MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Head Coach Michael Carrick of Manchester United records a podcast at Carr
Michael Carrick has been announced as Man Utd's new interim head coach (Image: Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has been unveiled as Manchester United's interim head coach and his first match will be in the high-stakes Manchester derby this Saturday, before overseeing the club's final 16 Premier League matches. With no domestic cup pursuits on the horizon, the primary goal is securing a Champions League spot for the upcoming season. Currently, United are positioned seventh in the Premier League standings after 21 fixtures.
Consecutive draws against Wolves and Burnley have left them trailing fourth-placed Liverpool by three points, but they're just a point behind Brentford in fifth. It's believed that United will only bolster Carrick's squad under two circumstances: if long-term targets become available, and if there's a need to thwart other clubs from gaining an upper hand in signing a player they're tracking.
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Numerous players, particularly midfielders, have been linked with a switch to Old Trafford. The midfield position is a priority, with Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba all reportedly on United's radar. However, any potential move is likely to be postponed until the end of the season.
But a couple of transfers could transpire in this window, given the stipulated conditions and market opportunities. Upon Carrick's ascension to the helm, his strongest team could be bolstered by the addition of two new players.
Starting between the sticks, Senne Lammens is the preferred choice and that's not set to change. With Carrick anticipated to implement his 4-2-3-1 approach at Old Trafford, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are all potential centre-back options.
However, Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi is up for grabs after choosing not to extend his contract. The Argentine's current agreement expires in the summer, making him free to negotiate a pre-contract with European clubs. This doesn't exclude United from making a move this month, and the risk of losing him for nothing could force Bournemouth to accept a bid.
At 30, the centre-back would enhance United's defence and seamlessly fit into Carrick's back four. Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu will vie for the left-back position, with the former impressing this season after regaining full fitness. On the right-back front, Noussair Mazraoui's absence due to AFCON has been noticeable with Diogo Dalot underperforming.
The midfield pivot remains the big question, and Carrick will offer each player a fresh start. Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo are the three natural central midfielders, but there are concerns.
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 27: Marcos Senesi of Bournemouth after his sides 4-1 defeat during the Premier League match betwee
Marcos Senesi would improve Man Utd's back line (Image: Getty Images)
Casemiro's presence leaves United short on energy, and Ugarte's adjustment to England has been challenging. Mainoo would be the first choice for many in midfield, and there are concerns about his partner. The bargain deal to sign Ruben Neves, believed to be around £20million, would alleviate that issue.
The Al-Hilal midfielder, like Senesi, is in the final six months of his contract in Saudi Arabia and has previously declined extension offers. United had shown interest in Neves before his departure from Wolves, and at £20m, he would be an ideal midfield upgrade for Carrick.
Carrick boasts a wealth of talent in the attacking third, with United's strongest position by far. Captain Bruno Fernandes is a certainty in the No.10 role; it's his best position, and there isn't a superior alternative.
Bryan Mbeumo and Amad are both set to return from AFCON in time for United's showdown against Manchester City, providing much-needed firepower to the attacking third. Since joining from Brentford in the summer, Mbeumo has netted six goals in the Premier League and has often been United's most threatening player.
For Amad, his versatility means he could potentially play in several positions. The left-wing spot will see either Amad or Matheus Cunha start, both players possessing their own strengths and weaknesses that make it a difficult decision for Carrick.
Benjamin Sesko is the go-to option at centre-forward after United splashed out £74m for him in the summer. Despite a challenging first five months in England, the striker has still managed to score five goals, including three in the last two matches.
Beyond the first-choice XI, Carrick has a strong bench to call upon. Dorgu, Dalot and Yoro all provide defensive solidity when needed, as do Casemiro and Ugarte.
In the attacking department, Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount have both demonstrated their ability to make an impact when required, while Shea Lacey's breakthrough adds the spark that fans crave.
Michael Carrick's strongest United XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Senesi, Shaw; Neves, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko.