![\"Isaac](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754548933_654_20241227_155239-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nManchester United could strike pre-contract agreements with certain players in Janaury and sign several talents on a free transfer including Mike Maignan and Ruben Neves<\/p>\n
Isaac is a senior NCTJ-trained journalist with an MA in News Journalism. He has experience of working for national and regional news organisations including the Express, the Mirror and the Manchester Evening News. He currently covers sport across all national and regional sites at Reach PLC.<\/p>\n
![\"Ruben](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0_FC-Aarau-v-Al-Hilal-SFC-Pre-Season-Friendly.jpg\")
Man United could sign former Wolves star Ruben Neves on a free transfer if they come to an agreement in January (Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Most observers know that Manchester United’s problems have not been solved in one transfer window. However, some positives can be taken from what could be a transformative summer at Old Trafford<\/a>.<\/p>\n Most players who wanted to leave or were deemed surplus to requirements at M16 have now left and are off the Reds’ wage bill. United<\/a>‘s new signings, meanwhile, have, by and large, looked good so far.<\/p>\n Matheus Cunha<\/a> has impressed while Bryan Mbeumo<\/a> has shown character against Burnley after an unfortunate penalty miss against Grimsby Town cost United their place in the League Cup. There will be some concern over Benjamin Sesko’s early form in a Reds jersey and yet patience is needed with the Slovenian after his late arrival before the new season.<\/p>\n The transfer window for most European clubs may have closed until January, but it won’t take long before the focus turns towards where Ruben Amorim<\/a>‘s team need to strengthen further. And attention may also be on possible free agent signings.<\/p>\n Clubs can speak with overseas players who are out of contract next summer from January to come to a pre-contract agreement and free transfer. One position that is likely to be revisited next summer is goalkeeper.<\/p>\n The arrival of Senne Lammens on deadline day <\/a>will not entirely solve United’s goalkeeping crisis. If their poor form continues, neither Andre Onana nor Altay Bayindir will have secure futures at M16, while Tom Heaton will be 40 next year.<\/p>\n There will also be questions over whether Lammens can step up to such a high-pressure position at just 23 years old. It’s why a more experienced option should be considered.<\/p>\n AC Milan shot-stopper Mike Maignan could be an excellent signing on a free transfer, having excelled for the Italian giants since joining from Lille in 2021. United signing a goalkeeper from another Milan club in Inter’s Onana may not have worked out yet but Maignan’s shot-stopping ability is superior to the Cameroonian.<\/p>\n Elsewhere, midfield remains a major issue for Amorim, and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba<\/a> is likely to be on the Reds’ radar next summer after being put off by his \u00a3100million plus price tag last month.<\/p>\n But a cheaper alternative could be former Wolves star Ruben Neves. The Portuguese is currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia and would almost certainly need to take a significant pay cut to join United.<\/p>\n Turning 29 in March may also put off the Reds, who have turned to much younger talent under Ineos. Yet his Premier League experience, passing range, and suitability to play in defensive midfield are just what United need.<\/p>\n Even a short-term deal may offer plenty of benefits to United who need result’s quickly in an impatient world.<\/p>\n Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> \u00a349<\/p>\n \u00a335<\/p>\n Sky<\/p>\n Get Sky Sports here<\/a><\/p>\n Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports<\/a> bundle for the 2025\/26 season, saving members \u00a3336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.<\/p>\n Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.<\/p>\n Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United<\/a> coverage and analysis.<\/p>\n Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here<\/strong><\/a> to subscribe.<\/p>\n You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here<\/strong><\/a> to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.<\/p>\n And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify<\/strong><\/a> and Apple Podcasts<\/strong><\/a>, and you can also watch along on YouTube<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for this week and beyond, and you can get the latest team news, injury updates, reaction and analysis along with inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community<\/a>. You can also join the 50,000 (and growing!) band of United fans who are following our WhatsApp Channel.<\/a><\/p>\n Sign up to our community here<\/a>, and join our WhatsApp channel here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n —<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\")
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