Manchester United
Forget Gueye – Here are 3 top class alternatives who Man United can target including this La Liga powerhouse
Manchester United opinion: 3 players Solskjaer should target instead of Idrissa Gueye
Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for Everton star Idriss Gueye as the club looks for new additions to change their future. The 29-year-old would be a good addition but given his age and the Red Devils’ already ageing squad, they need to look towards someone else.
Given the aforementioned state of their team, it has to be the right player as the wrong one will hurt the club even more.
The addition of Fred last summer proved to be a mistake, with the Brazilian struggling to find a foothold in the Premier League. The same rule applies this summer and that being said, here are three players who do fit that bill.
Declan Rice
Arguably one of the standout youngsters in the Premier League this season, Rice’s shift to midfield has seen his stock shoot for the sky. A good defender, the 21-year-old has used that skill well over the course of his conversion and his natural defensive ability has helped ease that transition.
It’s seen Manchester United and even Manchester City scout him and note their interest over the last few months. Declan Rice should be one the Red Devils’ top target.
The Hammers know that Rice will eventually outgrow them and move ahead, which is something that Manchester United have to take advantage of.
Thomas Partey
A brilliant midfielder, Partey has been at Atletico Madrid for most of his career but his ability on the ball has only come to the world’s attention recently. His performances over the last few seasons have been consistent and his stature in the footballing world has kept growing.
It will keep growing and with Partey already revealing that he’s open to a move, it makes him brilliant for Manchester United. Partey’s a defensive wall and he doesn’t do too much offensively but moves the ball around well.
That’s what Manchester United need, someone who can consistently move play around and become their reliable pass master. The 25-year-old’s versatility to play across the defensive line will be an added bonus.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
His breakout season was absolutely sensational, with Savic finishing with 16 goals and 8 assists to his name at the end of the 2017/18 season.
However, no big move materialised for the young midfielder and he still remains at Lazio. That saga has affected his form this season but the 24-year-old finished with seven goals and four assists.
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Over the course of the season, he’s averaged 1.3 tackles, 1.5 clearances, 1.5 key passes, 2.2 shots per game and a passing accuracy of just under 80% per game.
It’s a great average and with time that will only increase, especially with at a club like Manchester United.
Manchester United officially recalled 19-year-old midfielder Emma Watson from her season-long loan at Crystal Palace on January 12, 2026.
The Scotland international was set to spend the entire campaign at the South London club but returned to her parent club at the halfway point.
Watson becomes the third Manchester United player recalled this January window following Evie Rabjohn and Keira Barry as head coach Marc Skinner strategically reshapes his squad depth for the title push ahead.
Crystal Palace Development Period
Watson joined Crystal Palace in August 2025 on a season-long loan after spending the previous campaign on loan at Everton. During her time at Palace, she made eight competitive appearances and scored two goals, including an assist against Sunderland in October.
She earned the TEN Player of the Month award following impressive displays throughout October when she scored a brace against Ipswich Town. Her performances demonstrated maturity and composure as she adapted quickly to senior football demands despite her young age and new surroundings.
Manchester United’s Strategic Recruitment Window
Watson returns to Carrington as Manchester United completed signings of Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich and Hanna Lundkvist from San Diego Wave.
The club aims to build squad depth across all positions for their title challenge and four-competition objectives. Watson made her Manchester United debut in November 2024 during a Women’s League Cup group-stage clash with Everton before scoring her first goal against Newcastle United in the same competition. An anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained while on international duty in September 2023 initially impacted her development but she has since returned to full fitness.
Uncertain Future Path
Manchester United has not confirmed whether Watson will feature in first team plans or could be sold to another club during the remainder of the January window. Her return provides Marc Skinner with attacking midfield options as United bid to challenge Manchester City for the league title while maintaining their Champions League and domestic cup ambitions.
Also read: After two-and-a-half years, Janice Cayman departs Leicester City for PSV
Arsenal Women host Manchester United on Saturday in a crucial six pointer for Champions League qualification. The Gunners sit just one point above United in the WSL table and victory at Emirates Stadium would give them a strong buffer, while defeat leaves them playing catch up in the race for Europe.
The match marks Arsenal’s return from the winter break following a busy week that saw Renee Slegers sign a new contract and Jodie Taylor promoted to Technical Director. However, the immediate focus is on securing three points against Marc Skinner’s side in what promises to be a tense encounter.
Kick-off: 12:30 GMT, Saturday, January 11, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
TV: Sky Sports (UK)
Cooney Cross Absent For Personal Reasons
Arsenal will be without Kyra Cooney Cross who has returned to Australia for personal reasons. Daphne van Domselaar is not quite ready to return from a quad injury while Chloe Kelly remains out with a knee problem. Jenna Nighswonger will not be in the matchday squad as she negotiates a loan move.
New signing Smilla Holmberg from Hammarby will be in the squad alongside recalled goalkeeper Naomi Williams. Manu Zinsberger and Katie Reid are out with ACL injuries. The absence of Cooney Cross means Mariona will likely drop into the deeper midfield role she has occupied for much of the last year.
United Strengthened in January
Manchester United have been busy in the transfer window, adding full back Hanna Lundkvist from San Diego Wave and centre forward Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich. Skinner was dealt a poor hand over the summer with a very small squad handling Champions League qualifiers and the group phase.
Predicted Lineup:
Arsenal (4-3-3): Borbe; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Little, Mariona, Maanum; Mead, Russo, Smith
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Tullis Joyce; Lundkvist, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg; Miyazawa, Zigiotti; Park, Malard, Awujo; Schuller
Also read: Arsenal Women disable social media comments after sexist backlash to new signing
Manchester United
Manchester United Women Recall Keira Barry and Evie Rabjohn From Sunderland Loan After Six Month Championship Spell
Manchester United Women have recalled Keira Barry and Evie Rabjohn from their loan spells at Sunderland after just over six months in the Championship.
The duo return to Old Trafford to reinforce Marc Skinner’s squad as United compete across four competitions in the second half of the season.
Barry proved more influential during her time with the Black Cats, scoring three goals in 11 appearances. Rabjohn featured just six times in the Championship as the 20-year-old continues her gradual return from an ACL injury sustained last season.
Limited Funds for January Business
Skinner made it clear before the winter break that United could be busy in the January transfer window. The Red Devils have already recruited Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich in a statement signing, but much like the men’s team, United Women don’t have significant funds to work with this month.
It remains unknown whether Skinner will dip back into the market before the window closes. With United still competing in four competitions, reinforcements may be needed given the amount of football remaining before the end of the season.
Other Loanees Remain at Clubs
Barry and Rabjohn weren’t the only Manchester United players sent on loan this season. Lucy Newell has been playing for Birmingham City while Jess Simpson took her talents to Southampton for the campaign.
Emma Watson completes the list of loanees, currently playing for Everton where she has struggled for game time. There is no indication United will recall any other players from their loans as they would have already made that decision early in the window.
The returns provide Skinner with additional depth as United look to maintain their top four position in the WSL.
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