Man Utd
Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 Plan and 10 Wing-Back Targets United Could Pursue in January
Amorim remains committed to a 3-4-2-1 United consider ten wing back targets for the January window.
Ruben Amorim has made his tactical preference clear: he remains committed to a 3-4-2-1 setup. That stance was underlined ahead of the 2–1 win over Crystal Palace when he publicly called out Patrick Dorgu, a player signed specifically to help the introduction of the 3-4-2-1 formation in February 2025, for not bringing enough composure to possession.
With a left-sided and right-sided wing back essential to the system, United head into January with a defined recruitment brief. Here are ten names that have been linked within that framework.
Federico Dimarco has been among the premier left-sided defenders for several years. Approaching the final 18 months of his contract, Dimarco is understood to be in talks with Inter over an extension, but a window of opportunity exists if United pursue him. Inter would be tough sellers in January as they continue to fight for the Serie A title, but patience could make a summer move possible.
Theo Hernández was 28 when he left AC Milan for Al Hilal last summer. Now six months into his Saudi séjour, a return to Europe would require effort from the player, yet a move to United might pique his interest. Theo is a powerful runner with a clear eye for goal.
Alejandro Grimaldo produced 10 goals and 15 assists under Xabi Alonso en route to Leverkusen’s 2023–24 title. At 30 and with around 18 months left on his contract, Grimaldo remains a source of goal contributions from the left and could be tempted by a move.
Souffian El Karouani, 25, has matched last season’s eight assists this term and is playing more as a traditional left back. Approaching the end of his contract at Utrecht, he represents a potential bargain.
David Raum has long been linked with Europe’s elite. The Germany international combines defensive strength with attacking versatility and has been deployed on both flanks.
On the right, Marcos Llorente offers versatility from a midfield background and has adapted to Atlético’s right side. His contract runs until 2027 and the 30-year-old may have one big move left in him. Nahuel Molina sits behind Llorente in Atlético’s pecking order, with his own contract expiring in 2027 and minutes not guaranteed.
Denzel Dumfries remains an archetypal right wing back known for marauding runs; Inter extended his contract in November 2024. Daniel Muñoz, who arrived in England in January 2024, has become one of the Premier League’s standout right backs and signed a new contract in April that removed a bargain release route.
Finally, João Mário moved to Juventus from Porto in the summer for €12 million but has been a reserve under Luciano Spalletti. A mid-season switch could suit both player and club and may be achievable without excessive cost.
Man Utd
United Preparing Major Midfield Overhaul with Goretzka Among Targets
United plan major midfield additions this summer; Leon Goretzka is a reported possible target this.
Manchester United are reported to be preparing a substantial midfield overhaul this summer, with the club said to be willing to “go very big” on central reinforcements. The plan could involve two marquee arrivals and has placed soon-to-be free agent Leon Goretzka firmly on the radar.
Goretzka spent eight seasons at Bayern Munich after joining on July 1, 2018. Arriving from Schalke as a wiry all-rounder, he bulked up during the COVID-19 hiatus and returned with a markedly different build. The 6’2″ midfielder described himself as “more self-confident and more robust.” He added: “Going into full-blooded challenges feeling like that gives me a greater sense of security.” Under Hansi Flick he drove Bayern to the 2019–20 Bundesliga title and a Champions League triumph.
Across his Bayern spell the record shows Joined: July 1, 2018; Games: 292; Goals: 47; Assists: 48; Titles: x6 Bundesliga, x1 Champions League, x2 DFB Pokal, x1 Club World Cup, x1 UEFA Super Cup. Injuries disrupted the following two seasons and, when Thomas Tuchel arrived in 2023, the new coach immediately sought to move him on that summer. Bayern’s board retained him, but reduced playing time followed and that decline cost him a place at the 2024 European Championships held on German soil.
Vincent Kompany initially shared Tuchel’s lack of faith before reintegrating Goretzka and praising his response: “Leon has always worked hard, he’s always been hungry in training,” and, “It’s a good thing for Leon and the other lads. Leon showed the right reaction: with his feet, not with words.”
United, despite an upturn under Carrick, still need a central midfield replacement for the outgoing Casemiro. Manuel Ugarte had been the ideal profile but appears not to be the solution. Goretzka’s more front-footed profile would likely complement one of the three midfield targets United have been circling for months: Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba. Anderson is described as arguably the most complete of the trio, though his dominance may reflect both his talent and his teammates’ limitations, and all three are expected to command substantial fees.
