How Man Utd's transfer window run-in could look with Adam Wharton and Kobbie Mainoo swap deal

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Manchester United have been given a huge lift in confidence following their derby day win over Manchester City last weekend. The Red Devils secured a rare 2-0 win at Old Trafford over Pep Guardiola's side.

The scoreline could've been even more damning for City had it not been for three offside calls, two shots off the woodwork and Gianluigi Donnarumma's excellent performance in goal. The dominant win over their city rivals started Michael Carrick's interim tenure in the best way possible and now focus will turn to potential transfer dealings this month.

The club have just the Premier League to focus on for the remainder of this campaign after falling at the first hurdle in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup . Prior to Ruben Amorim's sacking , there were little to no plans of any movement in the transfer window - but this could be subject to change.

Here, Mirror Football details all the potential ins and outs at Old Trafford ahead of the league run-in.

A number of Premier League stars have been linked with moves to Old Trafford in recent weeks. Crystal Palace duo Adam Wharton and Jean-Philippe Mateta have consistently reported as targets as United eye a potential double swoop for the striker and midfielder.

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Sky Sports reported the club's interest in the French forward, who has scored 10 goals and assisted twice in 33 appearances so far this season.

Meanwhile, Wharton has been a long-term target for the Red Devils as they look to boost their midfield depth with quality. It's understood that Palace want around £70million for the inform star but he isn't the only star on United's shortlist.

Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Barcelona's Marc Casado are all potential signings that the Manchester club are interested in.

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Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports United have made an enquiry to see if Casado is available amid their search for help in the middle of the park.

The club are also reportedly keeping an eye on Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, some reports claiming that United have been tracking the 24-year-old since the summer.

A price of £43m should be enough to tempt the star away with Napoli, Atletico Madrid, and Palace all also interested.

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Carrick could also be looking to reunite with Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney. TEAMtalk reports that the current interim boss is a big fan of Hackney and may look to secure his signature in January.

However, Boro have reportedly set a club record asking price of £30m and are reluctant to sell. With £225m spent on new signings last summer, including Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, United may look to offload some players before bringing in new faces.

United may be planning to sell some unwanted stars before they bring in new talent to Carrick's squad. It is reported that outgoings are unlikely with the club keen to retain squad depth for the latter half of the season.

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Before Amorim's departure, Kobbie Mainoo had reportedly been open to a loan move out for more game time. The academy star had made just two starts for United this season before the side's 2-0 win over City and wanted more first-team football to boost his quality.

The Daily Mail reports that Mainoo's relationship with club chiefs is "fragile" with failed contract extension negotiations taking place in 2025.

Napoli were rumoured to be the favourites to sign the midfielder but a swap deal with Palace could take place in order for United to secure Wharton's services this month.

Joshua Zirkzee is another forgotten star who could be on the way out in January. Since his arrival in 2024, the striker has managed just nine goals and nine assists.

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The 24-year-old is said to be concerned about his lack of game time ahead of the 2026 World Cup this summer. Serie A side Roma are reportedly seriously interested in signing the star with potential conversations on the horizon.

However, TEAMtalk reports that Zirkzee is hoping to impress Carrick and play a part in United's season in 2026.

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