Manchester United's dream line-up next season if they complete three statement transfers

The chances of Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim putting a meaningful mark on the squad he has inherited in the upcoming January transfer window are slim.

United's decision to stick with Erik ten Hag in the summer and extend his contract by an additional year took his pay-off close to £15million. It then cost the club north of £9m to appoint Amorim as his successor.

It means the chances of United's purse strings being loosened immediately after Christmas are slim to none. However, in the Reds' defence, they have rarely thrown caution to the wind in the mid-season window.

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It is why next summer is likely to mark Amorim's first opportunity to put his own stamp on his squad. Of course, United's finishing position this season will dictate what will be possible ahead of 2025/26, but you can guarantee there will be new arrivals.

Currently four points shy of the top four after 11 games, United's hopes of securing a return to the Champions League next season are by no means over. Qualification for Europe's premier club competition would boost their hopes of having a prosperous summer.

Naturally, following Amorim's appointment, United are already being linked with a plethora of players. Some links make sense while others feel somewhat fanciful.

The impending introduction of a 3-4-3 formation makes it easier to plot where United might plan to strengthen next summer, with the wide areas likely to attract much of the focus. United have struggled at full-back so far this season, impacted by long-term injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

The goalkeeping department, however, is