Following a month of satisfying indulgence in the FIFA World Cup campaign, fans across the globe return to supporting their beloved clubs as club football moves closer to its resumption. Moreover, with the opening of the winter transfer window only a couple of weeks away, clubs across the continents will be keen on adding to their talented roster of players for the demanding period of football ahead.
Amongst the top-six Premier League clubs expected to indulge themselves in the upcoming transfer window, Manchester United will be looking to back their manager amidst a reported turnover in ownership of the club moving forward. With the club likely to sanction moves for a number of players amidst the need to bring in new talent to compete within the first-team lineup, the Red Devils will be needing to efficiently utilise the upcoming January transfer window.
Having shown ambition in the summer market, the club will be expected to carry forward their promising change in approach moving forward. With Manchester United likely to witness an overhaul under Erik Ten Hag over the long term, in this article, we take a look at the players most likely to seek a move away from Man United in the upcoming winter window.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Amongst the likeliest of players expected to leave the club this January, Wan-Bissaka is likely to seek a permanent change in a bid to gain much-needed game-time moving forward. Having barely been integrated into Ten Hag’s long-term plans for the club, the out-of-favour right-back continues to be sidelined; accounting for only four competitive minutes this season.
With United reportedly likely to enter the market for a new right-back in January, the club are expected to sanction a potential sale or loan move for Wan-Bissaka in the upcoming window. Additionally, unlikely to be granted an opportunity by Ten Hag despite the team’s lack of options in the position, Wan-Bissaka too, is expected to push for a move out of Old Trafford.
Having shown interest in acquiring his services in recent transfer windows, both AS Roma and Crystal Palace emerge amongst the likeliest of destinations for the full-back. Moreover, in need of a fresh start, the full-back will be hoping to rejuvenate his career elsewhere moving forward.
Facundo Pellistri
Amongst the forgotten young prospects at United, Pellistri continues to witness a lack of game-time at United despite a series of notable performances for the Uruguayan national side. Yet to make a start under Ten Hag after seeing a potential loan move break down owing to an injury during pre-season, the winger is expected to be, once again, loaned out in January.
Despite having been named on the bench eight times by Ten Hag, Pellistri’s lack of involvement on the pitch is likely down to the Dutchman yet to be “convinced” by the player. The Uruguayan youngster has registered only 66 official minutes for United this season during their EFL Trophy U-21 game against League Two side Barrow.
Unlikely to be granted minutes owing to the team’s rich attacking potential, Pellistri emerges amongst the prospects likely to be loaned out in January. However, with the youngster in line to make his first start of the campaign against Burnley on Wednesday, Pellistri will be keen on changing his fortunes at United before the opening of the winter transfer window.
Axel Tuanzebe
Another of United’s shining prospects having been hampered by injuries in recent campaigns, Tuanzebe is likely to seek a move away from Old Trafford, with Ten Hag having evidently established a settled centre-back partnership for the long term. Moreover, having only returned to training after picking up an injury in July, the centre-back is expected to leave the club, with opportunities unlikely to present themselves for the 25-year-old at Old Trafford.
Despite having secured numerous accolades at the youth level, a series of non-progressive loan spells in recent seasons has seen Tuanzebe struggle to perform to his potential. Amongst the players yet to make a competitive start under Ten Hag, Tuanzebe could yet oversee a change in fortunes provided the centre-back makes the best of his potential moving forward.
Whilst unlikely to be involved against Burnley, the centre-back will be hoping to make an impression on the training ground over the coming weeks. However, with United needing rotational options at centre-back owing to the demanding period of fixtures ahead.
Donny Van De Beek
Deemed surplus to requirements by the majority of the English media, Van De Beek emerges amongst the players whose future remains uncertain at United. Despite having witnessed an increase in game-time during the final stretch of games before the World Cup break, the midfielder is yet again under scrutiny, with Ten Hag set to retain a full-strength squad for United’s league game against Nottingham Forest next week.
Having significantly struggled for game-time following his arrival, Van De Beek is likely to seek a move provided he continues to find himself on the bench for United moving forward. Although having been promising on the pitch this season, the team’s dependence on Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen for creativity through the midfield could see Van De Beek remain a backup to the aforementioned first-team starters moving forward.
With clubs expected to express their interest in the Dutchman provided he is listed on the transfer market, Van De Beek is expected to consider his options in the January transfer window. However, with United lacking quality options in the attacking midfield position, the versatile midfielder is more than likely to stay, with the team in need of rotational options over the demanding period of fixtures.
