This month marks Ruben Amorim’s first transfer window at United, and the Portuguese tactician is hoping to secure significant financial backing in the market, with the club languishing in 13th place in the Premier League.

A number of high-profile players have been linked with moves away from the Theatre of Dreams, including Marcus Rashford, Casemiro and Joshua Zirkzee, although Amorim made it clear he wanted to keep the Dutchman after United’s draw with Liverpool.

Meanwhile, INEOS are looking at potential targets to bolster Amorim’s first-team squad, with the Red Devils having the best chance of climbing up the table in the second half of the campaign.

United are keen on loaning PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani, who has struggled for regular game time in France this season, while Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens is also being targeted to provide competition for Onana in goal.

But Luke Shaw’s persistent injury problems over the last two seasons have forced United to prioritise a left-back. According to Fabrizio Romano, United have added Lecce youngster Patrick Dorgu to their list of targets for the left-back position in January 2025.

The 20-year-old has been closely watched by United in recent months and is seen as a cheaper alternative to Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, 21, and PSG’s Nuno Mendes, 22. Since breaking into the Lecce first team in 2023, the £25m-rated Dorgu has established himself as one of the most promising young players in Italian football, with United not the only club keeping tabs on the Denmark international.

Dorgu, who has extended his contract with Lecce until 2029, is also on Napoli’s radar. Last month, Lecce sporting director Pantaleo Corvino insisted Dorgu would not be going anywhere in the January transfer window.