Man Utd Plots Shocking January Move to Bring Back Michael Carrick—Exclusive
The roster that Michael Carrick inherited when he assumed control in mid-January is likely to remain unchanged through the season's end, as Manchester United have apparently dismissed any possibility of transfers in or out during this winter window.
A perceived absence of transfer movement seemed to be the final straw that pushed Ruben Amorim to his breaking point. The candid Portuguese manager directed his characteristic commitment to transparency toward the club's recruitment team in his final days, expressing frustration that insufficient funding would compel him to abandon his preferred 3-4-2-1 system while particularly criticizing director of football Jason Wilcox.
"All departments, including scouting and the sports director, must fulfill their responsibilities," Amorim stated in what became his last press conference as Manchester United's head coach (not manager). "I'll perform my duties for 18 months, then we'll move forward."
Wilcox has concentrated on finding Amorim's successor during the first portion of January's transfer window, ultimately choosing Carrick over Ole Gunnar Solskjær. While two-and-a-half weeks remain for United to modify their roster, personnel changes are anticipated to be limited to the coaching staff.
The Red Devils have no plans for any temporary acquisitions, according to ESPN. While acknowledging the squad's imperfections—particularly the need for a new midfielder—the club's primary targets aren't accessible this month, and they seem to have dismissed pursuing alternative options.
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace playmaker Adam Wharton, and Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba are considered United's three main midfield priorities. None of these Premier League competitors are believed willing to part with these key players mid-season, and it would require substantial investment to persuade them otherwise.
Without fresh talent joining this struggling squad, United aren't willing to weaken themselves by allowing departures this month.
Roma's discussions regarding a potential move for underutilized forward Joshua Zirkzee were quickly terminated by United following Amorim's exit. Kobbie Mainoo appears similarly bound to stay at Old Trafford—though Carrick's enthusiastic endorsement of the academy product last summer indicates he might escape bench duty.
Mainoo reportedly remains "eager" for maximum playing time before this year's World Cup and, if excluded from Carrick's plans, would still desire a winter departure, according to the Daily Mail. Current Serie A titleholders Napoli continue being associated with the promising midfielder, though United seemingly oppose his departure anytime soon.
'Off My Seat'—Carrick's Challenge to Man Utd Squad
'Off My Seat'—Carrick's Challenge to Man Utd Squad
During his initial public statement after his appointment, Carrick delivered exactly what Manchester United's internal podcast hoped to hear. Following widespread calls for returning to the club's "DNA"—essentially the abstract concept of attacking play—the former England midfielder established his approach immediately.
"Ideally, we can deliver truly thrilling football that's positive, expressive, and brings excitement," he explained. "I want to be on the edge of my seat. I want to enjoy watching the team perform, and naturally, results must accompany that."
The former Middlesbrough manager might dismiss the concept of "philosophy"—"I despise that term," he once remarked during his Teeside tenure—but remains passionate about developing tactical aspects during training sessions. "For me, it's about collaborating with the players," he expressed enthusiastically.
"I enjoy working with players and helping them develop individually, which should hopefully improve the team overall, and being there to support them. I'm part of their group, we're united in this effort, and I believe it's crucial we support one another."
Since Carrick probably won't encounter any new additions for the season's remainder, everyone will become quite familiar with each other in the months ahead.