Manchester United is experiencing a period of strong fluctuations, when rumors continuously appear on the January transfer market.
Michael Carrick currently holds the role of interim head coach until the end of the season, before the board of directors conducts a major overhaul in the summer.
Ruben Amorim was sacked earlier this month after a series of disappointing results. Carrick is just a temporary solution, while the "Red Devils" board has early developed a plan to appoint a long-term coach as well as rebuild the squad for the 2026-2027 season.
One of Man United's biggest weaknesses lies in the central midfield area. Amorim cannot create balance in the 3-4-2-1 system, and the future of captain Bruno Fernandes is being questioned.
Casemiro is likely to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer when his contract expires, forcing Man United to find a replacement both in the short and long term.
The Old Trafford team is said to be pursuing dream targets such as Carlos Baleba (Brighton), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) next summer. However, according to British media, they are also considering signing a midfielder right in January.
Sources said that Man United has conducted negotiations this week with a midfielder who is playing abroad, with experience in the Premier League, with a loan option until the end of the season.
The player's identity has not been revealed, but experts have quickly narrowed down four names that meet the above criteria.
Ruben Neves
Ruben Neves is the most mentioned name. The Portuguese midfielder was once on Man United's watch list before leaving Wolves to join Al-Hilal in 2023 for a fee of 47 million pounds.
Neves is currently only 28 years old, has made 171 appearances in the Premier League, scored 21 goals and assisted 9 times. His contract is said to expire in the summer, but Al-Hilal valued this player at around £20 million and was not interested in the loan option.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
A more feasible option is Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The English midfielder is not playing regularly at AC Milan and wants to play more to compete for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Milan is said to be ready to let Loftus-Cheek leave after recruiting Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot and Samuele Ricci. The 29-year-old player has scored 10 goals and had 9 assists after 157 appearances in the Premier League for Chelsea, Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Weston McKennie
Weston McKennie is also on Man United's watch list. The American midfielder has 19 Premier League matches when playing for Leeds United on loan in 2023.
McKennie's contract with Juventus will expire in the summer, making it possible to sell him for around £10 million. Although not a blockbuster choice, the 26-year-old player is still suitable for M.U's experience and low cost criteria.
Matt O'Riley
The last name is Matt O'Riley, currently playing for Marseille on loan from Brighton. The Danish midfielder has scored one goal and had six assists after 22 appearances in all competitions this season.
Despite playing progressively in Ligue 1, O'Riley is still not a pillar under coach Roberto De Zerbi. Brighton's willingness to call him back and then loan him out further within the Premier League is considered a possible scenario.
