Manchester United's Alternative Transfer Reality: What Could Have Been
Manchester United concluded the January transfer window without making a single signing, choosing instead to rely on their current squad until the summer. This decision comes despite a significant upturn in form under interim manager Michael Carrick, who has masterminded victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, and Fulham. A dramatic late winner from Benjamin Sesko against Fulham on Sunday propelled the team back into the Premier League's coveted fourth place.
With only fourteen league fixtures remaining, the club's hierarchy has decided to postpone major decisions—including appointing a permanent manager and sanctioning new signings—until the season concludes. However, had Carrick been granted full autonomy over transfers during January, the landscape at Old Trafford could have been transformed entirely.
The Potential Return of Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford's loan spell at Barcelona has proven to be a resounding success, with the England international rediscovering his peak form in Spain. The forward has contributed an impressive twenty goals and assists for his temporary club, particularly shining in European competitions. Barcelona hold a £26 million option to make his move permanent this summer, a clause widely expected to be activated given his seamless adaptation.
Rashford's original departure from United was facilitated under former manager Ruben Amorim, with reported tensions between player and coach reaching a boiling point. Amorim once famously suggested he would rather play his goalkeeping coach than a player not fully committed in training. Following a subsequent loan to Aston Villa, Rashford now finds himself thriving in La Liga.
Yet, with Amorim departed and former teammate Michael Carrick potentially installed as permanent manager, speculation has mounted about a sensational return to Manchester. Reports from The Telegraph indicate that Carrick would be keen to reunite with the academy graduate if he secures the job long-term. Persuading Rashford to abandon a successful stint at Barcelona would have been challenging, but the emotional pull of returning to his boyhood club under a familiar face could have provided United with a major winter coup.
The £80 Million Midfield Reinforcement
United's midfield has been a cornerstone of their recent revival under Carrick. Captain Bruno Fernandes and the experienced Casemiro have combined for four goal contributions across the last three matches, with Fernandes notably reaching his 200th goal involvement against Fulham. Youngster Kobbie Mainoo has also earned plaudits for his composure and control in the centre of the park.
Maintaining such high standards, however, is a formidable task, and Carrick might have been tempted to bolster his options with a marquee signing. Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton emerged as a primary target, attracting interest from Liverpool, Manchester City, and Newcastle United. With his contract not expiring until 2029, Palace placed a substantial valuation on the 21-year-old.
Initial estimates suggested a fee around £65 million, but intense competition could have driven the price beyond £80 million. United, aware of rival interest, might have considered a pre-emptive, aggressive bid to scare off other suitors. With Palace manager Oliver Glasner set to depart in the summer and key defender Marc Guehi already joining City, an £80 million offer could have tested the Eagles' resolve and positioned United at the front of the queue.
The Kobbie Mainoo Conundrum
Kobbie Mainoo has become integral to Carrick's system, starting all three matches under the interim boss—a stark contrast to his limited opportunities under Amorim. His development has been one of the season's bright spots, but the potential arrival of another high-profile midfielder like Wharton could have jeopardised his position.
Mainoo had already attracted loan interest during the window, with regular first-team football being a key consideration for the 20-year-old. Securing a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the 2026 World Cup added further urgency to his situation. Had he remained a peripheral figure under Carrick, Mainoo would likely have pushed for a move away from Old Trafford.
Genuine interest from Napoli, Chelsea, and Barcelona earlier in January made the prospect of United losing another talented academy graduate a distinct possibility. The delicate balance between reinforcing the squad and nurturing homegrown talent would have been a critical dilemma in this alternative transfer scenario.
In reality, United's January passed quietly. But this exploration reveals a parallel universe where dramatic returns, blockbuster signings, and potential departures could have reshaped the club's immediate future, highlighting the complex strategic decisions facing the Red Devils as they build towards the summer.
