Michael Carrick has made a dream start as Man United head coach.placeholder image
Michael Carrick has made a dream start as Man United head coach. | AFP via Getty Images
Manchester United could still have business to do before the end of the January transfer window
Michael Carrick made the dream start to his second spell in charge of Manchester United as the Red Devils outplayed Manchester City in a 2-0 derby victory at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime.
Club legend midfielder Carrick was announced as Ruben Amorim’s replacement as head coach until the end of the season and appeared to get an instant tune out of his side, as the returned from AFCON Bryan Mbeumo and then Patrick Dorgu struck following multiple offside goals earlier on in a one-sided encounter in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
The top four might be a realistic possibility for United and with their ambitions for the rest of the season clear, the 13-time Premier League champions may look to bring in some more faces this month to inspire a push for the Champions League.
Man United ‘keen’ on Wolves star after ‘positive’ scouting reports
According to reports by Caught Offside, Man United are ‘keen’ on Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes after tracking him since the summer. They may face competition for his signature, though, amidst rival interest on the continent from Napoli and Atletico Madrid.
Interest is believed to be particularly strong in Naples, where Brazil international Gomes is said to be a ‘major target’ with a ‘verbal understanding’ having been reached with the player, though no deal is yet in place with Wolves. The 24-year-old has also ‘moved up’ Diego Simeone’s list at Atletico.
Atletico are touted to ‘look for an opening’ in January amidst Wolves’ expected relegation, while United are said to be impressed with his profile following extensive scouting reports on the ‘midfield enforcer’, which suggested that the player is ‘well-suited’ to the demands of the Premier League despite his side’s position. Crystal Palace are also cited to be considering a move, while Liverpool’s previous interest in Gomes has ‘cooled’.
Reporting continues that amidst the ‘high valuation’ thought to be demanded by Wolves – previous figures of around £50m have been cited – a loan-to-buy deal is thought to be most likely to go ahead in January, with a permanent move touted for the summer.
‘Dream come true’ - Gomes loves life in the Premier League
Gomes recently marked his 100th Premier League appearance with a victory – Wolves’ first of the season – as West Ham were put to the sword 3-0 at Molineux on January 3. The Brazilian told publication Globo Esporte in his homeland of his pride at having reached the milestone.
"It's another dream come true. The Premier League is the biggest domestic league in the world. Everything here is sensational, from the level of the game to the atmosphere in the stands.
“I just have to thank everyone who has always trusted me and who gives me the chance to take the field to represent Wolves. The affection of the fans is incredible, and I really want to be able to always give back. I'm going to leave my life on the field so that the team reaches the end of the season safe from relegation.”
While Gomes appeared to dedicate his immediate future to Wolves, what should also be noted is his apparent affinity for playing in the Premier League – something which Man United may feel gives them the edge over rival suitors in Europe for a transfer, be it this month or in the summer.
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