Three Options For Manchester United Coming Into The January Transfer Window

While the World Cup is underway, Manchester United, among every other club, will be scouring the market and laying the groundwork ahead of the January transfer window opening.

News has circulated that not only has Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract been mutually terminated, but the Glazer family are open to a partial or majority sale in the coming months should their valuation be met.

It is the first time that the American owners have publicly announced their change in attitude and being open to starting discussions about moving on.

That could potentially rumble on until the end of the season and there is work to be done in January in order to surmount a proper challenge during the second half of the campaign.

Here are three options:

Jeremie Frimpong

Ten Hag has said on numerous occasions that a right back is needed to bolster the squad and to provide competition for the in form Diogo Dalot.

It is clear that Manchester United will try once again to move on Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has fallen out of favour and looks past the point of return.

Jeremie Frimpong, who’s plying his trade with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, is a player that has routinely been monitored, as he was when playing for Celtic before joining in 2021.

The 21 year old is an energetic wing back that has made a reputation for himself of getting into the right areas of the right time. With five Bundesliga goals, he leads the way for full backs scoring so far this season.

Frimpong will be one to watch for Manchester United heading into the winter market.

Cody Gakpo

A player that has burst onto the European scene this season with his prolific goal rate, Cody Gakpo is also making headlines in the World Cup.

The 23 year old has been admired by Ten Hag when the Dutch manager was with AFC Ajax, and was previously looked at last summer by the Red Devils. Instead of pursuing Gakpo to the finish line, they opted to bring in Antony instead.

However, with the departure of Ronaldo, it frees up a space for Gakpo in Manchester United’s forward line. PSV Eindhoven are likely to receive more than £45 million for his signature, but an amount that is very considerate for Manchester United.

It is clear that the Red Devils need to bring in another forward player to compete and fill the vacancy that Ronaldo has left.

Mehdi Taremi

Potentially the cheaper alternative in the centre forward position, but Mehdi Taremi could provide experience and a wonderful goal-record from the off.

Having recently scored two against England in Iran’s opening World Cup group game, Taremi is having a season to remember. With his club, FC Porto, he has contribute to 23 goals in just 20 appearances – a frightening record.

Of those 15 goals, five have come in the Champions League. He is a player to be reckoned with and only needs a half chance to find the back of the net – as he showcased against Gareth Southgate’s men.

The downside to Taremi would be his age, who will be 31 come the end of the season. But if Manchester United are in the market for the here and now, there are seldom strikers in better form and with a better strike rate than the Iranian international.