The summer transfer window closed on September 1, 2025, but with Manchester United's challenging start to the 2025/26 season (including a 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City yesterday), speculation around potential January moves, player exits, and post-window reflections is heating up. Here's a roundup of the most relevant updates from today, focusing on emerging rumors, expert critiques, and ongoing discussions. No major deals are imminent, but the club's hierarchy is under pressure to address midfield and squad depth issues.
Key Rumors and Updates
- Liverpool eyeing United's top midfield target Carlos Baleba: Reports indicate Liverpool are preparing a serious January bid for Brighton & Hove Albion's 21-year-old midfielder Carlos Baleba, who remains Manchester United's primary target for defensive midfield reinforcement. United had pursued him in the summer but balked at Brighton's £120m valuation (compared to Arsenal's £51m deal for Martin Zubimendi). Baleba's growing interest from rivals could force United to act quickly or risk losing out.
- Kobbie Mainoo pushing for a potential exit: The 20-year-old England international is reportedly "disappointed" after being benched for yesterday's Manchester derby and is open to leaving in January. United have been considering offers for him since January 2025, viewing him as a saleable asset amid squad rebuilding. Fabrizio Romano notes "decision time" looms for Mainoo's future, with interest from multiple Premier League clubs.
- Manuel Ugarte open to Serie A return: Signed from PSG in the summer, the Uruguayan midfielder could depart as early as January 2026, with Italian clubs (including AC Milan and Juventus) showing keen interest in a loan or permanent move. United closed the door on a summer exit but are now willing to cash in if a suitable offer arrives, as Ugarte fights for consistency under Ruben Amorim.
- United monitoring Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton: The 21-year-old midfielder is on Manchester United's shortlist for January, with Palace potentially open to bids around £60m. Wharton fits Amorim's profile for a mobile, controlling presence in midfield, though competition from other clubs could drive up the price.
- Interest in Ajax wonderkid Jorthy Mokio: Scouts from Manchester United were among those watching the 17-year-old Belgian midfielder during Ajax's recent matches. He's also on the radar of Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, but any move would likely be a long-term investment rather than immediate.
- Winger considering UAE move: An unnamed Manchester United academy winger (potentially Amad Diallo or a youth prospect) is evaluating an offer from a UAE Pro League club. This aligns with United's strategy to offload fringe players for financial flexibility ahead of January.
- Luke Shaw's future in doubt: The long-serving left-back could be sold due to recurring injuries and poor form (highlighted in the derby loss). Rising academy star Diego León is seen as a potential replacement, with United preparing for a possible exit to fund reinforcements.
Expert Analysis and Reflections
- Paul Scholes slams summer strategy: The United legend criticized the club's failure to prioritize a "mobile, controlling midfielder" in the window, calling it a "shambles" shared by INEOS, Amorim, and the players. He labeled letting Carlos Baleba slip away the "biggest mistake" and questioned £18.2m goalkeeper Senne Lammens' quality as not "top-tier." Scholes urged Amorim to adapt tactics immediately for a turnaround.
- Amorim sack speculation: Internal divisions at United over sacking Ruben Amorim are growing after the derby humiliation, with Unai Emery emerging as a favorite replacement. However, the board is backing Amorim for now, focusing on January tweaks like midfield signings.
Quick Look Back: Summer Window Highlights (for Context)
United spent £232.4m under Amorim's guidance, prioritizing attack over midfield despite calls for balance. Here's a snapshot:
| In | Position | From | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Mbeumo | Winger | Brentford | £65m |
| Matheus Cunha | Forward | Wolves | £62.5m |
| Benjamin Sesko | Striker | RB Leipzig | £79.7m |
| Senne Lammens | Goalkeeper | Club Brugge | £18.2m |
| Out | Position | To | Fee/Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antony | Winger | Real Betis | Permanent (£20m est.) |
| Rasmus Hojlund | Striker | Napoli | Loan |
| Jadon Sancho | Winger | Aston Villa | Loan |
| Alejandro Garnacho | Winger | Chelsea | Permanent (£40m est.) |
| Marcus Rashford | Forward | Barcelona | Loan |
| Andre Onana | Goalkeeper | Trabzonspor | Loan (post-deadline) |
No new confirmed deals today, but with United's poor form (14 points from 16 away games under Amorim), expect more January buzz. Stay tuned for updates as the international break progresses. #MUFC