Manchester United are looking forward to the January transfer window as they aim to strengthen the weak areas of their squad. While the Premier League giants will be keen to lure a couple of players to Old Trafford, it appears they’ll also be dealing with a couple of departures.

According to reports, there are two Manchester United players who will ‘definitely’ leave the club when the transfer window reopens in the winter. The two players in question are Jesse Lingard and Donny van de Beek.

The reports claim that Van de Beek is the first name on the exit list. The Dutchman joined the Red Devils from Ajax for £40 million in the summer of 2022 but has found opportunities hard to come by at Old Trafford.

The midfielder has cut a frustrating figure at the club in recent weeks. He barely got involved with the team last season, recording just four starts across all competitions. The same has been the case this term as he’s made just five appearances in all competitions so far.

Former Manchester United star Luke Chadwick gave an insight into Van de Beek’s situation at Old Trafford, noting that he expects the player to leave in January. He said:

Jesse Lingard is expected to follow Van de Beek in departing Manchester United during the winter.

Luke Chadwick said on the Englishman:

Despite signing a couple of superstars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, in the summer, Manchester United have failed to live up to expectations. The Red Devils have been badly exposed in recent games and will need to respond by reinforcing a couple of positions in the January transfer window.

One obvious spot they need to upgrade is the defensive midfield, an area they failed to address in the summer that has now cost them a lot.

Manchester United will also need to add a center-back to the squad as their defensive record is nothing to write home about this season.