After a shaky first half to the season, Manchester United could be tempted into making a few signings in the January transfer window – as long as they manage to sell first.

United haven't had the campaign they would've wanted so far, with Ruben Amorim's side marooned in mid-table in the Premier League since the beginning of the season. The situation has started to improve since Amorim's arrival, with the 2-1 win over Manchester City the highlight, but with the January transfer window around the corner, the Portuguese manager may want to make some changes to his squad.

If United want to make any signings, they must sell first, and after Marcus Rashford expressed his desire for "a new challenge" in a recent interview, the Englishman may be out the door, potentially paving the way for a new arrival. So, if Man United were to make a few sales and signings next month, who could be in and out the door? We simulated the 2025 January transfer window to find out.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim's dream Man United starting XI after January transfer window

READ MORE: Man United have Viktor Gyokeres transfer gift ready for January window and Ruben Amorim reunion

Man United's 2025 January transfer window simulated

To set up this simulation, we used the Football Manager 2024 editor to simulate the 2025 January transfer window, seeing who United could add to the squad. We also transfer-listed Rashford in the simulation to ensure United could make signings if he were to depart. This is what happened.

Outgoings (£58million)

• Marcus Rashford (AC Milan) - £54million

• Victor Lindelof (Lazio) - £4million

• Ethan Wheatley (Wigan) - six-month loan

• Daniel Gore (Newport County) - six-month loan

Rashford's desire to leave United in January saw him complete a move in the simulation, and after interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, the Englishman eventually made a move to Italy, joining AC Milan for £54million. Victor Lindelof's contract expires in the summer, but Amorim's side managed to gain a small fee for the defender as he left for Lazio for £4million, while Ethan Wheatley and Daniel Gore went on loan to Wigan and Newport County respectively.

Incomings (£67million including add-ons)

• Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain) - £48million

• Rayan Cherki (Lyon) - £11million (rising to £19million with add-ons)

With some extra funds, Amorim's main focus in the transfer window was to sign a new left wing-back, and he did just that, with Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal defender Nuno Mendes arriving for £48million. Just 22 years old, the left-back is already one of Europe's best in his position.

United also took advantage of Lyon's need to sell in the transfer window, with Amorim signing Rayan Cherki for just £11million, with the fee potentially rising to £19million with add-ons.

Follow the MEN's United coverage on TikTok and YouTube, and subscribe to the Manchester is Red podcast