Bayern Munich is interested in Varane, therefore Ten Hag might move on him in January.

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, is beginning to focus on the January transfer window in an effort to bring in some much-needed reinforcements.

With just nine victories from their first eighteen games this season, United has struggled thus far. When the domestic season returns, something has to change.

The Dutchman has his sights set on a few players ahead of a possible transfer to Manchester United, with January drawing near.

Man Utd transfer news

Football Insider reports that Chelsea and Manchester City are also interested in the young French defender Arouna Sangante, thus the Old Trafford team is up against fierce competition.

Football Transfers values the 21-year-old at €7.4 million (£6.5 million), so while Le Harve would likely demand a higher price, Ten Hag might be able to negotiate a better deal.

Another center defender is required in light of the persistent rumors surrounding Raphael Varane’s future.

The 30-year-old is apparently attracting interest from Bayern Munich ahead of a possible move in January, and the player himself appears to be thinking about leaving in the new year, according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Since Varane’s contract doesn’t expire until 2025, Ten Hag may be better off taking advantage of the winter transfer window to cash in on Varane and use the money to sign a new defender.

In the upcoming weeks, everything might end for the former Real Madrid player, but the Dutchman might have Sangante’s perfect heir in his sights.

Arouna Sangante’s career statistics

Hailed as “interesting” by talent scout Jacek Kulig with a plethora of other Senegal U23 possibilities, Sangante—also called a “sensation” by journalist Pete O’Rourke—has had an explosive spike in popularity as of late.

When Le Havre won the title and the 21-year-old contributed three goals and two assists, he was a key player in helping the team return to Ligue 1. The young player made his club debut in the 2020–21 campaign.

The young player demonstrated his value by leading the team in accurate passes made per game in the second division and placing in the top five for interceptions and clearances made per game. However, this season in Ligue 1, he has advanced to the next level of his growth.

The center back has won 52% of his ground duels and retrieved 5.1 balls per game in addition to helping his team post five clean sheets in ten league games, including shutting out Lyon and AS Monaco.

These figures are even better than those of Varane, who has only kept one clean sheet in eight Premier League games despite winning 50% of his ground duels and retrieving four balls per game.

In addition, Sangante is the youngest captain in Ligue 1, demonstrating his exceptional leadership abilities despite his young age. Right now, United definitely needs more of that.

Even though he has grown into a capable defender, he still has a lot to learn. However, a transfer to United might provide him the opportunity to experience playing for one of the top teams in the world and get some much-needed exposure to European football.

The possibility that Varane won’t be with the team at the conclusion of the season is growing, and Sangante seems like the ideal choice for the former Ajax manager to fill the void.