Manchester United is set to face multiple reinforcement needs in 2025, with the club's management, including the Glazers and Ineos Group, preparing to clean house by offloading underperforming players. Ruben Amorim has been at the helm of Manchester United for over a month now and should have a clear understanding of the team's strengths and weaknesses. Clearly, Amorim is keen to bolster the left flank, with additional reinforcements in other positions also being welcomed. At the same time, the uncertainty surrounding Altay Bayindir's future means that Manchester United may need to bring in a new second-choice goalkeeper. Interestingly, United's problems could be solved by re-signing players who have previously left the club. Here are four players that Manchester United could potentially bring back to Old Trafford in the new year.
Firstly, the most prominent name is undoubtedly Alvaro Fernandez, the young player who has excelled at Benfica. Manchester United sold Fernandez last summer for just £5 million, but cleverly included a buy-back option in the deal. Given Amorim's difficulties with the left wing-back position, United may activate this buy-back clause to bring Fernandez back for a fee of £16 million, putting them in pole position in the race to sign him.
Next is another player who might not require a transfer fee - Angel Gomes. Gomes' contract with Lille expires in 2025, and Manchester United is one of the main contenders for his return to England. Reports suggest that Amorim is very interested in Gomes, and Gomes himself hopes to return to his old club rather than join Tottenham. This deal would be a smart move, as Gomes can perfectly adapt to the No. 10 position on the left in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation.
The third player is another who could return at a low price - former Manchester United youth goalkeeper Matej Kovar. In 2025, Manchester United may need to bring in a new second-choice goalkeeper, and Kovar, as a reliable backup, almost always performs well in teams coached by Alonso. In his last three games, he kept clean sheets against Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and Salzburg. Manchester United has an option to buy back Kovar, and the 1.95m tall Czech international has expressed his desire to return to Manchester United. If Bayindir leaves, this deal would be a viable consideration.
The last name, though less rational, could excite many fans - Paul Pogba. Pogba is set to make a comeback, and last week The Independent reported that Manchester City, United's city rivals, could become his next destination. For Manchester United, with midfield reinforcements in place, signing Pogba on a short-term contract (e.g., six months) carries minimal risk, as Pogba's salary would not be too high. He could play as a defensive midfielder or take up one of the No. 10 positions in midfield. Although this decision may seem crazy, it could potentially provide some short-term help for Manchester United at least until next season.
So, what do you think about these news and opinions? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section. If you want to see more sports and football news, follow Beta!