January 2024 will be remembered as a frustrating transfer window for Manchester United, but ultimately a successful one.
The aim ahead of the market opening was to reduce the wage bill and gain some income from fringe members of the squad, an objective that was unquestionably achieved.
But the Red Devils would have liked to sign a striker during the mid-season window and couldn’t find the finances to afford such a deal.
United are not the only Premier League club in such a bind, with the likes of Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers limited in what they could spend during January. But an inability to find the resources for even a short-term loan switch speaks to the concern around United’s long-term financial picture.
That said, there was one incoming at United this month, with a youth-team player cutting short his loan move to return to the club.
There were also a plethora of departures at United, with 17 leaving in one form or another. Two players left in permanent transfers and three moved to Europe in loan deals with an option to buy in the summer. Two others moved abroad on straight loans, while five players have agreed short-term deals in the Football League.
United also arranged what they described as ‘innovative’ loans for four youngsters who have joined non-league clubs and will continue to train and play with the Under-21s at United. The only other transfer deal at Old Trafford last month saw a defender have his loan move cut short.
So, it turned out to be quite a busy month for United in the market. Here are all 18 deals that were completed during the January window…
1. Tom Wooster (innovative loan)
One of four players to agree an 'innovative loan' which sees youth-teamers train and represent non-league sides as well as United's Under-21s. Wooster has joined Macclesfield until the end of the season.
2. Radek Vitek (loan)
The goalkeeper will spend the rest of the campaign on loan at Accrington Stanley and kept a clean sheet on Saturday in his debut for the club.
3. Rhys Bennett (loan)
Will spend the remainder of the campaign on loan at Stockport County.
4. Alvaro Fernandez (loan + option)
Signed for Benfica on a short-term deal which could become permanent for a fee €6m (£5.2m), plus an additional €3m (£2.6m) in potential add-ons. That deal will be triggered if Fernandez plays 50 percent of matches, although Benfica can still complete the deal if the left-back doesn't play half of the games.