The January transfer window is just around the corner with many players being made available for huge fees following impressive FIFA World Cup performances. Which gaps on the team will Manchester United need to fill, and what funds may be available in the new year?

Ronaldo’s departure

Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure leaves a clear void in the centre-forward position. The likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are available to solve the issue internally, but it’s more likely they will be utilised out-wide and so gaining a new striker will be a priority.

United find themselves in the race for a top-four finish and are on the favourites across a number of bookmakers. The punters’ page has reviewed a number of betting sites to find the best odds and offers for football fans, for example checking the best football betting sites shows bet365 offering odds on United at 5/4 to finish in a UEFA Champions League spot. Of course, the final results will depend on how they fill the gap that Ronaldo has left.

The potential sale of the club

The number of transfer funds available will depend hugely on whether the Glazers sell the club before the new year. It has been confirmed that they’re exploring the option of selling the club and are in the process of sourcing possible buyers.

The current owners have long been criticised by fans for their lack of investment in the club, and a new owner could possibly provide Erik Ten Hag with increased funds to purchase the players he desires.

What does United need?

A position in high demand for United is central midfield, as a few players are currently being shoehorned in without having the quality the team needs for a UCL finish. The addition of Casemiro from Real Madrid has shown the impact one world-class midfielder can have. Another would surely propel United to a comfortable top-four finish. It’s a position certainly on the agenda in the transfer market after Ten Hag missed out on compatriot Frenkie de Jong in the past summer.

The fullback positions are also not as strong as they could be. At left-back, Ten Hag has reaped the rewards of getting in competition for Luke Shaw. However, United are in need of another option for right-back after a number of unsuccessful signings in the area, especially with the fullbacks playing an important role in the modern game’s offence.

The likes of Harry Maguire could potentially be available if the England international opts to leave for regular game-time after losing his regular spot in the starting XI. This would leave a gap at centre-half for a young deputy to come in who is more suited to playing in a high line in the back four.

It is set to be a busy January window for Ten Hag’s United, and successful additions or lack of could be the deciding factor in terms of UCL football returning to Old Trafford next season.