Manchester United face competition in the January transfer window as Michael Carrick's side look to bolster their squad in the fight for Champions League football next season
Luke Thrower and Neil Docking
06:54, 21 Jan 2026
Michael Carrick is eyeing improvements to his Manchester United squad
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Michael Carrick is eyeing improvements to his Manchester United squad(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
The clock is ticking on the January transfer window and Manchester United are among those actively scouting for potential deals.
The club are considering options that could benefit them both in the short and long term, with a particular emphasis on laying the groundwork for the summer and making the right moves. In the interim, Michael Carrick will largely make do with his current squad as he aims to propel the Red Devils up the table during his tenure as caretaker manager.
Director of football Jason Wilcox has already begun exploring options to bolster the side as the hunt for a new permanent manager continues. Here's a round-up of all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Ruben Neves
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Ruben Neves is expected to leave Al Hilal in January after rejecting a new contract(Image: Getty Images)
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Ruben Neves transfer tussle
Manchester United may find themselves in a transfer tug-of-war if they proceed with their reported interest in Ruben Neves, reports the Mirror.
Spanish publication AS suggests Real Madrid are also eyeing the midfielder as a potential summer signing, although the player himself is reportedly open to a January move.
Michael Carrick has got off to a great start at Manchester United
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Michael Carrick has got off to a great start at Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
The ex-Wolves star is currently plying his trade for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, but with just six months left on his contract, speculation is rife about a potential return to Europe. At 28, he's entering the prime years of his career.
Clubs can strike a pre-contract agreement this month before he becomes a free agent in the summer, but it's yet to be seen if any club will secure that deal. United's interest comes as they look to revamp their midfield, with Neves among several potential targets.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek offer
Ruben Loftus-Cheek came off the bench against Wales
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Ruben Loftus-Cheek in action for England(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
United have been given the opportunity to sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek in this January transfer window to bolster their midfield. According to talkSPORT, the club are mulling over a potential loan signing this winter to enhance their options.
Loftus-Cheek is reportedly eager to return to the Premier League, having found regular game time hard to come by at AC Milan this season.
The former Chelsea player, 29, made a comeback for England last year after a few years out of the squad, but he's keen to get more minutes under his belt ahead of the World Cup.
While Loftus-Cheek is one possibility, the report also suggests former Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is on United's winter wish list.
Jean-Philippe Mateta transfer twist
Jean-Philippe Mateta could also leave Crystal Palace according to Oliver Glasner
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Jean-Philippe Mateta could also leave Crystal Palace according to Oliver Glasner(Image: )
United's hopes of signing Jean-Philippe Mateta could be dashed by Premier League rivals Aston Villa, according to reports from The Athletic. It seems the Villains have set their sights on the striker this month.
The club are reportedly keen to strengthen their attacking line-up, with Mateta, who has just 18 months left on his Crystal Palace contract, being considered. The Eagles are said to be interested in Evann Guessand, which could pave the way for a potential swap deal in the coming weeks.
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This could potentially scupper United's plans if they were hoping to secure Mateta, 28, during this winter transfer window or even in the summer. Last week, Palace manager Oliver Glasner conceded the club would be open to selling if the right financial offer was made.
"There will be a price where Crystal Palace say '18 months left in his contract, we do the deal if JP wants'," Glasner revealed. "If nobody pays this price then JP will stay."