At the last minute, Manchester United have not yet ruled out a contract

Manchester United are continuing to monitor the transfer market should an opportunity arise to strengthen their squad this month. United have prioritised outgoings in the winter transfer window to trim the squad and lower the wage bill in compliance with domestic and European financial fair play rules. Club sources have reiterated United are "tight" on FFP after investing more than £400million on signings across the last two summer transfer windows.

Omar Berrada sees Harry Maguire as one of Manchester United's big mistakes

United have not outright ruled out an incoming but sources say any deal would have to be "exceptionally economic". All three of United's additions last January were on loan after a record spending spree in the 2022 summer window. Striker Anthony Martial has been sidelined for more than six weeks through illness and injury while United's derisory return of 24 league goals is their worst in the Premier League era after 21 games in a season.

Winger Facundo Pellistri's future is yet to be resolved amid interest from Granada. That deal has been described as in the balance but other clubs are also keen on the Uruguayan winger. United intend to keep fellow right-sided forward Amad, who returned from a five-month injury lay-off against Nottingham Forest on December 30. Donny van de Beek, Jadon Sancho and Hannibal Mejbri have been the most senior departures in January.

The trio have left on loan but Eintracht Frankfurt have an option to buy Van de Beek, as Sevilla do with Mejbri. Youngsters Joe Hugill, Dan Gore, Rhys Bennett and Maxi Oyedele have headed out on loan for regular playing time in League One and League Two. United exercised the break clause in left-back Sergio Reguilon's season-long loan so he could return to Tottenham as they expected players to return from injury.

Not Benzema, the striker that Man United would choose to reinforce Ten Hag team

The season was shortened

Left-footed defenders Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw have trained this week and could both start in the FA Cup fourth round tie at Newport County on Sunday. With United completely out of European competition, they could play a maximum of 53 games this season having had 62 fixtures last term as they reached both domestic cup finals and played six knockout ties in the Europa League.