Manchester United could delve into the transfer market in January to provide Ruben Amorim with reinforcements throughout the second half of the campaign. United will be short of numbers over the festive period, with Bruno Fernandes suffering an injury during his side's defeat to Aston Villa at the weekend after Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui departed Old Trafford to play at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Amorim has guided United to an upturn in fortunes in recent months, with the Red Devils losing just once in 10 Premier League matches ahead of their reverse at Villa Park. But Fernandes' absence will be a huge loss for the head coach, with the midfielder expected to be sidelined for a month. And Express Sport takes a look at the transfer activities that could impact United in January.

Fernandes replacement found

United have been linked with a host of midfield options, with the likes of Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Tyler Adams all being discussed.

But, according to talkSPORT, Conor Gallagher and Ruben Neves are more feasible mid-season signings.

United may struggle to get their hands on Neves as the former Wolves midfielder is said to be poised to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.

And that means Amorim could go all-out to land Gallagher, who departed Chelsea just under a year-and-a-half ago to join Atletico Madrid.

Gallagher has fallen out of favour in Madrid and has started just four La Liga matches this campaign. And the Red Devils may be able to sign the 25-year-old on loan in January, with an obligation to buy him at the end of the season.

Target snubs Man Utd

United target Antoine Semenyo has reportedly snubbed the Red Devils to sign for Manchester City instead.

The winger has been pursued by the Premier League's top clubs ahead of the January transfer window after excelling for Bournemouth.

But he is said to favour a move to the Etihad Stadium, with clubs able to prise him away from Dorset by triggering his £65million release clause next month.

Transfer agreements possible

Harry Maguire, Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia are all out of contract at the end of the season and will be free to negotiate transfer agreements with overseas clubs from the start of next year.

United have an option to extend Casemiro's current deal by a further year, but his hefty wages could be a sticking point. So the trio could decide to pen terms with other teams in the New Year and head through the Old Trafford exit in the summer.