Michael Carrick takes over as interim Man United boss following Ruben Amorim's dismissal and could oversee January transfer business including pursuit of Ecuador wonderkid
Aaron Morris Senior Sports Reporter and Will Schofield Senior Sports Reporter
10:07, 15 Jan 2026
Kobbie Mainoo
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Kobbie Mainoo has struggled for minutes this season(Image: Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has taken the reins at Old Trafford as interim head coach for the rest of the season, but it's still up in the air whether the club will loosen the purse strings for him in the January transfer window.
His main job will be to steer the Red Devils to the highest possible Premier League position by May, but Carrick might also have to juggle player transfers this month.
While Ruben Amorim had stated there were no plans to shake up his squad before he got the boot, Carrick might see things differently. With this in mind,Daily Star Sporttakes a looks at some of the players who've been rumoured to be coming and going.
The hunt is on for the 'new Moises Caicedo'
Ederson Castillo smiles
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Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move for Ederson Castillo(Image: LDU Youth Academy)
United have been linked with LDU Quito's Ederson Castillo, as they look to future-proof an ageing midfield. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have been the go-to duo in the middle of the pitch this season, with mixed results, reports the Mirror.
Castillo, the 17-year-old prodigy who's been hailed as the 'new Moises Caicedo', and is rumoured to be on the brink of a £4million move up north. United aren't the only big guns in Europe keeping tabs on the Ecuadorian starlet though.
Word has it that Barcelona have extended an invitation for Castillo to trial at their youth level, with plans to snap him up permanently if he shines.
Kobbie Mainoo 'deadline'
Kobbie Mainoo looks on
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Kobbie Mainoo has seen limited gametime at Manchester United(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
It's believed that Kobbie Mainoo is feeling miffed about his lack of game time at Manchester United, with Napoli leading the chase to nab the 20-year-old on loan.
Even though Darren Fletcher gave Mainoo a shot during United's FA Cup loss to Brighton over the weekend, it's still unclear what Carrick's plans are for the youngster. However, the interim gaffer would do well to touch base with Mainoo soon.
It's believed that Mainoo could be on the hunt for a new club if his playing time at Old Trafford doesn't pick up. With the February 2 deadline just around the corner, Carrick might need to focus on the lad's development, whether that's at United or elsewhere.
Karim Adeyemi twist
Karim Adeyemi looks on
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Karim Adeyemi has been linked with Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
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BILD recently reported that Manchester United have been having a natter with Karim Adeyemi, as rumours swirl about the striker's future at Borussia Dortmund.
However, fresh whispers from Teamtalk suggest that the 23-year-old isn't top of the list and is seen more as a quick fix.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have also been thrown into the mix recently, potentially sparking a fierce bidding war for one of the Bundesliga's hottest properties.