Michael Carrick has made a bright start to life as Man United head coach.placeholder image
Michael Carrick has made a bright start to life as Man United head coach. | AFP via Getty Images
Man United are reportedly plotting a move to sign a Premier League midfielder in a swap with Manuel Ugarte.
The Man United boss will hope that he gets a few new players in before the end of the January window. Their biggest priority is in midfield, as the likes of Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo have struggled for consistent form.
Sunderland refuse to sell Noah Sadiki, despite Ugarte swap offer
One name that has been linked to Man United is Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki, who has impressed in England since moving to the North East in 2024. The 21-year-old is reportedly a target for Man United, as the Red Devils want someone with energy in the middle of the park.
According to the Sun, though, Sunderland will quickly refuse any deal for Sadiki this month, as they view him as one of their “crown jewels” and an “untouchable” talent at the Stadium of Light.
It is understood they wouldn’t be tempted by either a fee or a swap deal, which all but blocks Man United’s reported interest in the 21-year-old Congolese midfielder. It essentially means the Red Devils need to look at alternative options to strengthen the midfield, too.
Who could Man United target instead?
In terms of easier deals to complete, there is one name who would be very doable in January as far as midfielders are concerned, but, unlike Sadiki, he is only a short-term fix.
Former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves has been linked to Man United, as the Portugal international is reportedly keen on a move back to the Premier League. It is understood that Al-Hilal, his current club, are willing to sanction a move, as they want to get the 28-year-old’s wage bill off their books. A fee of £19m has been reported as enough to tempt the Saudi Pro League side.
He wouldn’t take long to adapt to the Premier League, as he already has extensive experience with Wolves, and he has played with Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot countless times for the Portugal national team.
As mentioned, he is older, so it wouldn’t be a long-term solution, but he would give Michael Carrick more reinforcements in midfield, which could help the Red Devils qualify for European football, which is the ultimate goal.
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