Manchester United could make their first January transfer by finally signing one of their long-term targets to bolster Michael Carrick’s midfield options
Manchester United are scouring the transfer market for a new midfielder this January, hoping to uncover a bargain signing to strengthen Michael Carrick’s squad. The challenge is that several of their competitors are hunting in the same market.
United currently possess three senior central midfielders competing for two positions in Carrick’s system. Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro are expected to be the preferred pairing for the remaining 16 fixtures of the campaign, with Manuel Ugarte also in contention.
The Uruguayan has been rumoured to be heading to Ajax on a temporary deal after finding regular game time hard to come by. If Ugarte departs, bringing in a midfielder becomes essential, regardless of other circumstances. Even without his potential exit, United could benefit from additional depth in the engine room for the remainder of the season.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
The roster of central midfielders reportedly on United’s radar continues to expand daily. Over the past week, Angelo Stiller, Joao Gomes, Noah Sadiki, Ruben Neves, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Wilfred Ndidi and Marc Casado have all emerged as potential targets.
It’s believed that United will only make their move if the ideal candidate becomes obtainable or if one of their long-standing targets attracts interest from a competitor. Loftus-Cheek, Neves and Ndidi are all reportedly available at reduced prices this month.
Pursuits of Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton or Elliot Anderson aren’t anticipated until the summer window. One of United’s challenges is that Aston Villa are frantically searching for a new midfielder to cover for Boubacar Kamara.
The French star is expected to be sidelined for a considerable portion of the campaign with a knee problem, leaving Unai Emery’s side weighing up their alternatives in the transfer window’s final fortnight.
Villa have been offered Loftus-Cheek, though the Daily Mail reports that AC Milan are unwilling to allow the 29-year-old to depart on a temporary deal. The alternative is Douglas Luiz, who spent half a decade at Villa Park before his switch to Juventus.
The Brazilian is presently on loan at Nottingham Forest, but the East Midlands club aren’t interested about making the arrangement permanent. If Luiz reaches 15 appearances of at least 45 minutes each, the 27-year-old will join them on a permanent basis for £23m. At present, he has accumulated just 10 matches lasting 45 minutes or longer.
Luiz was among the midfielders United were connected with last summer under Ruben Amorim. The club were reportedly contemplating a swoop for him when his situation at Juventus remained uncertain. Corriere dello Sport suggested that United initially expressed their interest in the Brazil international at the beginning of 2025.
United’s requirement for a defensive midfielder and the current availability of affordable options make Luiz an option. With Premier League pedigree and the capability to dictate tempo from deeper positions, he could be the player United finally secure after more than a year of monitoring.