Michael Carrick has confirmed Manchester United will look to strengthen in the January transfer window. The club are drawing up plans to rebuild their defence over the next year. Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Sunday’s trip to Leeds, the head coach said there is a clear desire to be active when opportunities arise. Man Utd January transfers are very much on the agenda.
“When the next transfer window comes, you want to plan and you want to make the best of it,” Carrick said. “Whatever that looks like at this stage, we don’t quite know. But without doubt, there’s opportunity because the transfer window is open. So we’ll definitely be looking at that and trying to come out stronger in whatever way that looks like.”
Man Utd January transfers: defence the focus
Sky Sports News understands the Man Utd January transfers shortlist centres on new centre-backs and left-backs. It marks the third stage of the club’s squad-building process, with attack and midfield addressed over the last two seasons. The issue has been thrown into sharper focus this week. Lisandro Martinez publicly called out the club’s hierarchy over a lack of summer investment. United spent £163m in the window, a figure outstripped by promoted pair Hull City (£173m) and Ipswich Town (£211m). The bulk went on the midfield rebuild. In came Youri Tielemans (£35m), Andrey Santos (£50m) and Carlos Baleba (£70m).
Shaw, Heaven and the left-back question
Left-back is a particular concern with the Man Utd January transfers window on the horizon. Luke Shaw, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is currently out injured. Youngster Ayden Heaven has been deputising out of position. United explored a long-term successor in the summer, with England international Lewis Hall the main focus. Newcastle were adamant he was not for sale, and he has since signed a new long-term contract at St James’ Park. There are also doubts over Martinez’s own future. His deal is up at the end of the season, albeit with a club-held option to extend for a further year.
Carrick expects time to shape the team
His side are on a five-game winless run. Yet Carrick believes he will be given time to shape the team despite the poor start. “I do, yeah,” he said when asked. “But it’s not something that I think about. I’m here to win football matches, but winning football matches short term with an eye on developing the club and pushing the club to be great.” The Man Utd January transfers window will offer the clearest test yet of that backing.
