Manchester United have been linked with a move for a midfielder in January

Manchester United have made a 'formal offer' for a player just hours after claiming a famous 2-0 victory over rivals Manchester City.

Michael Carrick made the perfect start to his reign as head coach, with United moving into the top five thanks to goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu.

The Red Devils were unfortunate not to win by a greater margin, having had three goals disallowed for offside.

However, there was plenty of encouragement for Carrick, who set the team up in a compact 4-4-2 out of possession, with United counter-attacking with energy and numbers.

United have made it clear that their target for the remainder of the season is to secure Champions League qualification, with their focus solely on the Premier League after being knocked out of both domestic cups at the first hurdle.

Michael Carrick celebrating a derby victory with Matheus Cunha (Image: Getty)

In an attempt to bolster their chances of qualifying for Europe, it has been suggested that United may enter the transfer market in January.

Midfield is the obvious area to target, with just Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte available as first-team options for two positions.

Although Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are believed to be at the top of United's shortlist, they are considered unattainable in January.

Former Wolves star Ruben Neves is also believed to be a target, with his Al-Hilal contract set to expire at the end of the season.

The Guardian recently reported that funds would be available for Carrick if Neves became available in January.

Now, Fichajes have reported that United have presented their 'first formal offer for Ruben Neves'.

Ruben Neves (Image: Getty)

They add that the Saudi club would 'seriously consider' a fee in the region of €23 million, and United's current offer is reportedly close to those demands.

According to The Sun, Neves is believed to earn around £300,000 per week at Al Hilal, meaning he would need to take a sizeable pay cut to complete a move to Old Trafford.

Club captain and talisman Bruno Fernandes is believed to be on a similar wage.

However, INEOS have sought to reduce United's wage bill since taking footballing control of the club, and Neves would be expected to earn significantly less than his compatriot.

The 28-year-old midfielder would also align with INEOS' drive to recruit Premier League-proven players, following the summer signings of Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo.

With Casemiro's contract set to expire in the summer and the futures of Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte uncertain, midfield remains the priority position for United.

Kobbie Mainoo played his first 90 minutes in the Premier League this season in the derby and looks set to be a key component of Carrick's side.

Although the England international's contract expires in 2027, the club holds an option to extend it by a further year.

If he returns to the starting line-up on a regular basis, it feels inevitable that United will re-open contract talks with Mainoo.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Manchester United, Ruben Neves, Transfer News, Premier League, Football, Michael Carrick, Man Utd

Roy Keane Disagrees With Paul Scholes’ Verdict on Lisandro Martinez Amid Feud

The former Manchester United captain has spoken out on the Argentine defender

Roy Keane has hit back at Paul Scholes after the former England international criticised defender Lisandro Martinez ahead of the Manchester derby.

The Argentine put in an impressive display on Saturday as Manchester United defeated Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford.

Pep Guardiola's side managed just one shot on target across the 90 minutes and were fortunate not to lose by a bigger margin, with United having three goals disallowed for offside.

Ahead of the match, Martinez was mocked by Scholes and fellow United legend Nicky Butt during a podcast appearance.

Butt said: "Haaland would pick Martinez up and run with him.

"It’ll be like, you know, when you see a dad after school running down the road with a little toddler. That’s what it’d be like."

Scholes then added: "He’d score, then throw him in the net!"

Lisandro Martinez (Image: Getty)

After the victory in the Manchester derby, Martinez was specifically asked about the comments from Scholes.

As per the Daily Mail, he said: "Honestly, he can say whatever he wants.

"I told him already, if he wants to say something to me, he can come to me wherever he wants. To my house, wherever. I don't care.

"I think, for me, I respect the relations when they want to help the club because everyone can talk on the television.

"But when you see [them] here face-to-face, no one says anything in your face."

While Scholes has questioned whether Martinez is capable of playing in a title-winning side, Keane has been more positive about the Argentine defender.

