United planning to "make moves in January" with two key targets identified - Sky Sports Germany

11/06/2024 10:44 AM

Manchester United are planning to “make moves” in the January transfer window with a striker and central midfielder on the club’s wish list.

Florian Plettenberg (Sky Sports) reveals on X the Red Devils will look to be active in the winter market with a focus on an “affordable striker” amidst the club’s ongoing issues in front of goal.

“Manchester United plan to make moves in the winter transfer market. Understand that the Red Devils are looking for an affordable striker.

“MUFC are also in search of a number eight, a central midfielder. Leon #Goretzka's situation is still being closely monitored. However, as of now, the 29y/o still has no plans to leave Bayern in winter.”

United are currently languished in 13th place in the Premier League with a goal difference of minus three. Only Crystal Palace and Southampton, 17th and 19th place respectively, have scored fewer goals.

United are underperforming their xG (expected goals) by 8.81, comfortably the worst rate in the division.

This means the team are creating chances but simply failing to take them – a reflection of an underperforming forward line devoid of any sense of clinical finishing.

As such, Plettenberg’s update that Old Trafford officials are prioritising a new striker in January makes perfect sense.

However, the Sky Sports Germany reporter also contends the club are also in “search of a number eight, a central midfielder”, naming Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka as a player being “closely monitored.”

United’s midfield unit has struggled this season with Christian Eriksen emerging as the team’s most consistent performer, despite many having written off the Dane’s career at Old Trafford after rarely featuring last season.

New signing Manuel Ugarte is yet to justify the club’s protracted pursuit of the Uruguayan international over the summer, while the performances of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo show their ages (in opposite directions).

A new midfielder would therefore be a welcome addition in January, though Plettenberg notes Goretzka has “no plans to leave Bayern in [the] winter.”

It is a positive update for United fans nonetheless, as recent reports had indicated the club would only be limited in their movements in January.

And while Plettenberg’s reference to an “affordable” striker indicates money will be tight, the fact United are also looking at a centre-midfielder suggests some flexibility in the budget.

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