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News
- 2 hours ago
Man Utd's dream January transfer window: Semenyo IN, Mainoo OUT
Tom Weber
- Updated: 20 Dec 2025 20:58 GMT
- 5 min read
Analysis
Manchester United have several priorities to sort out in the January 2026 transfer window.
The Red Devils have experienced a mixed season so far, but it has been a significant improvement on the disastrous 2024/25 campaign. The signings that were added in a €250 million summer spending spree have, with the exception of Benjamin Sesko, worked as intended.
Nevertheless, Man Utd can still get better. There are a few problem positions in Ruben Amorim's squad, and club chiefs will look to do business in the January window if opportunities present themselves.
Of course, the best players are usually not available mid-season, but what if Man Utd did have the perfect transfer window? Well, it would look something like this...
In: Antoine Semenyo
Amorim has made it clear that he wants a decisive, attack-minded player in the left wing-back position in his system, similar to Amad Diallo out on the right. As a result, Man Utd are back in the race to sign Bournemouth superstar Antoine Semenyo.
The Red Devils already chased a deal for him in the summer, and they are ready to make another move for the 25-year-old. Man Utd have reportedly told him that he would be converted into a wing-back.
Whether Semenyo is thrilled about this is a different question, but he seems to be Amorim's preferred upgrade on Patrick Dorgu. His €74 million release clause is active until 10 January.
Out: Tyrell Malacia
The player who would ideally make way for Semenyo is forgotten man Tyrell Malacia. The left-back had his Man Utd career ruined by a devastating injury, and the Red Devils have been trying to get rid of him since the summer.
The Dutchman only has six months left on his deal, but ideally, Man Utd would already offload him in the January window to free up his wages and potentially even secure a nominal fee.
In: Elliot Anderson
The biggest priority for Man Utd in 2026 will be revamping the midfield. Several players are facing uncertain futures, so the engine room could be in for a wholesale makeover.
Elliot Anderson has seemingly become Man Utd's top target for the midfield. It is not expected that Nottingham Forest will actually entertain offers for him in January, but in a perfect world, he would already be off to Old Trafford in the winter.
Out: Kobbie Mainoo
Signing Anderson would allow Man Utd to grant Kobbie Mainoo his wish of leaving the club on loan to get game time under his belt ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Amorim has made it clear that the youngster has to compete for a spot with captain Bruno Fernandes, which is clearly a battle the Englishman is not going to win. By bringing in Anderson, Mainoo could safely be allowed to depart.
In: Jean-Philippe Mateta
Benjamin Sesko has failed to really set the world alight since joining Man Utd for a whopping €85m in the summer. As a result, it has been posited that the Red Devils could bring in another striker to take the pressure off the Slovenian.
Crystal Palace sharpshooter Jean-Philippe Mateta has been linked with a move to Old Trafford since the summer, as he has been nothing short of sensational since Oliver Glasner's appointment in February 2024.
The Frenchman would provide a wealth of experience and guaranteed goals, and he could act as a kind of babysitter for Sesko while he acclimatises to life in the Premier League.
Out: Josha Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee has been a hugely disappointing signing for Man Utd, and it looks increasingly unlikely that he will be able to turn things around at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman is looking to leave in the January window to become a regular elsewhere and force his way back into the Netherlands setup. Several Italian clubs want to bring him back to Serie A this winter.
However, Man Utd will only allow the forward to leave if they can bring in a replacement. Securing the signing of Mateta or another striker would pave the way for Zirkzee's unavoidable departure.
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