Michael Carrick is facing a frenetic start to his tenure as interim head coach of Manchester United, with the January transfer window adding significant pressure to his first month in charge.
Not only must the 44-year-old quickly assess the squad he inherited from the sacked Ruben Amorim, but he may also need to oversee potential player departures and new arrivals before the deadline on February 2, 2026.
Bruno Fernandes Commits to United for Now
Despite swirling rumours linking club captain Bruno Fernandes with a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League, the Portuguese midfielder is not seeking an exit this month.
Fernandes, 31, had been connected with Saudi giants Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, and Al Hilal. Concerns about his future intensified after he met with former coach Carlos Fernandes following Amorim's dismissal, suggesting he might consider following his old manager out of the club.
However, fresh reports from BBC Sport indicate that sources close to the player confirm his commitment to Manchester United for the remainder of the season. It is understood that Fernandes will evaluate his options in the summer, when he enters the final year of his contract at Old Trafford.
Green Light for Jean-Philippe Mateta Pursuit
In other transfer developments, Juventus have reportedly been given the "green light" by manager Luciano Spaletti to approach Crystal Palace for striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The Italian side are seeking a long-term successor for Dusan Vlahovic, whose contract expires this summer. This development could trigger a chain reaction that directly involves Manchester United.
The Red Devils are known to hold a longstanding interest in the French forward, who has scored eight Premier League goals in 21 appearances for Palace this season. If Juventus accelerate their pursuit, it may force United and other admirers to formally enter the race or risk missing out.
Palace are expected to demand a fee in the region of £30 million to part with Mateta this January, a price that could increase if a bidding war ensues. United's current attacking options feature Benjamin Sesko leading the line, supported by Matheus Cunha.
Zirkzee and Mainoo Deals on Hold
Meanwhile, movement on two other potential deals appears to have stalled. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, there are currently "no signals from United" regarding the futures of Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo this month.
Roma maintain an interest in forward Zirkzee, despite recently signing Robinio Vaz, and are also looking at Borussia Dortmund's Donyell Malen. The Dutch striker Zirkzee is thought to be open to a return to Serie A, but the decision rests with United.
Additionally, Napoli are credited with an interest in midfielder Mainoo, who is reportedly frustrated by a lack of consistent playing time. With Carrick likely to continue relying on the established partnership of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, Mainoo's situation may require clarification before the window closes.
Carrick's immediate priority remains securing the best possible Premier League finish, but the dynamics of the transfer market ensure his first month at the helm will be anything but quiet.
