Manchester United Not Planning to Make January Transfer for Michael Carrick

JAKARTA - Michael Carrick will work with the existing squad as Manchester United Manager. The reason is, the club does not plan to bring in new players during the winter transfer window in January 2026.

Carrick was confirmed as interim manager at Old Trafford until the end of the season on Tuesday, January 14, 2026, local time.

He is ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ruud van Nistelrooy for the role as a replacement for sacked Ruben Amorim. The appointment of a permanent manager will be made after the season ends.

However, despite Manchester United's recent poor form, winning just 11 of their last seven games in all competitions, Carrick is expected to work with the players he has.

Launching ESPN, Manchester United is aware of the need to strengthen the midfield. However, because none of their main targets are available this month - The Red Devils are interested in Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), and Carlos Baleba (Brighton) - the club will not make a short-term recruitment to fill the vacancy.

With a number of players returning from injury and attackers Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo set to be available against Manchester City this weekend, Manchester United's squad is now almost back to full strength.

The club's management also believes Carrick has enough squad depth for the remaining 17 Premier League matches this season.

Departures are also unlikely, with Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo expected to remain at Old Trafford this month.