Manchester United’s heavy spending in the transfer market has been visible in recent history, with huge funds spent on players who failed to qualify.
Ruben Amorim has already spent more than £200 million since his appointment last November, adding to the £600 million spent by Erik ten Hag in just over two years.
The £800m spent was wasted on countless players not having the standard required to succeed in the Premier League, often resulting in many huge losses for various players.
As a result, it’s unclear how much the manager will have at his disposal to spend during the winter window, but that hasn’t stopped plenty of high-profile talent popping up on their radar.
The January window could be decisive for the manager, with the 40-year-old expected to make full use of the funds handed to him by the Red Devils hierarchy.
Over the past few days, United have been in constant talks with Bournemouth over a deal to sign Antoine Semenyo in January, with Amorim’s men looking to jump the queue for his signature.
The Ghanaian winger currently has a £65 million release clause in his contract with Vitality, but some parties will need to act quickly, with such a clause ending on January 10.
If the Red Devils want to complete the 25-year-old’s transfer this winter, they will likely have to fend off interest from rivals Manchester City, who are also keen to secure his signature.
Semenyo is not the only Premier League star currently in his sights for January, with Nottingham Forest sensation Elliot Anderson another player being considered by the board.
According to David Ornstein, the Red Devils have already contacted Sean Dyche’s side about a potential move for the 23-year-old who has started every league match this campaign.
He also states that the England international is currently the club’s top target, with the youngster seen as the perfect immediate and long-term solution to their midfield problems.
Ornstein said: “We’re talking about Manchester City, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and many others will be in the frame as well. I think some of them have already called Nottingham Forest, Manchester United have made their interest known. I think he’s at the top of their list, or there, or about to have a number six this summer.”
Why Anderson would finally get Sesko fired against United
As part of Amorim’s recent shopping spree at United, he oversaw the arrival of Benjamin Sesko from German side RB Leipzig for a fee of £74m.
Given the size of the fee, Red Devils fans were no doubt excited at the prospect of finding their main talisman, but it’s safe to say that the move has yet to take off.
The Slovenia international scored just two league goals in his first 13 appearances, and subsequently struggled to adapt to the demands of England’s top flight.
He will certainly need time to get used to Amorim’s system, but the difficulties could be eased if they complete a move to sign Anderson in the January window.
The England star may be a box-to-box midfielder, but it is his all-round game that could help the 22-year-old in his efforts in front of goal in the final third.
His underlying stats showcase his talents on both ends, which could give the manager the long-term solution to such a problem, which has often plagued him in 2025/26.
Anderson, who was called “world class” by one journalist, has completed 1.2 dribbles to date, while winning 7.3 duels per 90 – showcasing his box-to-box skills – but also putting him in the top 5% of midfielders in the league.
|
Elliot Anderson – PL Stats (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (by 90) |
Scoring |
|
Games played |
17 |
|
Goals and assists |
2 |
|
Success accuracy |
83% |
|
Completed dribbles |
1.2 |
|
Duels won |
7.3 |
|
Ball recoveries |
8.4 |
|
Progressive passes |
8.4 |
|
Passes into the final third |
8.1 |
|
Statistics via FBref |
|
He also made 8.4 ball recoveries per 90 in 2025/26, with an overall total of 142 in the first 17 outings, by far the best of any player in England’s top flight.
However, it is his efforts in possession that could benefit Sesko immensely at Old Trafford, with Anderson averaging a total of 8.4 progressive passes and 8.1 passes into the final third per 90.
Such numbers show the midfielder’s incredible ability to pass the ball into advanced areas, which could result in the Slovenian receiving countless chances in front of goal.
To put Anderson’s numbers in context, he currently plays more forward passes than 95% of other midfielders in the league – a phenomenal feat for a deep-lying option.
Although it would cost around £100 million, a deal for the Forest star would certainly provide an immediate solution to the problems at the heart of United’s midfield.
His creativity is certainly an added bonus, with such numbers only improving Sesko’s chances of success during his time at the Theater of Dreams.
Better than Anderson and Wharton: Man Utd join race to sign £52m midfielder
Manchester United have identified another major target for the midfield department ahead of January.
