Dalot, Martial and Ronaldo may force Man Utd to abandon January plans

Manchester United are currently ‘not actively pursuing’ any transfer targets in the January window but the situations regarding Diogo Dalot, Anthony Martial and Cristiano Ronaldo could force him to change these plans. The right-back has a lack of capable replacements should he pick up an injury while the Frenchman’s own issues mean Erik ten Hag would have a lack of attacking options should the Portugal captain leave this winter.United had something of a busy summer in the market, bringing six new faces to Old Trafford as Ten Hag started to shape a team in his image. Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Antony and Martin Dubravaka all made the move to join the Red Devils with the club forking out £216million in the process. The expenditure had left John Murtough previously pledged that the club would focus on the summer as the main time to conduct business and the Manchester Evening News reports that this plan remains the same, at least for the time being. Dalot, Martial and Ronaldo could force the club to reconsider their plans as any injury issues would leave their squad looking light. The issue is particularly pressing in forward areas with the Frenchman missing most of the season through injury. Ronaldo appears to be desperate to leave Old Trafford and has reportedly been told he can leave if a suitable offer is received for his services. READ MORE: Tottenham chiefs ‘reach agreement’ on £13m January deal for Conte Manchester United chief John Murtough has suggested there will be no January transfer business (Image: GETTY)Marcus Rashford has spent most of the season in the No 9 position but has admitted he prefers to play out wide meaning United could do with signing at least one and possibly two central strikers should the 37-year-old depart. Right-back is another area of concern with Ten Hag reportedly keen to move on backup Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Dalot has been one of United’s standout performers so far this season and is unlikely to lose his place in the side anytime soon however an injury to the player would force the Dutchman’s hand. DON’T MISSMan Utd’s title-challenging XI if Glazers back Ten Hag with two signingsMan Utd boss Ten Hag ‘was unhappy over Garnacho laces incident’Man Utd star Fernandes gives Ten Hag tactic verdict and takes aim at Garnacho Man Utd stars Diogo Dalot, Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial could force Murtough to change plan (Image: GETTY)The former Ajax boss talked up the potential for Malacia and Victor Lindelof to fill in on the right-hand side should the Portugal star run into issues ahead of the Europa League encounter. Yet this would not be ideal and Ten Hag may be best placed to bring in a new face to serve in the position, potentially using funds from the sale of Wan-Bissaka if a suitor is found. United supporters have certainly seen improvement under their new manager but still have work to do if they are to secure a place in the Champions League next season. January transfer business may be the best way to achieve this particularly if the same issues continue. Want the latest Premier League news as we publish it on Express Sport? Join our new Facebook group by clicking here