Barcelona
Rashford’s Return to United Remains Possible but Unlikely After Carrick Comment
Carrick would welcome Rashford back if appointed permanent manager, but the forward seems settled. .
Michael Carrick has told those around him he would like Marcus Rashford back at Manchester United if he is appointed permanent manager, a development that has complicated an already tangled transfer picture.
Reports indicate Barcelona are leaning towards triggering a purchase option they hold on the 28-year-old, but The Telegraph says Carrick would explore a reunion with the England international if he is allowed to stay at Old Trafford beyond the summer. The final call, however, will belong to Rashford. If he does not want to stay with Barcelona, he simply will not.
Rashford left United after 426 appearances following a breakdown in his relationship with the club. The need for a fresh start contributed to his exit and United were willing to move on from a player who perhaps blew hot-and-cold one too many times. That context, plus the fact that Amorim drove United’s efforts to offload him, makes a comeback complicated. Amorim was relieved of his duties, and the change in coaching staff has reopened the possibility in principle, though the reunion feels unlikely in practice.
“Of course what I want is to stay at Barça,” Rashford told SPORT in December, two weeks before Amorim was relieved of his duties. We have not heard from Rashford since.
Barcelona secured Rashford in the summer for an affordable fee of €30 million, a deal that exploited United’s position at the time. The forward has justified that outlay with a major impact on Hansi Flick’s side this season. Even so, Barcelona appear to believe United’s negotiating weakness, largely linked to Rashford’s large wages, leaves room to seek an additional discount.
Ultimately the situation reduces to a few simple truths: Barcelona have the first option, United’s stance during last summer leaves them with limited leverage, and Rashford’s preference will decide whether any reunion is pursued. For now, Carrick’s preference is clear, but Rashford’s commitment to Barcelona appears to make a return improbable.
Man Utd
From Crisis to Contention: Can Carrick Guide United to an Unlikely Title?
Carrick’s brief spell has closed United’s gap and reignited belief; 15 league games remain in 2026.
Manchester United’s commercial backdrop is stark: the club remains partnered with adidas until at least 2035 after last year’s renewal for another decade and £900 million. The brand’s slogan ‘Impossible is Nothing’ feels unusually apt if United were to complete a dramatic turnaround and finish 2025–26 as Premier League champions.
The context is clear. Michael Carrick succeeded Ruben Amorim as interim head coach and faced two of the toughest early tests possible in Manchester City (H) and Arsenal (A). The previous caretaker, Darren Fletcher, had not produced an immediate lift in league form, drawing his Premier League debut with Burnley and losing to Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup. Amorim’s tenure had not delivered sustained momentum either.
Carrick has not radically overhauled tactics. Instead he has narrowed the instructions, leaning into a simple, fast, direct approach that emphasises width and the club’s traditional ‘DNA’. That focus restored belief and produced consecutive wins over Manchester City and Arsenal, results that suggest United can now compete with anyone in the division.
The immediate challenge is consistency. Carrick has already matched Amorim’s first-time achievement of back-to-back league wins, and the points gap to leaders Arsenal has fallen from 17 to 12 in under two weeks. With 15 league fixtures remaining and no other competitions to split attention, there is a practical opportunity to close that deficit.
Historical perspective underlines the possibility. The Premier League record comeback is 13 points; United have erased 12-point gaps twice before in 1992–93 and 1995–96. Recent examples also show radical seasonal turnarounds are feasible.
A specific squad development has helped: Patrick Dorgu, signed from Lecce, has been important to Carrick’s approach. The Denmark international operated further forward toward the end of the Amorim era and contributed decisive goals in the victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, offering the width and directness Carrick demands. The Gareth Bale comparisons in style and impact are noted in that light.
What remains is the longer test: repeating those performances across the remaining schedule and converting renewed belief into sustained form.
Fixtures remaining (selected):
Feb. 1, 2026 Man Utd vs. Fulham
Feb. 7, 2026 Man Utd vs. Tottenham
Feb. 23, 2026 Everton vs. Man Utd
March 4, 2026 Newcastle vs. Man Utd
May 2, 2026 Man Utd vs. Liverpool
May 24, 2026 Brighton vs. Man Utd
United Preparing Major Midfield Overhaul with Goretzka Among Targets
Salah becomes first player with 152 goal contributions at one Premier League stadium
