Mauricio Pochettino's Manchester United era officially begins next week, with the Argentine's immediate task being to lift the club out of the Premier League relegation zone. Michael Carrick was dismissed after a poor start to the season that produced just one win in 10 league games. Starting with a trip to Anfield, Pochettino must find a way to get United collecting more points.
The January transfer window offers the new head coach a key opportunity to strengthen his squad, particularly in defence. Express Sport outlines what Pochettino can do in January, how he should handle out-of-form captain Bruno Fernandes, and what changes he should make to his starting line-up.
Bruno Fernandes Future Needs Resolution
United cannot allow uncertainty over Bruno Fernandes' long-term future to overshadow Pochettino's opening months. Whether it is a verbal agreement to part ways for a set fee at the end of the season or, more likely, agreeing a new contract, the two parties need to find a solution.
The Portuguese captain has so far rejected two contract offers due to differences over wages and the length of the deal. With Fernandes now 32, there is logic to letting him move to Saudi Arabia in the summer for a significant transfer fee. However, on talent alone, he remains the best player in the squad and one of the few success stories of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, making a sale a gamble. Sorting out his future is a necessity.
Three Defensive Targets for January
United's biggest issue is their porous defence. Only two of the other 19 Premier League teams have conceded more goals, one being 20th-placed Crystal Palace. They have also leaked 11 goals in five cup games. Full-back has been a major problem, with a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw needed and an upgrade on Diogo Dalot required.
Villarreal's Alex Freeman is one January option. The American defender, 22, can play at both right-back and centre-back, is likely available for a fair price, and is familiar with Pochettino's methods as a regular for the United States national team. On the opposite side, Lewis Hall is a dream target, but Rayan Ait-Nouri, who is struggling for minutes at Manchester City, is a more feasible mid-season alternative. He would offer a younger, more mobile option than Shaw to provide service for Benjamin Sesko.
At centre-half, if Jarrad Branthwaite is too expensive, Fulham's Calvin Bassey is out of contract at the end of the season. The Nigerian, 26, would be a good buy if United can secure him cheaply.
Trio Dropped From Starting Line-Up
Signing three new defenders in the winter window seems unlikely, but two, possibly both full-backs, may be achievable. That would immediately help Pochettino upgrade the defence, with Dalot and Shaw making way from the starting line-up if new arrivals come in. Harry Maguire's time at Old Trafford is also coming to an end and he needs phasing out of the XI.
Leny Yoro should return to the centre of the defence, while Lisandro Martinez, Pochettino's countryman, will be valued for his quality on the ball. Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt will still get minutes. Carlos Baleba and Kobbie Mainoo appear to be the best midfield pairing, with Bruno Fernandes as the No.10 in front of them. Out wide, Matheus Cunha could thrive with a better left-back overlapping, and Bryan Mbeumo can improve with better defensive support behind him. Pochettino should also get the best out of Sesko.
United's potential XI after the January transfer window: Lammens; New RB, Yoro, Martinez, New LB; Baleba, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko.
