19 December 2023 , 04:00
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Manchester United will head into the festive fixtures buoyed by their performance against Liverpool on Sunday after stifling their arch-rivals at Anfield.
Few people fancied anything but a convincing home win, but United produced a robust defensive display to earn a point - a result which should ease the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag, who had endured a difficult week in the build up to the match.
With the January transfer window looming large on the horizon, it remains to be seen if the Dutchman will be given the green light to bolster his squad. United may have to move players on in order to do business, but that hasn't slowed down the rumour mill. Here, Mirror Football rounds up all the latest transfer news and gossip from Old Trafford...
Varane's contract stance
Raphael Varane is hopeful that Manchester United will choose to trigger the one-year option in his contract despite speculation linking him with a transfer in January.
The veteran defender, 30, only joined the Red Devils from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021 but has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag. He did, however, impress against Liverpool after stepping in for the injured Harry Maguire.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
According to The Manchester Evening News, Varane wants to stay at United but the final decision rests with the club, who hold the option to extend the Frenchman's deal until 2025.
Murtough's secret Saudi talks
John Murtough has flown to Saudi Arabia in a bid to drum up interest in some of Manchester United's players (Getty Images)Football director John Murtough flew to Saudi Arabia this month in an attempt to drum up interest in a handful of players Manchester United would be willing to sell in January.
It's understood that Murtough flew to Riyadh and spoke with Saudi Pro League chiefs about the likes of Jadon Sancho, Casemiro and Anthony Martial, all of who could be moved on.
Sancho previously attracted interest from the Middle East towards the end of the summer transfer window but a move failed to materialise. It's not though that he returned with any deals in place.
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Spurs join Todibo race
Tottenham could sign Manchester United target Jean-Clair Todibo in January (Sandra Ruhaut/Icon Sport)Tottenham have opened negotiations with Ligue 1 outfit OGC Nice over a deal for Manchester United target Jean-Clair Todibo, according to football.london.
Ange Postecoglou is known to want a central defender in the January transfer window with his options in that area currently restricted due to injuries and a move for Todibo would fit the bill.
Todibo was heavily linked with United in the summer and is expected to attract further Premier League interest in the New Year. Intriguingly, Nice are owned by Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is poised to acquire a minority stake in Manchester United imminently.