🤝Buy 👋 Sell ✋Keep: What Manchester United need to do in January | OneFootball

January could be a big month for Manchester United, who are likely only a few smart bits of business away from looking good for a top-four finish.

These are three bits of business that Ed Woodward, if he can be trusted of course, should look at this month.

🤝Buy

Frustrated as United fans may be to hear it, this is unlikely to be a month of major arrivals in England’s north-west.

Having missed out in the Erling Haaland sweepstakes, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may still want a striking addition but aside from a Moussa Dembélé type, there aren’t a lot of options out there.

If signings are made, it is likely to be a relatively low-key midfield addition, such as Benfica youngster Gedson Fernandes or out-of-favour Juventus man Emre Can.

The dream in terms of midfield spark and creativity would obviously be a more proven Premier League talent such as James Maddison or Jack Grealish.

Neither man is going to walk out on their side midway through a season but expect United to be in on one or both next summer.

That is when the big deals will be made.

👋 Sell

There is still quite a bit of deadwood floating around that squad who could easily be moved on without too many being too despondent about it.

Jesse Lingard has contributed next to nothing for literally a year and while it is tough to envisage him actually moving on, it could be a good move for all concerned.

Off-field issues are naturally a big reason for his dip in form but United can’t carry passengers and he could be revitalised elsewhere.

Fans may be frustrated with the likes of Phil Jones and Andreas Pereira (who the manager appears to adore) but it would be a surprise to see them depart.

Marcos Rojo seems a certainty to move on given that he no longer trains with the first team and could be joined by Nemanja Matić if United hope to secure a fee for him, while Ashley Young is nearing a pre-contract agreement to move on this summer.

It is too early for resolutions to be reached on Chris Smalling and Alexis Sánchez’s Serie A loan moves.

✋Keep

The rumours and speculation surrounding Paul Pogba just refuse to go away.

But United simply cannot allow him to exit Old Trafford in January, despite his injury issues in recent months.

The Frenchman still has a huge part to play for this team, particularly when you look at the alternatives.

Re-evaluate next summer if you must but Pogba has got to stay put until then, at least.

In addition, star youngsters Tahith Chong and Angel Gomes’ contract situations needs to be resolved ASAP – both expire in six months and big clubs are circling.