Man Utd transfer news: Decision on £50m star's exit emerges as target makes desire clear
As Manchester United enjoy a midweek break without any European distractions, some fans will still be basking in the glory of Saturday's victory over Manchester City. The 2-0 win has prompted calls for interim manager Michael Carrick to be in the mix to take the job permanently in the summer, though he isn't the only candidate.
Regardless of who is at the helm next term, United's squad could be in need of a refresh. More than £200million was spent during Ruben Amorim's one and only summer window but more surgery could be required.
United's Saturday lunchtime victory saw them end the weekend fifth in the Premier League table, just a point behind Liverpool in fourth. It remains to be seen whether more than four Premier League teams will qualify for next season's Champions League, as was the case in 2025.
Despite two early cup exits leaving United with only the league to focus on, there's still been a reluctance to trim the squad too much. Here are
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Ugarte exit blockedManuel Ugarte has struggled for regular starts since joining United from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth up to £50million. Despite this, a January move to Ajax looks like a non-starter.
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The Uruguay international has played 22 times in the league this term but just seven of those appearances have come from the start. With Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo now both back from injury, his opportunities may be further limited.
According to The Athletic, though, United have knocked back an approach from Ajax. The Dutch side, who are due to welcome former United midfielder Jordi Cruyff as their new sporting director in February, were exploring a loan deal for the former Sporting CP star.
One midfielder who could be on the move, however, is Toby Collyer. The same report indicates the academy graduate will spend the second half of the season with Hull City after an earlier West Brom loan was cut short following a calf injury.
Neves' transfer preference clearPortugal midfielder Ruben Neves would favour a move to Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain. The former Wolves star was linked with United before joining Al-Hilal in 2023 and is now set to return to Europe.
Neves' contract in Saudi Arabia expires in the summer but a January switch has been mooted to allow the Riyadh club to secure a transfer fee, potentially providing United with a cut-price option. However, AS reports that - while Neves is making clear his fondness for a Madrid switch - the club are less convinced.
The same report indicates Neves has a new contract offer on the table from Al-Hilal but has no plans to agree fresh terms. The 28-year-old made more than 200 Premier League and Championship appearances during his six years at Wolves, providing pedigree in English football were United to swoop.
Neves is also enjoying the best scoring season of his career, finding the net seven times in the Saudi Pro Leagueand also scoring in the King's Cup. He scored the winner from the penalty spot in a weekend victory over Neom which left Al-Hilal seven points clear at the top of the table.