Three reasons why Manchester United may swerve signing a centre-back in January

Manchester United have earmarked centre-half as one area they are keen to improve next year and that’s no surprise.

By next pre-season, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof will all be past their 30th birthday with limited scope left in their careers. Varane is one who seems likely to exit while many would question Erik ten Hag’s decision to leave Maguire as Lisandro Martinez’s primary partner despite recent good form.

Luke Shaw has played well when asked to fill-in at centre-back but this is no more than a good back-up option. Reports suggest Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to adopt a more cut-throat approach to contracts when he assumes sporting control upon his investment.

READ MORE: United challenge five players to help Hojlund

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag confirms fresh injury blow

This would help ease United’s Financial Fair Play worries that are preventing them from spending much this winter. This is the primary reason why Ten Hag may not bring in any new faces next month.

United have splashed more than £400m since the Dutchman's arrival and have been woeful when it comes to getting suitable fees for exiting players. In May, Ten Hag noted his annoyance at not being able to spend last January and is set to be frustrated once more, unless significant sales are made.

But there are more optimistic reasons why the manager may in fact be happy to stomach no centre-half incomings in January. Harry Maguire could be back in the new year but more pertinently, so is Lisandro Martinez.

The Argentine has missed a large chunk of the season after a recurring metatarsal injury first sustained in April flared up, which meant a second round of surgery was needed. His return will be a massive boost to a United side who have