Manchester United are not expected to make ‘forced’ signings in the January window unless the intended target brings in a big impact.

According to Team Talk, Manchester United are relaxed about the January window and are not thinking about signing players for the sake of it. Ruben Amorim’s side could make the necessary plans for the winter window if the team needs new players, but they will only look to bring someone who would impact proceedings.

Manchester United missed out on Carlos Baleba in the summer, but their chase outlined the need for a new central midfielder. The club are widely expected to keep track of multiple players in the position ahead of January, but they are not expected to make ‘forced’ signings in the winter window.

Elliot Anderson is a player linked with a winter move, but the costs associated with signing him midway through the season, as well as his importance for Nottingham Forest, make the England international an expensive affair. The club are also keen on Adam Wharton, but face similar issues in signing him in January.

Similarly, they are also in the market for a new centre-back, although for now, the club feels the current squad is capable of finishing the season strongly. Manchester United does not want to bring new players in the winter window for the sake of it, and will only make decisions on signing someone if they can bring in a big impact on the current team.

Targets like Conor Gallagher and Morten Hjulmand are linked ahead of January, but those midfielders are not necessarily seen as priority targets. Hence, the club are willing to wait until the summer to get the right players through the door rather than diminishing their chances of signing them in the summer because of a rushed decision in January.

Manchester United will make key squad decisions

Moving beyond transfers, the idea of new signings may yet transpire if Ruben Amorim ends up losing some of his current stars. For instance, Kobbie Mainoo remains linked with Napoli, and while the club are currently leaning towards keeping him, a new midfielder could be on the agenda if they end up offloading the England international, especially if he pushes for an exit in January.

They are also leaning towards keeping Joshua Zirkzee, who is in a similar boat to Mainoo and seeks regular minutes ahead of the World Cup next year. For now, the club believes they have a squad capable of finishing in and around a top-four place, as Amorim is expected to fight for Champions League qualification next season, and if a new signing can help them in their cause, they might consider it.