January 2024 will be remembered as a frustrating transfer window for Manchester United, but ultimately a successful one.
The aim ahead of the market opening was to reduce the wage bill and gain some income from fringe members of the squad, an objective that was unquestionably achieved.
But the Red Devils would have liked to sign a striker during the mid-season window and couldn’t find the finances to afford such a deal.
United are not the only Premier League club in such a bind, with the likes of Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers limited in what they could spend during January. But an inability to find the resources for even a short-term loan switch speaks to the concern around United’s long-term financial picture.
That said, there was one incoming at United this month, with a youth-team player cutting short his loan move to return to the club.
There were also a plethora of departures at United, with 17 leaving in one form or another. Two players left in permanent transfers and three moved to Europe in loan deals with an option to buy in the summer. Two others moved abroad on straight loans, while five players have agreed short-term deals in the Football League.
United also arranged what they described as ‘innovative’ loans for four youngsters who have joined non-league clubs and will continue to train and play with the Under-21s at United. The only other transfer deal at Old Trafford last month saw a defender have his loan move cut short.
So, it turned out to be quite a busy month for United in the market. Here are all 18 deals that were completed during the January window…
13. Facundo Pellistri (loan)
The winger returned to La Liga and will spend the remainder of the campaign with Granada. The Spanish side paid a fee and are covering his wages in full.
14. Jadon Sancho (loan)
Borussia Dortmund paid €3.5m (£3m) for the loan, although that could rise to €7.5m (£6.5m) depending on add-ons. There is no option to buy and Dortmund are set to cover the majority of the player's wages.
15. Mateo Mejia (transfer)
The second player to depart this window although Sevilla didn't pay a fee for the winger. That will be determined by his on-field success, while a sell-on fee agreement is in place between the clubs.
16. Sam Mather (innovative loan)
The final 'innovative loan', Mather joined team-mate Murray in Rochdale.