United rarely make significant additions during the winter window, but their current injury problems could force the club to reassess its approach.
Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui have all been affected by injuries, leaving questions about the options available to cover the left side of defence during a demanding campaign.
The club's failure to secure a new left-back before the summer deadline has become a particular concern. United made a late approach for Manchester City's Rayan Ait-Nouri but acted too late to complete a deal.
The lack of depth is not confined to defence. Benjamin Sesko's latest shin problem has also raised questions about United's decision not to bring in another forward during the summer.
Sesko has been ruled out after aggravating an issue in a similar area to an earlier injury. United are still assessing the problem, with surgery among the options being considered, and his return date remains unclear.
The uncertainty leaves the club potentially short of attacking cover as the fixture list intensifies.
United have previously shown a willingness to act in January when the squad needs reinforcements. In 2025, the club signed Dorgu and Ayden Heaven during the winter window, although no new arrivals followed in January 2024 or 2026.
Under Erik ten Hag, United also turned to short-term loan deals in January 2023, bringing in Wout Weghorst, Marcel Sabitzer and Jack Butland to cover gaps in the squad.
The club's more recent business has not always left room for late changes. United pulled out of a proposed deadline-day move for Joshua Zirkzee to Everton because there was insufficient time to find a replacement.
That decision underlined the difficulty of managing the squad when a departure depends on another signing being completed first.
Manchester United also attempted to strengthen at left-back before the summer deadline but failed to get the Ait-Nouri deal over the line. The resulting shortage of specialist cover has become more significant with injuries affecting several players who can operate in the position.
January recruitment is not guaranteed, and United have often preferred to wait until the summer to make major changes. However, injuries across the defensive line and Sesko's uncertain recovery have increased the pressure to reconsider.
With Champions League football adding to the demands on the squad, United may have to weigh the cost of a winter signing against the risk of carrying insufficient cover into the second half of the season.