Manchester United set January sights on David Raum as priority signing

Manchester United have made RB Leipzig right‑back David Raum their priority signing for the January window, according to reports from chiefs Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox. It follows criticism after spending around £150m on Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos this summer and winning only two of their first eleven games.

Summer rebuild draws criticism

Manchester United have been criticised for their transfer activity after rebuilding the midfield in the summer window. The club spent around £150m to acquire Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Yet the Red Devils have won only two of their first eleven games in all competitions. Man Utd hope the investment will translate into better results.

David Raum emerges as January priority

Chiefs Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox have identified RB Leipzig right‑back David Raum as the top target for the January window, according to reports. United are said to prioritise Raum over Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert, Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.

Fabrizio Romano said: “Many of you already asking me with Man United going this bad in the Premier League, is there a chance Man United attack the market in the January window? My answer is yes in the sense that if this will remain a situation in terms of results and if the right players appear available on the market.”

Romano added that United had money available in August beyond the three midfielders they signed, but the left‑back market closed quickly. He cited Lewis Hall from Newcastle as an example of a player who became unavailable after signing a new deal.

Man United eye Leipzig captain Raum as January defensive priority

Mark Brus reported: “Man United have placed Raum near the top of their January shortlist, with the Germany international believed to be keen on testing himself in the Premier League. His contract situation could make a deal particularly attractive. Raum’s Leipzig agreement expires in summer 2027, meaning January represents one of the Bundesliga club’s final opportunities to command a significant transfer fee unless he signs an extension.”

Raum’s final year of contract and the prospect of a substantial fee have made him an attractive option for United, who are keen to strengthen a squad that under‑fire head coach Michael Carrick found lacking in left‑back, centre‑back, left‑wing and striker positions.

INEOS, the club’s owner, also expects signings in those areas, and the January market is viewed as the chance to address the deficiencies that have hampered United’s early‑season form.

United’s hierarchy will continue to monitor the market, with the understanding that any move depends on both the availability of suitable players and an improvement in results, as Romano warned.