Manchester United have a huge couple of months ahead of them on and off the pitch, with such a period potentially being crucial for their long-term ambitions.
After the sacking of Ruben Amorim, Michael Carrick was installed as the club’s manager until the end of the season, whilst the hierarchy draw up a list of long-term replacements.
However, the 44-year-old has certainly given the board something to think about after winning his first two Premier League outings against rivals Arsenal and Manchester City.
Michael-Carrick
As for the playing squad, the prospect of securing a top-four finish and subsequently qualifying for the Champions League is still on the cards, with the first team needing to maintain their recent impressive form.
If the Red Devils are to achieve such a finish come the end of May, added reinforcements are likely needed, which could see the hierarchy delve into the market before Monday’s deadline.
Man Utd now want late move to land PL star
Carlos Baleba has been a player on United’s shortlist for an extended period of time, but no deal has yet materialised for the Brighton & Hove Albion star.
During the summer window, the Red Devils made a beeline for his signature, but after a £100m transfer fee was mooted, a subsequent transfer failed to be completed.
carlos-baleba-brighton-premier-league
However, despite the reported fee, the club could look to return to the table over a possible move in the summer window, which could lead to a club-record transfer.
Baleba isn’t the only player currently in the Red Devils’ sights, with Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomes another option that could be explored in the near future.
According to TEAMtalk, the United board are contemplating a late winter move for the Brazilian, who is open to leaving Molineux before the window slams shut on Monday.
The report states that Rob Edwards sees the Brazilian as a crucial first-team member, but they could be forced to cash in given the club’s lowly Premier League standing.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Joao Gomes in action with Manchester City's Nico Gonzalez
Despite not mentioning how much a deal could cost before the window closes, it does confirm that Carrick’s men are constantly checking his progress ahead of a surprise move.
Why Gomes would be perfect for Mainoo at United
The Amorim era at United was one to forget for everyone involved, but Kobbie Mainoo was undoubtedly the biggest loser during the former manager’s tenure.
Man United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo
The Red Devils academy graduate was one of the most influential senior members prior to his arrival, as seen by his goal in the FA Cup final back in the 2023/24 campaign.
However, Amorim evidently wasn’t a fan of the 20-year-old, subsequently failing to start him in any of the Premier League games during his tenure during the current campaign.
Such a decision was undoubtedly baffling for the United faithful, especially when the likes of Manuel Ugarte were ahead of the Englishman in the pecking order.
His lack of action led to reports of a move away from Old Trafford for the youngster, but Carrick’s arrival has seen the academy star once again cement his place at the heart of the side.
Michael-Carrick
Mainoo is a perfect ball-playing option who loves to impact the play in attacking areas, as seen by his assist for Matheus Cunha’s winner against Arsenal last weekend.
However, any deal for Gomes would certainly allow the 20-year-old to reach the next level, with the Brazilian able to operate as a deep-lying option who can regain possession and progress the play.
His underlying stats from the ongoing campaign showcase the talent he possesses at the base of the midfield, which could make him an excellent addition for the Red Devils.
Gomes, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by one data scientist, has made 3.1 tackles per 90, whilst also making 1.4 interceptions per game in the Premier League this season.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Joao Gomes in action with Brentford's Yehor Yarmolyuk
Such numbers rank him in the top 12% of all midfielders in the division, which highlights his incredible ability without the ball at the base of midfield.
He’s also made 6.2 ball recoveries per 90 this campaign, while winning 6.9 duels per 90, which further showcases his dominant ability in regaining possession.
Joao Gomes - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Minutes played
Tackles made
Interceptions made
Ball recoveries made
Duels won
Passes completed
Progressive passes
Stats via FotMob
The aforementioned figures would allow Mainoo to operate in his box-to-box role, which could see the Brazilian sit deeper and act as an anchor in front of the backline.
In possession, the Wolves star has been just as impressive, as seen by his 86% pass completion rate, whilst playing 3.2 forward passes per 90 - numbers that had Mainoo with the chance to create carnage in attacking areas.
Whilst it’s clear how much a deal for Gomes would set the hierarchy back this window, it’s a move they should desperately be considering given the stats he’s produced this campaign.
The struggles of Wolves make his numbers even more impressive, with the 24-year-old certainly a player capable of featuring for a side at the top end of the table.
Joao Gomes
Any deal would no doubt allow Mainoo to reach the next level in his own career, with the duo able to secure the club Champions League football come the end of the campaign.
Mbeumo-Man-Utd Related
[The next Mbeumo: Man Utd make "incredible" £75m star their top target](https://www.footballfancast.com/carricks-next-mbeumo-man-utd-make-ndiaye-their-top-target/ "The next Mbeumo: Man Utd make "incredible" £75m star their top target")
Manchester United have another top attacker who could emulate Bryan Mbeumo at Old Trafford.