Stefan Borson: This is why Man United could U-turn on January transfer plans
Manchester United are well placed to secure a return to European football after their recent upturn in form.
Man United faced a challenging start to the season but are currently on a five-game unbeaten run as they look to quality for Europe.
However, Sky Sports reported on 11 November Ruben Amorim’s side are not expected to bring in any incomings in the January transfer window despite losing players to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are all expected to be heading to the tournament next month, leaving Man United short in a few areas of the pitch.
Man United could agree January signings
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Man United’s attitude towards the January window could change if they are still in the mix for the Champions League come the turn of the year.
Amorim’s side currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, but they are only one point behind fourth-place Sunderland after 11 matches.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the reports around Man United’s January plans, Borson said: “I’d take it with a pinch of salt.
“The club’s got some relatively easy fixtures over the next few weeks, and if they came through those fixtures in the mix for let’s say Champions League even, I think you might see a different attitude in general because it’s just transformational to the profitability of the club and the revenue of the club.
“I think if there was an opportunity to carefully strengthen the squad in January, and we know it’s virtually impossible to do don’t get me wrong, there may be one or two interesting loan deals that could be done, but permanent signings are very difficult. But if it could be done, then I think United probably would be in the mix.
“I don’t think they’ve got a huge PSR issue. Uefa is dependent on qualifying for a Uefa competition obviously, but I don’t think it’s so significant that it couldn’t be bridged.”
Man United failed to qualify for Europe after finishing 15th in the Premier League last season.
Man United could agree Kobbie Mainoo deal
There has previously been talk around Man United’s profit and sustainability (PSR) position and how that could impact their spending moving forward.
Under the PSR rules, top-flight clubs are permitted to lose £105m over a rolling three-year period.
However, Alejandro Garnacho joined Chelsea in a deal worth around £40m over the summer, providing the Manchester giants with a pure profit after he came through the academy at Old Trafford.
Man United could also sell fellow academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo if they find themselves in a PSR bind, with his potential sale likely to bring in a significant fee.
The 20-year-old has failed to start in any of his seven Premier League appearances at the start of this season.
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