OFFICIAL: Celebrations Underway as Michael Carrick Welcomes Manchester United’s First January Addition Following Major Developments
There is a sense of excitement building around Manchester United as activity intensifies behind the scenes at Carrington, with Michael Carrick overseeing crucial changes to his squad during the January transfer window.
While United continue to push for reinforcements, time is beginning to run out for the club to properly strengthen the midfield department before the window closes.
On Thursday, Manchester United formally confirmed their decision to allow Casemiro to depart at the conclusion of the season.
The experienced Brazilian has been a central figure at Old Trafford since his arrival, playing an important role under both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
Despite his advancing age, Casemiro is still expected to contribute meaningfully during the remainder of the campaign under Carrick’s stewardship.
Ideally, United would prefer to address Casemiro’s long-term replacement during the summer transfer window.
However, given the midfielder’s age and the inconsistent form shown by Manuel Ugarte, there is a growing belief within the club that reinforcements may be required sooner rather than later.
Carrick is understood to be keen on adding fresh legs and energy to his midfield options midway through the season to stabilize performances and maintain competitiveness.
One name that has emerged prominently in recent discussions is Wilfred Ndidi. Manchester United have reportedly identified the Nigerian international as a realistic January option.
Currently captaining Besiktas in Turkey, the 29-year-old brings with him a wealth of Premier League experience from his time at Leicester City, where he built a reputation as one of the league’s most effective defensive midfielders.
During his spell in England, Ndidi was frequently compared to Chelsea legend N’Golo Kanté due to his relentless work rate, strong tackling, and impressive ability to win duels in midfield.
Those attributes have continued to define his game in the Turkish Super Lig, making him an appealing short-term solution for United’s midfield needs.
According to Turkish journalist Mustafa Karataş, via Sport Witness, Manchester United currently have three midfielders on their shortlist and have already made enquiries regarding the conditions of a potential deal for Ndidi.
Reports suggest that United are exploring the possibility of signing him on an initial loan, accompanied by a £12 million purchase option. Ndidi only joined Besiktas last summer, but the Turkish club may be open to negotiations if the terms are right.
Ndidi’s performances this season underline his reliability, with 14 appearances so far, averaging 85 minutes per match, while contributing 2.7 tackles per game and registering a goal involvement.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also stated that the midfielder would be enthusiastic about a return to English football and has effectively been offered to Manchester United.
Despite this interest, United’s primary long-term midfield target remains Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.
The club is planning a strong push for the highly-rated youngster in the summer, though competition is expected to be fierce, with Chelsea, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich all monitoring his situation closely.
For now, Ndidi could provide Carrick with the experienced presence needed to steady the midfield as United navigate a crucial period of the season.
