Manchester United will prioritise a midfield refresh this summerplaceholder image
Manchester United will prioritise a midfield refresh this summer | Getty Images
Man United didn’t make any major signings during the January transfer window, despite chasing Champions League football.
Man United had a very quiet January in terms of players coming in, as they didn’t make any major signings for Michael Carrick. Despite that, the Man United boss has had a fantastic start to life at Old Trafford, winning his first three matches, the most recent being a 3-2 win against Fulham.
There weren’t any new big-name players coming into the United squad in January, but there has been a change to Carrick’s Premier League squad ahead of the second half of the season.
Man United submit Premier League squad
The Red Devils have submitted their official Premier League squad list for the remainder of the season, and there are no new additions to the 23-man first-team squad that Carrick has at his disposal.
However, United also submitted an academy squad of 45 players, which is officially called the Professional Development Phase (PDP) Roster. These youngsters are all available for selection in the Premier League too, for Carrick, and there is one new name.
19-year-old goalkeeper Solomon Honor joined from Blackburn Rovers in the January window, and he has been added to the Premier League squad. Honor will be available for selection for United, which could be very useful if the likes of Senne Lammens or Altay Bayindir suffer injuries.
Many may think that this isn’t worth comment, but Man United have used some of their PDP roster players this season, with the likes of Jack Fletcher, Bendito Mantato and Shea Lacey all making their first-team debuts this season. Other names that have appeared for Man United before include Tyler Fredricson and Chido Obi.
Tyrell Malacia remains in Carrick’s squad
Tyrell Malacia is also a curious case. He was a part of Ruben Amorim’s ‘bomb squad’ but failed to secure a move away last summer. Heading into the January window, the belief was that Malacia would try to leave again, but there weren’t really any reports linking him with a move away.
He remains on United’s Premier League squad, despite making just one Premier League appearance for the Red Devils this season. The reason behind Malacia staying at United seems pretty clear, though, as the Dutch wing-back’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season, so he will likely leave as a free agent, because it’s unlikely he’ll get a new contract.
Casemiro will also leave at the end of the season, as he already announced his impending departure. However, the one to keep an eye on is Harry Maguire, as his contract is due to expire, but he could stay at United, considering his recent increased role under Carrick. No recent news on his contract has yet emerged.
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