Managing Manchester United - Ademola Lookman signs as three leave and Marcus Rashford revival
Ruben Amorim's start to life at Manchester United hasn't gone particularly to plan. Despite impressive results against Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal, the Reds are still in the bottom half of the Premier League.
Sunday's substandard defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion was followed by the United boss contemplating whether his squad was the "worst team" in the club's entire history. To fix that, reinforcements are needed.
United are in desperate need of adding fresh blood to their squad before the window closes. MEN Sport understands talks with Lecce over the signing of left wing-back Patrick Dorgu are underway, but there is much more work.
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In a dream scenario, Amorim will strengthen his options at wing-back, central midfield, out wide, and at centre-forward. However, as is well known, United are limited on the business they can complete due to financial considerations.
But if United are to rescue their season, Ineos have to back Amorim. So, with that in mind, MEN Sport has taken a step into the hot seat and decided what should happen.
Attacking reinforcements
Joshua Zirzkee's performance against Brighton was disappointing. Rasmus Hojlund was an unused substitute. Relying on two centre-forwards to be the heartbeat of United's attack hasn't worked this season. If Amorim isn't helped in the final third this window, United are in trouble.
So, where do they go? Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Dusan Vlahovic are strikers linked with a move to Old Trafford. But one thing that United are seriously lacking is individuals who are versatile enough to play across a number of positions.
In that case, I put forward Ademola Lookman. The Atalanta forward has established himself as one of Europe's best attackers in the last 18 months after leading the Italian side to the Europa League title last season.
This year, he has netted 13 goals in 25 games to guide Gli Orobici to a Serie A title race. It's understood that the Nigeria international has a release clause in his contract in Italy, somewhere between £30million and £46.5m, but Atalanta are pushing to renew his terms to increase that.
At that price, United would be signing a forward capable of playing down the middle or in wide attacking spaces. In Amorim's system, the 27-year-old would fit the bill perfectly.
Three shipped out
Depending on your view on certain players, this figure could - or should - be more than four. However, with United's budget tight, selling most players just isn't sustainable for Amorim to get results in the second half of the season.
Question marks over Andre Onana, Luke Shaw, Christian Eriksen and the two strikers are ones for consideration in the season. Right now, there are four players who should be let go before February 3.
Antony's loan move to Real Betis is what's best for both parties. Casemiro hasn't played for United since the January transfer window opened amid interest from Saudi Arabia and Tyrell Malacia is likely to leave this month after struggling for minutes.
Rashford revival
And here's why. If Antony departs, options in attack are limited. Lookman arriving would strengthen the options in the final third, but there's still a feeling that Rashford could be helpful for Amorim.
Like Lookman, Rashford is capable of playing behind the centre-forward or as a striker. It's pretty difficult to understand why Amorim is currently leaving himself short.
Without him, it isn't working. United's attack is lacking that cutting edge, and it's costing them. A reminder that they managed just one shot on target against Brighton, and that came from the penalty spot for Bruno Fernandes' goal.
Rashford may not be the answer, and long-term, his future may be out of Manchester. But right now, his return could be the perfect revival.
