Michael Carrick has a number of standout options ahead of him as Manchester United's January transfer window comes to a close
Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick
Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick(Image: Copa/Getty Images)
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The January transfer window shuts up shop on Monday night and Manchester United remain linked with a number of late moves. Interim boss Michael Carrick isn't expected to be very busy at the tail end of the midway market, but there are a couple of mooted moved with potential.
All of this month's business at Old Trafford to date has flown through the departure exit. However, with the team starting to take flight under Carrick's guidance, now might be the time to reinforce the squad in the hopes of maximising that upwards trajectory.
One key development to take place earlier this month was the confirmation Casemiro will be leaving the club at the end of this season. And while that parting of the ways won't materialise until the summer, it may be prudent to start planning now.
And there are several names believed to be in the running to help fill that void in the short and long term. MEN Sport looks at all that and more as United's last opportunity to conduct business this season wraps up.
Casado rumours
Given the late stage of the January window, most potential deals will have an air of looking unlikely. However, United sit among that exclusive cabal of clubs that can't be ruled out of doing something extraordinary ahead of the deadline.
A move for Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado would be just that. The 22-year-old anchor has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for some time now and is reportedly also a target for Barca rivals Atletico Madrid.
Casado has been hailed in the past as one of the more impressive talents to have emerged from La Masia in recent years. And while he's been a frequent fixture in Hansi Flick's midfield rotation this term, he perhaps doesn't hold the surefire starter status he'd like at the Camp Nou.
Marc Casado during the Copa del Rey Round of 16 match between Racing de Santander and FC Barcelona.
United have been linked with Barca midfielder Marc Casado, who has been in and out of Hansi Flick's XI this term(Image: Quality Sport Images, Getty Images)
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With Casemiro heading for the exit, it won't be long before United lose the most reliable presence they have at the base of midfield. Casado would be at the other end of the spectrum in that he's still in the early stages of his career, though signing him would allow United to distribute a considerable amount of wage capital elsewhere in the team.
Casado is contracted in Catalonia until the summer of 2028 and it's been reported his deal has a release clause worth roughly £87million. A deadline day move would still be costly given Barca won't be keen on selling anyone without a chance to sign a replacement, though Marcus Rashford's situation could yield a helping hand if that's a deal Barca would like to complete.
Neves opportunity closing
Another potential candidate to help plug that gap in midfield is former Wolves playmaker Ruben Neves. The Portugal star has been touted for a return to the Premier League this month after several years in Saudi Arabia and United have need of someone matching his profile.
Newcastle have been mentioned as the other possible landing spot for the midfielder following word Neves appeared set to leave Al-Hilal. However, it has since emerged he now looks set to sign a new contract in Riyadh.
According to reports, Neves is in the final stages of signing a lucrative three-year contract with the reigning Saudi Pro League champions. And that would end any chance United may have been holding onto in their bid to land the midfielder's services.
Ruben Neves playing for Al Hilal
Ruben Neves looks set to pen fresh terms at Al-Hilal(Image: Getty Images)
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In many ways, Neves might have been Carrick's ideal addition in midfield, either this month or in the summer. He's still age appropriate as he nears his 29th birthday, boasts a wealth of experience playing in England and aligns well with what United are after in a deep-lying midfielder.
The cause is far from shut just yet and United may yet be able to offer terms that would tempt both him and Al-Hilal into a deal. For now, though, it looks as if one of the club's best opportunities in the January window is all but over.
Five youth departures
As aforementioned, this month has been largely about outgoings from a United perspective. No fewer than five, in fact, with a group of young talents moving on, either for good or as part of loan deals.
Most recent among those was the sale of defender Rhys Bennett, who has joined Fleetwood Town, while forward Joe Hugill has also left the club permanently to sign for Kilmarnock. Earlier on in January, Sam Mather ended his long-term association with the club and was allowed to end his contract in order to join Turkish side Kayserispor for free.
As for loan departures, Toby Collyer has once again been farmed out and joined Hull City after his short-term stay at West Brom was called short. That's after left-back Harry Amass already left to join Norwich City on loan earlier this month, with a couple more similar moves potentially on the cards today.