Michael Carrick has already made the perfect start to his role as Manchester United’s interim manager in his first Premier League role.
The 44-year-old led the Red Devils to victory in the Manchester derby on Saturday afternoon, subsequently giving his fan base bragging rights over their noisy neighbors.
But given his level-headed personality, the former United player will no doubt be fully focused on the next challenge he faces at the Emirates next weekend.
Carrick and his team will no doubt be keeping an eye on the transfer front as well. The January transfer window, which opened just over two weeks ago, is now in full swing.
The Red Devils are yet to make any senior additions, but a number of names have appeared in their sights in recent days and that could change in the coming weeks.
Manchester United aim to sign Premier League midfielder
When it comes to United looking for a new central midfielder, names like Adam Wharton, Elliott Anderson and Carlos Baleva are often on the lips of supporters.
Management have been tracking the aforementioned trio in recent months, with the possibility of a move this winter becoming increasingly likely.
However, with transfer fees for all three players set to be in the range of £80m to £100m, it looks increasingly likely that a move for one of the talented players will take place in the summer.
As a result, United bosses are considering other options, with various other targets including Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomez being floated.
According to CaughtOffside, the Red Devils have a strong interest in signing the Brazil international this season, with Carrick’s side looking to take advantage of the club’s low ranking in the league.
The report also states that the board has continued to send in scouts to monitor the 24-year-old’s progress in recent months and believes his style is ideal for the first team.
But they will have to fend off interest from other European clubs if they are to sign him this month, with Napoli and Atletico Madrid also said to be interested in the £43m talent.
Why Gomez is the perfect successor to Casemiro
As mentioned above, despite Casemiro’s performances, United’s midfield department has come under intense scrutiny in recent months.
The Brazilian was considered to be on the decline heading into the 2025/26 season, but has made a bit of a comeback in recent months, starting 19 of the 22 games available.
He is often relied upon as a starter in such a role, but the 33-year-old’s contract expires at the end of this season, leaving the club with a big decision to make regarding his future.
Casemiro is currently the club’s highest earner, earning a staggering £350,000 a week, meaning the club could be forced to part ways with their experienced star and reinvest over the summer.
However, if such a call-up were to be made, a number of players could be strong options to replace him, and Valeva would certainly be the player at the top of that list.
The bosses have been keen to sign him in recent months, but with an asking price of £100m, any deal could cost a club record.
As a result, signing Gomez could prove to be more realistic, with the Brazilian potentially costing the Red Devils a fraction of the price, but still giving them a great talent.
Comparing his stats to Baleva’s, the Wolves star outclassed the Brighton star in key areas and proved why he would be the perfect addition at Old Trafford.
Described as “sensational” by the BBC’s John Bray, Gomez has increased the number of successful attacking passes per 90 and the number of passes into the opposition box.
Comparison of Gomez and Baleva in PL (2025/26) | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | gomez | Baleba |
games played | twenty one | 16 |
Play time (minutes) | 1664 | 896 |
progressive path | 4.9 | 2.4 |
Pass accuracy | 86% | 85% |
Pass inside the 18 yard box | 1.1 | 0.2 |
progressive carry | 1.5 | 1.1 |
bring it to the final third | 1.5 | 1.1 |
tackle win | 1.8 | 1.1 |
Tackle win percentage | 51% | 31% |
recovery has taken place | 6.1 | 5.1 |
Statistics by FBref | ||
Figures like this show how comfortable the Wolves star is on the ball, often finding his teammates in attacking areas, an area that has been missing from Valeva’s game in recent months.
He also completed more progressive carries per 90 per cent and at the same time recorded more progressive carries in the final third of the pitch, reaffirming his talent with the ball at his feet.
But Carrick’s side need a disruptive presence in front of the backline and Gomez’s defense has provided just that for the club in January.
He dominates Valeva without the ball, as evidenced by his impressive 1.8 tackles won per 90, along with his 6.3 ball recoveries per 90 in the Premier League.
£43m would be a great deal for a player of his quality and it’s clear he has all the tools needed to fill the hole in the heart of United’s midfield.
Casemiro’s performances this season have been nothing short of sensational, but all good things must come to an end and the hierarchy needs to let the veteran go and pursue Gomez as his replacement.
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