Manchester United have had a very inactive and quiet January transfer window, but that isn’t as bad as it sounds.
With hours remaining of deadline day, it looks as though Manchester United will end the January transfer window with no new arrivals.
That will hardly come as a surprise to the fanbase considering it is not yet clear who will even lead the Red Devils as head coach next season.
Man Utd chose NOT to make any signings mid-season… Are you worried this is a mistake?
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United invested £232 million in the summer to bolster the squad, and with no European football bringing in extra income, finances are tight.
While United have had success with January transfers in the past, it seems an executive decision has been made to wait for the summer.
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty ImagesIneos are being patient for 2026 Man United transfers
It is public knowledge that United are in the market for new central midfielders in 2026, even more so now that Casemiro’s exit is confirmed.
Ineos have improved United’s recruitment since the takeover by making sure to target the right profile of player.
Reports suggest Elliot Anderson is United’s top target, and it will need to be a blockbuster signing to replace a player with the calibre of Casemiro.
Are you happy with Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe?
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Signing Anderson in the January window would have been next to impossible, as Nottingham Forest would have demanded a huge fee to let him leave mid-season.
The same goes for Adam Wharton. Crystal Palace have already lost key players and would have demanded an eye-watering transfer fee.
With that in mind, Ineos had two options – make a short-term signing in January and bite into the budget, or wait patiently. They chose option B.
Man United did not need any January signings
There have been some interesting transfer rumours floated in January, including United’s interest in Ruben Neves.
While Neves would be an interesting option for Carrick in midfield, United are hardly going to be stretched given they are already knocked out of the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.
United don’t need depth signings like Neves, they need quality. That is only available in the summer.
By choosing to bide their time, Ineos will have a much bigger budget and a much more clear plan for the summer transfer window at the end of the season.
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It will also align with the appointment of a permanent head coach, whether that be Carrick or someone else. Ineos can make sure that the new coach is on board with the transfer plans before committing to a huge deal.
The lack of activity may be frustrating in the short-term for United fans, but it sets the club up for a very, very exciting summer.
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