The “Amorim Experiment” has come to an abrupt end, and in its place, a familiar face returns to the Old Trafford dugout. With Michael Carrick officially reaching an agreement in principle to lead Manchester United until the end of the season, the club’s recruitment strategy has undergone an immediate pivot.
Carrick, a man who defined composure in the United midfield for over a decade, inherits a squad that is talented but fundamentally unbalanced. With the January transfer window now in full swing and a daunting Manchester Derby looming this Saturday, the hierarchy—led by INEOS and Jason Wilcox—is working around the clock to provide Carrick with the tools he needs.
From veteran midfield anchors to Serie A’s “next William Saliba,” here are the six players Manchester United are targeting this January.
1. Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid)
The newest and perhaps most surprising name on the list is Atlético Madrid’s Marcos Llorente. Reports suggest United are preparing a £30 million bid for the 30-year-old Spaniard.
- The Angle: Carrick understands better than anyone that United’s midfield lacks a “shuttler”—someone who can transition the ball from defense to attack with pace. Llorente is famously one of the fittest players in Europe and can play as a central midfielder, a right-back, or even a second striker.
- The Carrick Factor: Llorente provides the tactical discipline that Carrick values. At £30m, he represents a low-risk, high-reward “win-now” signing to stabilize the middle of the park.
2. Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)
Elliot Anderson has become the breakout star of the 2025/26 season, recently earning a call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad. However, United face a major “astronomical” blow as Manchester City have reportedly entered the race.
- The Situation: While United have earmarked the 23-year-old as a top target to revamp their engine room, Forest are reluctant sellers in January.
- The Risk: With City “spooking” United by making contact with Anderson’s representatives, United may be forced to overpay now or risk losing him to their local rivals in the summer.
3. Tarik Muharemovic (Sassuolo)
United scouts have been spotted regularly at the Dall’Ara lately, and the object of their affection is 22-year-old Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic.
- The “Saliba” Comparisons: Muharemovic has been described as a physically imposing, no-nonsense defender who is equally comfortable launching attacks with long-range passing.
- The Deal: Sassuolo have slapped a €25 million (£21.8 million) price tag on him. With Harry Maguire’s future at the club looking increasingly like it will end this summer, Muharemovic is seen as the perfect heir to the veteran’s spot in the squad.
4. Rúben Neves (Al-Hilal)
The Rúben Neves rumors have resurfaced with a vengeance. After a stint in Saudi Arabia, the former Wolves captain is reportedly open to a Premier League return, and Carrick is said to be a huge admirer.
- Tactical Fit: United have lacked a “General” since Casemiro’s form began to dip. Neves offers the passing range and “football IQ” that Carrick displayed during his own playing days.
- Current Status: Neves remains on the radar as a primary target if United decide to go for a proven Premier League commodity over a younger, unproven talent.
5. Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
If INEOS wants to build a “best of British” core, Adam Wharton is the ultimate prize. The Crystal Palace youngster is widely considered the best technical midfielder of his generation in England.
- The Obstacle: Palace are notorious for demanding massive fees in January. With United currently 2025/26 season goals in flux, spending £60m+ on Wharton might be a move reserved for the final week of the window if results under Carrick don’t improve immediately.
6. Yann Bisseck (Inter Milan)
With the Bruno Fernandes “replacement” rumors swirling, United have also been linked with Inter’s Yann Bisseck to bolster the defensive line. While Bisseck is a powerhouse, Inter are hesitant to let him go while they are chasing the Scudetto. This move might depend on whether United can move on some of their fringe defenders first.
The Final Verdict
The January window is always a gamble, but for Michael Carrick, it is a necessity. United have until February 2 to finalize these deals. If they can land a combination of Llorente’s experience and Muharemovic’s potential, Carrick might just have the platform to lead United back toward a respectable league finish.