Michael Carrick took Manchester United within a point of the Premier League's top four after a weekend victory over Manchester City
Michael Carrick after the Manchester derby in January 2026
Manchester United's interim manager Michael Carrick is coming off a valuable derby win(Image: Getty Images)
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Manchester United got the Michael Carrick era off to a perfect start on Saturday, beating Manchester City in their first league match under the interim boss. The 2-0 victory keeps alive United's hopes of Champions League qualification, something which would soften the blow of early eliminations from both domestic cups.
The question now facing the club is whether they need to dip into the transfer market to cement their place in the upper echelons of the league. With no permanent managerial appointment until the summer, though, there may be a reluctance to spend too much.
One thing which could end up forcing United's hand is other clubs rivalling them for targets. They spent north of £200m on new signings over the summer, with Bryan Mbeumo cementing his status as the most impressive of the bunch with his goal in Saturday's derby.
As we enter the final fortnight of the window, there's a lot for Carrick and the United higher-ups to think about. Here are Mirror Football's latest transfer lines from around Old Trafford.
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Barca transfer plan emerges
Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford is set to lose one of his most experienced Barcelona team-mates. Marc-Andre ter Stegen has found himself in need of minutes if he wants to make Germany's World Cup squad and that isn't happening for him at Camp Nou.
Ter Stegen returned from injury in December but has been unable to displace new first-choice keeper Joan Garcia. His only appearance this season came against CD Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey and he was reportedly offered to United before the turn of the year.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen warming up for Barcelona
Marc-Andre ter Stegen is on the move(Image: Getty Images)
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The 33-year-old has agreed an exit, though, and is due to join neighbours Girona on loan. According toSpanish outlet Sport (via Football Espana), the move could be agreed as soon as this week.
The latest news comes after Barca saw their La Liga lead cut to one point after a defeat to Real Sociedad. Rashford came off the bench to briefly draw Hansi Flick's side level at Anoeta, just days after being warned there was no place for him in Flick's best starting XI.
"With Raphinha in that sort of form, it's going to be difficult for him to play too much football," Lineker said on The Rest is Football. "But... [Barcelona] can see that he's doing really well and apparently they want to see if they can negotiate with Manchester United."
Mateta talks continue
Jean-Philippe Mateta in action for Crystal Palace
Jean-Philippe Mateta in action for Crystal Palace(Image: Richard Lee/Shutterstock)
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Juventus remain in talks over a move for Jean-Philippe Mateta as they look to win the race for the reported long-time Manchester United target. There are no early indications that the Premier League side will engage in a bidding war this month but the Turin club look determined to get a deal done sooner rather than later.
According to reports in Italy, Juve are ready to return to the negotiating table after Crystal Palace knocked back an initial £26million bid. Italian and English sources have differing views on Palace's asking price, though it's thought to be £30m at a minimum.
Napoli are also reported to be in the mix for the striker, who has scored 38 Premier League goals since the start of the 2023/24 season. His Palace contract expires in 2027 and it remains to be seen whether they cash in sooner.
Palace are already coming to terms with the loss of another key player. Eagles captain Marc Guehi has joined Manchester City for less than the £40m the London club were hoping to bring in for a player who is out of contract this summer.
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