Manchester United’s head coach Michael Carrick has confirmed that the club will look to strengthen its defensive options in the January transfer window, signalling a shift in focus after a summer that saw the club invest heavily in midfield and attack. Carrick told Sky Sports that United will “plan and make the best of it” when the next window opens, with particular interest in new centre‑backs and left‑backs to address the squad’s current deficiencies.
The decision comes after a series of high‑profile departures and a lack of depth in the back line. Luke Shaw’s injury has forced the club to rely on youngster Ayden Heaven at left‑back, while the summer’s transfer activity saw United spend £163 million on midfielders Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba, leaving the defensive positions largely untouched. Carrick noted that the club’s summer spending was eclipsed by promoted sides Hull and Ipswich, who outspent United by £10 million and £48 million respectively, despite United’s Champions League qualification.
Carrick also addressed the controversy surrounding Argentine defender Lisandro Martínez, who publicly criticised the club’s hierarchy for a lack of investment during the summer. Martínez’s contract expires at the end of the season and includes a club option for an extra year. Carrick insisted that the matter is now resolved, citing Martínez’s apology on social media, and reiterated his belief that the player will be given time to prove himself at Old Trafford.
The club’s defensive rebuild is part of a broader three‑stage squad‑building plan that has seen the attack and midfield addressed over the past two seasons. In the summer, United explored options for a long‑term successor to Shaw, with England international Lewis Hall being a key target. However, Newcastle United rejected a sale of Hall, and he has since signed a long‑term contract with the Magpies. Carrick said that United will continue to look for centre‑backs and left‑backs in the coming windows, hoping to bring in players who can provide depth and competition for the starting spots.
Despite a poor start to the season, with four defeats in the first nine games, Carrick remains confident that he will be given time to shape the team. He said, “I do, yeah. But it’s not something that I think about. I’m here to win football matches, but winning football matches short term with an eye on developing the club and pushing the club to be great.” He added that the club’s ambition is clear, citing the target set by CEO Omar Berrada to win the Premier League by 2028 and stressing that United are “striving to get back to the top.”
As the club prepares for its upcoming match against Leeds United, Carrick’s focus will be on securing the defensive reinforcements needed to stabilise the team. The January window will be crucial for United to address the gaps exposed by injuries and a lack of depth, with the aim of returning to the club’s historic level of performance.