Manchester United are preparing to make defence their main focus in January, with further attacking additions pushed down the agenda. A new left-back and centre-back are viewed as the most pressing needs heading into 2027, and RB Leipzig captain David Raum is reportedly high on the shortlist. According to Caughtoffside.com.
United put defence first in January as David Raum emerges on shortlist
The case for the shift is rooted in results. United have managed only one clean sheet in 11 matches, and uncertainty also surrounds several members of the current back line. The club invested heavily in other areas during the previous two summers, but a difficult start to this season has highlighted weaknesses in defence.
Football Insider reports that potential attacking deals have been put on hold while United accelerate plans to strengthen Michael Carrick’s defensive options. Sky Sports has similarly reported that left-back and centre-back are the priority positions, which suggests the plan is built around two specific gaps rather than a broad rebuild.
Contract situations help explain that focus. Luke Shaw is approaching the end of his current deal, while Lisandro Martinez’s contract situation also needs resolving. With both players’ futures in question, United’s planning for January covers the same two areas that have been identified as the most urgent.
CaughtOffside reported that Germany international David Raum is high on United’s shortlist. Alejandro Balde, Adrien Truffert and Jarrad Branthwaite are also being monitored, so the club appears to be weighing several options rather than fixing on a single target at this stage.
The overhaul is being framed as one that applies whether or not Carrick remains in charge. That makes the January window a test of whether United can address defensive weaknesses directly, rather than leaving them for whoever is in the dugout later.
