Manchester United ended the January transfer window without making any major signings as they push for the Champions League next season
Michael Carrick has had to settle for what he has got following the January transfer window
Michael Carrick has had to settle for what he has got following the January transfer window(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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It may have been easy to say Ruben Amorim's exit and Michael Carrick's appointment as interim head coach blocked Manchester United delving into the January transfer window. However, the plan was already set out in stone for the Reds to be quiet in the market, even if Amorim had stayed.
United were committed to only signing players if they fit the long-term needs of the club. That is why the £65m needed to sign Antoine Semenyo was available for a brief period before being put back into the safe when Manchester City won the race for the former AFC Bournemouth man.
With Semenyo out of the picture, United chose to settle for what they have got in the first-team. Instead, the Reds' business was solely focused on completing loan deals for youngsters. Harry Amass, Toby Collyer and Ethan Wheatley were the notable academy players moved out to the EFL while Joe Hugill exited permanently for Kilmarnock.
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So with this in mind, MEN Sport has asked its United writers to provide their verdict on the January transfer window.
Steven Railston
How do you rate a window in which United made no signings? It's pretty difficult, but United were happy not to be active because their long-term targets were not available.
The most exciting United-related story was interest in Semenyo, which was put to bed before the window opened, with City winning the race for his signature from Bournemouth. United were prepared to deviate from their plan because Semenyo ticked a lot of boxes. Fans were ultimately disappointed not to see a new signing, but the club's patience reflects the revised strategy.
It wasn't an exciting transfer window by any means, however, it's better to keep your powder dry than to spend on a signing who may not be quite right. United will focus their resources on the summer transfer window and invest heavily to strengthen the midfield, which is set to be overhauled.
United are well placed to secure Champions League football thanks to Carrick's impact in three matches. The 44-year-old has an almost fully fit squad, which meant it was not necessary to dive into the market.
In terms of outgoings, United agreed a few permanent sales, arranging moves for Sam Mather, Rhys Bennett and Jordan Hugill to kick on in their professional careers, and organised several decent-looking loans.
Jeremy Cross
United and City might be neighbours and separated by a few miles. But when it comes to their respective business in the January transfer window, the two clubs might as well have been on different planets.
Interim boss Carrick saw the club's chequebook remain under lock and key. Carrick won't be sorry to see the January window close, and might have felt like throwing himself out of it before it did, given the fact he wasn't allowed to strengthen a squad now pushing hard for Champions League qualification.
There were numerous outgoings though, involving youth players who were either sold or sent on loan. While Tyrell Malacia was about to board a flight to Turkey to go and join Besiktas, but the move was pulled at the last minute and he remains with United.
United have limited funds to spend, but whoever becomes permanent manager in the summer, will be hoping this changes. Selling Marcus Rashford and getting Jadon Sancho off the wage bill will help.
Jack Flintham
Carrick is getting a tune out of this current United squad but that does not necessarily mean he would have chosen not to purchase anyone, given the option. The Reds were happy to stick to the long-term plan and not sign anyone this January and that is exactly what played out.
If United were to raid their bank account, they would have been best signing a striker to add depth to the attack. Joshua Zirkzee staying at Old Trafford means that is less of a priority but had Semenyo chosen Old Trafford, he would have provided Carrick with a brilliant option for the remainder of the campaign and beyond.
United's loans for their young players do not suggest those academy stars are being prepared for an immediate return to the senior team when they come back. However, Amad is proof of a good loan doing wonders for a United player's career.
As things stand, Carrick is doing well with what he has got. But, whether he is appointed permanently or it is someone else, there will be pressure on Ineos to get the midfield overhaul right.
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