Manchester United have begun well under Erik ten Hag, but have major questions to answer in January.
Cristiano Ronaldo is almost certain to depart, with reports that the club are looking into ways of terminating his contract following his interview with Piers Morgan, meaning that the Red Devils are likely to be actively seeking a replacement for the forward.
Meanwhile, they still need several more additions to build the squad that Ten Hag will be looking for, and could bring some of their summer plans forward should someone catch their eye in Qatar.
With that in mind, we take a look at five players that the Red Devils should be monitoring during the upcoming World Cup.
📰 Table Of Contents
- 1 1. Jonathan David (Canada)
- 2 2. Youssoufa Moukoko (Germany)
- 3 3. Noah Okafor (Switzerland)
- 4 4. Joao Felix (Portugal)
- 5 5. Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands)
- 6 Reckon you’ve got the World Cup sussed? Use your nous for cash in our £25k+ 101 Great Goals Tournament Survivor game!
- 7 Wayne Rooney tips Manchester United star to have ‘big say’ on England’s World Cup
1. Jonathan David (Canada)
One of the most high-profile strikers at the tournament not currently playing for a European giant at club level, Canada striker Jonathan David is one of the first names on the teamsheet and will almost certainly play every minute of the three group games that the north American nation are guaranteed to play.
Still just 22-years-old, the AS Monaco forward continues to impress at club level, with 9 goals and 3 assists to his name in1 5 Ligue 1 outings so far this season. It follows a strong 2021-22 campaign, where he netted 15 times.
Hat-trick hero Jonathan David. #CanMNT #WCQ2022 pic.twitter.com/ZL7xrTEQKA
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) June 9, 2021
With United in desperate need of a forward, he is one to keep an eye on.
2. Youssoufa Moukoko (Germany)
More of a project striker than the finished product, Moukoko only made his Germany debut last week and is unlikely to lead the line for Hansi Flick’s side, with the teenager set to be forced to try and make an impact from the bench.
But with the 17-year-old out of contract in 2023 with current side Borussia Dortmund, Moukoko is effectively playing for a new contract either at Signal Iduna Park or elsewhere, while Dortmund are reportedly ready to let him leave in January for as little as 30m euros.
For a forward widely considered one of the most promising strikers in World Football, it could be an opportunity too good to turn down for the Red Devils, who will be watching his cameos in Qatar with interest.
Youssoufa Moukoko is 17 years of age. 🤐@BlackYellow | #Bundesliga | #MD13 pic.twitter.com/aGhLZ6F2FJ
— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) November 8, 2022
3. Noah Okafor (Switzerland)
The Joker in Switzerland’s pack, Okafor’s rise could continue this winter, with the RB Salzburg man expected to be up for sale in January. A wide forward comfortable on either flank, he may not be Manchester United’s first priority, but should he have a strong tournament, and alert the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City to his talents, the Red Devils would be fools to miss out.
The nutmeg from Noah Okafor before slotting home 😮💨#UCL pic.twitter.com/tQxmdxG2sq
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 7, 2022
4. Joao Felix (Portugal)
With Felix reportedly unhappy at Atletico Madrid, Manchester United are one of few clubs with the money and allure to make a move for the forward happen.
And, he would fit Erik ten Hag’s system to a tee should he ultimately be the man that the Red Devils opt for. A capable creator as well as goal getter himself, Felix can play anywhere across the front three and is a strong presser, while his naturally skillful style may be less hindered under a new manager.
What. A. Goal. pic.twitter.com/0LNv6WdwSw
— AllThingsQuinas ™ (@FPFTalk) November 17, 2022
A good world cup could be a timely reminder of his talents and could persuade Atleti to cut their losses on their record signing while his stock is high, while he could replace compatriot Ronaldo at Old Trafford.
5. Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands)
With Erik ten Hag being both Dutch and having targetted plenty of Eredivise stars in his first transfer window at Old Trafford, half of Louis Van Gaal’s could probably have had a space on this list. Jurrien Timber and Frenkie de Jong have both been subject to strong Manchester United interest in the past, and so has Denzel Dumfries, currently at Inter Milan.
The right wing-back shot to prominence at EURO2020, earning himself a move to Italy in the process, and another strong tournament could see him make another move in the winter window, with a price tag of around 40m euros on his head last summer amid interest both from United and Chelsea.
REDEMPTION FOR DUMFRIES… ELATION FOR THE NETHERLANDS! 🧡
What a time to score your first #NED goal! 🙌 #ITVFootball | #Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/UITH0CPCjL
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 13, 2021
Meanwhile, Manchester United need cover at right-back despite the impressive performances of Diogo Dalot, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka clearly massively out of favour at Old Trafford and no other natural option, meaning that Tyrell Malacia has been asked to fill in at times.
