There was a key transfer warning from Ruben Amorim earlier this month.
“It's not going to be to save something in this moment, to cope with the losses of three players for AFCON,” said the Manchester United boss as he insisted their transfer approach will not be dictated by the impact of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite Bruno Fernandes facing a spell on the sidelines and the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo being away at AFCON, United will not turn to a short-term fix.
But that does not mean they will not be active in January, and Amorim will hope for reinforcements to solidify what has so far been an improved season.
Top priority
Central midfield is an obvious area that requires strengthening.
Casemiro's future beyond the end of the season looks uncertain and Kobbie Mainoo has struggled for minutes. With Fernandes now injured too, United are short of quality and depth.
Amorim's 3-4-3 system can leave United short in the middle of the park at times and a player with the legs to get around the pitch is crucial.
A player to control things on the ball would also help bring some calm to what can be a frantic United side.
What else they need
United would also be keen to add to their options on the left wing.
Mbeumo and Amad have impressed together down the right, but there is not the same threat on the opposite flank.
Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot have shared the minutes at wing-back without making that shirt their own.
The centre of defence could also do with an addition. Harry Maguire is out of contract in the summer and the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro have had significant injury problems.
Possible ins
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has been of interest to United for some time, as have Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.
Those moves are all more realistic in the summer, though.
Ruben Neves is said to be eyeing a Premier League return from Saudi Arabia, while Atletico Madrid could be willing to let Conor Gallagher leave. Both would likely be available in January.
United have also been linked with a shock move to bring James Garner back to Old Trafford in a cut-price deal from Everton.
In terms of winger options, United are keen on Antoine Semenyo along with several other Premier League clubs.
They have also been monitoring 22-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany left-back Nathaniel Brown,
Possible outs
Mainoo is believed to want a loan move away from Old Trafford, but United are not inclined to sanction that.
A permanent exit now also appears unlikely with Fernandes said to be out injured for at least a month.
Amorim has said he is not willing to let any players leave in January unless replacements come in.
Joshua Zirkzee has been a target for West Ham and Roma, and reports suggest the striker has agreed terms for a loan to the Italian club.
