Michael Carrick is back. Again. After the whirlwind—and frankly exhausting—collapse of the Ruben Amorim era just days into 2026, Old Trafford has reverted to a familiar face to steady a ship that seems to have more holes than a block of Swiss cheese.
But if you’re expecting a deadline-day spending spree to welcome the new gaffer, you might want to look away now.
The man u latest football transfer news isn't about a shiny new striker or a world-record defender. Honestly, it’s mostly about why the club’s wallet is staying firmly shut this January. According to reports from ESPN’s Mark Ogden and others close to the Carrington training ground, the higher-ups at INEOS have basically told Carrick to make do with what he's got.
It's a bold strategy. Maybe a bit risky? Probably.
The Ruben Neves "Formal Offer" Rumor
While the official line is "no business," the rumor mill is spinning a different story regarding Ruben Neves. You remember him—the guy who ran the Wolves midfield for years before heading to Al-Hilal.
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Word is, United have actually tabled a €23 million (£20 million) bid to bring the Portuguese international back to the Premier League. He’s 28 now, and his contract in Saudi Arabia is ticking down. Al-Hilal are reportedly terrified of losing him for nothing in the summer, which gives United some actual leverage for once.
Carrick, a midfield maestro himself, would surely love a player of Neves' profile. The team needs someone who can actually keep the ball.
Why the "Big Three" Targets Aren't Coming Yet
If you’ve been following the man u latest football transfer news over the last few months, three names have popped up constantly:
- Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
- Carlos Baleba (Brighton)
- Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)
These are the guys INEOS wants to build the "new" United around. High intensity. Great engines. Young. The problem? None of their clubs are willing to sell mid-season. Brighton is holding out for something close to £100 million for Baleba, and Palace isn't about to let Wharton go while they're still fighting for European spots.
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So, we’re in a holding pattern. United are "growing increasingly confident" about a summer raid, but for the next two weeks? It's looking like a desert.
The "Great Stay" of 2026
Remember when everyone thought Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte were gone?
Under Amorim, it felt like half the squad was on the chopping block. Zirkzee was basically halfway to Roma on loan. But since Carrick took over on January 13, the vibe has shifted. The club has reportedly blocked outgoings because they don't have the cash to replace anyone.
Even Kobbie Mainoo, who was weirdly linked with a loan move to find minutes, is staying put. Carrick gave him a start in the recent 2-0 derby win over City—a match where Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu proved they might actually be the signings of the season after all.
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The One Exit That Actually Happened
While the first-team squad is being held together with tape, we did see some movement in the academy and fringe ranks.
- Toby Collyer: The 22-year-old midfielder is heading back out on loan, this time to Hull City.
- Mared Griffiths: Over in the women's team, Marc Skinner confirmed a loan move is imminent for the young starlet to get more competitive minutes.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Window
A lot of fans think United are "broke." That’s not quite it. It's more about tactical patience.
The recruitment department, led by Jason Wilcox, is trying to stop the cycle of panic-buying "second-choice" players. We’ve seen how that ends. Usually with a five-year contract and a player who doesn't fit the system three months later.
If Carrick can keep this 4-2-3-1 working—and let's be real, beating City 2-0 is a hell of a start—the board feels they can wait until June to spend the big bucks.
Actionable Insights for the Remainder of January
- Watch the Neves Situation: If the Al-Hilal deal happens, it’ll be late. This is the only "active" major incoming rumor with any legs.
- Don't Expect a Permanent Manager: Carrick is the guy until May. Any talk of Oliver Glasner or Zinedine Zidane is strictly for the summer.
- The "Carrick Bounce": Look for players like Mason Mount and Amad Diallo to get more minutes. The transfer news here is internal—players "returning" from the wilderness of the previous tactical regime.
- Monitor the Midfield: With Casemiro’s age starting to show, the lack of a January signing in the engine room means United are betting the house on their current depth surviving the injury bug.
The winter window closes on February 2. If you're a United fan, you're likely looking at a very quiet fortnight, unless Al-Hilal decides that €23 million is too good to pass up for Neves.