What is going on at Manchester United right now? Ruben Amorim's side are in freefall and suffered yet another damaging defeat after they were beaten 2-0 against Newcastle on Monday.
Goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton condemned United to a third successive home defeat and a NINTH Premier League loss in 19 matches this season. It's a result that leaves United down in 14th, just seven points above the drop zone and in real danger of being dragged into a relegation battle.
United have appeared to get worse since Amorim's appointment last month and he could be relishing the first chance to bring in his own players in the January transfer window. Although Amorim suggested that he won't be able to strengthen his squad this winter, there may be a desire to find a way around it.
While there has been a focus to improve performances on the pitch, players have been linked with moves to Old Trafford in January. A new centre forward could be on the agenda, while there has been talk that wing-backs might be targeted as Amorim tries to get his stamp on the United squad.
With this in mind, stay tuned for the latest updates from our United live transfer blog...
Happy New Year all
That is all from us for tonight, and for 2024. It's just a few hours until the January transfer window is officially open.
We'll be back bright and early tomorrow morning to bring you all of the latest Manchester United news and transfer rumours - I'm sure it will be a busy month.
All that's left to say is Happy New Year everyone!
United tipped to complete striker deal
Manchester United are favourites to complete a transfer for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres before the end of the January window, according to SkyBet.
The bookmakers have United priced at 3/1 for the forward, ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea.
Manchester United 3/1
Arsenal 10/1
Chelsea 14/1
Three clubs show Zirkzee interest
Three clubs have shown an interest in United forward Joshua Zirkzee ahead of the January transfer window, according to reports.
The Netherlands international was taken off after just 33 minutes of the 2-0 defeat against Newcastle on Monday night. TEAMtalk report that the player is now open to a move away from United.
They name Juventus, AC Milan and former club Bologna as possible destinations for Zirkzee.
Man United hero 'close' to new job
Former Manchester United man Mark Robins is close to returning to football, with the manager closing in on the Stoke City managerial job, according to TalkSPORT.
The former forward started his playing career with United, and has since gone into managerment. He left Coventry City earlier this season after a disappointing start to the season.
Latest Marcus Rashford odds
Marcus Rashford is a name who is expected to crop up a lot in the upcoming transfer window.
The forward was a durprise inclusion in the squad for the clash against Newcastle on Monday night, but his future still looks to be away from Old Trafford.
According to the latest odds from SkyBet, Barcelona are favourites to sign him in January.
Here is a look at the odds:
Barcelona 2/1
Any Sauid Pro League club 9/2
PSG 11/2
Arsenal 7/1
Any MLS club 18/1
Chelsea 18/1
Bayern Munich 20/1
Real Madrid 22/1
Juventus 25/1
Newcastle 25/1
AC Milan 33/1
Man City 33/1
Liverpool 50/1
Dani Olmo transfer stance
Dani Olmo's agent has been speaking to journalist Fabrizio Romano about the player's future.
United are reported to be one of the teams interested in a potential January move, but it seems it may take some convincing for Olmo, who is only considering staying at Barca, despite the situation.
Dani Olmo transfer race
Manchester United have been named as one of the clubs 'circling' for a potential deal for Barcelona's Dani Olmo in the January window.
Barcelona are being blocked from registering the summer signing for the sescond half of the season after a move from RB Leipzig. If their appeal fails, then the midfielder could be available on a free transfer.
According to Mundo Deportivo, United are alongside Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea, Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen in showing an interest in the player.
Good afternoon
Hello United fans, the final day before the transfer window opens is speeding along.
My name is Amie, and I will be taking you through the next few hours on this New Year's Eve. Why don't we start with looking back on some of the stories so far today?
Manchester United have no budget for January transfer window
Gary Neville outlines Man United January transfer wishlist after Ruben Amorim revelation
Casemiro 'agrees to leave Manchester United' as huge January transfer claim made
Amad apology
Amad Diallo has admitted that "apologising is not enough" for Manchester United's drab 2024, as the Ivorian reflected on a "very difficult year" at Old Trafford.
After United ended the calendar year with their fourth successive defeat - a 2-0 loss at home against Newcastle - Amad took to social media to send a message to the disappointed United supporters.
He said on X, formerly known as Twitter: "a very difficult year, apologizing is not enough... but you have supported us and continued to do so throughout all this time... thank you…"
Ferdinand on Amorim
Rio Ferdinand has claimed that not having enough time to coach on the training pitch is one of the main reasons why Ruben Amorim has struggled at Manchester United so far.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, he said: "He (Amorim) did stress in his comments after the game that he has had four training sessions with the team in six weeks. And when you're looking for what are the reasons why there has been issues with the team and with the results in the time he has been there, I think that has to be a huge part.
"Any manager will tell you that you need time on the training pitch, if they want to put their philosophy into play, they want to create the confidence in the team, they want to make sure the triggers are done at the right time, then they need time on the pitch. He hasn't had that, so there is a combination of problems."
Zirkzee offer
Juventus will 'almost certainly' submit an offer in January to sign Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee, according to TuttoSport and La Repubblica.
