Mauricio Pochettino's official announcement has arrived, and Manchester United are sitting in the relegation zone, with just one win to their name. 

The former Tottenham Hotspur head coach will surely be desperate for signings in the January transfer window, especially if he can't turn the form around before Christmas. 

Many fans have criticised Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox for failing to sign any defenders or a centre-forward in the summer, despite an obvious need for reinforcement at the back. 

Pochettino will be ready to assess the squad and determine where he needs new signings, but will only have a few days of training before the trip to Anfield in just over one week. 

However, AFC Bournemouth right-winger Rayan has already dropped a transfer hint to Pochettino and Manchester United. 

Rayan moved to the south coast in January 2026 from Vasco da Gama, where he scored 25 goals in 99 appearances. 

He has continued his good form with Bournemouth, netting five goals already this term, despite a managerial change in the summer. 

Now, during the international break, Rayan has admitted he has always supported Manchester United, even claiming it was a "dream" to play at Old Trafford. 

"I’ve always supported Manchester United here in England," he told The Standard. 

"Why United? Because of Cristiano Ronaldo. 

"Old Trafford was a dream of mine to play at. It was a dream come true." 

Perhaps Rayan's message was meant for Mauricio Pochettino and Jason Wilcox, with the January transfer window less than two months away. 

The Brazilian would be forced to compete with Amad, Shea Lacey, and Bryan Mbeumo for game time on the right flank, so he may not get the move he seems to want just yet, but it will be music to the ears of Manchester United fans if he continues his good form in the Premier League. 

Every good side builds from the back, but Manchester United bought mostly forwards in 2025, just midfielders in 2026, and looked set to buy just defenders in 2027. 

Perhaps Mauricio Pochettino will be given more say on transfers than Rúben Amorim and Michael Carrick, but United must prioritise the backline in the next transfer windows. 

Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are ageing but remain first-choice options; Lisandro Martínez's contract expires at the end of the season; Matthijs de Ligt is an unknown after his back injury; and Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro need the right time and environment to develop. Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have also been criticised for their poor performances this season, while Patrick Dorgu isn't a natural defender. 

Reinforcement is needed all over the pitch – as evidenced by Manchester United's league position – but defenders should be the top priority for the recruitment staff.