Manchester United's immediate future remains clouded by uncertainty following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, but the club's transfer plans are beginning to take shape for the January window and beyond. A frustrating 2-2 draw with Burnley under interim boss Darren Fletcher on Wednesday night highlighted familiar issues, even as the search for a permanent manager continues.
Bradley Barcola Emerges as Key Summer Target
Despite the ongoing managerial saga, United's recruitment team is actively identifying targets. A significant development is the club's reported interest in Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola. According to sources, United are among the clubs monitoring the French international, with a potential move mooted for the summer of 2026.
French publication L'Equipe suggests Barcola could become a "real topic" for departure from the European champions at the season's end. The pursuit is expected to be highly competitive, with Liverpool also linked to the player. Any deal would command a substantial fee, with reports indicating a potential price tag of £87 million.
Intriguingly, the potential transfer could involve current United star Marcus Rashford. Previous reports have suggested Rashford might be included in a swap deal, particularly if his expected move to Barcelona does not materialise on a permanent basis.
Manuel Ugarte Could Depart on Loan
While new arrivals are being planned, one player could be heading for the exit door this month. Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte has been identified by Dutch giants Ajax as a potential loan signing for the remainder of the season.
Dutch outlet VI reports that the 24-year-old, who started United's recent draw at Burnley alongside Casemiro, is open to a move to Amsterdam. The primary obstacle to a deal is Ugarte's significant salary, reported to be around £120,000 per week. Negotiations would likely require Manchester United to subsidise a portion of his wages to facilitate the temporary switch.
Managerial Search Continues Amid On-Pitch Struggles
The backdrop to these transfer manoeuvres is a club in flux. Darren Fletcher's interim tenure began with a stalemate at Turf Moor, where goals from Benjamin Sekso and Jaidon Anthony cancelled each other out. A late Shea Lacey strike that rattled the crossbar was not enough to secure a vital win for United's top-four hopes.
It is unclear if Fletcher will remain in charge for Sunday's FA Cup clash with Brighton. Former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick held further talks on Wednesday regarding taking the interim reins for the rest of the campaign.
As the club navigates this period of transition, the dual focus on refining the current squad with strategic exits and planning major future investments underscores the long-term vision being pursued at Old Trafford, regardless of who is in the dugout.
