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Manchester United have been faced with a rather complicated dilemma as they enter the first full week of the January transfer window.
Typically, a club would use the winter break as an opportunity to reassess its squad in the middle of the season, with the market acting as a last chance to influence a campaign with a heavy cash injection or inspired signing.
United opted for the latter a year ago: the arrival of Bruno Fernandes not only rescued what seemed like a doomed season but transformed the entire work ethic and culture of the first team.
The problem for any club that wants to emulate such a purchase this time comes with that keyword, “normal.” This is not a normal season. Not only are we still under the middle of the campaign, but the staggered start to the Premier League season means it’s difficult to really assess where a team stands at the moment.
Yes, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team could be second in the table, but is it really the second best team? The recent form of Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal highlights how quickly things can change this season and the same can be said when it comes to evaluating a team at stake.
Some players may have played a lot so far, but that doesn’t mean they won’t fall out of favor. Likewise, a player currently on the sidelines could have a season to remember if he gets a shot through injury, suspension, or just squad rotation.
With a double header from Carabao and FA Cup this week, that is a scenario that seems much more likely at Old Trafford. Although the priority for Solskjaer is trophies this season, it would not be surprising if he made changes for the two knockout games he faces in the coming days.
This approach could give fringe players an unexpected opportunity to shine, not only replenishing their confidence, but also presenting a transfer dilemma.
Manchester United extended their unbeaten streak in the Premier League to 10 games, as they recorded a deserved 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on New Years Day.
Goals from Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes did the job as United kept up the pressure on the defending champions and league leaders Liverpool.
United’s next game is against City in the Carabao Cup semi-final midweek.
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It is clear that United will look to continue to review their team in the next month, but participation in cup competitions, especially the Europa League, makes it difficult to sanction the number of starts that some fans would like to see.
It is a common belief that there are six current first-team players at immediate risk of leaving the club this month. Sergio Romero, Marcos Rojo, Jesse Lingard and Phil Jones are redundant in the first team roster and would even struggle to form a match day roster for a pointless Europa League second leg.
However, players like Daniel James and Brandon Williams could have crucial roles to play in Europe this season as Solskjaer juggles commitments amid a packed schedule.
While the duo may not be on many fans’ favorite game day squad right now, it could soon change when the topic of Europa League football comes up next month.
After such a resurgent streak, United will have to feel confident in the face of the potential banana skin of a two-legged tie against Real Sociedad, but the fact that the mood could be drastically different for when the two sides meet in mid-February.
At worst, United might view the Europa League as their best shot at qualifying for the Champions League next season, but even in an ideal world it’s a trophy Solskjaer will be desperate to win. In any case, they would need to use the immense depth of their squad to do so.
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