United ready to make January signing for Carrick, £20m midfielder identified as ideal option – The Guardian

Manchester United have decided to appoint Michael Carrick as their interim manager. According to The Guardian, Carrick is expected to be announced as United’s interim boss on Tuesday after pulling ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during the interview process. The Englishman, whose most recent job was in the Championship with Middlesbrough, will lead United’s training for the first time on Wednesday when the players return to Carrington after two days off. Manchester United prepared to back Michael Carrick in transfer market The Guardian claims Manchester United will make funds available to strengthen the squad in January “should a target for the long term become available.” It is claimed that midfield is one of the positions United want to reinforce under Michael Carrick, and Al-Hilal star Ruben Neves has emerged as their primary winter target. The former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder is technically gifted, defensively aware, and boasts plenty of Premier League experience. The Portugual international has 177 appearances under his belt in England’s top flight. Neves would reportedly cost about £20 million, having entered the final six months of his contract in the Saudi Pro League. The report states: “Should his acquisition become viable there are funds available for his purchase or for any other player on the club’s transfer wishlist.” Ruben Neves’ stats by club ClubAppearances GoalsAssists Yellow cards Wolves253301362 Al-Hilal110152624 FC Porto934313 Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming Neves is keen on a return to the Premier League despite interest from Serie A clubs. Spurs overtake Man United in Conor Gallagher race United have also been strongly linked with Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, who is also thought to be available for a reasonable fee, having fallen down the pecking order under Diego Simeone. However, as per David Ornstein, Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on a deal to sign the Englishman. The North London outfit have made a bid worth €40m, which is expected to be accepted by Atletico. The ex-Chelsea man is believed to be keen to join Spurs. United, meanwhile, continue to monitor their dream midfield target Carlos Baleba. However, chances of a January deal are very slim. Featured image Megan Briggs via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!