Michael Carrick has been appointed Manchester United's interim head coach until the end of the season with eyes turning towards possible transfer business.
Michael Carrick prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Millwall FC and Middlesbrough FC at The Den.
Michael Carrick has been appointed as the interim head coach at Manchester United. (Image: Paul Harding, Getty Images)
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Manchester United have successfully secured an interim replacement for Ruben Amorim, with Michael Carrick stepping into the role until the end of the season.
Carrick has been appointed as the interim head coach, edging out competition from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The search for a permanent successor will commence at the conclusion of the current campaign.
The new boss faces a baptism of fire, with his first match being the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford this Saturday (12.30pm kick-off). A little over a week later, the team will face league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
However, Carrick's challenges extend beyond on-pitch matters. He joins during the January transfer window, with potential player arrivals and departures before the month's end still on the cards.
United have been linked with various transfer activities in recent weeks. Here's a glimpse at some of the latest rumours surrounding potential transfers at Old Trafford.
£20m U-turn
According to The Guardian, Manchester United are prepared to provide Carrick with funds for the remainder of the January transfer window, with former Wolves captain Ruben Neves identified as a target, potentially available for around £20 million.
While United are expected to hold off on pursuing midfield targets such as Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton until the summer, it is reported that the club is still willing to allocate funds for Carrick to bolster his squad before the window closes.
Reports suggest that funds will be made available for a potential move for Neves, should the opportunity to sign him arise - or for other players on the club's shortlist.
This appears to be a reversal from the stance expressed by Ruben Amorim at the start of the transfer window. "The transfer window is not going to change," he said.
"We have no conversation to have any change in the squad. There is a process, there is an idea - that is going to continue."
Rúben Neves during the Republic of Ireland V Portugal.
Ruben Neves has been linked with a move to Manchester United in the January transfer window. (Image: Tim Clayton, Getty Images)
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Battle with West Ham
United's Premier League rivals, West Ham, have reportedly entered the race for RB Leipzig defender El Chadaille Bitshiabu, according to Quotidiano Sportivo, casting further doubt over a potential move to Old Trafford.
United have been linked with the defender, but appear to face competition from several clubs. Leeds United, Bournemouth, AS Monaco and Lyon are also reportedly interested in the 20 year old.
The defender has found regular game time hard to come by this season, making just three Bundesliga appearances. He returned from a hamstring injury as a late substitute in the 3-1 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen before Germany's winter break.
Exit discussions
Turkish outfit Galatasaray are reportedly in talks to sign United midfielder Manuel Ugarte in the January transfer window, according to Turkish media outlet Haber Sarikirmizi. They claim that Galatasaray are hopeful about their chances of finalising a deal.
Discussions are reportedly centred on a loan agreement with an option to purchase, which would free up the midfielder reported £150K per week wages. It's also been reported that Ugarte's Uruguayan teammates, Fernando Muslera and Lucas Torreira, have been persuading the midfielder to consider a move to Turkey.
Journalist Yakup Cınar stated: "The player will leave Manchester United 100%."