Carrick Hints Manchester United Could Explore Late Transfer Activity Before Deadline

Michael Carrick is keeping options open for late Manchester United transfer activity before Monday's deadline. Carrick has guided United to wins over Manchester City and Arsenal during a second interim

spell. The team sits fourth in the Premier League, one point ahead of Chelsea, with the top half tightly packed.

Asked whether Manchester United transfer business could still happen before the window shuts, Carrick avoided giving firm guarantees. When previewing Sunday’s home game against Fulham, Carrick responded with a short message. "Never say never. " The comment reflected a flexible stance as staff monitor possible squad changes in the final days.

The congested Premier League table shapes every Manchester United transfer decision in this period. Teams down to Sunderland in 11th place trail United by only five points. With such narrow gaps, United weigh short-term needs against longer-term planning, while maintaining momentum built under Carrick in recent weeks.

Carrick expanded on the club’s approach to any Manchester United transfer moves late in the window. "Never say never. A lot can happen and situations can be thrown up, the former midfielder said. Sometimes it is in our control, sometimes not. I am pretty calm. We have shown what we are capable of as a team. " Those words pointed to confidence in current players, alongside awareness of changing market dynamics.

Injury issues also shape Manchester United transfer priorities, particularly on the left side. Patrick Dorgu has suffered a hamstring problem that is expected to keep Dorgu out for up to 10 weeks. That absence leaves United lighter in wide areas, while suggestions persist that a central midfielder could also be targeted.

Hosting the Cottagers this SundayManchester United (@ManUtd) January 29, 2026

Alongside potential incoming Manchester United transfer activity, questions continue around Bruno Fernandes and contract plans. Fernandes turned down a substantial offer from Al-Hilal before the season started. The United captain will enter the final 12 months of the current deal in June, placing long-term discussions on the agenda.

Carrick stressed that immediate games, including the Fulham meeting, come before any final decision on Fernandes or broader Manchester United transfer strategy. Speaking about the captain’s influence, Carrick said: "We all want to win things. We all want to get better. Wewant to improve as a team. We want to be successful and that's something we've got to work towards together, but Bruno's been fantastic since I've been here. He was fantastic when I was here before [in 2021], so I've got nothing but good things to say about him. That's not to get too far ahead.That [his future] is on the agenda a little bit, but my main agenda is getting through the game on Sunday with Fulham. "

As the deadline approaches, United balance possible Manchester United transfer moves with trust in the current squad and leadership. Carrick’s recent results against leading rivals, combined with Fernandes’ ongoing role, give stability. Yet injuries and a compressed table mean recruitment options stay under review while focus remains on immediate league fixtures.