With Michael Carrick poised to become interim head coach at Manchester United, the team could welcome a much-needed signing as the club's January recruitment policy hints at one £20million incoming
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick could welcome a key transfer at Manchester United(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick will have the opportunity to strengthen his Manchester United squad in the January transfer window if the right opportunity presents itself.
The former United midfielder has emerged as the leading contender to take over at Old Trafford for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. It's understood that Carrick impressed the club hierarchy during face-to-face talks since Ruben Amorim was sacked last week.
Carrick is expected to be appointed this week and take charge of the derby against Manchester City on Saturday. The 44-year-old has been out of work since leaving Middlesbrough in the summer and is set to oversee a second spell in interim charge after his three-game spell in 2021.
One of the priorities for Carrick when he gets his feet under the table is the possibility of January arrivals. As expected, no talks on potential incoming players have taken place, as the focus is on appointing an interim head coach.
According to The Athletic, United will only be active if long-term targets become available or if they need to prevent other teams from taking pole position to sign a player they are monitoring. There's also the chance that players will be replaced if they leave.
Ruben Neves
Ruben Neves' contract at Al-Hilal expires in June 2026(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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One target who could be pursued is Ruben Neves. The midfielder has rejected a new contract extension at Al-Hilal, and now that the window is open, he could be made available.
It's believed that the Saudi Pro League side is ready to let Neves leave this month to avoid losing him on a free transfer. The ex-Wolves man moved to Saudi Arabia for £47million in 2023 after being linked with a move to United and Barcelona.
The Guardian have claimed that Neves remains a target in a position they want to strengthen and he would cost just £20m. The report states that if the signing becomes viable, funds will be available to bring him to Old Trafford.
Carrick is expected to implement a 4-2-3-1 system, similar to the one he enjoyed success with at Middlesbrough. Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo are his current options to play in midfield, but question marks over Casemiro and Ugarte mean a new signing isn't out of the question.
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United
Kobbie Mainoo's Manchester United future is up in the air for now still(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Mainoo isn't expected to leave the club now Amorim has departed, despite interest from Napoli in Italy. However, the midfield has been an issue at United for a number of years and provided Amorim with some nightmare selection headaches.
Casemiro, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has been better this season than previous years, but Ugarte's time in Manchester has been a struggle. This January, Ajax and Galatasaray are both interested in signing the Uruguay midfielder, less than two years after he joined the club in a deal worth up to £50.5m.
Neves scored a key goal in Al-Hilal's 3-1 win over Al-Nassr on Monday night to move seven points above Cristiano Ronaldo's side. The 28-year-old has scored six goals in 13 Saudi Pro League games this season.
There has been no update on Neves' stance, changing his commitment to Al-Hilal. As the window moves on, the Portugal international is expected to be available and he could be Carrick's perfect welcome gift.