Thomas Hein
It’s not news that Manchester United had a rocky start to the 2022/2023 English Premier League season. However, manager Erik Ten Hang has managed to steady the ship with three straight wins on the bounce, which include home wins against fellow big six teams, Liverpool and Arsenal, respectively.
Despite the not-so-convincing wins, it’s pertinent to note that the Red Devils have a huge task ahead to force their way back into the top 4 and qualify for Europe’s top competition, the UEFA Champions League.
As the EPL resumes fully after the last international break and before the World Cup commences, fans and observers are focusing on Manchester United again and look forward to what the team will bring to the table.
Apart from their love for the team, some individuals are curious to see what the team offers before placing their sports wagers. If you want to make money through online betting South Africa or anywhere else, it’s essential to follow the transfer market closely.
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Manchester United and the EPL Race
The gap between the defending champions, Manchester City, and the other big teams keeps getting wider.
To cut the gap and earnestly challenge for the EPL title, Manchester United needs to splash the cash in the winter transfer window, not minding the considerable amount they spent in the summer to get Malacia, Martinez, Anthony, and Casemiro, with Eriksen joining for free.
One quality that separates title challengers from pretenders is squad depth which is evident in City’s squad.
To close the gap on their rivals, here is a list of five likely players that the Red Devils may sign in the January transfer window:
1. Youri Tielemans
Despite signing Eriksen for free, the 20 times EPL winners could not lure Frenkie De Jong to Old Trafford throughout the summer and were made to settle for a midfield option of Fred, McTominay, Fernandes, Eriksen, and Casemiro.
However, with the situation at the King Power Stadium, many players may be looking towards the exit doors. Manchester United may be looking forward to testing Leicester City’s resolve with a bid for their box-to-box midfielder, Youri Tielemans, who has refused to tie himself down to a new contract.
2. Moussa Dembele
Manchester United was keen on signing the French player after his impressive form for Lyon last season, where he scored 21 goals in 30 league games, but a bid couldn’t materialize.
Although the player becomes a free agent next summer, he may be tempted to move to Old Trafford at a cut-price deal to avoid what may turn into a bidding war for his signature.
3. Konrad Laimer
The RB Leipzig midfielder may sign for the Red Devils in January. Konrad Laimer has the perfect profile of a midfielder that will succeed in the EPL and fit in properly if paired with Casemiro.
Both players would run the midfield for Manchester United and likely turn the team into title contenders. However, it’s yet to be known if his club would let him leave in the middle of an important season for them.
4. Gavi
Manchester United may be looking to sign Barcelona prodigy, Gavi, in January. The 18-year-old is seemingly frustrated with the lack of playing time with the Catalans and may seek it elsewhere.
However, getting game time in the EPL with United’s midfield options is also a considerable doubt. Barcelona may be unwilling to sell as he’s highly rated by the manager, Xavi, as he sees more of himself in the player.
5. Marco Asensio
Although this looks highly unlikely, in football, nothing is seemingly impossible. Considering Manchester United and Real Madrid’s relationship, the Spanish winger cum midfielder may head towards Old Trafford after publicly admitting he has a huge decision to make amidst the EPL big gun’s interest.
The Old Trafford hierarchy highly rates the 26-year-old. However, with the late signing of Brazilian winger Anthony, his chances of wearing the famous red jersey in 2022 may have been reduced.
Conclusion
Manchester United needs to strengthen their team in January, to be able to compete with the biggest teams in England and Europe. Hence, the need to sign additional quality players makes up for squad depth. Having 2-3 good players for a single position to cover fatigue or injuries is one of the features of a big team.
It is also obvious that United has no problem spending the cash when it matters most and are willing to back the new manager, Erik Ten Hang. So, signing these new players might be the next step. It’s also worth noting that some departures should occur if new signings come in.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future remains uncertain, and he may still be one of the few players leaving the club in January.
