Man Utd
January priorities for Manchester United: midfield reinforcement and wider cover
United will prioritise a holding midfielder in January, with wing-back options also under review…
Manchester United enter the January window with a clear set of priorities after a summer that addressed the attack but left midfield depth limited. The club’s focus has shifted to short-term reinforcement that can be integrated quickly into Ruben Amorim’s system.
Amorim has settled on Bruno Fernandes as the midfield pivot, frequently pairing him with Casemiro. That pairing has reduced rotation and exposed a need for a dependable holding option and a succession plan: Casemiro’s contract expires at the end of the season. Manuel Ugarte appears to have fallen out of favour and Kobbie Mainoo has struggled for minutes. Mainoo is not expected to join a club on loan this winter but remains rooted to the fringes of the squad.
A defensive-minded midfielder is the January priority, with a box-to-box profile considered useful cover. The dossier of potential targets in the draft includes Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba. Baleba’s form has dipped this season, but he matches the profile United require; Anderson has shown an ability to perform a more mature role; Wharton is the best passer of the three but is vulnerable without the ball. Outside England, Sevilla’s Lucien Agoumé is presented as a budget holding option, while Angelo Stiller is referenced as a technically gifted alternative whose defensive limitations are noted. Atalanta’s Éderson is described as deserving of a major move.
Wing-back recruitment is also on the agenda. Right-sided signs have improved, with Amad converting from a more advanced role and forming a promising connection with Bryan Mbeumo. The left remains a problem. Luke Shaw’s physical profile no longer suits the role, Diogo Dalot is predictable on the left and Patrick Dorgu has not yet carried the jersey well. “Amorim himself admitted that his current wingback options simply aren’t up to scratch .” The club may seek a younger specialist to push Dorgu.
Centre-back business is unlikely unless a clear opportunity appears. Lisandro Martínez is back from a long-term injury and Amorim has at least two options for each role in his back three, though Martínez has suffered significant fitness setbacks and Leny Yoro has encountered difficulties this season. Marc Guéhi is noted as a player Crystal Palace could allow to move in 2026, with his contract expiring at the end of that season.
Man Utd
United’s Next Manager Shortlist Takes Shape Around Carrick Pressure
United are weighing Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte as Carrick’s future comes under pressure.
Manchester United are already being linked with possible replacements for Michael Carrick, with Eddie Howe said to be the leading candidate if change is made at Old Trafford.
Carrick’s position is understood to be under increasing pressure, and anything other than victory at Stamford Bridge on Saturday would only add to the speculation surrounding his future. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, United have already begun conversations with possible options for the role.
“[Man Utd] also, because it’s the reality, they also had some conversations with agents, camps, representatives of other managers, because Manchester United had some conversation and that’s absolutely normal,” said the Italian.
“I’m not accusing Man Utd of anything wrong. It’s normal when things are not going well you start preparing for a potential change. So Man Utd had conversations with agents of managers.”
Romano then identified three names he believes sit on United’s list should Carrick be removed. In the order he gave them, those names were Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte.
“I told you that the three names we should take in consideration as free managers are in this order—Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte.
“Three managers very different one from the other and also in terms of approach.
“United are yet to say ‘Okay, let’s go for this coach.’ So the moment is still open but these are three names and obviously to talk with representatives, intermediaries or anyone close to these coaches is absolutely something normal in this situation, in this position for Manchester United.
“Then obviously there could be other managers who can be very attractive but very difficult to get.”
Howe, 48, has been out of work since leaving Newcastle at the end of July and is viewed as the current front-runner. His Premier League experience and man-management are thought to have caught United’s attention, even if there are lingering doubts about whether he has yet managed at a level comparable with Old Trafford.
Nagelsmann, 39, offers a very different profile. He has never coached in England, but his tactical reputation and attractive style have kept him in view. At the same time, his spell with the Germany national team did not fully convince, leaving him with questions of his own.
Man Utd
Sancho weighs Saudi switch after Getafe deal collapses
Sancho has turned down Getafe, with Saudi Arabia now emerging as the likeliest next step.
Jadon Sancho is reportedly closing in on a surprise move, with a switch to Saudi Arabia now said to be the likeliest outcome after his proposed transfer to Getafe broke down.
According to MARCA, Sancho rejected the La Liga side because he is still seeking a higher salary. The report says he wants €3 million ($3.3 million) per year, a figure that is seven-and-a-half times above what Getafe were ready to offer. That has left the deal dead.
The same report claims a Saudi club has now made a more attractive proposal, and discussions are under way between his representatives and the Middle East. No team has been named.
Sancho is currently out of contract, which means he can sign for a new club outside the transfer window, although registration rules still vary depending on the league. He has been training away from a club since leaving United this summer, while his agents continue to search for a permanent landing spot for the 26-year-old.
talkSPORT also say Sancho has been offered to West Ham United in the Championship, while several other English clubs have been made aware that he is available on a free transfer. Whether any of those sides will move for him remains unclear.
Earlier reports suggested Sancho understands the appeal of playing outside England after five difficult years at United. During that period, he remained under scrutiny even when on loan with Chelsea and Villa.
Chelsea
Palmer Avoids Premier League Ban as Chelsea Suspension Falls in Carabao Cup
Palmer serves his ban in the Carabao Cup, so Chelsea avoid a Premier League absence for him.
Cole Palmer will not miss a Premier League match after his red-card suspension was absorbed by Chelsea’s midweek Carabao Cup tie with Liverpool. The one-game ban will be served in that fixture, leaving him available for league duty despite the dismissal.
The midfielder’s night turned late in the contest after stand-in goalkeeper Mike Penders helped the visitors in front with a costly own goal in the 77th minute. Soon afterwards, Palmer picked up a second yellow card, having already been booked for running into Mateus Fernandes. On another occasion, that incident might have brought a red card immediately, but the greater problem came when he stood on Conor Gallagher’s ankle.
The scheduling and the FA handbook have combined to spare Palmer from a Premier League absence, although he will miss Chelsea’s next match, which is the trip to Anfield. That means he will not be available for the fourth round Carabao Cup tie on Wednesday night.
Chelsea’s record at Anfield remains a poor one. They have not won there in front of fans since 2018, when Eden Hazard inspired a side managed by Maurizio Sarri to a Carabao Cup third round victory. This time, however, their No. 10 will be watching from the sidelines.
Palmer addressed the fallout on social media the next morning. “Not good enough by me,” he wrote on Instagram. “Live n learn. Apologies. On to the next.”
The manager was more restrained in his assessment and chose not to publicly escalate the issue. “I need to check the action to talk with Cole, but it is one to learn for the future for sure,” he said after the match.
He added: “I think that Cole, when he is focused on the game, when he is enjoying, and today after the 1–0, it is a moment to keep calm, a moment to keep mature and for everyone.”
