United Beyond Manchester

Times are challenging at Old Trafford right now, but the January transfer window offers Manchester United a chance to make slight improvements as they prepare for the second half of the season. Here are three possible options for the club.

Sell Casemiro to a Club in Saudi Arabia

Saudi interest in Casemiro has remained high since the summer. The 32-year-old stayed in Manchester, but rumors are heating up again with the Brazilian not a part of Ruben Amorim’s plans. In fact, Casemiro has agreed to leave Manchester United in January, according to UOL.

The report states that up to six clubs could land Casemiro, depending on which has open spots for foreign players. Al Hilal, Al-Nassr (Ronaldo’s club), Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Ettifaq, and Al Qadsiah are all potential destinations for the accomplished defensive midfielder.

Should Casemiro leave in January, a bigger role could open for Toby Collyer in the second half of the season. The former academy captain has been a consistent presence on the bench for Amorim since returning from injury and should be given a chance due to issues in the midfield.

Re-Sign Alvaro Fernandez From Benfica

Manchester United officials faced scrutiny when Alvaro Fernandez was sold this past summer for £6 million. As time has passed, the sale has increasingly looked worse, especially as the young defender has thrived in Portugal. Meanwhile, United’s options at left-back have consisted of players who are playing out of position, as Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw have been injured for most of the season.

Due to the difficulties at left-back this season, the Reds are focusing on acquiring a player for that position in January. Fernandez presents a familiar option and has experience in a similar system from his time at Benfica. Manchester United included a £25 million buy-back clause in his sale, which could be activated early in the transfer window if the club decides that the 21-year-old is the right choice.

Miguel Gutierrez and Milos Kerkez are two affordable options that could be acquired this month if officials decide not to re-sign Fernandez.

Sell or Loan Joshua Zirkzee Back to Italy

The withdrawal of Joshua Zirkzee before halftime against Newcastle United seemingly signified the end of his time at Old Trafford. Since arriving in the summer, the 23-year-old has scored four times in twenty-seven appearances, a poor mark for the price United paid for him.

After his success at Bologna last season, interest remains high in Italy for Zirkzee. Juventus and Napoli could move for the Dutch striker should he become available, according to the Daily Mail.

While the report also states that Zirkzee wants to ‘fight for his Manchester United future,’ a move away seems more likely at this stage, whether in January or over the summer.

Other players to watch in January: Marcus Rashford, Christian Eriksen, and Victor Lindelof.