United’s Transformative January Signings Elevate Title Aspirations

omidbasir- Manchester United has demonstrated commendable resilience during the Champions League group stage, securing victories against Atletico Madrid, a talented but underperforming Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford, and achieving a notable win against Juventus in Turin. These successes not only secured a sixth-place finish in the final standings but also ensured a favorable seeding for the knockout round draw.

This achievement is particularly remarkable given the numerous injuries that plagued the squad at the time, often leaving the Red Devils with a considerably limited bench compared to their competitors. Only Twente utilized fewer players during the league phase than United, who matched the player count of Belgian side OH Leuven. In contrast, the remaining 15 teams in the competition utilized more players, including Valerenga, St. Polten, and Paris FC.

In November, the toll of a thin squad on United’s ability to compete across four competitions became increasingly evident. A grueling schedule, featuring four matches in just 12 days, resulted in three losses—against Aston Villa and Manchester City in the Women’s Super League, as well as Wolfsburg in Europe. This string of defeats severely hindered the Red Devils’ league title aspirations, causing them to fall seven points behind City, having been only one point behind prior to the loss against Villa.

While City did not qualify for this season’s Champions League, the resulting relief in their schedule has contributed to their dominance in the Women’s Super League this season. In contrast, United has appeared fatigued and constrained in their rotation options due to injuries, further compounded by a summer transfer window that did not adequately prepare the team for the rigors of four competitions.

Head coach Marc Skinner has been vocal about the need for a larger squad, stating earlier in the season, “I think we need a bigger squad. I have no doubt about that. I think in the winter window, we need to add to the squad.” This sentiment was echoed in December after a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Lyon, where he emphasized the necessity for additional support and quality in the squad.

United has since made significant strides in bolstering their squad. The addition of Lundkvist, a dynamic full-back from the San Diego Wave, has provided essential depth, allowing for effective rotation with Jayde Riviere, who plays an intense and demanding style.

However, it is the offensive reinforcements that have captured attention and potentially transformed the team’s fortunes. Schuller, a seasoned centre-forward, joined after an impressive record of 103 goals in 180 matches with Bayern Munich and 54 goals in 82 appearances for Germany. Meanwhile, Wangerheim, just 21 years old, arrived for a club-record fee following a stellar season in Sweden, contributing 17 goals and seven assists for Hammarby.

The potential firepower these players bring is evident, offering not just numerical strength but also the versatility necessary to adapt the United attack as significant fixtures approach. In early 2026, the team’s attacking dynamics have notably evolved, becoming less predictable. Previously, the starting XI largely featured a consistent lineup, but with recent acquisitions, there is now a broader range of attacking options available.

Since the start of the year, United has yet to field the same front four in their last six matches, drawing from a pool that includes Malard, Park, Rolfo, Terland, Schuller, Wangerheim, Simi Awujo, and Lisa Naalsund. This increased depth has resulted in an impressive scoring tally of 15 goals over this span, averaging 2.5 goals per game, a marked improvement from the 1.86 average prior to the winter break.

As the business end of the season approaches, United’s newfound unpredictability in attack poses a challenge for opponents. Players like Park, who previously had a fixed role, have displayed versatility, contributing in various positions across the front line.

On Thursday, United will face Atletico Madrid, a team they previously defeated 1-0 in the Champions League group stage, despite a controversial red card that left them at a numerical disadvantage. As they prepare for the upcoming matches, United’s tactical options under Skinner remain a point of intrigue, with the potential to elevate the team’s performance in these critical moments of the season.