A pass master, an elite starlet and a big upgrade on the wings – Manchester United transfer list
Another game, another Manchester United crisis.
Erik ten Hag oversaw a 3-0 home loss to Newcastle on Wednesday night as the 2022 Carabao Cup winners were knocked out by last season's runners' up in yet another disappointing performance.
A season that promised so much has already delivered little, and we've only just rolled into November.
"In medicine you would say that this is an operation of the open heart," former manager Ralf Rangnick said last April.
Realistically, who could argue with Rangnick? Ten Hag is under pressure to turn the club's fortunes around. Few would have thought that would be the case over the summer after a successful debut campaign under the Dutchman.
Pressure could be eased between now and January, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe primed to buy a 25 per cent stake in United before the transfer window opens, and this should free up funds to invest in the squad in the New Year.
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With that in mind, WhoScored.com takes a look at a few players United could target to help in the second half of the season.
Jean-Clair Todibo
Manchester United need to strengthen in defence. Ten Hag's side have conceded 16 league goals already this season, that is more than Nottingham Forest (15) and Everton (14), two teams below them in the league.
United were linked with a move for Jean-Clair Todibo over the summer, and reports this week suggest they'll reignite their interest in the 23-year-old sooner rather than later.
Nice currently top Ligue 1 having shipped just four goals from their opening 10 matches with Todibo key having returned a WhoScored.com rating of 7.20.
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The youngster ranks fourth for accurate passes (709) in France's top tier this term, and has won possession in the defensive third 212 times since the start of last season, more than any other player.
He's a calming presence at the back, and a centre-back who looks to get the ball rolling from defence. For a United side that has relied upon Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire this season, Todibo would be an immediate upgrade for Ten Hag.
Warren Zaire-Emery
It's clear Manchester United need investment in the middle of the park. Casemiro made an immediate impact following his arrival from Real Madrid but the Brazilian has started to show his age this season.
Sofyan Amrabat has joined, albeit on loan, however, United need a long-term solution. Kobbie Mainoo's return to fitness will boost Erik ten Hag's options in a key area, though further investment is required.
United are one of a number of Europe's elite believed to be courting up and coming Paris Saint-Germain star Warren Zaire-Emery.
The teenager is enjoying a wonderful season under Luis Enrique and is currently contracted to PSG until 2025, with the French side understandably eager to tie him down to a new deal.
Could he be tempted to leave for pastures new, however? The lure of being the poster boy of a United rebuild could be a strong one.
Zaire-Emery boasts the seventh best pass success rate (92.2 per cent) in Ligue 1 this season and his retention qualities would be crucial for a United side that has struggled to keep hold of the ball this season.
Rafael Leao
Rafael Leao put pen to paper on a new five-year deal with AC Milan over the summer but cracks have reportedly started to show in the Portuguese winger's relationship with head coach Stefano Pioli.
Indeed, Leao was spotted arguing with Pioli after being substituted in the Rossoneri's 2-2 draw with Napoli at the weekend and potential suitors must be hoping this is the beginning of the end of the 24-year-old's time in Milan.
Manchester United would certainly welcome the opportunity to land a winger of Leao's calibre. The club needs investment in wide areas given Marcus Rashford's dip in form, Jadon Sancho's exclusion from the first team and Antony's on and off-field issues.
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The Portugal international has been directly involved in six Milan goals in Serie A this season, scoring three times, and ranks seventh for successful dribbles (17) and 18th for key passes (16).
He is yet to hit the heights of last season yet he is highly thought of on the continent, and may provide the spark to reignite this stagnant United frontline.