Manchester United have a new priority for transfer deadline day

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If goals and entertainment are what unite us in our collective love for football, Manchester United should be putting a hands-off notice on Alejandro Garnacho ahead of Monday's transfer deadline.

The January window will slam shut at 11pm on Monday evening, marking the last chance for clubs in England to strengthen their squads until the market reopens in the summer.

At the time of writing, United are yet to add to their squad this month, though that is soon going to change with Patrick Dorgu flying into Manchester from Italy to finalise his move from Lecce. If everything goes according to plan, he will become the first statement signing of the Ruben Amorim era.

Bayern Munich attacker Mathys Tel is also being strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford ahead of the deadline. It is no secret United could do with strengthening their attacking options before the bell.

But whether United land 19-year-old Tel or not, they should fend off any interest or bids that may come their way for Garnacho without even a moment's hesitation.

For all the talk and debate about whether he is a natural fit for Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation, Garnacho's second half performance against FCSB in Bucharest on Thursday night highlighted just how valuable he is to this United team.

Despite dominating the ball for long spells of the first half at the National Arena, United were not expansive or vibrant enough inside the final third in their quest to break the deadlock. They often looked bereft of ideas when they got in and around the home side's penalty area.

But after Amorim introduced Garnacho and Amad at half-time, United had much more of a threat about themselves. Garnacho hit the post within minutes of coming on and later provided the assist for Kobbie Mainoo to score United's second goal.

In 45 minutes, Garnacho claimed an assist, completed five of his seven attempted dribbles, produced two key passes, created one big chance, had an 84 per cent passing accuracy and hit the woodwork. It was a cameo performance that highlighted just why United must retain him at all costs ahead of the deadline.

(Image: MB Media/Getty Images.)

Since being left out of the matchday squad against Manchester City on December 15, Garnacho has issued just the sort of response Amorim was looking for, using his post-match press conference in Bucharest to hail his recent improvements.

"I don't think he is improving [because of] me," said Amorim. "He changed right away since that game against City.

"The way he understands things and understands that I just want to help him, I just want to win games. He changed in everything: the approach when you talk with him, the way he recovers.

"He understands that sometimes I am a different coach, that I am demanding in my way and sometimes it is hard, [initially]. Because I am a different kind of coach, a different person, but he understands that it is never in a bad way. It is always for him."

Napoli have seen a bid rejected for Garnacho this month, Chelsea have registered a firm interest and Tottenham Hotspur have become the latest team to be linked with him. The Argentine would strengthen any team he walked into.

Despite not being a regular starter since Amorim succeeded Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford at the start of November, Garnacho has 14 direct goal contributions this season (eight goals and six assists); only Bruno Fernandes (20) and Amad (16) have more in the United squad.

(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images.)

With goals and creativity still a lingering issue within the team, losing Garnacho would leave a massive void that would quickly need filling. Despite being dragged away from his natural position amid the absence of wingers in Amorim's preferred formation, Garnacho has the quality to make something happen from wherever he is deployed on the field.

United are evolving the landscape of their wide play under Amorim, with the incoming Dorgu likely to become a long-term mainstay on the left, but Garnacho has the ability to make something happen from one of the two No.10 positions.

The Argentine is a luxury player, capable of making something happen in the blink of an eye. He also has the quality to get United out of a tight spot.

Above all, though, he is capable of getting bums off seats and entertaining those who watch him. United need a player of his profile.

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