quite obvious departures and both should be sold rather than loaned out, if possible, in January. More could follow though.
Raphael Varane returned to the team on Tuesday but his status remains a little unclear and interest from Saudi Arabia is likely. The same is true of Casemiro and given his sizeable salary and the fact he has three and a half years remaining on his contract, it might be time for United to cut their losses.
Offers for Anthony Martial are unlikely, however. He will be available for free in the summer and doesn't have the recent form that would convince a club to pay for him six months earlier.
His exit will surely come on a free transfer.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 15, 2023-Ausgabe von Manchester Evening News.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 15, 2023-Ausgabe von Manchester Evening News.
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UNITED midfielder Toby Collyer is open to a move to a Championship club this month if a suitable offer emerges.
Even United's 'untouchables' are not safe
SIR Jim Ratcliffe hasn't been afraid of making difficult decisions in his 11 months in charge at Old Trafford, and if a good offer arrives for Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho this month, you can be certain sentimentality won't be priced into the equation.
Young forward recalled from Latics loan move
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Club chiefs ready to play hardball on new contracts
UNITED'S efforts to comply with the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules could force them to sell one of their homegrown players.
Josh may not be success, but he deserves respect
REGARDLESS of your opinion of Joshua Zirkzee as a footballer and whether United should have signed him, the chances are you felt sorry for him as he faced a chorus of boos from his own supporters when he was substituted in the first half against Newcastle at Old Trafford last week.
Rash could be feeling pressure of 'being local'
FORMER United winger Lee Sharpe believes the pressures of being a local player could be one of the reasons Marcus Rashford wants to quit Old Trafford.
Frankfurt's message to Txiki: 'Show us the money
YOU know you are trying to buy a player from the Bundesliga when there are quotes from the selling club's executives in the papers every day.
RIO HAPPY WITH DESIRE IN ANFIELD CLASH
UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand has praised the effort and desire the Reds showed in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Liverpool, insisting the players now have an understanding of what Ruben Amorim expects.
Numbers all add up for Omar to make switch
THERE was a moment shortly after Jack Grealish signed for City back in 2021 when he walked into the dressing room at the Etihad Stadium to see his new shirt for the first time.
Striker needed who can make big IMPACT
AT least Ruben Amorim has promised United will 'try to do something. Goals win games and the Reds do not have a goalscorer. They have won two games in nine and scored 11.
