{"id":1336894,"date":"2024-01-05T16:30:18","date_gmt":"2024-01-05T16:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?p=1336894"},"modified":"2024-01-05T16:30:18","modified_gmt":"2024-01-05T16:30:18","slug":"man-utd-january-2024-transfer-options","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/man-utd-january-2024-transfer-options\/","title":{"rendered":"Who should Man Utd sign this January? Dream, realistic & wildcard options"},"content":{"rendered":"

Manchester United are stuck in transition mode but have at least made steps to move toward a new era.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group have purchased a 25% stake in the club and will assume control of footballing operations. Fans are hoping that will see Man Utd get back on track, perhaps with some backing in the transfer window.<\/p>\n

The Red Devils have dropped down to eighth in the table, just three points above the bottom half, having lost nine of their 20 Premier League games. They have the worst goal difference in the top half, at -5, and look a team void of identity.<\/p>\n

Some have called for Erik ten Hag to be sacked, but Man Utd seem intent on sticking with the Dutchman, so now it’s about backing him. The question is, what and who do they need?<\/p>\n

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Dream: Jean-Clair Todibo<\/h2>\n

There are a few positions in which Man Utd need to strengthen, but a defensive shakeup seems to be the main priority right now. Victor Lindelof has seen a one-year clause in his contract triggered, with reports claiming Jonny Evans will also be offered an extension. At the same time, Raphael Varane appears to be on his way out with no extension planned and just six months left on his contract.<\/p>\n

So, a centre-back? Jean-Clair Todibo is the name on a lot of people’s lips this window, a target for Man Utd as well as Tottenham and Chelsea.<\/p>\n

\u201cI’m not going to lie and say that I didn’t have the thought to tell myself that perhaps I should play in a ‘top club’ to increase my chances [of playing for France],” Todibo told L’Equipe<\/a><\/strong> when asked about United’s attempt to sign him last summer. “But there are also guarantees when playing at Nice.<\/p>\n

“I experienced it differently from my previous situations in my career. My thinking was much more in-depth, thoughtful. I didn’t want to make a mistake in my choice. I remained very calm.<\/p>\n

\u201cReflection is much more important than when I started. I’m waiting to be presented with the complete project.”<\/p>\n

According to reports, Tottenham have made an approach and were in talks with Todibo and his representatives, though Nice don’t want to sell.<\/p>\n

There is now, of course, a Man Utd connection: Ratcliffe owns Nice.<\/p>\n

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Make your own comparisons with the Comparison Matrix<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Todibo has made 27 tackles in Ligue 1 so far this season, as well as 1,126 completed passes, the fourth-most among centre-backs, with an accuracy of 90.66%. He has also won possession 55 times in the middle third, again the fourth-most among centre-backs in Ligue 1 this season.<\/p>\n

More Manchester United content:<\/strong><\/p>\n