Manchester United are poised for a midfield overhaul in 2026, with a shortlist of high-profile targets emerging this January. Former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already had his say on a target under consideration at Old Trafford.
It has been a busy January for Manchester United, even though no players have been signed or sold in the mid-season transfer window.
Ruben Amorim was sacked at the beginning of the month, one week before Michael Carrick was appointed head coach for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
It will be Carrick’s job to steady the ship for the foreseeable future, but the 44-year-old knows his ultimate objective will be to secure Champions League qualification.
Imagine you are Jason Wilcox… what transfer business would you do before deadline day?
Go all out for a midfielder? Make a under the radar swoop? Let us know!
Director of football Jason Wilcox in action during a first-team training session at the Carrington training complex in 2025 in Manchester, England.
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Ineos could make the task slightly easier if they trust Carrick with new signings in January, but that is without any guarantees.
Still, that won’t stop United from being linked with players deemed available in the market.
Mozambique vs Nigeria R16- 2025 Africa Cup Of Nations
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hails Wilfred Ndidi’s professionalism
Reports suggest Besiktas midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has emerged on United’s radar this month, although nothing has been confirmed yet.
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United will be offered many players from agencies looking to move their clients to the biggest club in the world.
However, talkSPORT claims United have discussed Ndidi, formerly of Leicester City.
Ndidi left Leicester City, where he gained valuable Premier League experience over the course of eight years, to sign for Besiktas, where he is now club captain.
It was former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who brought Ndidi to Besiktas, his former assistant coach Carrick, who could be responsible for taking the Nigeria international to Old Trafford.
After signing Ndidi in August 2025, shortly before he got sacked in his role as Besiktas manager, Solskjaer waxed lyrical over the midfielder.
“Wilfred is a very professional player and a great person,” Solskjaer said, as quoted by AIG Media TV.
“He can fill crucial roles in our squad. He’s a leader. I’m very pleased we brought him in. I’m confident he will make a significant impact in the months and years ahead.”
There is no disputing that United need more options in midfield, but it’s about having quality as well as quantity.
Ndidi turned 29 at the end of 2025. He is under contract at Besiktas until 2028.
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Amad Diallo celebrates against Bournemouth
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Meanwhile, former Sky Sports journalist Alan Myers believes Ndidi is ‘anxious’ about a return to England.
Wilfred Ndidi record against Man Utd
Ndidi played against United 14 times during his time at Leicester City.
The defensive midfielder was on the winning side twice, with United winning 10 of those matches.
Two of the games ended in a draw.
Ndidi also picked up three yellow cards in games against United.
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