Manchester United have a huge number of months under Michael Carrick’s tutelage, and the caretaker manager will need to make the right decisions to keep the club moving in the right direction.
The 44-year-old has been tasked with achieving a top-four finish in the Premier League, which will see the Red Devils qualify for next season’s Champions League.
However, it remains unclear whether he will be able to take over the job permanently, and any chance of securing such a role will depend entirely on his form over the coming months.
Either way, Carrick will be able to identify what is needed within the first-team squad, which could lead to additional reinforcements throughout the first-team squad.
The manager could also be given the chance to strengthen his squad during the current transfer window, which could result in a number of transfer targets being pursued.
Manchester United want to sign European star in January
Ruben Neves has been mentioned as a strong option this month in a bid to strengthen the midfield, with the Portugal international potentially on the move.
It has been reported that the 28-year-old could return to the Premier League this winter, with the former Wolves star keen to return to the Premier League.
The midfielder, who currently plays for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, currently has six months left on his contract and could be sold for at least £20 million this month.
But he is not the only option they have in mind, with Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorente also being another player admired by the Red Devils hierarchy at the moment.
According to the Independent, the Spanish star is one of the Red Devils’ top targets and could be allowed to leave the La Liga side this season.
The report also states that the 30-year-old could be tempted by a move to England’s top flight, but does not confirm how much a potential deal would cost. However, reports earlier this month suggested a bid of £30 million was possible.
Why Llorente becomes Carrick’s Rodri at United
Manchester City have long boasted bragging rights over United, with Pep Guardiola’s side winning six of the last eight Premier League titles.
Central midfielder Rodri has been an influential player in recent years and there is no doubt that their big spending has made some of their recent success possible.
The Spaniard joined from Spanish side Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2019 and has since made a total of 279 appearances for the Citizens.
He took his career to the next level, winning the Ballon d’Or in 2024 after helping City win the Premier League and win the Euros with his country.
Many Red Devils fans will no doubt wish to have their version of the midfielder in the team, and that wish could come true this window with the move of Llorente.
If such a deal were to materialize, Carrick’s side could emulate this move by signing a central midfielder from Atletico who has similar stats to Rodri this season.
Hailed as “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Llorente is completing more of his attempted passes while increasing the number of passes into the opposition box per 90.
Comparison of Llorente and Rodri in 2025/26 | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | Llorente | Rodri |
games played | 15 | 10 |
goals and assists | 3 | 0 |
Pass accuracy | 88% | 87% |
Pass inside the 18 yard box | 1.4 | 0.8 |
progressive carry | 3.1 | 1.4 |
Successful take-up | 60% | 43% |
advance to the final third | 2.6 | 0.8 |
tackle win | 1.5 | 1.3 |
Tackle win percentage | 67% | 54% |
recovery has taken place | 5.8 | 5.7 |
Statistics by FBref | ||
Those performances demonstrate his incredible ability with the ball at his feet and could give United the deep orchestrator they so desperately need.
He also has more successful progressive carries per 90 and has improved his take-on success rate, so he could be a great asset for the Red Devils in transition.
Llorente’s superiority over his compatriot is even more reflected when he doesn’t have the ball, with the Atlético star also possessing a good skill set to keep the ball for his team.
So far this season, he has gained more tackles per 90, while also recovering more balls per 90, which could make him the perfect addition to Carrick’s side.
It’s unclear how much a deal would cost the Red Devils this winter, but it’s clear that such a deal would be an incredible addition for the near future.
If he can replicate the level that Rodri produced at the Etihad, it would be a huge deal for both sides and end the club’s long search for a new central midfield option.
Mine will love him: Wilcox submits bid to Man United to sign £20m midfielder
Manchester United have their sights set on signing Michael Carrick in January this year.
