Manchester United could be set for huge January twist after expert’s bold claim

That prospect feels both exciting and worrying, because while United certainly have financial muscle, fans do not want the club to rely on sudden transfer splurges again. Plumley stressed the lack of patience, both in the fanbase and the boardroom, as the club cannot keep reliving the same cycle of poor starts followed by mid-season decisions. Reports in Spain indicate that Manchester United are unlikely to land Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde. That news removes one attractive option and complicates matters further.

“In terms of splashing big cash in January, I think that’s going to be dependent on where they are in the league, and if they have to make a big statement because things aren’t going well.

“They can probably go and do that, but if they don’t, they might go back to Baleba and try and do that deal in January.

“I think after last season, I just wonder how much patience there is across the board from fans, the hierarchy, whoever that may be at that club.

“I guess there’s a question about how much patience they have to have another season like last season?

“Manchester United can’t keep doing that. That’s not gonna work.”

What Comes Next For United?

Looking ahead, Amorim’s immediate future will shape the entire direction of the January window. If he remains, strengthening the midfield looks certain to top the list, with United likely to view Baleba as a key target. At the same time, a cheaper option such as Rúben Neves, available for around €20 million from Saudi Arabia, makes sense, especially as he fits Amorim’s tactical ideas and brings proven Premier League quality. The Manchester Evening News continues to mention other names like Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, yet their inclusion only highlights how many possible routes United could take.

Should Amorim depart, a new manager would almost certainly bring his own demands, which risks delaying much-needed reinforcements, but even then United as a club cannot ignore the midfield woes. Beyond that, a centre-back such as Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton would provide crucial cover, especially with Martínez’s injury record becoming more concerning. Fans want action, yet they also want clarity and a genuine long-term plan rather than short bursts of reaction. Until that arrives, the suspicion lingers that United will keep repeating mistakes while the league table refuses to forgive.