Manchester United is entering a crucial phase as the January transfer window approaches, following a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Newcastle United on December 26. Another win against Wolves on January 2 would cap off a challenging year on a positive note. Manager Ruben Amorim has seen a turnaround in the team’s fortunes after a difficult start to the season, raising hopes that he could remain in charge well into 2026.
As the club prepares for possible changes at Old Trafford, the futures of several players hang in the balance. Reports indicate that AS Roma has made an official bid for striker Joshua Zirkzee, proposing a loan deal with an obligation to buy. Zirkzee, who has not been included in Amorim’s long-term plans, may be allowed to leave as early as next month. This decision becomes more pressing with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, potentially leaving the team short on options.
Although United has received a loan offer for Zirkzee, the club is taking time to weigh its options before finalizing any decisions. The 24-year-old forward recently came off the bench against Newcastle but struggled to make a notable impact during a tense match.
The upcoming tournament could see both Mbeumo and Diallo advance far into the competition, possibly sidelining them until late January. This situation presents a dilemma for Amorim, who may need to reassess his squad depth should the two players remain unavailable.
In other news, United is preparing for the arrival of young Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco, who has expressed excitement about joining the club. Orozco, scheduled to arrive in July when he turns 18, views this move as a dream come true. He recently visited Manchester and was captivated by the facilities and the city itself.
Reflecting on his visit, he stated, “It went really well, to be honest. I was looking around the city. Everything was beautiful. I was able to see the facilities, the stadium. I’m truly fulfilling a childhood dream.” Orozco led the Colombian U17 team to the South American Championship final in April and is eager to adapt quickly to his new environment.
“My expectation right now is to learn English a lot. I realised it’s very important. I want to arrive, learn, and adapt as quickly as possible,” he added, emphasizing his determination to showcase his abilities at United.
United has broadened its recruitment strategy, recently acquiring 18-year-old Diego Leon from Paraguayan club Cerro Porteno, further indicating a shift towards nurturing young talent. As the transfer window looms, the decisions made by Amorim and the club’s management will be critical in shaping Manchester United’s prospects for the upcoming year.
