Matic is unsure over his Old Trafford future
It’s unlikely that United will be able to sign two midfielders, but Can would at least give them depth when Pogba and McTominay return.
Andreas Pereira is now ahead of Jesse Lingard in terms of No.10 options with the likes of Jack Grealish or James Maddison unattainable mid-season.
FORWARDS: RASHFORD, DEMBELE, MARTIAL
UNITED were very serious about their interest in Erling Haaland but baulked at the demands of his team and he ended up at Borussia Dortmund.
While they were ultimately unable to land the Norwegian, United’s interest gives a strong hint about the club’s intentions for this window. A forward is high on their list of priorities.
Lyon’s Moussa Dembele was understood to have been among the Reds’ targets in the summer after Romelu Lukaku’s departure and the 23-year-old may crop up on their radar again - though he wouldn’t come cheap.
His arrival would mean United finally had two strong forward options on the bench in Daniel James and Mason Greenwood.
United possible XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Williams; Fred, Can, Pereira; Rashford, Dembele, Martial. Possible subs: Romero, Bailly, Shaw, Mata, Lingard, James, Greenwood.
NEMANJA Matic admits he does not know whether he will stay at United beyond his current contract, which expires in the summer.
The midfielder had fallen out of favour at the Reds this season, but did start in the 2-0 win at Burnley and the defeat at Arsenal.
His situation has fuelled speculation a move to Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham could be on the cards in January, although the injuries to Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay may now delay any departure until the summer.
The Serb has played under Mourinho at Chelsea and United, and has made no secret of his admiration for the Portuguese manager, but M.E.N. Sport understands he is not a target for the London club.
Earlier this month, Matic played down links to Spurs, but did not rule anything out, saying: “You never know what’s going to happen in life. At the moment I’m a Manchester United player and very focused on my job and in the future we will see what’s going to happen.”
Now, in an interview with Serbian outlet Telegraf, Matic has cast further doubt on his United future, as he hinted that progress could be made one way or another
“I don’t know what to say. I have a contract for another six months, we’ll see in January what’s going to happen,” he explained.
Matic also spoke about United’s option to extend his deal, but explained that will only happen if both parties agree. He continued: “Will I extend the contract or try to find something else? United have some option to extend my contract, but we will see if the plans of the club match my plans.”