Manchester United appear to have reached an agreement to appoint former player Michael Carrick as their new manager until the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
The 44-year-old has been out of management since leaving Middlesbrough in June last year, but he’s been chosen to replace Ruben Amorim on a temporary basis.
It looked at one stage that Ole Gunnar Solskjær would return to Old Trafford, but the hierarchy have decided against a fairytale reunion between the Norwegian and the Red Devils.
With the January transfer window already open, Carrick will likely have the opportunity to make the additions he craves during his short tenure at the helm.
Numerous options have been targeted even before the manager’s appointment, which could see some deals being revisited should the 44-year-old approve their arrivals.
Man Utd want move for new midfield sensation
In an attempt to improve the midfield department, United have been linked with a switch to the Theatre of Dreams, with Carlos Baleba one name that refuses to go away.
The Cameroonian international was previously linked with a switch back in the summer, but a deal couldn’t be agreed after Brighton placed a £100m price tag on his head.
However, this winter has seen the 22-year-old emerge on their shortlist once again, but any deal could cost them a pretty penny, which could see other targets being considered as a result.
As an alternative to the Seagulls’ talent, various options have been considered by the board, with Ruben Neves emerging as a potential addition this winter.
According to The Guardian, the Portuguese international is a player who is admired at Old Trafford, with the player keen on returning to England from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.
The report also states that the 28-year-old could cost a fee in the region of £20m, a potential bargain for a player who has five years of top-flight experience after his time at Wolves.
However, the article confirms that wages could potentially be an issue with any winter transfer, with the Portuguese international currently earning a reported £300k-per-week.
Why Neves would be better than Baleba for United
The midfield department at United has been one that has come into question over recent months, especially after Amorim’s tenure in charge at the club.
He often utilised Bruno Fernandes as a deep-lying number eight option rather than his usual number ten position, which has no doubt contributed to the Red Devils’ lack of success in the final third.
Other players such as Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro have often partnered the Portuguese international, whilst Kobbie Mainoo has struggled to force his way into the starting eleven in the last 12 months.
The Brazilian looks set to depart at the end of the season when his contract expires, whilst the Uruguayan has ultimately failed to match expectations after his £50m transfer.
Such situations have no doubt contributed to the hierarchy’s hunt for added reinforcements, with Baleba and Neves just two options being considered at present.
Whilst Baleba would be a statement addition, a deal for Neves would be an astute one, with the £20m fee being mooted a bargain for a player of his quality.
When comparing his stats to those of the Cameroonian international from the ongoing campaign, the Portuguese star has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas.
Neves, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Darren Bent, has completed more passes per 90, whilst completing more of the passes he’s attempted than Baleba this campaign.
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Such numbers showcase his phenomenal ball-playing ability, which could be crucial in any success endured by the club under Carrick or in the future.
How Neves & Baleba compare in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)
Neves
Baleba
Games played
13
16
Goals & assists
8
0
Pass accuracy
90%
85%
Passes completed
67.3
31.7
Chances created
1.5
0.3
Shots taken
1.5
1.1
Duels won
63%
46%
Recoveries made
4.9
4.1
Aerials won
72%
60%
Stats via FotMob
He’s also managed to create more chances whilst registering more shots on goal per 90, subsequently highlighting his incredible ability with the ball at his feet.
However, out of possession, he’s been just as impressive, subsequently winning more duels, whilst also making more ball recoveries per 90 – offering the ball-winning presence United have lacked.
Such numbers showcase his incredible box-to-box ability, with Neves’ experience making him a phenomenal addition for the Red Devils this January.
£20m for a player of his quality is a deal that simply must be completed, with the Portuguese international a player who can certainly make an immediate impact at Old Trafford.
Baleba would also be a statement addition, but given the mammoth difference in price tag this winter, a deal for the Portuguese international should be a no-brainer.
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