Mauricio Pochettino is set to become the next Manchester United manager, with Michael Carrick finally set to be given the chop at Old Trafford. But Pochettino will run into an immediate problem: the squad is not capable of playing his high-pressing brand of football.
The answer, according to reports, is the transfer market. Pochettino will likely require a complete overhaul, starting in the January window. Man Utd have attempted to refresh different areas of the squad over the last two summers, spending hundreds of millions on the attack in 2025 before replacing the midfield during the summer just gone.
Defensive Reinforcements Needed
The defence is crying out for investment, quite literally in the case of Lisandro Martinez, who attacked Man Utd's hierarchy over a failure to recruit properly during the summer. Man Utd require new full-backs, frequently playing right-backs on the left and then requiring a centre-half to fill in on the right.
Antonee Robinson has worked closely with Pochettino for the USMNT. The Fulham left-back is in his prime at 29, and would bring proven Premier League quality and knowledge of Pochettino's approach. Another American could help improve the defence: Alex Freeman was handed an international debut by the Argentine in 2025 and has already racked up 26 caps. The defender has also been tracked by the Red Devils previously.
His displays for the USMNT and in the MLS for Orlando City led Freeman to join La Liga outfit Villarreal in January, helping the club qualify for the Champions League. Under Inigo Perez, a disciple of Marcelo Bielsa like Pochettino, Freeman has proven he can play high-intensity football in a host of positions. A natural right-back, Freeman has played as both a full-back and wing-back on either flank, the wide centre-back in a three-man defence, and has even been deployed further up the pitch as a winger.
Existing Targets and Attacking Options
Lewis Hall was a target for Man Utd during the last summer window, only for the Newcastle left-back to end any possible move by signing a new contract on Tyneside. However, with Newcastle also struggling this term, Man Utd could try to tempt the 22-year-old to Old Trafford. Hall's age is a better fit for the profile of player Man Utd are trying to build their squad around.
One defensive recruit the club have had their eyes on for a while is Jarrad Branthwaite. The Everton centre-back first popped up on the Red Devils' radar in 2024, with the Toffees rejecting two bids for the England international. Man Utd have been credited with renewing their interest in the 24-year-old, who has shaken off injury concerns to become a reliable member of David Moyes' Everton squad.
Nico Paz pulled the strings as Como shocked Man Utd 4-1 in the Champions League last month, and the former Real Madrid youngster is beginning to attract attention from the biggest clubs in Europe. Paz has reportedly been identified as the successor for Bruno Fernandes, with both playing their best football in a free role as an attacking midfielder. Paz's attacking output is similar to Fernandes, but with increased defensive actions, ranking in the 34th percentile for attacking midfielders across Europe's top five leagues this season, compared to Fernandes in the 17th percentile. Real Madrid hold a buyback clause, which could cause a potential stumbling block for any move.
Striker Options
Despite investing in their strikeforce two summers ago, Man Utd have resorted to playing wingers and midfielders up top. Marquee striker signing Benjamin Sesko has endured an injury-hit spell at Old Trafford, while Joshua Zirkzee almost left at the end of the last transfer window. Pochettino will require a reliable back-up to Sesko, either to change games or simply keep the Slovenian on his toes.
Ricardo Pepi is a strong candidate: extremely fast and hard-working, the 23-year-old has grabbed 49 goals in 113 appearances for PSV, including six goals in the Champions League. Bringing Pepi to Manchester shouldn't break the bank, nor would signing Folarin Balogun. Monaco hoped to shift the American on during the last transfer window due to financial constraints, which means a cut-price deal could be arranged in January.
