Fabrizio Romano has shed light on Manchester United’s priorities ahead of the January transfer window, with the future of Alejandro Garnacho, Diogo Dalot and Marcus Rashford, as well as the need to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, at the center of his thinking .
The Reliable Reporter claims that the club is deciding its next steps regarding these three players, all of whom will see their contracts expire in the summer should United fail to agree new terms or activate their extension clauses.
“Manchester United are discussing the next steps internally, so it’s time to decide on strategy, budget is a key factor after spending a lot of money in the summer,” Romano told his daily briefing.
“New contracts are also a key issue: Dalot, Rashford and Garnacho are three priorities, talks will take place with all of them waiting for United to decide on the new striker.
“In my opinion, whether United are in the top four this season depends on who they can sign up front, let’s see what they do!”
Dalot is unlikely to care too much whether or not United bring in a striker, but there is a chance he is waiting to see if the club bring in a right-back this winter.
The Portugal star has enjoyed a big increase in playing time this season as Erik ten Hag sees him as his only viable option in the role.
Should a player like Denzel Dumfries, Josip Juranovic or Jeremie Frimpong be brought on board, Dalot may want to wait and see if he ends up playing second fiddle to a new player before agreeing to extend his stay at Old Trafford.
Dumfries is unlikely to move until June, while Josip Juranovic and Frimpong are likely to be signed to rotate with Dalot; it may be the case that the player seeks playing time guarantees before committing to a new contract.
The same can be said for Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, who could see their status in the team decline should a striker be added.
Cody Gakpo, in particular, operates in areas of the court similar to those of these two players, and for the fee it would cost, he would not be booked as bench warmers.
Of course, all three players may be looking to the club to demonstrate their ambitions to mount a serious challenge for silver with a big signing, although that could prove difficult mid-season.
In any case, the club will not let any of them leave for nothing next summer and will activate extensions as necessary.
However, that would only delay the issues and as such United will do everything in their power to tie these three stars to new terms as they look to secure a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
