Mauricio Pochettino identifies four-man January transfer wishlist
Manchester United have reportedly added four players to their transfer wishlist ahead of the January window as they look to back new boss Mauricio Pochettino in the market.
Pochettino was appointed as the replacement for Michael Carrick on Friday and he will officially begin his duties at Old Trafford next week after his final game in charge of the USA national team against Haiti.
The Argentine was quickly earmarked as Man Utd’s preferred managerial target, despite interest in Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann, and he will take charge of his first game at the club versus arch-rivals Liverpool next Sunday.
It’s understood that Pochettino will be backed in the transfer market next year, and several high-profile players have been linked with an Old Trafford switch since his appointment, including Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto.
The France international has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge and it has been widely reported that he is assessing his options ahead of a potential exit in January, with Xabi Alonso’s side willing to facilitate a transfer if a suitable offer is lodged.
Man Utd’s January transfer wishlist revealed
In addition to Gusto, Man Utd have now added three more defenders to their transfer wishlist, plus a centre forward.
That is according to a report from talkSPORT, who claim that Nathan Collins (Brentford), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), and Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco) are all being pursued by the Man Utd hierarchy following the appointment of Pochettino.
It’s understood that bolstering their defensive roster is regarded as a primary goal by the Red Devils, and they are keen to bring in at least one new central defender and a new left-back in 2027.
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) November 15, 2026
Meanwhile, Balogun has been earmarked as a possible striker signing amid the uncertain long-term future of Joshua Zirkzee, who was widely tipped to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Pochettino has worked with both Robinson and Balogun during his time with the USMNT, while Man Utd scouts have been left impressed by the recent form of Collins and Bassey.
It’s claimed that Man Utd are likely to be “busy” in the upcoming January window, with the club ready to dip into the market in a bid to fix their current run of form, which has left them languishing down in 18th place in the Premier League table after 10 fixtures.
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