In an ideal world the January transfer window is for other clubs. The ones that are desperate for reinforcements to fire them away from the relegation zone or to reinvigorate a failing push for Europe or appease a restless fanbase.
If your club’s doing well, you can just watch on from the sidelines in January as increasingly desperate teams shell out increasingly over-the-top fees on increasingly over-hyped players. You may even be able to take advantage by moving on one of your out-of-favour players for an inflated price.
Unfortunately, though, while Manchester United’s campaign so far can be deemed to be a success, the arrival of Erik ten Hag in the summer and his desire to put his stamp on the squad means this window was always going to see some business at Old Trafford.
