Ten Hag eyes Weghorst repeat, as Fabrizio Romano reveals Man Utd plans for January

The modest way in which Manchester United plan to attack the January window has been revealed, though exits for either Antony or Jadon Sancho could force an adjustment, according to Fabrizio Romano.

After spending big on the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Antony in the summer of 2022, Man Utd presided over a relatively quiet January window five months later.

Three new faces did arrive, though all via the loan route – Jack Butland, Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst.

Weghorst laboured in a United shirt and quickly became a lightning rod for criticism. Nonetheless, according to Fabrizio Romano, a similar approach could be taken to the 2024 winter window.

Man Utd have once again invested heavily ahead of the campaign, this time in the likes of Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund.

Sofyan Amrabat also arrived, though Financial Fair Play restrictions ensured United could only pull off a loan with an option to buy, thus kicking the bulk of payment down the road. Sergio Reguilon was another late arrival via the loan route.

When appearing on the United Stand YouTube channel, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano stated United’s upcoming January window is likely to mirror their last.

In other words, United aren’t expected to sanction any big business, especially when it comes to outright arrivals.

However, a loan addition or two could be made pending Erik ten Hag’s requirements at the time. As such, United fans can expect to see a similar type of low risk, low reward move for a player of Weghorst’s ilk.

“I think [similar to last January] is the reality,” said Romano. “So let’s see how the first two or three months of the season go for Man Utd.

“Obviously now it’s too early to predict the January transfer window, but I agree, I don’t expect anything super big to happen in January.

“That is also because Man Utd are very satisfied with what they did in the summer transfer window. They wanted Mount, Amrabat, Hojlund, all the players they signed were players that they really wanted, so they are pretty satisfied with the squad they have.”

Loans expected unless Antony, Sancho impact plans

One way in which United’s winter window plans could spark into life regards the futures of troubled wingers Antony and Jadon Sancho.

Romano continued: “We have to see what’s going to happen with the Sancho situation and with the Antony situation, of course, because it’s going to be important to see if those players will be available in the next few months.

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“So this is a crucial point with what is going to happen, especially in the winger position for the January transfer window.”

But barring movement involving Man Utd’s wingers, Romano suggested loan arrivals are a likelier outcome four months from now.

He continued: “But at the moment, Man Utd are satisfied with the squad they have and I don’t expect anything super big to happen in the January transfer window.

“Maybe there could be some opportunity like Weghorst was last year and maybe that kind of name could return in January in case Man Utd need it.

“They will not do anything super, super important because the idea is that the squad is very good and they can arrive at the end of the season with the current squad and maybe some opportunity in the January transfer window.”