Manchester United are preparing for a crucial period on and off the pitch. The Red Devils secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Newcastle United on Boxing Day and another three points over Wolves on Tuesday would end a tough year on a high note.

Ruben Amorim must have wondered whether he would see in 2026 as United boss at one stage, as the team lurched from one disaster to another at the start of the season. However, the Portuguese coach has steadied the ship, with United looking in better shape than 12 months ago.

Next year could be another one of change at Old Trafford, with the futures of numerous players up in the air. With the transfer window looming, here's a round-up of the latest United news…

Roma have submitted an official offer to sign striker Joshua Zirkzee, according to various reports. The Rome club are said to have tabled a loan bid with an obligation to buy.

However, while the Dutchman is evidently not in Amorim's long-term plans, the coach must consider whether he would be prepared to let him go as early as next month, given Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

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While a loan offer is believed to have been received, United are said to be taking their time to mull over their options before making a firm decision on Zirkzee's future. The 24-year-old came off the bench against Newcastle but struggled to get into the game as United tried to protect their lead.

Mbeumo of Cameroon and the Ivory Coast's Amad are due to meet in a group match on Sunday, having won their opening games. It's entirely possible that both countries could go deep into the tournament, ruling them out of United action until late January, leaving Amorim and United with a tricky decision to make.

Incoming signing Cristian Orozco has described moving to United as a dream come true. The Colombian teenager is due to join the club when he turns 18 in July.

The Red Devils have cast their net far and wide as they seek to build for both the present and the future. They signed 18-year-old Diego Leon from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno earlier this year and have since moved for Orozco.

The 17-year-old midfielder plays for Fortaleza CEIF in his homeland and captained Colombia U17s to the South American Championship final in April. The youngster recently visited Manchester and was impressed with what he saw.

He said: "It went really well, to be honest. I was looking around the city. Everything was beautiful. I was able to see the facilities, the stadium. I'm truly fulfilling a childhood dream. It was a wonderful experience.

"My expectation right now is to learn English a lot. I realised it’s very important. I want to arrive, learn, and adapt as quickly as possible. That’s what’s required to demonstrate my level there, what I can do.

"I know that with my abilities, I can be key, with the strength and technique I have. I’m very young and I need to adapt."

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