Manchester United's assistant coach Steve Holland (L) and Manchester United's English Interim head coach Michael Carrick (R) speak during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on January 17, 2026.placeholder image
Manchester United's assistant coach Steve Holland (L) and Manchester United's English Interim head coach Michael Carrick (R) speak during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on January 17, 2026. | AFP via Getty Images
Manchester United could make some moves late in the transfer window as Michael Carrick aims to secure a Champions League spot
Manchester United are preparing for a visit to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon as they look to boost their hopes of a top-four finish while denting the Gunners’ own hopes of winning the Premier League title.
The Red Devils beat Manchester City 2-0 in Michael Carrick’s first game as interim manager last weekend to put themselves firmly back in the fight to secure a Champions League spot with 16 games remaining.
United narrowly lost to Arsenal on the opening day of the campaign at Old Trafford but will head to North London with a renewed sense of optimism after a hugely-impressive display against City.
While the Red Devils are open to signing players at the right price this month, one man they are set to miss out on is 19-year-oold Brazilian winger Rayan.
Premier League rivals Bournemouth have verbally agreed a £30m deal with Brazilian side CR Vasco da Gama, with a medical being scheduled.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said on X: “Rayan to Bournemouth, here we go! Deal verbally agreed in principle for Brazilian winger to join AFCB from Vasco. €35m package verbally agreed with documents being checked and exchanged today. Bournemouth, scheduling Rayan’s medical later this week if all goes to plan.”
Tottenham Hotspur were also credited with an interest. Vasco outlet NT Vascainos had claimed that Spurs were in talks with the Brazilian outfit in September and the North London club have also been linked with interest this month. Transfermarkt still linked Tottenham Hotspur with Rayan last week, alongside Real Madrid.
However, that offer from the Magpies did not materialise.
Bournemouth appear to have won the race, however, as they seek to reinvest the £65m they earned from Antoine Semenyo’s move to Manchester City earlier this month.
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