Manchester United could enter the transfer market in January, with an injury to Benjamin Sesko forcing Ruben Amorim to sign a new striker to deal with absences in his squad
Injury to Benjamin Sesko could leave Manchester United with a dilemma in the coming weeks. The summer signing came off the bench against Tottenham before leaving the Red Devils down to 10 men when he suffered a knee injury late in the dramatic draw.
It remains to be seen how severe the Slovenian international’s issue is, but United may yet be left with a decision to make. Sesko is the side’s only out-and-out striker.
Ruben Amorim chose to start with a frontline of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad, and has previously utilised Mason Mount up front. Mbeumo, United’s top scorer, will soon head to the Africa Cup of Nations and the Portuguese coach could soon find himself short.
The 40-year-old has admitted that a January move will come under consideration. “We have to check everything, we have to check what has happened with Ben,” Amorim said.
“Of course, we are going to have a problem there [with AFCON], but we already knew. Then you can prepare that in the summer, but then you have a lot of players in the summer who are not going to play because it’s one game per week. So the management of that situation is going to be hard.
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“But let’s see when the window is open, if we can improve the team and try to prepare something that happened. Until then, we have to take the chance.”
If United delve into the market in January, where could they look? Mirror Football takes a look.
Dusan Vlahovic
The Serbian forward is a free agent at the end of the season with the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Tottenham looking at the opportunity to sign a deal, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Manchester United have been linked to the 25-year-old in previous windows, and making an early move could see the Red Devils beat competition for his signature.
Vlahovic is still featuring for Juventus, who are struggling this term, and has scored six goals in 15 matches. The Italian side may be keen to bring in a fee but would be losing a starting striker.
Vitor Roque
Manchester United have been described as ‘most interested’ in Vitor Roque’s signature ahead of a number of prospectors. It is said the forward’s entourage are expecting bids worth €44million (£38m) in the January transfer window as clubs lurk for the Palmeiras striker.
The forward has bagged 13 goals in 28 games since returning to the Brazilian side from Barcelona. Roque, 20, cost around £22m earlier last year, making him the most expensive player in South American football history.
Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins has not had a season that would often spark transfer rumours. The forward missed out on the most recent England squad, having recorded just one goal in 11 Premier League appearances.
United have been linked before and VIlla have seemed to be open to offloading their striker before. Price has proved problematic in the past but perhaps Watkins’ form could give the Red Devils an advantage.
The Midlands side are reportedly in the market for a new ‘top-class’ striker already and Watkins would fit United’s desire for Premier League experience if they are ready to splash the cash again.
Endrick
Real Madrid forward Endrick, 19, appears on course for a January transfer. The Brazilian is said to be on course for Lyon in the winter window, with their Portuguese manager proving advantageous due to sharing a language.
United are not on the verge of a move but Amorim could offer the same help in adaptation. It would allow United to make use of a loan which may be more fitting for their current situation too.
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