Man Utd transfers: Here are 5 players the Red Devils could sign in January

Marc Skinner’s United side will play their final game of 2022 this weekend as they take on Sheffield United in Continental Cup action on Sunday.

And while the head coach has stressed the importance of his players having rest and relaxtion during the winter break, he admitted his own relaxtion is limited conceding his phone “never goes off” in the run up to the winter transfer window.

Losing just once in their opening nine games, Skinner’s side have looked a different animal this season, though the head coach has stated last week that he already has transfer targets in mind after the 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

But which players should - or could - United be looking at in this coming transfer window?

Beth England (Forward) - Chelsea

The Lionesses forward has been starved of regular football at WSL champions Chelsea, playing just 288 minutes of league football.

While Alessia Russo is undoubtedly United’s first choice forward, her future is unclear and a move for the 28-year-old striker would provide serious competition, added experience and an opportunity of regular game time with a club who are competing for the title and Champions League football this season.

Would Emma Hayes sell to a rival? That’s another question entirely, but England will be looking for more regular football in order to get back into Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses squad.

Hanna Wijk (Defender) - Hacken

It is no secret that United need reinforcements at full back. While it may be a name you haven’t heard of before, the Swedish youth international is one of Scandanavia’s hottest prospects.

The 19-year-old right back impressed with regular game time at Damallsvenskan title chasers Hacken, while she has picked up lots of Champions League experience already, playing against the likes of Paris Saint Germain earlier this year. The Swedish market has proven a valuable one for many WSL clubs across the past couple of years and a move for Wijk could be a shrewd, cost efficient option for them.

Justine Vanhaevermaet (Midfielder) - Reading

The Belgian midfielder was linked to club as recently as November, with Swedish reporter Amanda Zaza reporting the midfielder has been looked at by the club after an impressive Euro 2022. It seemed an unusual link at the time - but could she be a bargain move?

Some reports have claimed a deal may already be doing for the attacking midfielder, however, it is thought that no deal is yet near completion.

United are not struggling for numbers in midfield, but the 30-year-old is out of contract in the summer and is perhaps one of the more underrated players in the league, due to her excellent reading of the game, impressive passing and tackling statistics. Tall and agile, Vanhaevermaet has shown she ability as an advanced midfielder for Belgium.

Katie Robinson (Forward) - Brighton

The 20-year-old rose to prominence after an impressive start to the season with Brighton saw her gain an international call-up. As stated previously, United will likely look to add firepower with Russo’s future unclear and Skinner has found success with signing young, up-and-coming English stars before - see Robinson’s former team Maya Le Tissier.

Prolific for England at under-17 level, Robinson is beginning to show why she was rated so highly at youth team level despite her side’s difficult start to the campaign, where she has scored 18% of her team’s league goals this season.

Sarah Mayling (Defender) - Aston Villa

Another full back who has enjoyed an impressive start to the season is Villa defender Sarah Mayling. History tells us that Skinner can often look for players with WSL experience and the 25-year-old offer plenty of that, with the added bonus of being at peak age. Skinner has signed her before too, making her one of his first signing during his spell in charge of Birmingham City.

Could she dislodge either of Hannah Blundell or Batlle? Unlikely, but she offers solid competition in the full back spots and would fit United’s style and shape well.