"When the window is open, we can try to do something and we will try to do something," said Ruben Amorim about Manchester United's plans for the January transfer window.

He continued: "But I think we are going to have more time to train and we can improve, that’s the only way. We had a lot of games without training, now we will have more space to grow."

Amorim kept his cards close to his chest about which positions he would like to strengthen but you don't need coaching badges to pick out the team's weak spots on a matchday.

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United's head coach would splash the cash in this window if he could, but there's no war chest available and the January window is a notoriously difficult time to do business.

That's not to say there won't be movement. Marcus Rashford's potential exit would provide financial wiggle room and a permanent sale would be the ideal scenario, despite a loan deal to a European side for the remainder of the season currently being reported as a possibility.

Just as Amorim explained, United will try to do "something" but the majority of their transfer business will be conducted in the summer window when the squad can be overhauled.

United prefer to do business in the summer for several reasons and discussions will already be taking place among Ineos chiefs in the corridors of power at Old Trafford.

So, what should United's top priorities be at the end of the season?

Address the lack of goals

United's strikers were signed for a combined fee of over £100million and have scored 11 goals between them this season. If United want to challenge at the top of the Premier League, they must sign a new striker because they won't get there with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee as their options.

Hojlund is still just 21 and might not be a 20-goal per season forward until he's in his late 20s, which is a problem for United, who need a goalscorer right now.

Zirkzee was signed to be that player but it didn't take long for everyone to realise he wasn't the solution and it wouldn't be a surprise to see United cut their losses after just one season.

The Dutchman has four goals in all competitions, he has looked better when dropping deep and linking up play, and was ruthlessly removed by Amorim in the first half against Newcastle.

United might sign a stopgap forward in the January window, but a higher-quality, dependable signing should be a non-negotiable in the summer because the side is crying out for goals.

Sign a new left-back

You don't get a prize for guessing 'signing a new left-back' would be on this list. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia were absent for the first part of the season due to injury and they have confirmed, although it was never in doubt, United need a left-back by hardly even playing.

That's because Shaw made three appearances from the bench in November against Ipswich Town, Bodo/Glimt and Everton when he returned to fitness, only to pick up another issue.

Sources said Shaw was expected to be out for a few weeks and his injury was muscular. His injury record since moving to Manchester has been appalling and it would be foolish of United to start the new campaign without a new signing in his position.

Thankfully, United are expected to sign a left-back in the summer, and it will be wise to move on Malacia, who bravely fought back from a serious injury but looks below the level required.

Another centre-back is required

Victor Lindelof is set to leave at the end of the season when his contract expires - he has been at the club since 2017 - and Jonny Evans' contract will also run out in the summer.

Evans has been excellent during his second stint at the club. He has stepped up and delivered whenever he's been needed and has thoroughly exceeded expectations, but he celebrated his 37th birthday last week and offering him a third 12-month contract might be stretching it.

United will need another centre-back, as Amorim plays with a back-three and the other options are Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro.

If Lindelof and Evans both depart, which seems likely, there would be just one reserve centre-back and that's without mentioning De Ligt hasn't been overly convincing this term.