Manchester United‘s hierarchy want to use the upcoming January transfer window to continue reshaping their squad by offloading disappointing players or those who do not feature in Ruben Amorim's plans.
After spending £219m last summer, Manchester United had given themselves the means to return to the top. However, these major investments have not really paid off. Too inconsistent, the Red Devils sit in sixth place in the Premier League, ten points behind leaders Arsenal. The English club's executives do not want to settle for last summer's transfer business and plan to act again in January 2026. In terms of arrivals, Manchester United are tipped as the favourites to sign Mamadou Sangare, the Racing Club de Lens midfielder.
On the departures front, several players no longer in Ruben Amorim's plans or highly coveted elsewhere have already packed their bags during the off-season. Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, Victor Lindelof, Jadon Sancho… All of these players no longer feature in Ruben Amorim's squad. Manchester United intend to continue this major clear-out during the upcoming January window, across all positions. According to English outlet Caught Offside, the club's hierarchy have identified five candidates for departure in the coming weeks.
Ugarte set for Ligue 1 return?
In goal, Manchester United want to get rid of Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir (27), who started the first six Premier League matches before the signing of Senne Lammens – chosen to succeed Andre Onana – blocked his future at Old Trafford. In defence, Tyrell Malacia (26) is mentioned as a potential departure. Back from a loan spell at PSV Eindhoven, the Dutch left-back has yet to play a single minute this 2025-26 season, with the Portuguese manager preferring to use Diogo Dalot as a wing-back.
In midfield, former Paris Saint-Germain player Manuel Ugarte (24) has fallen out of favour. Signed in summer 2024 for €50m (£44m), the Uruguayan international has only started twice in ten Premier League matches. Linked with OGC Nice for a possible return to Ligue 1, the former Ligue 1 player sits behind Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in the pecking order. A potential split that should be viewed alongside Manchester United's pursuit of several box-to-box midfielders (Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson).
Further up the pitch, Mason Mount (26) has a significant impact on Manchester United's performances. When the former Chelsea player starts, Manchester United have won 71% of their matches. However, his fluctuating game time raises questions about his short-term future, even though it will be difficult for the Mancunians to recoup a satisfactory fee this January. Finally, one struggling striker appears more likely to leave: Joshua Zirkzee (24).
Linked with a departure at every transfer window, the Dutch forward does not play. Blocked by Matheus Cunha, the former Bologna man has scored just one goal in ten matches this season, with only three league starts. While his market value has dropped significantly since his move to Manchester United for just over €42m (£37m), a loan appears to be the best short-term solution for both parties.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
