Manchester United have changed players in the dugout, but Michael Carrick will have to work with the team he takes over due to club plans not arriving in January
Michael Carrick must work with his Manchester players (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United have no plans to make any January reinforcements this month, despite a managerial change and their questionable form ending their hopes of silver medals.
The summer saw a huge investment of over £200m up front, with the likes of Benjamin Sesco, Brian Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha all joining Old Trafford. But that didn’t help Ruben Amorim keep his job, and Michael Carrick is now in charge.
ESPN reports that the new manager is expected to work with the team he takes over in Manchester and the club has no intention of entering the market this month.
United are aware that they need to strengthen certain parts of their squad, particularly in the center of midfield, which Amorim had wanted to strengthen. Currently, none of the team’s goals are available and the hierarchy does not want to spend money on short-term solutions.
Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson and Brighton’s Carlos Baleva have all been attracting attention, but none will be sold by their clubs in January.
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It is also understood that a sale is unlikely as Joshua Zirksee, who is expected to return to Italy, will remain. There has been a lot of buzz around Koby Mainu’s lack of competitive appearances in recent months, but he is also expected to remain at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils lost the FA Cup to Brighton on Sunday, ending their last hopes of winning the trophy. Their recent form has seen them win just once in their last seven games, against Newcastle, but Carrick and his backroom will need to reinvigorate their current squad.
Manchester United have been linked with Elliott Anderson, but he is unlikely to move in January (Image: PA)
Old Trafford bosses believe Carrick has enough depth and quality to achieve something later this year, with players returning from injury and forwards Mbeumo and Amad Diallo set to return from African Cup of Nations duty.
The new manager, who was chosen ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, will undergo a baptism of fire as Manchester City travel to Old Trafford this weekend. The Red Devils will then face another difficult task as they face league leaders Arsenal.
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