Three players Man United should sign in January to save Michael Carrick's job

Michael Carrick will be desperate for reinforcements in the January transfer window after a difficult start to the 2026-27 campaign.

He was expected to kick on from the previous season, having led Manchester United back to the Champions League for the first time since 2023.

The Manchester derby was the perfect chance to get fans back on board, only for his team to lose to 10 men at Old Trafford after Phil Foden's red card.

The Red Devils then broke club history when losing to Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, 16 September, with Carrick undoubtedly feeling the heat.

Carrick is increasingly likely to be sacked by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co, but there are few options for a replacement outside Old Trafford.

With that in mind, the former Middlesbrough boss needs to be supported in the next transfer window, and these three signings could be key.

Alejandro Balde

The full-back department is in desperate need of improvements this season, with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui simply not good enough, and Luke Shaw injured.

Barcelona's Alejandro Balde has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, and the La Liga giants are unlikely to stand in his way.

The 22-year-old left-back has played just 12 minutes of football in 2026-27, but he is more than talented enough to fill in at Old Trafford this season.

Aurelien Tchouameni

Aurelien Tchouameni certainly speaks for himself. The Real Madrid midfielder is one of the best on his day, but even he is battling for minutes.

The 26-year-old Frenchman would come at quite a hefty fee, but money should be no problem for the Red Devils after a very cheap summer window.

Youri Tielemans has struggled in some of United's games so far, even being hooked against Man City, while Kobbie Mainoo is preferred to Andrey Santos.

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Signing Jean-Philippe Mateta for the striker spot seems like an absolute no-brainer, with Benjamin Sesko needing some competition through the middle.

The centre-forward is currently amidst a legal battle with Crystal Palace, so it would not be totally surprising if the Eagles were to cash in on his signature.

Mateta has proven to be one of the best strikers in the Premier League, and his constant links to Man United may finally become reality in January.