Manchester United will look to strengthen in the January transfer window, according to head coach Michael Carrick, as the club plans a defensive rebuild. Lisandro Martinez this week publicly called out the club's hierarchy for a lack of investment in the summer window, in which United (£163m) were outspent by promoted sides Hull (£173m) and Ipswich (£211m) despite Champions League qualification. United focused on the midfield rebuild, bringing in Youri Tielemans (£35m), Andrey Santos (£50m) and Carlos Baleba (£70m) for a combined £155m, rather than addressing left-back or forward depth.
Despite United's summer restraint, Carrick, under mounting pressure after a five-game winless run, has told Sky Sports there is a desire to be active for any opportunities that might arise in January. "When the next transfer window comes, you want to plan and you want to make the best of it," said Carrick ahead of Sunday's trip to Leeds. "Whatever that looks like at this stage, we don't quite know. But without doubt, there's opportunity because the transfer window is open. So we'll definitely be looking at that and trying to come out stronger in whatever way that looks like." United plan to focus on revamping their defence in the next transfer windows in the third stage of their squad-building process, which has seen the attack and midfield addressed over the last two seasons.
Sky Sports News understands United are looking at new centre-backs, as well as left-backs. In the summer, United explored potential options for a long-term successor to Luke Shaw, who is out of contract at the end of the current season. England international Lewis Hall was the main focus at left-back, but Newcastle were adamant he was not for sale after allowing big-name players to leave.
Hall has since signed a long-term contract at Newcastle. There are also doubts around Martinez's future at Old Trafford. The Argentina international's current deal expires at the end of this season, including a club-held option to extend for a further year.
Carrick believes he will get time at Man Utd despite the pressure.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing