Amorim could mix things up further by moving the Dutchman to the central centre-back position and Maguire to the left. Maguire has experience playing as the left-sided defender in a three for England and Hull City but he is more of a ball-carrying centre-back than a passer.

Remarkably, United have only scored one first half goal since - a penalty from Bruno Fernandes in their 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton & Hove Albion last month. It means the Reds have now failed to score a first half goal from open play in each of their last 15 matches.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim admitted limiting January signings to just two players was a "big risk," prioritising long-term stability over quick fixes, despite United's struggles and a growing injury crisis,