Manchester United January 2026 transfer plans revealed

Manchester United’s frustrating draw with Wolves at Old Trafford on Tuesday night felt like a missed opportunity, especially against a side sitting at the foot of the Premier League table.

Despite controlling large spells of the game, United once again struggled to turn dominance into a decisive result, leaving supporters disappointed by the lack of cutting edge and composure.

Failing to take three points from the league’s bottom club only amplified existing concerns about consistency, squad depth and balance at a crucial stage of the season.

The result underlined how fine the margins remain for United, who are chasing momentum but continue to drop points in fixtures they would expect to win.

It also reinforced the sense that effort alone is not enough, with structural issues in midfield, attack and defence repeatedly exposed under pressure.

With injuries mounting and several key players either out of form or unavailable, Ruben Amorim is being forced to stretch his options week after week.

United see this window as a chance to address problem areas rather than overhaul the squad, targeting specific profiles that can immediately raise the team’s level.

Reinforcements in midfield, clarity around the striker situation and defensive cover are all under discussion as the club reassesses its priorities.

After the Wolves draw, there is a growing feeling that smart business this month could make the difference between drifting and pushing forward in the second half of the season.

With the January window now open, Manchester United’s transfer position is becoming clearer, even if significant movement is far from guaranteed, according to The Athletic.

United’s recruitment focus is less about opportunism and more about intent, with the club determined to sign players who actively want to be part of the project rather than chasing deals driven purely by wages or reputation.

As a result, the club are holding firm on a defined wage structure and are unwilling to break it, even for players they admire.

Antoine Semenyo is a prime example, as United held discussions over a possible move both last summer and again this winter, attracted by his versatility and a fixed £65 million release clause.

While the fee was workable, United were unwilling to offer wages above those earned by their summer signings.

The clearest priority area remains central midfield, particularly the No. 6 role. United are expected to target at least one, and potentially two, midfielders depending on departures.

Elliot Anderson remains high on the internal shortlist, while interest in Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba continues, although none of their clubs are open to selling mid-season.

Any January arrivals are likely to be contingent on exits.

United are unwilling to sanction straight loans without obligations to buy, given the already thin nature of the squad.

Uncertainty also surrounds Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro.

Mainoo is attracting interest from Napoli and would like a loan move, though United are reluctant to allow it.

Casemiro, approaching the end of his contract and on high wages, remains a delicate situation with no decision taken yet.