Manchester United did not bring in a new forward during the January transfer window despite both Marcus Rashford and Antony leaving on loan, while fellow attacker Ethan Wheatley was also allowed to make a short-term switch to Walsall.
Their two senior centre-forwards, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, only have 11 goals between them this term, while no player in the first-team squad has hit double figures in 2024-25, which is incredible considering that it is now February.
In a perfect world, Man United would have signed a striker in the winter market, but their top targets, including Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres, were never in reach, with Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel, Aston Villa's Leon Bailey and Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku instead being identified as potential loan targets.
At one point, it appeared that the Red Devils would win the race for Tel, but Bayern wanted a £5m loan fee and no buy option, and Man United did not want to help his development for the benefit of the German club without having the chance to sign him on a long-term basis.
Man United were right to say no, with Tottenham Hotspur eventually doing the deal, while loan moves for Bailey or Nkunku would have been unconvincing; the Red Devils instead held their nerve and can now focus on bringing in the right striker this summer, with Gyokeres seemingly their leading target.
© Imago
Man United decided against signing a forward in January
Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim named both Hojlund and Zirkzee on the bench against Crystal Palace last time out, with Kobbie Mainoo instead used as a false nine in what looked to be a clear message to the board.
However, the right option was not there in January, even the talented Randal Kolo Muani, who moved to Juventus from Paris Saint-Germain.
Man United are battling to finish in the top half of the Premier League table this season, while they are active in the FA Cup, but the Europa League is the priority, as it offers a route back into next season's Champions League.
Even without a reliable goalscorer, the Red Devils are among the favourites to win the European competition this season, and they did manage to boost their squad in January with two forward-thinking signings.
Ayden Heaven, 18, has arrived from Arsenal, while Patrick Dorgu, 20, made the move from Lecce; the latter could become the starter down the left, while the former will also be looking to break into the first team.
A left-sided wing-back was the priority, while Heaven's arrival could be even more important considering that Lisandro Martinez is facing a lengthy period on the sidelines with a serious knee problem.
There was not the eye-catching forward signing that many of the supporters demanded, but this is a new era at Man United, and a certain Chido Obi Martin could be in line to debut before the end of the season due to the fact that a striker did not arrive.
© Imago
Rashford, Antony departures were impressive business for Man United
Aston Villa are covering three-quarters of Rashford's £325,000-a-week salary, while that could rise to 90% depending on performance-related bonuses, and Unai Emery's side have the chance to sign him on a permanent basis for £40m this summer.
Antony, meanwhile, is having 84% of his salary covered during his loan spell at Real Betis, which is also excellent business considering how keen Man United were to move him on.
Another unwanted player, Tyrell Malacia, has headed out on loan to PSV Eindhoven, and he is also expected to leave Old Trafford on a permanent basis during this summer's transfer window.
It might not have been the eye-catching window that the fans wanted, but Man United had to get their house in order.
The club will be in an even better financial position when Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof move on this summer, while Casemiro is also set to be among those to depart during a busy window in terms of incomings and outgoings.
For now, though, Dorgu is capable of becoming a hugely important player down the left in the second half of the campaign, while the talented Heaven may also receive some first-team exposure in the coming months.
Keeping hold of Alejandro Garnacho was also hugely important, as there was strong interest from both Chelsea and Napoli, but the Argentina international will remain at Old Trafford until at least the summer.
Matt Law
