Manchester United have a long few months ahead of them on and off the pitch, and such a period could be crucial to their long-term ambitions.
Following the sacking of manager Ruben Amorim, Michael Carrick took over as manager of the club until the end of the season, during which time executives drew up a list of long-term replacements.
But the 44-year-old has certainly given the board something to think about after winning his first two Premier League games against rivals Arsenal and Manchester City.
As for the participating teams, a top-four finish and subsequent Champions League qualification remains a possibility, with the top teams needing to continue their recent excellent form.
Additional reinforcements are likely to be needed if the Red Devils are to achieve this kind of performance by the end of May, with classes likely to hit the market before Monday’s deadline.
Manchester United want late move for PL star
Carlos Baleva has been on United’s shortlist for a long time, but a deal for the Brighton & Hove Albion star has yet to materialize.
The Red Devils were among the first to sign him during the summer, but a subsequent move fell through after a £100m transfer fee was mooted.
However, despite the reported sum, the club could aim to return in the summer transfer window, potentially resulting in a club-record transfer.
Baleva is not the only player the Red Devils are currently eyeing, with Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomez being another option that could be considered in the near future.
According to TEAMtalk, United’s board are considering a late-winter move for the Brazilian and are open to him leaving Molineux before the window closes on Monday.
According to reports, manager Rob Edwards sees the Brazilian as a key member of his first-team squad, but could be forced to cash in given the club’s low standing in the Premier League.
There is no word on how much the deal will cost before the deadline closes, but it is certain that Carrick’s men will be keeping tabs on his progress ahead of a surprise move.
Why Gomez is perfect for United’s Mainu
Amorim’s time at United was memorable for all involved, but the biggest loser of the former manager’s tenure was arguably Koby Mainu.
The Red Devils academy graduate was one of the Red Devils’ most influential senior squad before joining, as evidenced by his goal in the 2023/24 FA Cup final.
However, Amorim was apparently not a fan of the 20-year-old, who subsequently failed to start any Premier League games during his tenure this season.
Such a decision would no doubt baffle the United faithful, especially when a player like Manuel Ugarte was above the Englishman in the pecking order.
His lack of action led to reports of the youngster leaving Old Trafford, but Carrick’s arrival has cemented the academy star as a mainstay in the squad once again.
Mainu is the perfect ball-playing option and loves to influence play in attacking areas, as evidenced by his assist for Mateus Cunha’s winning goal against Arsenal last weekend.
However, if Gomez’s deal goes through, there is no doubt that the 20-year-old Brazilian could reach the next level, acting as a deep option who can win the ball back and advance play.
His basic stats in the ongoing campaign show the talent he has at the base of midfield, which could make him a great addition for the Red Devils.
Described as “incredible” by one data scientist, Gomez has made 3.1 tackles per 90 in the Premier League this season and has made 1.4 interceptions per game.
Such numbers rank him in the top 12% of all midfielders in the division, highlighting his incredible ability without the ball at the base of midfield.
He has also recovered the ball 6.2 times per 90 and won 6.9 duels per 90 this season, further demonstrating his overwhelming ability to recover the ball.
João Gomez – PL statistics (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | tally |
games played | twenty two |
Play time (minutes) | 1757 |
The tackle I made | 3.1 |
Number of intercepts | 1.4 |
The ball was collected | 6.2 |
won a duel | 6.9 |
pass completed | 86% |
progressive path | 3.2 |
Statistics by FotMob | |
According to the aforementioned numbers, Mainu could take on a box-to-box role, with the Brazilian sitting deeper and potentially acting as an anchor in front of the final line.
In possession, the Wolves star put in an equally impressive performance, as seen by his 86% pass success rate, playing 3.2 forward passes per 90, a figure that gave Mainu the chance to create carnage in attacking areas.
It’s clear how much signing Gomez will drop them down the standings this season, but given the stats he’s produced this campaign, this is a move they should seriously consider.
Wolves’ struggles have made his numbers even more impressive, and the 24-year-old is certainly a player who could feature in a team at the top end of the table.
There is no doubt that any deal would allow Mainu to reach the next level in his career, and the duo could qualify for the club’s Champions League at the end of the season.
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