Manchester United are reportedly not expected to make any further signings on transfer deadline day.
The Red Devils confirmed that Patrick Dorgu signed from Lecce on February 2 for a fee that could potentially rise to nearly £30m.
Ruben Amorim has also allowed Marcus Rashford to leave on loan to Aston Villa, finally bringing an end to the distracting speculation regarding the forward's future, though these questions will no doubt arise again in the summer should Villa not opt to make the move a permanent one.
However, United were beaten 2-0 by Crystal Palace on Sunday and are currently 13th in the Premier League with 29 points, and have often looked bereft quality in defence and attack.
Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy claims that no further business is expected to be completed at Old Trafford despite their struggles on the pitch, saying: "No further incomings expected – the club have taken a sensible and financially responsible approach to the window."
United wrote to fan groups earlier this month claiming that the club are at risk of breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, insisting that finances would have to be more heavily scrutinised.
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Will Manchester United improve with Dorgu in the second half of the season?
At the bare minimum, Dorgu will provide Amorim with a natural left-footed option to play on the left of his back five, something that could improve the team's offensive capabilities given right-back Diogo Dalot has struggled to contribute in that role.
However, Lisandro Martinez was forced off on a stretcher against Crystal Palace, with fears the centre-back may have suffered a serious knee injury.
It remains to be seen if the Red Devils' other options in defence are able to step up in his absence considering Lenny Yoro is still a teenager, Harry Maguire has had injury issues himself in recent years and Matthijs de Ligt has at times struggled when isolated.
Additionally, forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are in poor form, with the duo only scoring a combined five goals in the Premier League this term.
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Will the summer transfer window be busy?
Dorgu looks set to be Amorim's only addition to the first team, and it is difficult to see how United can make much progress under the United boss without further additions.
The club will almost certainly look to reinforce the squad in the summer in order to allow the boss to mould the team in his own image, so perhaps fans can expect significant activity at the end of 2024-25.
Aston Villa reportedly have the option to sign Rashford permanently for a fee of £40m in the summer, and his permanent departure would provide the Red Devils with much more financial flexibility given his status as a homegrown player.
As for United's current season, the Europa League could be the club's best route to success considering they are already 12 points from fourth-placed Manchester City.
Lewis Nolan
