Manchester United could be busy in the January transfer window as they look to improve their dire run of results under Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick remains under pressure at Manchester United(Image: Getty)
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From third place to the brink of the relegation zone, Manchester United's torrid campaign has exposed the fatal flaws of their summer transfer policy. By pouring every penny into the midfield while neglecting crucial vacancies at striker and left-back, United left Michael Carrick with a dangerously thin squad and a mounting crisis in 17th.
With the club's hierarchy now conceding that fresh faces will be required if the side are to haul themselves up the Premier League table, a number of targets have been identified - Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rodrigo Muniz reportedly among them.
Ait-Nouri has dropped down the pecking order at Etihad Stadium, with City supposedly approaching United about a potential deal just months ago. It has been 15 years since a player crossed the Manchester divide, yet Ait-Nouri appears to be someone City would be willing to offload.
The Algerian would ultimately address United's issue at left-back, where Luke Shaw remains their only recognised option beyond a makeshift solution. The England international continues to be plagued by injuries, leaving Carrick scrambling for alternatives.
During the summer, City were pursuing a loan arrangement with an obligation to buy from United, who had no appetite for a permanent deal. Crystal Palace's Tyrick Mitchell is approaching the final six months of his contract at Selhurst Park and is an alternative.
Manchester City's Rayan Ait-Nouri
Ait-Nouri has yet to play for City in the Premier League this season(Image: Getty)
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Cashing in would represent a shrewd move from the Eagles, though Mitchell falls outside United's preferred age profile, according to The Sun. Should they look to strengthen their attacking options, with Benjamin Sesko absent all season thus far, Fulham's Muniz presents himself as a short-term solution.
He has only started in the Carabao Cup for the Cottagers this campaign and is familiar to Carrick, having worked with him during a loan spell at Middlesbrough in the 2022-23 season.
United have historically struggled to recruit quality players when the January window rolls around and will be desperate not to repeat past mistakes.
Rodrigo Muniz in action for Fulham
Rodrigo Muniz played under Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough(Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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Previous loan signings, such as Wout Weghorst, have failed to make the desired impact. Their predicament is also widely known, which could prompt rival clubs to inflate their asking prices, fully aware that the club are in the market for reinforcements.
Director of football Jason Wilcox holds responsibility for recruitment, meaning any potential managerial change would not alter United's transfer plans heading into the New Year.