How Man Utd's £393m starting XI of instant top four contenders could look by end of transfer window

Manchester United could really use a boost right now. The Red Devils endured a frustrating festive period, book-ending an impressive Boxing Day comeback against Aston Villa with defeats to West Ham and Nottingham Forest, and consequently find themselves eighth in the Premier League table, nine points adrift of the top four.

Thankfully for Erik ten Hag and his side, the January transfer window is now open, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to draft in the talent needed to reinvigorate a stuttering Red Devils dressing room.

With that in mind, we've taken a look at how United could line up come the beginning of February if certain rumours come to fruition. Check out the £393m starting XI* below...

*All valuations courtesy of Transfermarkt.

Andre Onana - GK

It's been a rocky start to life at Old Trafford for Onana, but the Cameroonian stopper won't be going anywhere any time soon. He'll be off to AFCON shortly, but will be hoping to show a greater level of consistency upon his return.

Diogo Dalot - RB

Often utilised on the left side of defence, Dalot is still, first and foremost, a right-back, and while United may look to strengthen that area of the pitch sooner rather than later, it is unlikely to be a priority this month.

Harry Maguire - CB

What a turnaround this season has been for Maguire. So maligned in recent times, the England international has slowly but surely proven his worth to Erik ten Hag and the Old Trafford faithful alike, and will be hoping to continue his renaissance in 2024.

Jean-Clair Todibo - CB

United are eager to bring in a new centre-back, and Todibo is a name that keeps on being mentioned as a potential target. The OGC Nice defender is a wonderful talent, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's links to the French club will presumably aid the Red Devils' cause.

Luke Shaw - LB

Injuries have ensured that it's been a stuttering start to the campaign for Shaw, but when he is fit and firing, he has more than enough in his locker to stake a claim as United's de facto starting left-back. With Euro 2024 just around the corner, regular game time could benefit his country as much as his club over the next few months.

Casemiro - CM

Casemiro may not be at Old Trafford forever, but in the here and now, the Brazilian probably remains United's most trusted midfield general. Another who has been hamstrung by injury, his return will no doubt ease Erik ten Hag's woes somewhat.

Joao Neves - CM

Still only 19, Neves has impressed immensely for Benfica ever since breaking into their first team, and there is a reason why he is being touted as a prospective target for some of the best and brightest clubs in world football. A January move might be ever so slightly beyond United's reach this month, but stranger things have happened.

Bruno Fernandes - CM

One of the few consistent positives in United's squad, Fernandes has made that advanced midfield role his own over the past few years. In a side that is very much in need of a refresh, the Portugal international is one of the Red Devils' few indispensables.

Donyell Mallen - RW

With Jadon Sancho ostracised and Antony failing to live up to his billing in a United shirt, Erik ten Hag is in desperate need of reinforcements in wide areas. Borussia Dortmund winger Donyell Malen has been linked in recent days, with a potential loan deal with an option-to-buy possibly on the horizon.

Serhou Guirassy - ST

The Guinean sensation has scored 17 goals in 14 Bundesliga matches for VfB Stuttgart this season, and is likely to be in high demand this month. With a release clause of just £15 million written into his contract in Germany, he would represent an effective, affordable option for the Red Devils.

Marcus Rashford - LW

While Rashford has struggled for form in front of goal in recent times, there is no denying that he is still capable of momentary glimpses of his trademark magic. The hope will be that he can ride out this ongoing blip and return to his very best in the coming months.