Manchester United could benefit from another club’s decision as they look to complete key deals in the January transfer window ahead of deadline day
Scott Trotter Sports Writer and Neil Docking
07:46, 22 Jan 2026
Michael Carrick is at the wheel for Manchester United(Image: PA)
Time is running out in the January transfer window and Manchester United remain connected to potential deals before the month concludes.
Outgoing boss Ruben Amorim hadn’t anticipated significant activity, but could new interim manager Michael Carrick find himself facing a different situation? United are keen to strengthen their midfield ranks in particular as they look to secure European football next season.
The 2-0 victory over rivals Manchester City lifted the Red Devils up to fifth in the Premier League table and in contention for Champions League qualification. The club may need additional depth to achieve success, but will want to make sure they avoid any transfer blunders. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
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Ruben Neves scoring for Portugal(Image: AP)
Real Madrid create opportunity
Real Madrid have no interest in acquiring Ruben Neves this month, according to Spanish reports, via Sport Witness.
It’s suggested Los Blancos president Florentino Perez is reluctant to bring in fresh faces during January. Portuguese publication, Record, echoes a similar sentiment, suggesting that Perez is hesitant to splash out millions on Neves this month.
The former Wolves star’s contract with Al Hilal is set to expire in the summer and he had been linked to the Spanish giants, but now the Portugal midfielder may set his sights on a return to the Premier League.
This decision could pave the way for Manchester United to swoop in. It’s reported that United are prepared to shell out £17.4m to secure the 28-year-old’s services in January.
Harry Amass move
Harry Amass has impressed on loan at Sheffield Wednesday(Image: (Photo by Anna Gowthorpe/Shutterstock))
Norwich City are reportedly nearing a deal for United’s young talent Harry Amass, as per our sister publication the Manchester Evening News.
The full-back shone during his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday in the first half of the season and now looks set to ply his trade elsewhere for the remainder of 2025/26.
With injuries to Lucien Mahovo and Jeff Schlupp leaving a void, Norwich are making headway in their pursuit of the 18-year-old. Recent discussions are said to have nudged Amass’ future towards East Anglia.
Michael Carrick has decisions to make in the January transfer window for Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
Following a victory over West Brom, Norwich manager Philippe Clement stated: “We’re busy with several players and several positions, and I hope we can get everything over the line. I know everybody’s working hard on that.
“We had a lot of talks also this week with several players and after the talks they were really interested in the project, this type of result will help also, because several players have the idea maybe, ‘Yes, but you’re in a relegation spot and until the end of the season you are going to play relegation football and kick and rush because you’re in trouble’.
“These games like this, help also. So I hope this will help some players also over the line. We are busy with several guys.”
Ruben Loftus-Cheek latest
Ruben Loftus-Cheek returned to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel(Image: Eddie Keogh – The FA, The FA via Getty Images)
Aston Villa have submitted an enquiry for Ruben Loftus-Cheek just days after he was ‘offered’ to United.
The former Chelsea academy graduate, 29, has slipped down the hierarchy at AC Milan and could be loaned out as he seeks to secure his World Cup place.
Villa are keen to make a signing following Boubacar Kamara’s injury, with the midfielder set to miss the remainder of the campaign. The Athletic reports that Unai Emery’s team could look to bring in a midfielder on loan, with Loftus-Cheek amongst their targets.
The Midlands club have already been frustrated in their pursuit of Conor Gallagher this month, with Tottenham securing a permanent transfer from Atletico Madrid.
Loftus-Cheek was previously reported to have been offered to United, with ‘exploratory’ discussions said to have occurred.
