Manchester United have been quiet in the January transfer window and another exit looks to have been ruled out
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 14: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Head Coach Michael Carrick of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on January 14, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has yet to add to his Manchester United squad(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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A midweek free of distractions provides an opportunity for Manchester United to savour their weekend derby win at home to Manchester City.
The impressive 2-0 victory has sparked suggestions interim manager Michael Carrick should be considered for the permanent role at the end of the season, and what happens between now and then could prove significant in impacting the club's choice.
Regardless of who takes charge next season, United's squad may benefit from some ins and outs in the coming months. Over £200million was splashed out during Ruben Amorim's sole summer window, but the work is unlikely to end there.
United's weekend win left them fifth in the Premier League table, just one point behind fourth-placed Liverpool. The top five all qualified for the Champions League last season but there's no certainty history will repeat itself this term and Carrick's team may need to leapfrog Liverpool to make sure of a place in the competition.
Despite early exits from two cup competitions leaving United with only the league to concentrate on, there's been a hesitance to significantly reduce the squad size, though there's time for that to change. Here are the latest transfer updates from Old Trafford.
No exit for Ugarte
Manuel Ugarte has found regular starts hard to come by since his move from Paris Saint-Germain to United in a deal worth up to £50million. Despite this, a January transfer appears to have been ruled out, with an exit instead likely to occur this summer.
The Uruguayan international has made 22 league appearances this season, but only seven of those have been starts. With Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo both returning from injury, chances of a longer spell in the starting line-up look slim.
Manuel Ugarte arriving for the Manchester derby
Manuel Ugarte played nine minutes as a substitute in the Manchester derby(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
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Even with others ahead of Ugarte in the pecking order, The Athletic reports that Manchester United have rejected an approach from Ajax for the player. The Dutch club, set to welcome ex-United midfielder Jordi Cruyff as their new sporting director in February, reportedly tested the waters over a loan deal for the former Sporting CP star.
Meanwhile, Toby Collyer could be on his way out. The same Athletic report suggests the academy graduate will spend the second half of the season at Hull City, following an early termination of his West Brom loan due to a calf injury.
Ruben Neves' transfer desire
United-linked midfielder Ruben Neves favours a move to Real Madrid, according to reports in the Spanish media. The former Wolves player was mentioned in connection with United before agreeing a big-money move to Al-Hilal in 2023 and his next move is expected to involve a return to Europe.
Neves' contract in Saudi Arabia ends this summer, with a new offer said to be on the table. He is not expected to entertain an extension, according to AS, while a January move could help Al-Hilal secure a transfer fee.
Ruben Neves celebrating a goal for Al-Hilal against Al-Nassr
Ruben Neves celebrating a goal for Al-Hilal against Al-Nassr(Image: Getty Images)
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United had been floated as an option when Neves' compatriot Amorim was still in charge at Old Trafford. However, he is said to prefer Madrid - even if Los Blancos' higher-ups are unsure whether to pursue a deal.
Neves, 28, made over 200 appearances in the Premier League and Championship during his six-year stint at Wolves. This experience demonstrates a solid background in English football should United decide to make a move.
Neves is currently enjoying the most prolific scoring season of his career, having scored seven times in the Saudi Pro League and also netting a goal in the King's Cup. He scored the winning goal from the penalty spot in a recent victory over Neom, putting Al-Hilal seven points clear at the top of the table.