The five Man United players who could leave Old Trafford in January transfer window

The five Man United players who could leave Old Trafford in January transfer window

Man Utd will want to sign players in the January transfer window but departures will be essential to ensuring they can.

The January transfer window could be crucial to turning Manchester United’s dire season around.

There might not be much left to savour by then given there can’t even be a dream of winning the Premier League title now and United will be lucky to move into the Europa League, let alone qualify for the Champions League knock-out stages.

But there’s still the FA Cup to potentially win, a top-four place to secure and a job for Erik ten Hag to keep.

So there will still be plenty on the line in the second half of the season and strong recruitment in the new year could give the boost needed. Injuries have ravaged the squad this season and serious reinforcements are needed in defence, out wide and up front.

But United will be working on a shoestring budget after overspending once again in the summer market, leaving them to shop in the bargain bucket for loans and free agents once again.

However, one way they could spend a bit on new players is by moving others on to raise funds.

Here are five players who could leave United in the January transfer window:

Jadon Sancho
The most likely departure in January has to be Jadon Sancho. The winger has been frozen out of the first-team squad since early September after his bust-up with Ten Hag and there has been no sign of either party thawing their position.

It seems now that Sancho’s only chance to stay would be if Ten Hag is sacked before the window opens but even then the club and player may maintain their positions. A split seems to be the only resolution but United can not hope to recoup anywhere close to the £80m outlay they spent on Sancho. In fact, clubs may only be willing to take the winger on loan.

Donny van de Beek
The Dutch midfielder was earmarked for departure during the summer but when nothing came of a proposed move to Real Sociedad there was little more interest. Van de Beek was left out of United’s Champions League squad as his departure looked likely but has since been involved in domestic competitions.

He’s only made two appearances for a combined 21 minutes, both against Crystal Palace. United will surely consider any offers made for him in the new year.

Amad
Big things were expected of Amad this year but another untimely injury in pre-season has completely halted his progress. The winger was fantastic at Sunderland last season and surely would have got a chance if fit given United’s problems at right wing.

That might still happen when he returns to fitness but United may consider loaning him back out again if he can’t be guaranteed much action at Old Trafford.

Given his impressive performances in the Championship, he could even attract permanent offers which United may have to consider if they can top up their budget by selling a player who hasn’t played for them in 18 months.

Facundo Pellistri
Fellow winger Facundo Pellistri has at least seen some action this season, putting in some bright cameos off the bench and finally making his first start for the club. The Uruguayan has proven to be a useful squad player.

However, Ten Hag clearly doesn’t rate him enough to give him a proper run in the team and Pellistri may want to seek regular minutes elsewhere.

Hannibal
Hannibal is yet another youngster to find himself in the first team this season, making six appearances and getting his first goal. While eager and combative, the 20-year-old hasn’t managed to stake a claim to stay in the side when given opportunities and hasn’t played in the Premier League since mid-September. There could be interest to take him on loan in January.