Carrick Open to Squad Enhancements Before Transfer Deadline

Michael Carrick, the interim head coach of Manchester United, has indicated that the club might consider adding to their squad before the transfer deadline on Monday.

Last month, former United head coach Ruben Amorim expressed expectations of acquiring a new player during this window. Nevertheless, the club’s decision not to allocate the £65 million initially set aside for long-term target Antoine Semenyo, who has chosen to join Manchester City from Bournemouth, has led to some frustrations for Amorim.

Manchester United has been linked with various central midfield players, notably including former Wolves captain Ruben Neves, who currently plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

Following Carrick’s confirmation that left-sided utility player Patrick Dorgu will be sidelined for several weeks due to injury, there are suggestions that the club may seek to address Dorgu’s absence.

When asked about the club’s transfer position during a press conference ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against Fulham, Carrick was non-committal but did leave the possibility open for new signings. “Never say never,” Carrick stated. “A lot can happen and situations can be thrown up. Sometimes it is within our control, sometimes it is not. I am pretty calm. We have shown what we are capable of as a team.”

Joshua Zirkzee continues to attract attention, particularly regarding a potential return to Italy, as Juventus is contemplating making a move for the former Bologna forward, who was acquired by United for £36.5 million 18 months ago. Zirkzee has recovered from a minor injury and will be available for the upcoming match against Fulham. “Josh has just been working to get fit,” Carrick commented. “It was great to have him training with the group for the first time, and I am looking forward to working with him.”

Carrick acknowledged that the future of captain Bruno Fernandes is “on the agenda a little bit,” as Fernandes is set to evaluate his plans at the end of the season. However, he emphasized that this matter will be addressed “further down the line.”

Carrick has commenced his 17-match tenure until the season’s conclusion in a promising fashion, with victories against the Premier League’s top two teams, Arsenal and Manchester City, propelling United into the top four for the first time this season.

However, skeptics point out that although United has triumphed over title contenders, they have struggled against teams lower in the standings. Since late November, United has not managed to win against Everton, West Ham, Bournemouth, and Wolves at Old Trafford in league matches, with three of those teams positioned in the bottom eight.

Fulham, who recently drew 1-1 with United at Craven Cottage in August, have claimed 17 points from their last eight matches, suffering only one defeat, and would close the gap to just one point behind United with a victory this weekend.

Given this context, it is understandable why Carrick is not taking anything for granted. “Marco has made Fulham into a really good team,” he noted. “Just because we are at home, taking anything for granted is utterly inappropriate.”