The January transfer window is open, and Manchester United find themselves in a familiar situation: injuries piling up, form fluctuating, and Erik ten Hag pushing for reinforcements to stabilise the second half of the season. Financial constraints mean the club can’t spend freely, but plenty of names are being linked as United look to strengthen key areas, particularly at centre-back. Here are the five most realistic and widely reported targets as things stand this month.

Jean-Clair Todibo – Centre-Back, Nice

Jean-Clair Todibo is one of United’s strongest and most consistent links this winter. With Lisandro Martínez only just returning from injury and Raphael Varane in and out of the side, United need defensive reinforcement, and Todibo is exactly the profile Ten Hag is searching for. His athleticism, comfort in possession, and ability to step forward with the ball fit perfectly with the manager’s style. The potential INEOS connection between Nice and United also adds fuel to the speculation. The big question now is whether United can afford him in January, but he remains firmly on the club’s radar.

Gonçalo Inácio – Centre-Back, Sporting CP

Gonçalo Inácio is another name strongly linked as United assess left-footed options at centre-back. The Sporting defender has been monitored for months, and his composed, intelligent style of play makes him an ideal long-term partner for Martínez. There is talk of United considering activating his release clause, but its size may make a January move difficult. Even so, the interest is real, and Inácio remains one of the most credible targets in this window.

Antonio Silva – Centre-Back, Benfica

Antonio Silva continues to attract interest from Europe’s top clubs, and United’s scouts are no exception. The young Benfica star offers maturity beyond his years, strong reading of the game, and excellent technical quality, all traits Ten Hag values in a modern defender. The issue, again, is cost. Benfica are notoriously tough negotiators, especially mid-season. Still, Silva features prominently in discussions around United’s defensive upgrades and remains a live name in the rumour mill.

Edmond Tapsoba – Centre-Back, Bayer Leverkusen

Edmond Tapsoba is another option United are keeping close watch on. With experience at a high level for Leverkusen, he brings physical presence, recovery pace, and confidence in possession, an appealing blend for a team whose defence has lacked consistency. While he may not be the frontrunner ahead of Todibo or Inácio, he is part of the group of players United are seriously considering as they evaluate realistic January solutions.

Marc Guehi – Centre-Back, Crystal Palace

Marc Guehi’s name has also come up repeatedly, particularly because he offers Premier League experience, something that can’t be underestimated in a mid-season signing. Ten Hag is a fan of defenders who can play out confidently under pressure, and Guehi fits that mould. Palace will be reluctant sellers, but his profile makes him a sensible target and keeps him in the conversation as United weigh domestic options.

Conclusion

As of mid-January, Manchester United’s transfer activity is clearly focused on one area: central defence. Todibo, Inácio, Silva, Tapsoba, and Guehi are five names that consistently appear across credible reports, and all align with Ten Hag’s tactical demands. Whether United can actually get one of them through the door this month depends heavily on finances, but the club’s priorities are unmistakable.

United need stability. They need reliability. And if the right deal becomes possible, they may finally get the defensive signing Ten Hag has been waiting for.