Michael Carrick has been appointed as Man Utd head coach, but January window plans are expected to remain the same.
Michael Carrick was confirmed as head coach this week.(Image: 2026 Manchester United FC)
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Manchester United are not expected to deviate from their January transfer window plan following Michael Carrick's appointment as head coach. Carrick returned to United this week to oversee the remainder of the season, and there has been speculation that he could be backed with new additions.
It's understood, however, that United are unlikely to make any signings in January because they are focused on long-term planning and their targets are not available in the winter window. United committed an outlay of £215million (excluding add-ons) to sign Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Senne Lammens and Diego Leon in the summer window, which the club views as the preferred time to land their top targets for value-for-money transfer fees.
Carrick has just 17 games to oversee in the Premier League due to United's early exits from cup competitions, and the 44-year-old will try to steer the club into the Champions League. Investment has already been earmarked to strengthen United's midfield at the end of the season. Casemiro is out of contract in June, while Bruno Fernandes is expected to consider his future after the World Cup.
Speaking in October, Fernandes said: "I haven't spoken with anyone. I could tell you that there are still people talking to me and saying that they will be very eager to have me next year, of course.
"But from my side, that's not talked about. Because my agent also knows how I work, so if he wants to talk to me, it will be after the World Cup. Because until then, I won't speak to anyone."
Kobbie Mainoo's future at his boyhood club remains uncertain. Mainoo has not made a start in the Premier League this season and has been frustrated with his lack of game time.
United considered a move for Carlos Baleba last summer. Brighton valued the midfielder in excess of £100million, and United focused their resources on other areas of the team. Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton have also been tracked.