Carrick signals Manchester United will seek January transfers

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 17 Oct, 13:20 · Archive

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick says the club will look to strengthen in the January transfer window.

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has indicated the club will look to strengthen in the January transfer window, particularly in defence. The announcement follows criticism from defender Lisandro Martinez, who publicly called out the club's hierarchy for insufficient investment in the summer. United spent £163m in summer transfers, less than promoted sides Hull (£173m) and Ipswich (£211m), despite qualifying for the Champions League.

United's summer spending focused on midfield, bringing in Youri Tielemans (£35m), Andrey Santos (£50m) and Carlos Baleba (£70m) for a combined £155m. The club did not adequately address depth at left-back and upfront. Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville said Carrick had been left short in defence, and an injury to Luke Shaw has exposed United's lack of options, with youngster Ayden Heaven deputising out of position.

Carrick is under mounting pressure following a five-game winless run, including a 2-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid in which Martinez was visibly frustrated. The Mirror reports that Martinez was fined for his outburst and had a clear-the-air meeting with Carrick and United officials on Thursday, though he remains in contention for Sunday's match against Leeds United.

Speaking ahead of the Leeds fixture, Carrick told Sky Sports: 'When the next transfer window comes, you want to plan and you want to make the best of it. Whatever that looks like at this stage, we don't quite know. But without doubt, there's opportunity because the transfer window is open.' He added: 'So we'll definitely be looking at that and trying to come out stronger in whatever way that looks like.'

How it is being reported

• Michael Carrick hints at January transfer plans after Lisandro Martinez complaintManchester United manager Michael Carrick (Picture: Shutterstock) Michael Carrick suggested Manchester United will look to strengthenin the January window after their transfer strategy was called into question by Lisandro Martinez . After an impressive third-place finish last season, United…Metro · 17 Oct, 13:35
• Michael Carrick makes Man Utd transfer admission with January plans setManchester United head coach Michael Carrick has hinted at potential January transfer window activityMirror Sport · 17 Oct, 13:05
• Carrick opens door for January transfer activity at Man UtdManchester United will look at trying to strengthen in the January transfer window, according to head coach Michael Carrick, as the club draw up plans to improve the defence over the next year.Sky Sports Football · 17 Oct, 10:24
• Carrick opens door for January transfer activity at Man UtdManchester United will look at trying to strengthen in the January transfer window, according to head coach Michael Carrick, as the club draw up plans to improve the defence over the next year.Sky Sports · 17 Oct, 10:12

In this story: Manchester United · Michael Carrick · Lisandro Martinez · Luke Shaw · Youri Tielemans · Leeds United

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