Manchester United are reportedly exploring ways to strengthen their squad in January as Michael Carrick looks to turn the club’s disappointing start to the season around.
Carrick is under increasing pressure having won just two of the club’s opening 11 fixtures in all competitions, and hinted he could drop Bruno Fernandes against Bournemouth after the captain spoke out publicly against the tactics in Wednesday’s defeat to Como.
Would you consider taking the captaincy off him, dropping him? The collective, as you just said, he there himself has basically gone against that, right?
“Yes, the most important thing for me is the team, first and foremost, is the squad, is the dynamics in the squad and again, it’s about the football club. I always do what’s best for the football club.”
So, would you consider taking the captaincy off him?
“I’m just saying, whatever the situation is, I’ll always do what’s best for the football club.”
Carrick insisted that his players must put their recent disappointment behind them against the Cherries: “We’ve got a chance to put that in a different direction. We’ll never replace it, never get it back but we can make the difference in the next game now and we have to.
“We just want to look like ourselves, be the best version of us. We know we can be a lot better than what we were during the week.”
While United are not believed to be planning an immediate managerial change, the club are already considering potential alternatives should Carrick fail to improve results.
Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann have emerged as leading candidates, with the former believed to be the preferred choice of Director of Football Jason Wilcox, although the Red Devils have already encountered one potential obstacle in their search for a new boss.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler is another name of interest, but United could reportedly have to pay a world-record compensation fee to secure his services, with the German’s contract containing no release clause.
With no change on the immediate horizon, United could instead look to back Carrick in the January transfer window, with a surprise defensive addition now being considered.
Man Utd considering shock January loan for Rayan Ait-Nouri
According to Africafoot, Manchester United are exploring the possibility of signing Manchester City defender Rayan Ait-Nouri on loan in January.
The Algeria international has struggled for opportunities at the Etihad Stadium this season, prompting suggestions that he could be allowed to leave temporarily in search of regular first-team football.
Interestingly, the Red Devils reportedly made an enquiry about the 25-year-old during the closing stages of the summer transfer window, but were unable to reach an agreement with their local rivals.
United could now revisit their interest when the January window opens, potentially providing Carrick with another option on the left side of his defence.
Ait-Nouri yet to make Premier League appearance this season
Ait-Nouri joined Manchester City from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2025, but has found regular opportunities difficult to come by during the current campaign.
He has yet to play a single minute in the Premier League this season, but the Algerian has already demonstrated his qualities in English football, having established himself as an exciting attacking full-back during his time at Wolves, registering 12 goals and 19 assists in 157 appearances across all competitions.
A move across Manchester would undoubtedly raise eyebrows given the rivalry between the two clubs, and it remains to be seen whether City would entertain the prospect of strengthening United.
However, a short-term deal could make sense for all parties if Ait-Nouri continues to struggle for minutes, particularly with United looking for reinforcements without committing to a major permanent signing.
Much will depend on City’s willingness to negotiate, but the possibility of a surprise January move could be one to watch as Carrick attempts to get United’s season back on track.
