DEAL AGREED: Manchester United have reportedly finalized an agreement to secure the signing of a highly rated South American attacker valued at £99 million.
The player has already scheduled his medical, and the official club announcement is expected in the coming days.
Manchester United have now sealed their first transfer of the January window, with the elite forward committing to a five-year contract at Old Trafford as INEOS begin backing new caretaker manager Michael Carrick.
Carrick Given Early Backing
Following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim after a turbulent 14-month spell, United have wasted little time restructuring. Michael Carrick was officially named caretaker manager earlier this week, stepping into the role after Darren Fletcher’s brief interim stint.
Fletcher oversaw two underwhelming results during his short tenure—a frustrating 2-2 draw against relegation-threatened Burnley and a disappointing FA Cup exit at the hands of Brighton.
Those results only intensified the pressure on the club’s hierarchy to act swiftly.
Carrick now takes charge with immediate challenges ahead, beginning with a daunting Manchester derby against Pep Guardiola’s City.
While the club are expected to appoint a permanent manager in the summer, Carrick has a golden opportunity to rebuild his reputation after his departure from Middlesbrough earlier this year.
Champions League Still Within Reach
Despite being eliminated from both domestic cup competitions, Manchester United’s Premier League campaign is far from over.
The Red Devils remain firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification and sit just one point off the top five.
INEOS have made it clear that January spending will be controlled, with major long-term targets such as Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton penciled in for summer moves. However, an exception has been made—United are open to reinforcing midfield immediately.
Ruben Neves Emerges as a Key Target
One name high on United’s shortlist is Ruben Neves.
The former Wolves captain has been strongly linked with a return to European football after spending the last two-and-a-half seasons with Saudi giants Al-Hilal.
With Neves reportedly available for around £20 million, United are prepared to move despite their traditionally cautious January approach.
According to reports, funds have already been allocated for a potential deal.
Interestingly, United’s reluctance to invest during January was one of the core issues that reportedly strained Amorim’s relationship with the club’s leadership.
Fixing United’s On-Field Issues
Carrick’s task is not just about transfers—it’s about tactical clarity.
Benjamin Sesko’s inconsistency remains a concern. While the Slovenian striker has shown flashes of brilliance, questions persist over his physical presence and finishing.
His display against Burnley perfectly summed up his season: two excellent second-half goals after a disastrous opening 45 minutes.
Encouragingly, Sesko has already scored more goals under Fletcher’s brief leadership than he managed under Amorim, hinting that a system change could unlock his potential.
Tactical Reset Incoming
Carrick is widely expected to abandon Amorim’s much-criticized 3-4-3 formation.
During his time at Middlesbrough, Carrick almost exclusively deployed a 4-2-3-1 setup—a system that appears far better suited to United’s current squad.
A simplified structure could immediately benefit players who have struggled to adapt over the past year.
Mainoo, Fernandes, and a Midfield Revival
Kobbie Mainoo may be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Amorim’s departure.
The young midfielder endured a miserable season without a single Premier League start, but Carrick’s approach could finally offer him a defined role.
Meanwhile, a midfield reshuffle could allow Bruno Fernandes to return to his most dangerous position further up the pitch.
During Carrick’s time as Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s assistant, Fernandes was devastating—recording 44 goals and 35 assists in just 97 matches.
Although Fernandes has worked tirelessly in a deeper role this season, pushing him forward again could transform United’s attacking output—and keeping the captain satisfied is now a top priority amid reports of growing frustration.
As Manchester United enter another transitional phase, Carrick’s ability to steady the ship—on and off the pitch—could define the remainder of their season.
