Manchester United have reportedly wasted no time following their statement victory over Manchester City, moving swiftly in the transfer market with a formal approach for a new signing.
Just hours after sealing an impressive 2–0 win against their fiercest rivals, the club are said to have submitted an official offer for a midfielder as they look to build momentum both on and off the pitch.
Michael Carrick could hardly have asked for a better beginning to his tenure as United’s head coach. The derby triumph pushed the Red Devils into the Premier League’s top five, courtesy of well-taken goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu.
In truth, the scoreline could have been even more convincing, as United saw three additional goals ruled out for offside, underlining their attacking threat throughout the contest.
Tactically, Carrick’s early influence was clear. United operated in a disciplined 4-4-2 shape when defending, remaining compact and difficult to break down, before springing forward on the counter with pace and purpose.
The balance between structure and aggression offered plenty of encouragement and suggested a clear identity beginning to form under the new leadership.
With their exits from both domestic cup competitions already confirmed, United’s objectives for the remainder of the campaign are firmly focused on the league.
Securing a Champions League place has become the primary target, and club officials believe reinforcements in January could be decisive in achieving that aim.
Midfield has emerged as the most pressing area for improvement. At present, Carrick can only call upon Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Manuel Ugarte as established first-team options across two central roles.
While several highly rated players — including Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba — are understood to be admired by United’s recruitment team, those names are widely viewed as unrealistic targets during the January window.
Attention has therefore shifted to a more attainable option. Former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves has re-emerged as a serious candidate, particularly with his contract at Al-Hilal due to expire at the end of the season.
The Guardian recently suggested that Carrick would be backed financially if Neves became available midway through the campaign.
That scenario now appears to be taking shape. Spanish outlet Fichajes claims United have submitted their first formal bid for Neves, with Al-Hilal prepared to seriously consider an offer in the region of €23 million.
United’s proposal is reportedly close to that valuation, indicating negotiations could progress quickly.
One potential complication is Neves’ salary. Reports suggest he earns approximately £300,000 per week in Saudi Arabia, placing him on a similar wage level to United captain Bruno Fernandes.
However, under INEOS’ footballing leadership, reducing the club’s wage structure has become a priority, meaning Neves would likely need to accept a significant reduction to complete a return to the Premier League.
At 28, Neves fits INEOS’ strategy of recruiting players with proven Premier League experience, mirroring the recent acquisitions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
With Casemiro approaching the end of his contract and uncertainty surrounding the futures of Fernandes and Ugarte, strengthening the midfield remains central to United’s long-term planning.
Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo’s development continues to offer optimism. The derby marked his first full 90-minute league appearance this season, and he is expected to play an increasingly important role under Carrick.
Although his current deal runs until 2027, United retain the option to extend it further a clear sign of how highly the club values his potential moving forward.
