### Manchester United's January Transfer Window: Aiming for Midfield Reinforcements As the January transfer window approaches, Manchester United is actively seeking to bolster their midfield options. Under the management of Ruben Amorim, the club is reportedly considering a reunion with former player James Garner, currently at Everton. This move is seen as a strategic response to the squad's current challenges, including injuries and the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) commitments, which have left the team in need of depth and quality in midfield. Amorim's vision for the team includes finding a suitable partner for Bruno Fernandes, who has already expressed his approval of Garner's potential return to the club [https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/man-united-fernandes-dream-transfer-33131701]. ### Breakdown of Manchester United's Transfer Strategy 1. **Targeting James Garner**: - Manchester United is considering a cut-price move to re-sign James Garner, a 24-year-old midfielder who previously played for the club before his transfer to Everton in 2022. The club views him as a technically skilled player who could enhance their midfield options [https://www.caughtoffside.com/2025/12/28/manchester-united-plot-move-james-garner]. 2. **Ruben Amorim's Dilemma**: - Amorim faces a decision on whether to offload existing players while simultaneously integrating new signings. The urgency for midfield reinforcements is heightened by the squad's current injury woes and the upcoming AFCON [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/man-utd-transfers-zirkzee-amorim-36461827]. 3. **Bruno Fernandes' Influence**: - Fernandes has reportedly given his approval for the potential signing of Garner, indicating that the current squad's dynamics could benefit from his return. This endorsement may play a crucial role in the club's decision-making process [https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bruno-fernandes-manchester-united-garner-33129262]. 4. **Future Plans**: - The club is not only focused on Garner but is also mapping out a broader strategy for a midfield overhaul, with other targets being considered for the summer transfer window. This indicates a long-term vision for squad improvement [https://www.newsbreak.com/football365-2062741/4413955081808-man-utd-target-return-transfer-before-more-significant-signing-as-serie-a-star-could-join-in-june]. ### Evidence Supporting Manchester United's Transfer Intentions - **James Garner's Profile**: Garner is described as a "technically outstanding" player, which aligns with the club's need for quality in midfield [https://football-talk.co.uk/226537/man-utd-eyeing-bargain-swoop-for-james-garner]. - **Injury and AFCON Impact**: The current squad's injury issues and the AFCON commitments have created a pressing need for additional midfielders, making Garner's return a timely solution [https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/man-united-transfer-james-garner-33124654]. - **Strategic Planning**: The club's approach to the January window reflects a calculated strategy to address immediate needs while also planning for future signings, indicating a comprehensive understanding of their squad's requirements [https://uk-times.com/man-united-target-shock-return-for-james-garner-in-cut-price-january-move-with-elliot-anderson-identified-as-no-1-choice-to-lead-new-look-midfield]. ### Conclusion: Manchester United's Path Forward In summary, Manchester United is poised to make significant moves in the January transfer window, focusing on re-signing James Garner to strengthen their midfield. The club's strategy is influenced by the need for immediate reinforcements due to injuries and AFCON, alongside a long-term vision for squad improvement. 1. **Immediate Focus**: Garner's potential return is a priority, supported by Fernandes' endorsement. 2. **Strategic Decisions**: Amorim must navigate player offloads while integrating new talent. 3. **Long-Term Vision**: The club is planning for future signings beyond January, indicating a comprehensive approach to squad development. By addressing these areas, Manchester United aims to enhance their competitiveness as they prepare for the second half of the season [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/man-united-january-transfer-garner-36459203].