Louis Saha Calls for Man Utd January Move for Morgan Rogers Amid Fernandes and Mbeumo Blow

Manchester United legend Louis Saha has called on the club to move for Morgan Rogers in the January transfer window, arguing the midfielder fits exactly what the Red Devils are missing. His comments come at a critical moment, with United set to face Newcastle United on Boxing Day without Bruno Fernandes for just the second time in nearly six years. The Portuguese captain is ruled out with a hamstring injury, leaving Ruben Amorim’s side short of invention at a time when fine margins matter most near the top of the Premier League table.

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Louis Saha urges Manchester United to pursue Morgan Rogers in January as Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo absences expose creativity gaps under Ruben Amorim.

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‎Fernandes’ absence has amplified long-standing questions about United’s creative depth. Since joining the club, he has missed only two league games due to injury, both linked to a minor knee issue in May 2024, plus one match through illness in March 2022. His remarkable availability has allowed United to build much of their attacking play around him, making this enforced spell on the sidelines particularly disruptive.

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‎The situation is compounded by the unavailability of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, who are both away on Africa Cup of Nations duty. Losing all three players at once removes United’s most inventive attacking options, placing unfamiliar responsibility on the supporting cast to deliver creativity and momentum.

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‎Reflecting on United’s recent recruitment, Saha praised some of the club’s business under the current regime. He highlighted goalkeeper Senne Lammens as a standout addition, suggesting the signing has added stability and helped the team progress. However, he believes January must bring further reinforcement, particularly in midfield.

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‎Saha stressed the need for a player who can inject speed and imagination alongside Fernandes and Mason Mount. In his view, Rogers fits that profile perfectly. He described the Aston Villa midfielder as someone capable of driving forward with the ball, resisting pressure, and retaining possession long enough to allow teammates to find space and adjust their positioning.

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‎According to Saha, Rogers offers a rare blend of athleticism and decision-making. While many modern midfielders possess physical qualities, choosing the right moment to use them effectively is less common. That balance, he believes, is what makes Rogers such an appealing and potentially transformative signing for Manchester United.

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‎Rogers recently underlined his quality with a commanding display against United at Villa Park. He scored both goals in Aston Villa’s 2-1 victory, first curling a stunning effort from distance before repeating the feat from closer range. The win extended Villa’s remarkable run to 10 consecutive victories as they continue to push into the title conversation.

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‎For United, the match was a stark reminder of what they lack without Fernandes. As the captain departed injured, Rogers’ power, movement and confidence highlighted the type of midfielder capable of stepping up when creativity is in short supply.

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‎There is also a background connection that could ease any potential transfer discussions. Rogers previously crossed paths with United director of football Jason Wilcox during his time at Manchester City. Wilcox was overseeing City’s academy when the club paid £4.3 million to sign a 16-year-old Rogers from West Bromwich Albion in 2019. That shared history means Rogers would already be familiar with key figures at Old Trafford, even though his senior breakthrough came elsewhere.

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‎Any deal, however, would not come cheaply. Aston Villa are in a strong position and have no need to sell a player central to their current success. Rogers is under contract until 2030, and The Athletic has reported that he is set to sign an extension through to 2031, accompanied by a substantial wage increase.

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‎Before any transfer plans can progress, United must first navigate a difficult Boxing Day test against Newcastle. Amorim’s side will need to rely on collective discipline and invention to compensate for the missing creativity, especially against opponents known for intensity and rapid transitions. Should the absence of Fernandes prove costly, pressure to reinforce in January will only intensify. For Saha, the answer is clear: Morgan Rogers. Whether United’s decision-makers agree — and are willing to meet the price — remains to be seen.