The transfer window is open for a month and, following the disappointing draw against Wolves on Tuesday, Manchester United fans might hope for some new signings. Two of the club’s greatest ever players, Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic, were acquired in a January transfer window 20 years ago, but a repeat of such a coup is unlikely.

It might sound like a simplistic assumption, but United want to sign individuals who want to play for them. Summer 2025 recruits Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo did, and Benjamim Sesko, too. All could have gone to other suitors.

Of course they’re going to be well paid, but money is not the be-all and end-all. If a player or his agent wants to earn more, they might find it elsewhere. If they want to join a team in the hunt for the Champions League this season, then the reality is that United’s stock has fallen. They are no longer in the position which enabled them to say to Arsenal’s Robin van Persie or Tottenham’s Michael Carrick or Dimitar Berbatov — to name just three examples — “Come and join us and win the league”.

United will hope to return to that level, but for now they must push their virtues: lining up for England’s biggest club in front of the largest crowds, and the chance to be part of a project to restore a club to former glories. Manchester is a booming, well-connected city to live in and anyone who plays for United will have a global profile — for better or worse.

Along with four or five other Premier League clubs, United tried to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth. Talks took place this winter, as they did last summer. United’s view was that Semenyo is a talented footballer, capable of occupying multiple positions. There was a set fee (£65million, $87.5million) which appealed and he wants to move on from Bournemouth now – unlike most other targets. One of those clubs sounding him out wanted him in the summer — the rest, including United, wanted a deal to happen now.

But United were not going to pay Semenyo any more than the three outfield players signed in the summer. The club are adamant that there must be a wage structure. Semenyo has now communicated his desire to move to Manchester City.

Had he signed, it would have accelerated the summer plans – yet those are not set in stone. A few months ago, a new central defender was on the target list. Now, the club will see how Ayden Heaven fares for the rest of this season. United will also see which formations are used and whether there’s European football next season — which is the make-or-break aim for the campaign.

United’s chief target is one — or even two, depending on other outgoings — central midfielders in the No 6 role.

As previously reported by , Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, who has also been linked with Manchester City, is a focus. Interest in Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba remains. There are others of interest in this position playing in Italy and the Premier League. None are being actively pursued since none of their clubs want to sell right now.