Michael Carrick's first Man Utd signing lined up as INEOS prepare January funds

Manchester United are ready to accelerate a move for Ruben Neves after reaching an agreement in principle for Michael Carrick to become interim manager, with INEOS preparing to release January funds.

The 44-year-old is poised to be confirmed on Tuesday to lead the side for the rest of 2025-26, having edged Ole Gunnar Solskjær to succeed Ruben Amorim. The Guardian reports Neves would cost around £20 million.

Unlike most interim tenures, Carrick is returning with immediate backing. United view midfield as a priority and are willing to pursue a permanent deal this month, seeing Neves as a longer-term fit despite the temporary appointment.

Carrick plans to add Jonathan Woodgate to his staff after their 2022-2025 partnership at Middlesbrough, where they oversaw 136 matches. Darren Fletcher, who took charge against Burnley and Brighton after Amorim’s sacking, is set to be offered a place on the coaching team.

Carrick’s previous caretaker stint in 2021 brought an unbeaten three-game run, including a Champions League win at Villarreal, a draw at Chelsea and a 3-2 victory over Arsenal. He left when Ralf Rangnick arrived, then developed further at Middlesbrough.

His remit now is to close the three-point gap to Liverpool in fourth and secure Champions League football. He starts with Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime, then Arsenal away, and must lift spirits after the 2-1 FA Cup loss to Brighton that leaves a 40-game season, their lowest since 1914-15.

Source: Goal.com