Manchester United reportedly have 'no budget' for the January transfer window and will be unable to give their squad a much-needed boost unless there are some significant outgoings during the winter market.
The Red Devils have had a disastrous first half of the 2024-25 campaign, sitting down in 14th spot in the Premier League table, only picking up 22 points from their 19 matches, which has left them just seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Man United have suffered four straight defeats - the last of those being a 2-0 reverse to Newcastle United on December 30, with the team failing to win since the Manchester derby in the middle of December.
Head coach Ruben Amorim is believed to want to add a left-back and striker to his squad in January, but according to the Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils have 'no budget' for this month.
The report claims that the summer spending, which was in excess of £200m, means that the club would have to sell before they can buy due to the rules surrounding Financial Fair Play and the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules.
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Man United 'must sell in order to buy' in January
"We don't have that possibility in January," Amorim told reporters following Monday's defeat to Newcastle when asked whether the club would make any signings during the winter window.
"You know the situation better than I [do]. It's not the case I am not arriving here and I can spend a lot of money, changing all the team. You know the situation so it's not a point to talk about it."
Marcus Rashford continues to be heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford, with the forward expressing a desire to seek "a new challenge" at this stage of his career.
Rashford was back on the bench against Newcastle on Monday but was an unused substitute despite Man United trailing 2-0, with Alejandro Garnacho and Antony both introduced ahead of him.
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Which other Man United players could leave in January?
Joshua Zirkzee's substitution in the first half of the clash with Newcastle was widely celebrated by the Man United fans, and the struggling striker could be on his way out of Old Trafford this month.
There is believed to be significant Serie A interest in Zirkzee, with the Netherlands international having huge credit in the bank in Italy considering his performances for Bologna ahead of a switch to England.
Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen are both out of contract at the end of June, and the pair are also said to be available in January, while Casemiro is also being heavily linked with a departure.
Antony may depart on loan, while Garnacho is also being linked with an exit amid his recent struggles, although it is highly unlikely that the latter will be on his way out of the club before the January transfer window closes for business.
Man United will be bidding to avoid a fifth straight defeat in all competitions when they head to Anfield on Sunday afternoon to tackle Premier League leaders England in the top flight.
Matt Law
