Michael Carrick has been appointed Manchester United's interim head coach and the club are reportedly set to make funds available for him to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window
Amie Wilson and Neil Docking
07:25, 14 Jan 2026
View 5 Images
Michael Carrick arriving at the Trafford Training Centre, Carrington. Picture date: Tuesday January 13, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.(Image: )
Manchester United have successfully found a temporary replacement for Ruben Amorim, appointing Michael Carrick as interim head coach until the end of the season.
He beat out competition from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the role, with the club planning to seek a permanent successor once the current campaign concludes. Carrick's tenure will kick off with a baptism of fire this Saturday in the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford, followed just over a week later by an away match against league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
However, Carrick's challenges won't be confined to the pitch. He steps into the role during the January transfer window, meaning he'll need to navigate potential player arrivals and departures before the month's end. United have been linked with various transfer activities in recent weeks. Here's all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick is the new Manchester United interim manager
View 5 Images
Michael Carrick is the new Manchester United interim manager(Image: PA Wire)
Transfer £20m U-turn
According to The Guardian, Manchester United are set to make funds available for Carrick to use during the remainder of the January transfer window.
And former Wolves captain Ruben Neves has been identified as a target. Neves is expected to be up for grabs for around £20million, reports the Mirror.
While United are reportedly planning to wait until the summer to pursue midfield targets such as Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, it's suggested the club are still prepared to provide Carrick with some funds to bolster his squad before the window closes.
Ruben Neves playing for Al Hilal at the 2025 Club World Cup
View 5 Images
Ruben Neves could leave Al Hilal in January(Image: Getty Images)
It's understood that funds will be made available for a potential swoop for Neves should the opportunity arise - or for other targets on the club's radar.
This position appears to represent a complete about-face from the stance outlined by Ruben Amorim at the beginning of the window. "The transfer window is not going to change," he declared.
"We have no conversation to have any change in the squad. There is a process, there is an idea - that is going to continue."
West Ham battle
El Chadaille Bitshiabu
View 5 Images
El Chadaille Bitshiabu(Image: Getty Images)
West Ham have entered the fray for RB Leipzig defender El Chadaille Bitshiabu, according to Quotidiano Spotivo, casting further doubt over a potential switch for him to Old Trafford.
United have been touted with an interest in the defender, but appear to face competition from numerous clubs. Alongside the Hammers, Leeds United, Bournemouth, AS Monaco and Lyon are amongst the sides reportedly keen on the 20-year-old.
The defender has found regular minutes hard to come by this campaign, managing just three Bundesliga outings. He made his comeback from a hamstring problem before Germany's winter break as a late substitute in the 3-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.
Exit talks
Manuel Ugarte has been a £42m flop at Manchester United
View 5 Images
Manuel Ugarte has been a £42m flop at Manchester United(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Turkish outfit Galatasaray are in discussions to secure United midfielder Manuel Ugarte during the January transfer window, according to reports in Turkey.
Haber Sarikirmizi suggest Galatasaray are confident about their prospects of getting a deal over the line. Discussions are reportedly centred on a loan deal with an option to purchase the 24-year-old.
Article continues below
It's also been suggested that Ugarte's Uruguayan teammates, Fernando Muslera and Lucas Torreira, have been persuading the midfielder to make the switch to Turkey.
Journalist Yakup Cınar further stated: "The player will leave Manchester United 100%."