Manchester United are monitoring striker targets in the January transfer window, as Michael Carrick looks to build on a brilliant start to his managerial reign at Old Trafford
Matty Hewitt and Neil Docking
06:58, 27 Jan 2026
Michael Carrick has already brought good times back to Manchester United
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Michael Carrick has already brought good times back to Manchester United(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has enjoyed a superb start to his Manchester United reign with stunning consecutive victories over Manchester City and Arsenal.
United have climbed back into the top four and will be eager to secure their Champions League spot by the conclusion of the 2025/2026 campaign. Nevertheless, they've yet to strengthen their squad during the January transfer window and have less than a week remaining to enhance Carrick's options and turn their Champions League ambitions into reality.
United have been reportedly linked with various signings across different positions, although most of their transfer activity was completed during the summer, securing players such as Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha andBenjamin Sesko. Here's all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Vitor Roque is an up and coming Brazilian star
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Vitor Roque is an up and coming Brazilian star(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
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Vitor Roque 'targeted' amid rivalry
Brazilian media outlet Rádio Tupi reports United, Tottenham and Chelsea are all monitoring Brazilian forward Vitor Roque. However, Palmeiras have reportedly set a substantial £43m valuation.
The 20-year-old striker made his mark at Cruzeiro and Athletico Paranaense during his early career, netting numerous goals in Brazil's premier division, which attracted Barcelona's attention, reports the Mirror.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United celebrates after winning the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick celebrates another stunning victory at Arsenal(Image: Nigel French/Allstar, Getty Images)
However, the Brazilian forward failed to establish himself in Spain. He found the net just twice in 16 outings before securing a loan switch to Real Betis.
During his loan stint at Betis, he netted seven goals in 33 matches before heading back to Brazil and scoring an impressive 20 goals in 59 appearances following a £21m transfer to Palmeiras.
However, it's reported none of the Premier League trio have formally approached the striker, who is only in his fifth year of professional football.
United set to 'hijack' Saudi bid for French starlet
Rennes' French forward #39 Mohamed Kader Meite (L) and Rennes' French forward #10 Ludovic Blas react after missing an opportunity to score during the French L1 football match between Stade Rennais FC and Le Havre AC at the Roazhon Park stadium in Rennes, western France, on January 18, 2026.
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Rennes' French forward Mohamed Kader Meite (left)(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
According to FootMercato, United are poised to make a move for Rennes sensation Mohamed Kader Meite.
Al-Hilal, a club from Saudi Arabia, are also said to be preparing a £34m bid for the 18-year-old forward. Meite has found the back of the net three times in 18 appearances for the Ligue 1 team in all competitions this season.
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Neymar's former club Al-Hilal are reportedly interested in the young talent, but Carrick's side could 'hijack' the deal, especially if one of their strikers departs this month.
Joshua Zirkzee appears to be the most likely candidate to leave, with rumours linking him with a return to Serie A and AS Roma showing interest.
It remains uncertain whether the Red Devils would be willing to match the fee proposed by the Saudi Arabian side, or if Zirkzee will indeed depart Old Trafford this month.