Manchester United could pursue multiple signings this January
Manchester United's English midfielder #37 Kobbie Mainoo warms up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on January 17, 2026.
Manchester United may plan for some arrivals and departures in January(Image: Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images)
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Manchester United have received a significant morale boost following their victory over Manchester City in last weekend's derby. United secured a rare 2-0 win at Old Trafford against Pep Guardiola's team.
The scoreline could have been even more severe for City if not for three offside decisions, two shots hitting the post and an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. This commanding win over their city rivals marked an excellent start to Michael Carrick's interim tenure, and attention will now shift to potential transfer activity this month.
With early exits from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, the club can now concentrate solely on the Premier League for the rest of this season. Before Ruben Amorim's dismissal, there were hardly any plans for movement in the transfer window, but this may change.
Here, provides details on all the potential arrivals and departures at Old Trafford ahead of the league run-in.
Potential arrivals
Several Premier League players have been linked with moves to Old Trafford recently. Crystal Palace pair Adam Wharton and Jean-Philippe Mateta have been consistently mentioned as targets, with United considering a double swoop for the striker and midfielder.
Sky Sports reported the club's interest in the French forward, who has scored 10 goals and provided two assists in 33 appearances so far this season.
Meanwhile, Wharton has reportedly been on United's radar for some time as they aim to bolster their midfield with quality players. It's believed that Crystal Palace are asking for around £70million for the in-form star, but he isn't the only player on United's wish list.
Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace celebrate with Adam Wharton after scoring a goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Fulham at Selhurst Park on January 1, 2026 in London, United Kingdom.
Jean-Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton are on United's radar(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
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Potential signings include Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, Carlos Baleba from Brighton, and Marc Casado from Barcelona, all of whom have piqued the club's interest.
Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo reports that United have enquired about Casado's availability as they seek reinforcements in midfield.
The club is also reportedly monitoring Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, with some reports suggesting that United have been tracking the 24-year-old since last summer.
A fee of £43m could be enough to lure the player, with Napoli, Atletico Madrid, and Palace also showing interest.
Marc Casado of FC Barcelona looks onduring the Copa del Rey Round of 16 match between Racing de Santander and FC Barcelona at El Sardinero on January 15, 2026 in Santander, Spain. (
Marc Casado is also a United target(Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
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Interim boss Carrick may also be keen to reunite with Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney. TEAMtalk reports that Carrick is a big fan of Hackney and may attempt to secure his services in January.
However, Boro have reportedly set a club record asking price of £30m and are hesitant to sell. After spending £225m on new signings last summer, including Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, United may need to offload some players before bringing in new talent.
Possible departures
United may be looking to offload some players before bringing in fresh faces to Carrick's squad. However, reports suggest departures are unlikely, as the club is eager to maintain squad depth for the second half of the campaign.
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion on January 11, 2026 in Manchester, England.
Kobbie Mainoo has been heavily linked with a move elsewhere(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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Prior to Amorim's exit, Kobbie Mainoo had allegedly been considering a loan move elsewhere to secure more playing time. The academy graduate had made only two starts for United this season before the team's 2-0 victory over City and was seeking additional first-team opportunities to enhance his development.
According to the Daily Mail, Mainoo's relationship with club officials is "fragile" following unsuccessful contract extension talks in 2025.
Napoli were thought to be frontrunners to acquire the midfielder, but a potential swap deal with Palace could materialise, enabling United to bring in Wharton's services this month.
Joshua Zirkzee is another overlooked player who might depart in January. Since joining in 2024, the forward has recorded merely nine goals and nine assists.
Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United warms up before the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion on January 11, 2026 in Manchester, England.
Joshua Zirkzee could be open to a departure in January(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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The 24-year-old is reportedly concerned about his limited minutes ahead of this summer's 2026 World Cup. Italian outfit Roma are said to be genuinely keen on securing the player, with possible discussions expected.
However, TEAMtalk reports that Zirkzee is hoping to impress Carrick and contribute to United's campaign in 2026.
Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte were also mentioned as potential departures before Amorim's dismissal, though this could shift following the recent managerial change.