The 23-year-old, who joined United for £36.7million from Bologna in the summer, has struggled during his time at Old Trafford and was substituted in the 32nd minute against Newcastle on Monday.
Zirkzee was spotted in tears after he was taken off and there is talk that he could be set for a departure from United in the winter, and Juventus are someone who want to sign him.
However, it's reported that the Italian side do not have the funds to sign him permanently in January and hope to welcome him on loan with a view to agreeing an option to buy at the end of the season.
Ugarte to Milan
According to Corriere dello Sport, Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is on AC Milan's transfer agenda.
The Uruguayan, who joined United from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, has been linked with a move to Milan but he can't join the Serie A giants in January as they can no longer sign non-EU players this season.
United interested in Christiansen
Manchester United are interested in signing former Chelsea centre-back Andreas Christensen during the January transfer window, according to Mundo Deportivo.
However, the Reds are expected to face stiff competition from Juventus and Inter Milan for his signature.
Taibi on Onana
Manchester United goalkeeping flop Massimo Taibi has delivered a blunt message to Andre Onana, advising him to consider leaving Old Trafford.
He told The Sun: "I'd be straight to the point and tell him, 'Andre, you are one of the best keepers in Europe but in the Premier League, you are under-performing. Block out criticism, do some soul-searching, press the reset and go again. And if things don't change by June, move on'.
"I think subconsciously the United environment isn't ideal for him and when a marriage is showing cracks, it's pointless to continue. Sometimes things don't work out at a team and it's best to go separate ways, which would not be a failure.
"For me he's a strong goalkeeper who finds himself in a situation where he can't show his skills because he is not cut out for the English game. He's only suited to the Prem when it comes to his ball-playing ability and structure."
Kerkez rival
Liverpool are expected to rival Manchester United for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, according to CaughtOffside.
Kerkez has been one of the outstanding defenders in the Premier League this season and has since been linked with a blockbuster move away from Bournemouth.
It's reported that the Hungarian is valued at around £50million.
Casemiro exit
Casemiro has agreed to leave Manchester United in January, according to UOLEsporte.
The Brazilian's long-term future at Old Trafford is uncertain and it's been reported that he is on the verge on making the move to Saudi Arabia.
Casemiro made a rare start during United's 2-0 defeat against Newcastle on Monday.
Amorim revelation
Ruben Amorim has revealed that Manchester United won't be spending money and adding to their squad during the January transfer window.
The Portuguese said in a post-match interview: "We don’t have that possibility in January.
"You know the situation better than I [do]. It’s not the case I am not arriving here and I can spend a lot of money, changing all the team. You know the situation so it’s not a point to talk about it."
Rooney sack
Plymouth Argyle have sacked Wayne Rooney. The former Manchester United forward, who was appointed as Argyle's new head coach in the summer, has lost his job following a woeful run of form.
The Devon-based club have not won since a narrow 1-0 victory over Portsmouth on November 5. They have since endured a rotten nine-game winless run that has included 4-0 losses at Bristol City and Coventry City, as well as a brutal 6-1 thrashing against Norwich City.
In that period, Plymouth have collected just three points and it's a run of results that has seen them drop right to the bottom of the Championship. Following Sunday's 2-0 loss at relegation rivals Oxford United, Argyle sit 24th, four points adrift of safety after 23 matches.
Neville on United transfer plans
Gary Neville has outlined where Manchester United need to strengthen during the January transfer window.
Neville told Sky Sports: "I could say centre-forward, let's get a world-class centre-forward, let's get Isak in, but that's never going to happen.
"I think if you were starting, you'd have to start with the fundamentals of this system, which is the wing-backs, they hold it together. If you don't have the wing-backs functioning up and down that are able to attack and defend equally as good, and there aren't many of those around, by the way, because there aren't many teams that play wing-back, then you're going to struggle. So you need two quite unique players in those wide areas, and I think that will be the starting point.
"And that's nothing against [Noussair] Mazraoui or [Diogo] Dalot, I think they're very willing and doing the job the very best that they can. But they're to me the areas that I would start in this system."
Sutton on Murillo
Chris Sutton has urged Manchester United to make a move to sign Nottingham Forest defender Murillo during the January transfer window.
He told his Daily Mail column: "He is an absolute machine – a stockier version of Martin Keown. The Brazilian is like a rash, he’s all over people and roughs them up because he is so powerful, strong and fast… He's like a bull.
"Keep in mind, too, that he is only 22 and just looks to be getting better and better. He’s been really impressive this season for Nottingham Forest and is someone [Ruben] Amorim should look at."
United interested in Mendes
Manchester United are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes.
According to Fabrizio Romano on GiveMeSport, United are keen on adding the Portuguese defender to their squad as they look to strengthen that left wing-back position.
The 22-year-old - valued at £46million - has been a key member of the PSG side since arriving from Sporting CP in 2022 and United feel he could be a useful addition to their ranks.
However, PSG do not want to lose Mendes, who has 18 months left on his contract, and are hoping to convince him to stay at the Parc des Princes in the long term.
Welcome
Hello and welcome to our live Manchester United transfer blog.
Keep up to date with the latest rumours and news throughout the day...
