Manchester United transfer news LIVE: Jadon Sancho, Kieran Trippier, Aaron Ramsey, Moises Caicedo latest
Here are all the latest rumours, gossip and news surrounding Old Trafford this month
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Manchester United are looking to strengthen this month with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer bemoaning the “lack of quality” after suffering defeat to rivals Manchester City in this week’s semi-final in the Carabao Cup.
The Red Devils fell at home thanks to goals from John Stones and Fernandinho, which set City up for a final against Tottenham. The focus now switches to the FA Cup, Premier League, but also the January transfer window, which could prove to be decisive in where United end up this season.
United have the consolation of being in a prime position to move to the top of the Premier League should they win their game in hand after a superb run of form leading up to and during the festive period. They currently sit joint-top of the Premier League with rivals Liverpool on goal difference thanks to the hard-fought win over Aston Villa on Friday night. The rollercoaster season under Solskjaer saw United exit from the Champions League last month. But with domestic fortunes back on the rise there is reason to be optimistic again at Old Trafford.
Bayern Munich left-back David Alaba is among the potential new recruits, and Ecuadorean midfielder Moises Caicedo is another such name. Summer signing Amad Diallo could join both in Manchester this month with his paperwork finally set to be resolved. Serie A side Atalanta were keen to keep hold of him until the summer but the suggestion is he could be on his way to bolster Solskjaer’s title challengers imminently.
There will likely be exits this month, too, with the likes of Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones possible outgoings. Midfielder Jesse Lingard won’t be one of them, however, after seeing a one-year extension option in his contract triggered last week.
We will have all the latest Manchester United news, rumours and gossip – on both comings and goings – throughout the day.
FORMER AJAX BOSS QUESTIONS VAN DE BEEK MOVE
Former Ajax manager Peter Bosz has questioned the thought behind Manchester United's signing of Donny van de Beek.
"I do question why Manchester United brought Donny in," he told the Athletic. "They already have the best player in the league in that position: Bruno Fernandes.
"There is no space in their midfield for another No.10."
VAN DE BEEK ‘UPSET’ BY UNITED SITUATION
Donny van de Beek is "upset" and no longer wants to speak about his situation at Manchester United, claims Voetbal International journalist Suleyman Ozturk.
The Dutchman has been restricted mostly to substitute appearances since joining the club from Ajax in the summer, and there was more frustration as he emerged from the bench with just three minutes remaining of Wednesday night's Carabao Cup defeat against Man City.
“I think Donny is also disappointed by this situation and therefore doesn’t want to give interviews. He’s upset about the situation," Ozturk said, quoted by Soccer News.
“Solskjaer would have honour if he honestly told Van de Beek: I see you as a replacement for Bruno Fernandes. And then as a replacement, not the replacement.
“Now you see that Solskjaer is talking about the future. But what future? Fernandes will play at Manchester United for a while and Rashford too.”
BAILLY ‘READY TO HELP’ DIALLO
Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has vowed to help Amad Diallo settle at Old Trafford after the youngster's transfer was confirmed yesterday.
“I know Amad,” Bailly said. “I speak with him. He’s a young player with good talents but we know it is important to keep calm with any new guys. I think he will do well but it important to keep calm with him.
“I am ready to help him. I’m ready to help every player. That, for me, is very important. When I came to this team, I had players with big experience. I remember [Wayne] Rooney, Ibra [Zlatan Ibrahimovic], Antonio Valencia. Players like this helped me when I came. So when young players come, it’s very important to help these guys.”
UNITED SUMMER SIGNING OUT OF FA CUP CLASH WITH COVID
Facundo Pellistri will miss Manchester United's FA Cup clash with Watford on Saturday after testing positive for Covid-19.
The youngster, signed in the summer, was set to make his debut for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side having impressed with the Under-23s.
But he is now isolating at home and will be unavailable for tomorrow's game.
"We inform you that Facuno Pellistri, Manchester United player and member of the TMA team, tested positive for COVID 19," wrote Pellistri's talent agency Equipo Talent Management Associates.
"He is doing the corresponding quarantine at home, without symptoms and complying with the physical care indicated by his club. We appreciate the messages received in the last hours. Soon he will be training again with his teammates."
DIALLO SHIRT NUMBER CONFIRMED
Amad Diallo will wear the number 19 shirt at Manchester United after his move from Atalanta was confirmed last night.
The winger's transfer was finally confirmed after a prolonged saga stretching back to October.
ROMERO SET TO RETURN TO UNITED TRAINING
Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero is expected to return to training next week amid rumours of an imminent move to Boca Juniors, according to Sky Sports.
The 33-year-old has not made an appearance this season having been left out of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squads for the Premier League and Champions League.
Romero is believed to be in Argentina but will return to Manchester to hold discussions over his future.
BERBATOV CLAIMS UNITED MIDFIELDER SHOULD BE ‘BANGING ON MANAGER’S DOOR’
Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has urged Donny van de Beek to demand answers from his manager.
The Dutchman has been a bit-part player since his summer arrival from Ajax, and there was further frustration when he was given just a few minutes from the bench in Wednesday night's Carabao Cup semi-final defeat against Man City.
"He should be banging on the manager's door and asking 'what is going on?'," Berbatov told Betfair.
"He should be asking why he's not playing and what he can do to improve his situation. Then depending on what answers he gets, he can evaluate and do what is necessary.
"He's only 23, so he's got lots of football in him and he won't want to waste any time. It's an unpleasant situation for the player and hopefully it gets resolved soon.
"He needs a run of games in a row to give him confidence. I can see that his confidence isn't high at the moment, and that's normal because when you don't play you start punishing yourself and ask questions of yourself.
"I wouldn't be surprised if he is starting to look for the exit and nobody will blame him. Something isn't working."
ICYMI
Manchester United complete signing of Ivorian teenage prodigy Amad Diallo
A deal for Diallo was originally agreed in October ahead of the January transfer window
NEWCASTLE TARGETING THREE UNITED PLAYERS
Newcastle want to sign three Manchester United players on loan, according to 90min.
Steve Bruce has reportedly set his sights on Brandon Williams, Phil Jones and Jesse Lingard, all of whom have been on the periphery at Old Trafford this season.
The Newcastle manager has "spoken at length" with United over potential loan deals as the Magpies look to strengthen their squad despite working with a limited budget.
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