Manchester United might have two transfer issues to solve in January window

It's looking like the final few hours of Manchester United's transfer window will be far less frantic than feared a few weeks ago. Those chaotic days after the defeat to Brentford when United tried to sign players as diverse as Adrien Rabiot and Marko Arnautovic feel like a long time ago already. The doomsday scenario has been avoided.

At 11pm tonight the window will come down on United's transfer business and a record £225m splurge. All things considered, it has to go down as a success, especially given where the club were just a few weeks ago.

By then they'd already signed Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez, but they hadn't addressed Erik ten Hag's priorities, in strengthening midfield and attack.

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They've turned to Brazil to achieve that and the potential £155m outlay on Casemiro and Antony suggests the back-to-back defeats to start the season sharpened minds and loosened purse strings.

In Casemiro, United have a world-class defensive midfielder and for all the concerns over his age profile, he is going to be a key part of this team for two or three seasons at least.

Antony adds depth and a little star quality to the attack, but the £85.5m fee shouldn't cloud the fact he is just 22 and has only two years behind him in Europe, playing for Ajax. He will need time to adjust to life at Old Trafford and the spotlight from such a big fee should be dimmed for now.

In time, there is a good chance all five outfield signings will be in Ten Hag's best XI and they not only add quality to the side but personality and a winning mentality as well.

Competition at left-back, a left-footed central defender, a defensive midfielder and a versatile, creative option, as well