The blockbuster Manchester United swap deal that could break the January transfer window

This season has been far from a smooth one for Manchester United as they find themselves outside the top ten after a concerning run of results. Their first match of the new year will be no picnic either, with Premier League leaders Liverpool waiting to host them at Anfield.

Following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, United showed some flashes of promise under new manager Rúben Amorim. The 2-1 win over Manchester City was a huge boost for the Red Devils but three consecutive defeats to Bournemouth, Wolves and Newcastle have sparked further concerns.

Amorim himself dropped the bombshell comment that ‘it is a possibility’ his side could be relegated at the end of the season. Speaking to BBC Sport, the Portuguese coach was asked the direct question, to which he answered: “We have to be clear with our fans.

“It is also my fault. The team is not improving. It is a little bit lost in this moment and it is a bit embarrassing to be Manchester United coach and lose a lot of games. I think people are tired of excuses at this club. This club needs a shock.”

United are down in 14th ahead of their trip to Merseyside, with just 22 points and 21 goals on the board. Plenty of transfer rumours have been surrounding the Red Devils in the first half of the season, and with the January window now open for business, the speculation is ramping up.

Both incoming and outgoing rumours are rife right now and one of the main talking points is what will happen to Marcus Rashford. The 27-year-old recently revealed he is ‘ready for a new challenge’ and the media has been rife with reports over where his future could lie.

Rashford linked with stunning swap deal

One of the latest reports to emerge is Napoli’s interest in bringing the England international to Italy. According to talkSPORT, the Serie A side have been ‘showing an interest’ in Rashford and could be willing to sweeten a potential deal by offering a player of their own.

Napoli ‘could be willing’ to table an offer including Victor Osimhen in a possible swap deal, who is in a similar situation to Rashford. The Man United star hasn’t played a single minute under Amorim since his recent interview and Osimhen also made it clear last summer that he wanted to leave Gli Azzurri.

When moves to Chelsea and Saudi Arabia collapsed, the 26-year-old was frozen out by manager Antonio Conte and has since been sent out on loan to Galatasaray. Osimhen has hit the ground running in Turkey, with 12 goals and five assists in 15 appearances.

The Nigeria international has attracted plenty of attention from the Premier League over recent years, as he continued to return superb numbers in front of goal each year. Last season, Osimhen contributed 17 goals, and while still a solid tally, it was a far cry from his previous season count of 31 goals in games.

Napoli already added Scott McTominay to their ranks over the summer, as well as Billy Gilmour from Brighton. As they continue their raid of the Premier League, the Italians could provide United with a very interesting deal. The Reds have been struggling for goals lately — not only is their return so far this season way behind those towards the top of the table, last term also saw them return the joint-lowest goal tally inside the top ten.

Addressing their output in front of goal will be a key focus for Amorim and the rest of the club in 2025. Offloading a player who is looking to leave Old Trafford in return for a natural goalscorer seems like an opportunity that won’t come round again for some time.

United are very much in a grey area right now on all fronts, but particularly with their identity. One of the biggest football powerhouses on the planet are struggling immensely and dropping points where fans would never have imagined.

After recording their worst ever Premier League finish last season, the pressure has been bubbling and questions are being asked of the players, staff and club as a whole. A significant player overhaul is needed at Old Trafford, featuring signings that will make a statement and convince supporters that better days are coming. United’s history speaks for itself — the pull is there to bring in world class players.

Many have already forgotten the Red Devils beat Manchester City to lift the FA Cup. Now, just seven months later, their manager is discussing the probability of relegation from the Premier League. United must take any feasible chances to build their squad back up to where it should be, and in turn, belief from the fans.