Many criticised the Red Devils for failing to bring a new midfielder to the club in the summer, given their failed pursuit of Carlos Baleba at Brighton, despite the 21-year-old star thought to have been keen on the switch. With Casemiro having only 12 months left on his Old Trafford contract, it is more than likely that Manchester United will need at least two new midfielders next summer.
Malacia saw a temporary switch to Spanish side Elche collapse late in the window. It left the 26-year-old as the only member of the group exiled from the squad by Ruben Amorim without a transfer. While Malacia has been left in limbo, Alejandro Garnacho has joined Chelsea, Jadon Sancho moved to Aston Villa on loan and Antony returned to Real Betis.