Manchester United have a huge task on their hands in the coming months, with Michael Carrick the man tasked with overhauling the club’s central midfield department.
The former player, who’s now the Red Devils’ temporary manager, will likely make recommendations over what is needed in that area for the future.
Casemiro is one player who is currently on the books at Old Trafford, but the Brazilian could be set to depart when his contract expires at the end of the campaign.
Manchester United's Casemiro in action
Manuel Ugarte is another option, but he’s failed to deliver since his £50m transfer from PSG, which has led to huge rumours around his own long-term future with the Red Devils.
As a result, various options have been drawn up by the hierarchy to help bolster the club’s standing in the Premier League and improve the talents at Carrick’s disposal.
Man Utd enter talks to land former Premier League star
Over the last couple of weeks, rumours have been swirling at United, with many of them claiming that a move for Al Hilal star Ruben Neves could be on the cards this January.
The Portuguese international has spent the last few years in Saudi Arabia, but could be set for a return to the Premier League, with the midfielder having just six months left on his contract.
ruben-neves-portugal
As a result, a fee in the region of £20m has been mooted in recent days, with the Red Devils seemingly willing to fork out such a sum before the window closes.
However, he’s not the only former Premier League option currently in their sights this month, with former Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek another player on their radar.
According to talkSPORT, Carrick’s men have held talks with the Italian outfit over a move, but could face competition from Aston Villa for his signature in the weeks ahead.
It also states that a move for the Englishman would likely be a temporary one, which could allow for a complete overhaul of the midfield department in the summer.
loftus-cheek
The report further mentions that the player himself would be open to a return to the Premier League in a bid to gain valuable first-team minutes away from the San Siro.
Why Loftus-Cheek would be United’s next Pogba
United fans have often been blessed with numerous talented players who have captured the hearts of the fanbase, with midfielder Paul Pogba one who certainly falls into that category.
paul-pogba-man-utd
Paul Pogba at Manchester United.
The Frenchman joined in a club-record £89m deal from Juventus back in the summer of 2016, subsequently producing numerous moments of magic which left the supporters in awe.
Arguably, his best showing during his second spell with the Red Devils came on the opening day of the 2021/22 campaign, where he registered four assists in the victory over Leeds United.
He was also capable of a spectacular finish, subsequently scoring 39 times in his 233 appearances, many of which came from outside of the opposition box.
However, Pogba became known for his powerful and relentless presence from the midfield into the forward areas of the pitch - something which has been lacking in recent years.
Paul Pogba Manchester United record (timeless)
That could all be about to change in the near future, especially if Carrick and the hierarchy can agree on a deal to land Loftus-Cheek before the window closes this month.
The Englishman has possessed a similar asset in recent years, as seen during his time at Chelsea and even at AC Milan, where he’s scored 11 times in 93 outings across all competitions.
His underlying stats from the current campaign also showcase his all-round quality, which could make him an excellent short-term option for the Red Devils.
Loftus-Cheek, who’s been dubbed “sensational” by Sam Tighe, has registered two combined goals and assists this season, whilst also posting 2.6 shots per 90.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek - Serie A stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Shots taken
Pass accuracy
Chances created
Dribble success
Touches in 18-yard box
Duels won
Aerials won
Stats via FotMob
Such numbers highlight his ability to make an impact in the final third, something which Pogba did massively during his latest stint in the first-team at Old Trafford.
Loftus-Cheek has also demonstrated his ability to dictate the play in the middle of the park, as seen by his incredible tallies of 84% passes completed and 1.1 chances created per 90.
ruben-loftus-cheek-ac-milan
The aforementioned figures could allow the midfielder to match the Frenchman’s creative spark and subsequently hand Carrick another impressive option in attacking areas.
He’s also been dominant and powerful out of possession, subsequently winning 6.3 duels and 2.9 aerials per 90 - with both ranking him in the top 10% of all players in Serie A during 2025/26.
Whilst competition for his signature appears fierce at present, it’s crucial that the Red Devil hierarchy work tirelessly to avoid missing out on his services this month.
Should he move to Old Trafford and match the levels produced by Pogba, it would be a superb addition - one that could make the needed difference come the end of the season.
Ruben Neves Related
[Better signing than Neves: Man Utd exploring move for "monster" midfielder](https://www.footballfancast.com/better-signing-than-neves-man-utd-exploring-move-for-wilfred-ndidi/ "Better signing than Neves: Man Utd exploring move for "monster" midfielder")
Manchester United have set their sights on another midfielder alongside Ruben Neves.