Manchester United enter the final hours of the January transfer window still linked with a number of last-minutes deals as the Red Devils look to strengthen Michael Carrick's squad
11:56, 02 Feb 2026Updated 11:57, 02 Feb 2026
Michael Carrick wants to get Manchester United back to the top
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Time is running out for Michael Carrick to welcome any new signings at Manchester United(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
The January transfer window is set to close on Monday evening, and Manchester United are still linked with several last-minute deals.
Interim manager Michael Carrick hasn't welcomed any incomings yet this month, but there are a few potential moves being rumoured. So far, all the activity at Old Trafford this month has been about departures. However, with the team starting to thrive under Carrick's leadership, now could be the time to bolster the squad and capitalise on this positive momentum. Earlier this month, it was announced that Casemiro would be leaving the club at the end of the season.
While this departure won't take place until the summer, it might be wise to start planning for it now. There are several players believed to be in the running to fill this gap, both in the short term and the long term. Here, the Daily Star Sport takes a look at all this and more as United's final opportunity to make transfers this season draws to a close.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 1: Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick celebrates after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on February 1, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick has not been backed in the transfer window(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside, Offside via Getty Images)
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Five youth departures
As mentioned earlier, this month has mainly seen exits from United. Five in total, with a group of promising young talents leaving, either permanently or on loan.
Most recently, defender Rhys Bennett has been offloaded to Fleetwood Town, whilst striker Joe Hugill has also left permanently after putting pen to paper with Kilmarnock. Earlier in January, Sam Mather brought his extended stay at the club to a close and was allowed to tear up his contract to join Turkish side Kayserispor as a free agent.
As for temporary moves, Toby Collyer has been loaned out once more and linked up with Hull City after his short-lived spell at West Brom was terminated early. This comes after left-back Harry Amass' earlier exit this month to Norwich City on loan, with several more comparable arrangements potentially on the cards today.
Casado speculation
BARCELONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 25: Marc Casado of FC Barcelona with the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Oviedo at Spotify Camp Nou on January 25, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
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Marc Casado is a target for Manchester United(Image: Pedro Salado, Getty Images)
Given how far we are into the January transfer window, most potential deals will carry a degree of uncertainty. However, United remain among that exclusive group of clubs that cannot be ruled out from achieving something extraordinary before the deadline.
A chase for Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado would epitomise exactly that. The 22-year-old defensive midfielder has been touted for a move to Old Trafford this month and is reportedly also attracting interest from Spanish competitors Atletico Madrid.
Casado has previously been hailed as one of the most impressive talents to come through La Masia in recent years. But whilst he's been a consistent presence in Hansi Flick's midfield formation this season, he potentially lacks the assured starting position he craves at the Camp Nou.
With Casemiro set to depart, United are on the brink of losing their most reliable figure in central midfield. Casado, who is still in the early stages of his career, would represent a stark contrast, but his acquisition could free up a significant amount of wage budget for other areas of the squad.
Casado's contract with Barcelona runs until summer 2028 and it's been suggested that his deal includes a buyout clause estimated at around £87million. A last-minute transfer would still be costly as Barca are unlikely to be keen on letting anyone go without securing a replacement, although Marcus Rashford could potentially facilitate the deal if Barca are interested.
Neves opportunity
DAMMAM, SAUDI ARABIA - OCTOBER 18: Ruben Neves of Al Hilal celebrates after scoring his team's third goal from a penalty during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ettifaq and Al Hilal at on October 18, 2025 in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
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Ruben Neves has long been linked with a move to Manchester United(Image: Getty)
The window of opportunity for signing another potential target to fill the midfield gap, former Wolves playmaker Ruben Neves, appears to be closing.
The Portuguese star has been linked with a return to the Premier League this month after several seasons in Saudi Arabia, and United need someone of his calibre.
Newcastle have been mentioned as an alternative destination for the midfielder following suggestions that Neves was set to leave Al-Hilal. However, it now seems more likely that he will sign a new contract in Riyadh.
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Reports suggest Neves is on the brink of agreeing a lucrative new three-year contract with the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, effectively dashing any hopes United may have had of securing the midfielder.
In many ways, Neves could have been the ideal midfield reinforcement for Carrick, either this month or in the summer. As he nears his 29th birthday, he's in the right age bracket, has extensive experience in English football and fits the profile of what United are looking for in a deep-lying midfielder.
The door isn't completely shut yet, and United might still be able to offer terms that would tempt both him and Al-Hilal into a deal. However, it seems that one of the club's best opportunities in the January transfer window has largely slipped away.