Manchester United have a huge couple of months on their hands under the guidance of Michael Carrick, with the temporary boss needing to make the right calls to ensure the club go in the right direction.
The 44-year-old has been tasked with achieving a top four finish in the Premier League, which would subsequently secure the Red Devils a place in the Champions League for next campaign.
However, it remains unclear whether he will be handed the job on a permanent basis, with his chances of securing such a role all dependent on how he fares over the next few months.
Man United manager Michael Carrick
Regardless, Carrick will be able to gauge what’s needed within the first-team squad, which could lead to added reinforcements across the first-team squad.
The manager may even be handed the chance to improve the squad during the current transfer window, which could lead to numerous transfer targets being pursued.
Man Utd now want to sign European star this January
In an attempt to bolster the midfield department, Ruben Neves has been identified as a possible option this month, with the Portuguese international potentially on the move.
It’s been reported that the 28-year-old could return to the Premier League this winter, with the former Wolves star wanting a move back to the Premier League.
Ruben Neves
The midfielder, who currently plays for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, currently has six months left on his contract and could be sold for as little as £20m this month.
However, he’s not the only option in their sights, with Atlético Madrid star Marcos Llorente another player that’s currently admired by the Red Devils hierarchy at present.
According to The Independent, the Red Devils have made the Spanish star one of their top targets and he could be allowed to depart the LaLiga outfit this window.
The report also states that the 30-year-old could be tempted by a move to England’s top-flight, but doesn’t confirm how much any potential deal would cost. That said, reports earlier in the month spoke of a possible £30m bid.
Why Llorente would be Carrick’s own Rodri at United
For many years, Manchester City have had bragging rights over United, with Pep Guardiola’s men winning six out of the last eight Premier League titles.
pep-guardiola-man-city
Their big-spending has no doubt enabled some of their recent success, with central midfielder Rodri a player who has played an influential role over the past few years.
The Spaniard joined from Spanish side Atletico Madrid back in the summer of 2019, subsequently amassing a total of 279 appearances for the Citizens.
He’s even taken his own career to the next level, subsequently winning the Ballon d’Or back in 2024, after helping City win the Premier League whilst winning the Euros with his nation.
Many Red Devils fans will no doubt wish they had their own version of the midfielder in their side, but that wish could come to reality this window with a move for Llorente.
marcos-llorente
Such a deal would allow Carrick’s side to emulate the transfer by landing a central midfielder from Atletico, with his stats from the current campaign similar to those of Rodri.
Llorente, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst making more passes into the opposition box per 90.
How Llorente & Rodri compare in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Passes into 18-yard box
Progressive carries
Take-on success
Carries into final third
Tackles won
% of tackles won
Recoveries made
Stats via FBref
The aforementioned tallies showcase his phenomenal ability with the ball at his feet, which could hand United the needed deep-lying orchestrator they crave.
He’s also completed more progressive carries per 90, along with a better take-on success rate, which could make him a huge asset in transition for the Red Devils.
marcos-llorente-atletico-madrid
Llorente’s dominance over his compatriot is further reflected without the ball, with the Atletico star also possessing a superb skillset in retaining the ball for his side.
He’s won more tackles per 90 so far this campaign, whilst also making more ball recoveries per 90 - numbers which could make him the perfect addition for Carrick’s side.
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for his signature would cost the Red Devils this winter, but it’s evident that such a deal would be a phenomenal addition for the immediate future.
If he can replicate the levels produced by Rodri at the Etihad, it would be a great deal for both parties, subsequently ending the club’s long-standing hunt for a new central midfield option.
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