Hit or miss? 

©TM/IMAGO

All indications are that it will be an incredibly quiet January window at Old Trafford despite Manchester United requiring reinforcements. Although it’s been another rollercoaster campaign, plagued by the low of being eliminated by Grimsby in the League Cup, United are still well positioned to achieve their objective of qualifying for European competition. Ahead of matchday 22 in the Premier League, United sit 7th in the table, just one point off the Champions League places.

United have spurned numerous opportunities to climb into the top four and that was ultimately a factor in their decision to relieve Rúben Amorim of his duties. Michael Carrick has been installed as interim manager until the end of the season but United chiefs are unlikely to back the 44-year-old heavily in the market. A new central midfielder would be top of the agenda but United will wait until the summer to chase their top targets. The Red Devils, however, have made some landmark signings during the winter window and we’ve analysed their record January deals.

Manchester United’s record January signings

United’s record January acquisition is Bruno Fernandes with the Portuguese midfielder arriving from Sporting CP for €65 million in 2020. The current captain has been an unquestionable success with 198 goal contributions in 310 games and he’s been United’s best signing since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. As the graphic below illustrates, Juan Mata’s €44.73m arrival from Chelsea in 2014 ranks second and the Spanish international is well-regarded by the United faithful.

The same cannot be said about Alexis Sánchez, who ranks third. United spent €34m to acquire the Chilean from Arsenal in 2018 but he flattered to deceive with just five goals in 45 appearances. Two current players complete the top five in Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu. Nemanja Vidic and Andy Cole are two of United’s most successful ever January signings and they feature in the top ten with Patrice Evra just missing out in 11th.