Manchester United 'want to sign four new players in January'

Manchester United are reportedly keen to sign as many as four new players during the January transfer window, but their winter business is likely to hinge on Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival being confirmed in time.

Ratcliffe is set to pay around £1.3bn to purchase 25% of Man United, but the deal has still not been announced despite suggestions that it would be over the November international break.

The 20-time English champions had to work around strict Financial Fair Play rules over the summer, but football finance expert Kieran Maguire recently explained how Ratcliffe's move to the club, albeit as a minority shareholder, would help the team spend in January.

According to The Guardian, Man United want four new players at the start of 2024, with a centre-back, two central midfielders and a striker viewed as priority positions.

The report claims that the Red Devils have been concerned by Mason Mount's form, with the Englishman finding it difficult to make his mark at Old Trafford since arriving from Chelsea over the summer.

© Reuters

Sofyan Amrabat has also found it tough to make an impact since a loan switch from Fiorentina, which has led to Man United targeting both a defensive midfielder and a number eight next year.

Man United also allegedly want a centre-back amid the ongoing speculation surrounding the future of Raphael Varane, who has recently lost his spot in the starting XI.

Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are both out of contract next June, meanwhile, and it is believed that a right-sided centre-back will be targeted in 2024, potentially in January if the right opportunity arrives.

The Red Devils are also said to be keen to strengthen their attacking options, with Rasmus Hojlund short of support when it comes to the centre-forward spot.

© Reuters

Hojlund is the team's leading goalscorer this season with five, although he is yet to find the back of the net in the Premier League, with all of his efforts coming in the Champions League.

Anthony Martial made the most of Hojlund's recent injury to impress against Everton in the Premier League on Sunday, finding the back of the net in his side's 3-0 success at Goodison Park, but he is also out of contract next June and is widely expected to depart.

Jadon Sancho is set to leave in January, meanwhile, due to his high-profile falling-out with head coach Erik ten Hag, which has seen him removed from the first-team picture entirely.

Casemiro is another player being linked with an exit, while Donny van de Beek is not in Ten Hag's plans moving forward and could also move on in the January market.

However, both Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay, who were heavily linked with summer exits, have been key players for Man United this season and are now set to stay at Old Trafford.