September 22, 2025
Manchester United's transfer merry-go-round shows no signs of slowing down, even after a chaotic summer window that saw over £239 million spent and key stars like Antony and Rasmus Hojlund shipped out. With Ruben Amorim still finding his feet at Old Trafford, fresh reports suggest the Portuguese tactician is already plotting a January spree to fix glaring squad gaps. Leading the charge? Inter Milan's versatile left-back Federico Dimarco, who's emerged as Amorim's top priority.
In a summer defined by high-stakes gambles—Benjamin Sesko's €76.5 million arrival from RB Leipzig as the new focal point up front, alongside Senne Lammens' deadline-day €22 million swoop for the goalkeeping department—United's ambitions didn't stop at September 1. The club borrowed a staggering £105 million from revolving credit facilities to fuel the spending, leaving net outlays at £163.5 million after offloading Garnacho to Chelsea and others. But with the squad still leaking goals and creativity, Amorim's wishlist is a clear signal: evolution isn't enough; revolution is next.
Dimarco: The Italian Flank Fix United Crave
Federico Dimarco, the 27-year-old Inter Milan dynamo, isn't just a name on a scouting report—he's Amorim's "very keen" obsession. The left-footed full-back, who can moonlight as a winger or midfielder, ticks every box for United's ailing left flank. Last season, Dimarco notched 5 goals and 7 assists in Serie A, blending pinpoint crosses with defensive grit that could shore up Luke Shaw's injury-prone setup. Sources close to the club whisper that Amorim, who favors fluid 3-4-3 systems, sees Dimarco as the "huge upgrade" to inject dynamism and width.
Inter won't let him go cheaply—expect a £50-60 million tag, especially with the Nerazzurri chasing Champions League glory. But United's hierarchy, buoyed by sell-on clauses from past deals netting £20.3 million, is prepared to push. "He's at the top of the wishlist," insiders confirm, with initial feelers already out. Fans on X are buzzing, with one viral post racking up over 4,000 likes: "Dimarco would be a game-changer—finally, a left-back who attacks like a winger!"
Midfield Makeover: Baleba in the Crosshairs
It's not all about the flanks. United's engine room remains a sore spot, with Casemiro's hefty wages and declining form blocking major moves this summer. The Brazilian's contract expires next year, paving the way for a "major investment" in a successor. Enter Carlos Baleba, the 21-year-old Brighton enforcer who's become United's midfield muse. The Cameroonian powerhouse, a £100 million-rated gem, was scouted heavily but deemed too pricey amid the window's frenzy. Now, with Casemiro's exit on the horizon, Baleba's physicality and passing range make him the ideal pivot.
Liverpool are lurking, ready to "elbow their way" into the race, but United's long-standing interest—dating back to Brighton's reluctance to sell for less than Moises Caicedo's £115 million fee—gives them an edge. "He's the upgrade we need," say reports, envisioning Baleba anchoring alongside Kobbie Mainoo, who's reportedly open to a cash-plus-player swap for Real Madrid's Federico Valverde in a wild-card scenario.
Goalkeeper Gamble: Maignan on the Radar
Even with Lammens' arrival, United aren't done in goal. Andre Onana's loan to Trabzonspor exposed vulnerabilities, and scouts are shortlisting elites like AC Milan's Mike Maignan. The 29-year-old French star, out of contract next summer, could be snapped up on a pre-contract in January—or lured for a cut-price fee. United have "held discussions" with his reps, drawn to his shot-stopping prowess and distribution that fits Amorim's build-from-the-back ethos. "A huge upgrade with leadership," one source gushed, amid whispers of Emi Martinez regrets.
This isn't knee-jerk; it's strategic. United's summer saw loans for Hojlund (Napoli) and Sancho (Aston Villa), plus Antony's permanent Betis switch, clearing wage space. But with Amorim's job under scrutiny—Xavi Hernández is even touted as a replacement if results sour—these targets scream survival mode.
Fan Frenzy and the Bigger Picture
X is ablaze with reactions. Threads decry the summer as "disastrous," while polls favor Dimarco (78% yes). United sit mid-table, but Sesko's early promise (a brace vs. Wolves) hints at potential. As Amorim quips, "We're building something special"—January could make or break it.
Stay tuned: With windows in Turkey and Saudi still echoing sales, United's war chest is primed. Dimarco, Baleba, Maignan—who lands first? Old Trafford awaits.
