After his appointment as Manchester United's temporary manager, Michael Carrick has already made the perfect start after his first Premier League game in charge.
The 44-year-old guided the Red Devils to victory in the Manchester Derby on Saturday afternoon, subsequently handing the fanbase bragging rights over their noisy neighbours.
However, given his calm and composed nature, the former United player will no doubt be fully focused on the next challenge that faces him next weekend at the Emirates.
Michael Carrick
Carrick and the hierarchy will also no doubt be keeping a keen eye on the transfer front, with the January window now in full swing after opening a little over two weeks ago.
Whilst the Red Devils are yet to make any senior additions, that could be about to change in the coming weeks, with numerous names appearing in their sights over recent days.
Man Utd targeting move for Premier League midfielder
When it comes to United’s hunt for a new central midfielder, the likes of Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba are often the names on the lips of the supporters.
The hierarchy have been tracking the aforementioned trio over the last couple of months, which has ramped up the prospect of a possible move this winter.
carlos-baleba-brighton
However, with all three players set to cost in the region of £80-100m, it’s looking increasingly likely that a move for any of the talents will take place in the summer.
As a result, other options are being drawn up by the United hierarchy, which has seen various other targets come up, including Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomes.
According to CaughtOffside, the Red Devils have a strong interest in landing the Brazilian international this window, with Carrick’s men looking to take advantage of his side’s lowly league standing.
The report also states that the board have continuously sent scouts to monitor the 24-year-old’s progress in recent months and believe his style would be a great fit for the first-team.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Joao Gomes in action with Manchester City's Nico Gonzalez
However, if they are to land his signature this month, they will have to fend off interest from other European clubs, with Napoli and Atletico Madrid also said to be interested in the £43m talent.
Why Gomes would be the perfect Casemiro replacement
As previously mentioned, the United midfield department has been one which has come under scrutiny in recent months, that’s despite the performances of Casemiro.
Casemiro-Man-Utd-Burnley
The Brazilian was seen as an outcast heading into the 2025/26 campaign, but he’s endured somewhat of a revival in recent months - as seen by his tally of 19 starts out of a possible 22.
He’s often been the go-to starter in such a role, but the club face a huge decision to make over his future, with the 33-year-old’s contract set to expire at the end of the campaign.
Casemiro is currently the highest earner at the club, earning a staggering £350k-per-week, which could force the club to part ways with the experienced star and reinvest during the summer.
However, if they were to make such a call, numerous players could be viable options to replace him, with Baleba no doubt going to be a player at the top of the list.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba in action with Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic
The hierarchy have been hunting for his signature massively over the last couple of months, but any deal could command a club-record fee, amid the £100m asking price.
As a result, a deal for Gomes could prove to be more viable, with the Brazilian potentially costing the Red Devils a fraction of the price - but they would still be getting a superb talent.
When comparing his stats to those of Baleba, the Wolves star has dominated the Brighton star in key areas, subsequently showcasing why he’d be the perfect addition at Old Trafford.
Gomes, who’s been dubbed “sensational” by the BBC’s John Bray, has completed more progressive passes and more passes into the opposition box per 90.
How Gomes & Baleba compare in the PL (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Minutes played
Progressive passes
Pass accuracy
Passes into 18-yard box
Progressive carries
Carries into the final third
Tackles won
% of tackles won
Recoveries made
Stats via FBref
Such figures showcase how comfortable the Wolves star is in possession, often finding a teammate in attacking areas - a part of Baleba’s game that has been lacking in recent months.
He’s also completed more progressive carries per 90, whilst also registering more progressive carries into the final third of the pitch - reaffirming his talent with the ball at his feet.
Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes
However, Carrick’s men are in need of a disruptive presence in front of the backline, with Gomes’ defensive numbers offering the club precisely that this January.
He’s dominated Baleba without the ball, as demonstrated by his remarkable tally of 1.8 tackles won per 90 alongside his figure of 6.3 ball recoveries made in the Premier League per 90.
£43m for a player of his quality would be an excellent deal, and it’s evident that he has all the tools needed to fill the void at the heart of United’s midfield.
Casemiro’s performances this campaign have been nothing short of sensational, but all good things must come to an end, with the hierarchy needing to move the veteran on and pursue Gomes as his replacement.
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