It's been a busy winter transfer window for Manchester United, though not quite in the manner some may have expected. Ruben Amorim departed as manager after an explosive interview in early January, with interim replacement Michael Carrick beginning his spell in charge with three consecutive victories. Carrick is building a compelling argument for the permanent role, but his appointment has seen the club hold fire on new additions. Nevertheless, this hasn't prevented United from moving on several players ahead of deadline day, while there's still time for more last-gasp ins and outs.
United's first departure came as somewhat of a surprise. While academy product Sam Mather's exit after struggling to establish himself in the first team wasn't entirely unexpected, his destination - Turkish outfit Kayserispor - raised eyebrows. The 21-year-old made his Super Lig bow as a late substitute against Istanbul Basaksehir in January and represents one of two Englishmen to join Kayserispor during the window, alongside former Manchester City prospect Jadel Katongo. For some time, he remained United's sole permanent winter departure, though one eventually became three. Similar to Mather, Rhys Bennett and Joe Hugill have secured permanent departures after loan spells over the last couple of seasons. Both players featured on the bench for United under Erik ten Hag but received less playing time after Amorim took over in 2024.
Bennett spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Fleetwood Town and has now made the switch to the League Two club on a permanent basis. Hugill, who was temporarily at Barnet during the first half of this season, has headed up to Scotland to join Kilmarnock.
Harry Amass and Toby Collyer both spent time out on loan before Christmas and have now been treated to changes of scenery while remaining at Championship level. Amass has traded Sheffield Wednesday for Norwich City, and Collyer has joined Hull's promotion push after a spell with West Brom.
United remain connected with potential new arrivals, despite lacking a permanent manager. Those acquisitions may need to wait until the summer, but we can't rule out some late surprises.
A new central midfielder is essential following confirmation that Casemiro will depart when the season concludes, and there could even be more than one addition. Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton remain the trio most frequently mentioned, with a hefty sum required to land any one of the trio.
If there is to be any deadline day activity, it could involve another departure. Carrick has dismissed speculation that United will offload Joshua Zirkzee this month, but a potential suitor may test the waters with a late offer, while there's still time for more academy talents to secure last-minute loan moves away.