Man United could live to regret sanctioning another transfer raid in January

Erik ten Hag was in a reflective mood back in the summer when it was certain that Scott McTominay would be switching Manchester United for Napoli.

There was an air of regret from the now ex-United boss that they had to sell a player who came through the United academy. However, it was deemed to be a necessity to help fund the arrival of Manuel Ugarte.

If United felt regret before McTominay kicked a ball for Napoli, they will be showing instant seller's remorse after his opening few months in Serie A. The Scotland international has taken to his new club like a duck to water and has instantly become a key component in Antonio Conte's midfield.

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After such success with his first United raid, it is perhaps unsurprising to hear that Conte is lining up a similar move in January. Il Mattino reports the Italian is willing to test the club's resolve to keep hold of Joshua Zirkzee after a difficult start to life at Old Trafford.

Despite bagging a brace recently against Everton, MEN Sport understands there are figures at United who are uncertain the Dutchman has what it takes to make it in the Premier League. While it is clear this has not been the ideal start for Zirkzee in England, they would only live to regret the decision to sell him this soon into his career at United.

Should they sell him, they are guaranteed to make a loss considering his first six months. Undoubtedly, Zirkzee will look to prove them wrong at his new club and with his form last season at Bologna taken into account, he would fancy himself to rediscover his form in Serie A.

Zirkzee still has a chance to come good in England should he remain at United and half a season certainly is not long enough to give him time to settle in his new surroundings. For these reasons, Ruben Amorim should not be looking to sell Zirkzee next month.

Instead, the plan should be to keep him while also adding some experience to the forward line to help him and Rasmus Hojlund with the pressure of scoring goals. Selling him would be to admit they have got it wrong and that can't be on the cards for United after the year they have had.