After taking the reins at Manchester United until the end of the 2025/26 campaign, Michael Carrick couldn’t have wished for a better start than winning the Manchester Derby.
The 44-year-old secured a 2-0 victory against Pep Guardiola’s men on Saturday afternoon, after opting to utilise a 4-2-3-1 system at Old Trafford - a formation Ruben Amorim refused to operate with.
The temporary boss went back to basics against the Citizens, with the fanbase undoubtedly feeling more confident about the future after a dismal couple of years.
Man United manager Michael Carrick
However, if the club are to remain on the same path, Carrick may require some additions from the hierarchy to help strengthen his squad in numerous key areas.
With the January transfer window in full swing, the Red Devils are yet to make any new first-team additions, but that could be about to change in the coming weeks.
Man Utd make bid to land £20m sensation
In an attempt to bolster the defensive department, United have been credited with a move to land Juventus star Pierre Kalulu before the January window slams shut.
The Frenchman, who has featured in every Serie A game this season, could be sold by the Italian outfit, with a £26m transfer fee being mooted for his signature this month.
pierre-kalulu-juventus-serie-a
However, the Red Devils aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 25-year-old centre-back, with the likes of Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur also keen on a move for his services.
The midfield department is also another area of the pitch where Carrick wants to address, as seen by the recent rumours over a move to land Ruben Neves this winter.
According to one Spanish outlet, United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, has personally made a £20m bid for the 28-year-old talent, who currently plies his trade for Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal.
The report also states that his current employers don’t want to part ways with the Portuguese international, but it could be their last chance to cash in on him, with his contract set to expire in June.
ruben-neves-al-hilal-saudi-pro-league
It also goes on to confirm that the player himself would be open to a return to the Premier League, after previously spending five years at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Why Neves would be perfect for Mainoo at United
During the Amorim tenure at United, midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was one of the players who massively suffered, with the manager often leaving him out of his first-team plans.
Kobbie-Mainoo-Manchester-United
The Englishman failed to start any of the Premier League matches under the former boss this campaign, but Carrick’s arrival has given him a new lease of life.
He was handed his first league start of the campaign in the Manchester Derby over the weekend, with the 20-year-old producing some numerous incredible figures.
He made two tackles - the most of any player on the pitch - whilst completing 91% of the passes he attempted, subsequently showcasing his talents at both ends of the pitch.
After such a showing, there’s no denying that Mainoo is once again a key member of the squad, but he could be taken to the next level with any potential move for Neves.
Mainoo-record-by-manager-Man-Utd
The Portuguese international’s experience in England’s top-flight could be vital for any progression for Mainoo, with the addition fitting both players perfectly.
The 28-year-old’s underlying stats from the current campaign showcase his talents, which could allow him to form the perfect partnership with the academy graduate at the heart of the side.
Neves, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Darren Bent, has registered a 91% pass completion rate, whilst averaging 63 passes per 90 - with both ranking him in the top 5% of all players in the division.
Both tallies highlight his incredible ability with the ball at his feet, with his ball-playing talents potentially going hand in hand with Mainoo’s ball-winning presence.
Ruben Neves - stats in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals scored
Passes completed
Chances created
Touches per game
Times dispossessed
Duels won
Recoveries made
Stats via FotMob
However, out of possession, Neves has been just as impressive, as seen by his tally of 1.5 tackles won and 63% duels won - subsequently offering a dominant presence.
Other tallies, such as 72% aerials won and 4.9 recoveries made per 90, also showcase his all-round talent - with Raj Chohan dubbing him “the most underrated player in world football”.
Ruben Neves
£20m for a player of Neves' quality in today’s market is simply a no-brainer, with such a move handing Carrick the perfect midfielder for his current 4-2-3-1 system.
If he can replicate his numbers from the Saudi Pro League, there’s no reason why he can’t star alongside Mainoo for years to come - which could catapult the club to added success in the future.
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Michael Carrick's Man United dominated their neighbours to claim bragging rights in the Premier League.