Ruben Amorim has been given a transfer problem nobody expected at Manchester United

The January transfer window will mark Ruben Amorim's first chance to put his own stamp of authority on the Manchester United squad he inherited from Erik ten Hag.

The mid-season window will officially open for business next Wednesday, marking the beginning of a month of speculation, endless rumours and over-priced deals getting done.

However, United, just like in recent years, are not expected to attack the window with a vengeance. There will not be a war chest available to Amorim, meaning the chances of him adding to his squad will rest on outgoings.

Ten Hag did not oversee a permanent addition in either of the two January windows that he oversaw during his premiership. United loaned in Jack Butland, Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst in 2023, but the dressing room did not welcome any fresh faces 12 months later.

United, in their ongoing fight to remain within the boundaries of the financial rules, will have to sell to buy in January. Marcus Rashford's future could open up a window of opportunity, perhaps.

As a result, Amorim's hopes of adding to his squad might be put on hold until the summer. Already, positions which he should be looking to add to are being identified by supporters and journalists alike.

There is an increasing need for a striker and the wing-back department needs upgrading. Talk of the centre-back pool needing to be added to has also cropped up in conversations in the last couple of weeks or so.

Beyond obvious improvements being required in the starting XI, other areas within the squad need upgrading, including the goalkeeping department. United revamped their options between the sticks in the summer of 2023, drafting in Andre Onana from Inter Milan and Altay Bayindir from Fenerbahce.

Onana directly