New Manchester United manager Mauricio Pochettino will be backed with major transfer funds in the January window, with a top defender the club's No1 priority.
United are ready to enter the market to strengthen their squad as they languish in the Premier League relegation zone. Pochettino, who is joining on a two-and-a-half-year contract, will have a say on targets as part of the club's vision for success.
Defensive reinforcements planned
United have been reluctant to do business in the winter window but there is an acceptance that they need reinforcements in defence. They are also likely to look at a forward, with Como's Argentina star Nico Paz linked, but a big-name striker is more likely for the summer.
Benjamin Sesko has been struggling with injury, but it is in defence where there is a chronic problem as they failed to land a left back to provide back-up for Luke Shaw.
Recent spending and squad struggles
United spent big in the last two windows, targeting forwards in 2025 with Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha all arriving. They signed midfielders last summer with Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans arriving for big money but have had mixed results.
United wanted to look at next summer for major defensive reinforcements, but the squad appears to have gone backwards as they find themselves in the relegation zone. That will bring forward the plan for a defender to arrive in January to bolster the squad, with Pochettino having a say on targets after previous criticism about a lack of joined-up thinking on transfers.
Pochettino's preferences and first game
Pochettino is certain to have his own targets and enjoys developing and working with young and homegrown players. He is also on record about his admiration for Marcus Rashford in the past, so it could be an exciting time for him.
Pochettino was emotional at a press conference in the United States farewell press conference ahead of their two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Haiti. The former Spurs and Chelsea boss will then jet across to England next week to help prepare for his first game in charge at Liverpool next Sunday.
