Cristiano Ronaldo’s sudden departure from Manchester United has left a big hole in the squad, which the club will look to fill in the January transfer window.
As a result of an explosive interview with Piers Morgan, in which head coach Erik Ten Hag and players of past and present critiqued Ronaldo, the star forward has left United by mutual consent. Now, the club must find a replacement for the departing player.
However, finding a replacement is not the only issue for Ten Hag. The center-forward position is only one of many problems that need to be addressed. Another concern is right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has been facing time out through injury. Given his lack of attacking abilities, there is a general consensus around the club that a new full-back might be needed.
In addition, while the signing of Casemiro from Real Madrid may have pleased the Old Trafford faithful, he isn’t getting any younger. In the long run, a central midfielder could also be on the agenda.
Here are five potential targets that Man United could pursue in the upcoming January transfer window:
#5 Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan):
The Englishman has made just two appearances this season across all competitions due in part to injury and partly due to the coach’s choice. If Wan-Bissaka were to depart the club in order to seek regular minutes elsewhere, then Dumfries might be brought in as his replacement.
Dumfries is a Dutch player who can operate at both right-back and centre-back. He has played in twenty matches for Inter Milan across all competitions this season, contributing two goals and three assists. Though his numbers may not jump out at you, he is certainly more of an attacking threat than Wan-Bissaka.
The Nerazzurri may be reluctant to part ways with Dumfries just yet but their finances haven’t been soaring as of late. This could tempt those in the Italian capital if United were to make a good enough offer for his services.
#4 Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)
Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus may be a good option for Manchester United to replace Ronaldo. The Serbian striker has scored seven goals in 15 appearances for Juventus this term, including one goal during the FIFA World Cup. He is strong and fast, with good agility, making him well-suited for the Premier League. Given Juventus’ poor finances, Manchester United may be able to negotiate a transfer for Vlahovic.
#3 Marcus Thuram (Borussia Monchengladbach)
Marcus Thuram, son of legendary French midfielder Lilian Thuram, is a promising young player with a lot of potential. He’s scored 41 goals and provided 26 assists in 119 appearances for Borussia Monchengladbach. He can play both as a striker and on the left wing, and he showed promise during the FIFA World Cup. If all goes according to plan, Thuram could be leading the French national team at the 2026 World Cup. United signing him would definitely boost his stock, and they wouldn’t have to pay much because he’ll be a free agent soon. His German team would probably be willing to agree to a cheaper deal now rather than lose him for free at the end of the season.
#2 Enzo Fernandez (Benfica)
Enzo Fernandez made a big impression when he won the Best Young Player award at the FIFA World Cup. Since then, he’s been on the radar of many European clubs, including Manchester United.
However, United already has a lot of midfielders to choose from. Although all except Donny Van de Beek, Bruno Fernandes, and Scott McTominay are over 30, Dutch coach Ten Hag has been a long-time fan of Frenkie de Jong. Fernandez plays a different role than the former, but one could say he’s probably more suited to what United needs.
Not only would the Argentine help take the creativity burden off Bruno, but he would also add pace and youthful exuberance in the middle of the park. The only problem is that Fernandez has plenty of suitors and his current deal runs through 2027 with a £105m release clause. This means that Benfica is not likely to budge for anything less than that.
#1 Cody Gakpo (PSV)
Cody Gakpo is a promising young player who has caught the attention of many top clubs with his performances in the Eredivisie. The 23-year-old has 9 goals and 12 assists for his teammates this season, and his current deal expires in 2026. After his heroics at the FIFA World Cup, Gakpo’s value has skyrocketed and he is now one of the most sought-after players in the transfer market. PSV are front runners for his signature, but it remains to be seen whether they will wait until the end of the season or try to complete the move in January.
