Report: Midfield exits dominate Man United’s January transfer plans | OneFootball

Manchester United in transition under Michael Carrick

Manchester United enter a new and uncertain phase with Michael Carrick installed as head coach until the end of the season following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. The early signs have been encouraging, not least because the new-look coaching team featuring Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate began their tenure with a statement derby victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford. Yet beneath the immediate uplift, the club remain in a period of careful recalibration, as outlined in a detailed report from The Athletic, whose original reporting informs much of this analysis.

Carrick era begins with intent

Carrick’s appointment has brought a calmer, more familiar tone to Carrington. His standing as a former United midfielder gives him instant credibility inside the dressing room, while his pragmatic approach contrasts with the structural overhaul attempted by Amorim. The coaching refresh alongside Holland and Woodgate suggests a desire for stability rather than reinvention, at least for now. The win over City felt symbolic, a reminder that even in transition, United can still deliver on the big stage.

However, this is clearly an interim chapter rather than a long-term solution. Carrick’s brief is to steady the ship, maximise results and provide clarity for those above him as they map out the next permanent appointment.

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Transfer planning in a holding pattern

In the short term, recruitment activity is expected to be minimal. As The Athletic reported, “United are not planning to make moves in this window”, a stance that places greater emphasis on internal development and tactical refinement. That said, director of football Jason Wilcox would be remiss not to consult Carrick on broader squad needs.

The relationship mirrors the collaborative model previously established with Amorim. Yet the recent Watkins versus Sesko debate illustrates how club strategy can override managerial preference. Carrick will be listened to, but he will not dictate policy, particularly on long-term targets.

Midfield questions dominate

Midfield remains the most pressing area of concern. Casemiro’s future is delicately poised. The Athletic noted that he “can trigger a one-year extension in his contract if he starts 35 games this season”. With 19 starts so far and 16 fixtures remaining, he would need to play every match to activate that clause. His man-of-the-match display against City showed he still has influence, but the risk of overreliance is clear.

Should Casemiro depart in the summer, United would likely need to pursue more than one reinforcement. Elliot Anderson is described as a first-choice target, though Nottingham Forest are reluctant to sell, while Adam Wharton continues to attract admirers at Old Trafford. Talks over Brighton’s Carlos Baleba have stalled, leaving the midfield picture unresolved.

Player exits and development loans

On the outbound front, interest has surfaced in Manuel Ugarte, with The Athletic reporting that “Ajax have made an inquiry over Manuel Ugarte”, although a deal this month is considered unlikely. Roma’s curiosity in Joshua Zirkzee has also cooled, with United not inclined to sanction a departure.

The club’s focus on loan pathways is more tangible. Tyler Fredricson is expected to attract multiple proposals after limited first-team opportunities under Carrick’s preferred back four. Toby Collyer appears set for a Championship move to Hull City, with manager Sergej Jakirovic saying, “With Toby Collyer we are waiting, but I think we have a green light from Man United and I think he will join us on Monday,” adding, “We have agreed everything with Man United. He will have a medical this weekend. He is now ready for training.”

Elsewhere, Ethan Wheatley is closing in on a return to League One with Bradford City, while Harry Amass will almost certainly head back out on loan after a break following his spell at Sheffield Wednesday.

Taken together, The Athletic’s reporting paints a picture of a club in managed transition. Carrick provides short-term leadership, Wilcox steers long-term strategy, and a cohort of young players are primed to gain experience elsewhere. The coming months will reveal whether this blend of patience and pragmatism can keep United competitive.

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As a Manchester United supporter, this report is both reassuring and slightly frustrating. The derby win has clearly lifted spirits, and Carrick’s calm presence feels right for now, but there is an undeniable sense of drift. Fans want direction, not just stability, and the lack of January movement feels like another window slipping by without bold action.

The Casemiro situation epitomises this tension. Emotionally, it is hard not to admire his leadership and big-game performances, yet logically, relying on a 33-year-old to start every remaining match feels risky. Many supporters would rather see the club accelerate plans for a younger, more dynamic midfield spine.

The pursuit of players like Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton makes sense, as they fit a modern, technical profile, but United’s inability to convert interest into concrete progress remains a familiar grievance. Meanwhile, the cautious stance on Ugarte and Zirkzee suggests a board wary of rash decisions, though some fans would argue that calculated risk is exactly what is needed.

On the loan front, there is genuine optimism. Fredricson, Collyer, Wheatley and Amass represent a new wave that could benefit enormously from regular senior football. If managed properly, these moves could strengthen the squad in future seasons rather than merely clearing space today.

Ultimately, this feels like a club between identities. Carrick offers a bridge, not a destination. For supporters, the hope is that this interim period leads to a clear, ambitious vision rather than another cycle of uncertainty.