Back in 2023, after a 3-0 win at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest, Keane praised Martinez's 'pride' in defending.

Roy Keane (Image: Getty)

He also described the centre-back as someone 'you want to be in the trenches with'.

Keane said: "He wants to defend and again, he looks a right character, a lad you want to be in the trenches with.

"We saw it tonight, United were coasting towards the end, but he still wanted to defend.

"And we talk about the importance of scoring three goals, but for the defender's point of view, they'll be delighted with a clean sheet."

When fit, Martinez has been one of United's standout performers since his £57 million move from Ajax in 2022.

However, he has missed significant spells through injury since making that transfer, including the opening months of this season as he recovered from a cruciate ligament problem.

Since returning last month, Martinez has been an ever-present, often lining up alongside youngsters Ayden Heaven or Leny Yoro.

With Harry Maguire now available again, Michael Carrick will hope United can start to build a settled centre-back partnership and improve on their tally of just three clean sheets.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United, Football, Premier League

Man Utd Star Who ‘Squared Up’ to Amorim Fires Brutal New 'Dig'

The Manchester United star had plenty to say after helping his side to a 2-0 derby win over Manchester City.

The Manchester United star reported to have squared up to Ruben Amorim appeared to aim a dig while praising the impact Michael Carrick made in just a matter of days.

Following the sacking of Ruben Amorim and Darren Fletcher's two-game interim spell, Carrick took the reins on a caretaker basis and led United to an impressive 2-0 win over rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.

Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu struck in the second half of a win which was achieved through energy and fight as well as a performance which had not been seen for a while from the group of players.

Former United captain Gary Neville was already enthused by the approach from ex teammate Carrick just days into his tenure.

Lisandro Martinez was one of the stars of the victory, producing an inspired display at the heart of United's backline and marshalling Erling Haaland with ease.

Martinez helped United to a memorable derby win under Michael Carrick. Image: Getty

In December, near the end of Amorim's reign at United, the fiery Argentine is reported to have squared up his manager.

Martinez is believed to have felt as though the Portuguese was "overlooking" him when he returned to fitness following his lengthy injury lay-off and made his feelings known in an "intense" manner in a session around games against Crystal Palace and West Ham.

After the City triumph, Martinez spoke positively about Carrick's instant impact.

“So different, so different," the former Ajax man said, as per Steven Railston of the Manchester Evening News.

"Different mentality, different guy. He knows what it really means, this club. He sent us that message that he played here for a long, long time.

“He won everything. He's a big legend. He wants to help the club, and I think we were in a tough situation, and today was the best moment to change that."

Online, many fans suggested that Martinez' comments about a "different mentality" were a subtle dig at Amorim - speculating that the two did not see eye-to-eye.

One user on X wrote: "How to slaughter Amorim without slaughtering Amorim."

A second claimed: "They didn’t rate Amorim one bit."

A third person commented: "Pretty obvious Lisandro and Mr Amorim had a falling out."

Martinez calls out Man Utd legend after City win

Martinez has come out fighting following the derby win, offering United legend Paul Scholes to come to his house in a shock call-out after recent comments.

Martinez kept a clean sheet against Haaland and City. Image: Getty

Prior to the 2-0 win, Nicky Butt and Scholes had mocked Martinez, with the former stating that his battle with Haaland would be "like when you see a dad at school running down with a little toddler".

Scholes said that Haaland, the Premier League's top scorer, would "score then throw him in the net".

Addressing the comments, as per the Daily Mail, Martinez said: "Honestly, he can say whatever he wants. I told him already, if he wants to say something to me, he can come to me wherever he wants. To my house, wherever. I don't care.

"I think, for me, I respect the relations when they want to help the club because everyone can talk on the television. But when you see (them) here face-to-face, no one says anything in your face."

On Instagram, Scholes responded and commented, "Someone's had a good game, was really happy for you... Tea, no sugar pls."

Featured Image Credit: Getty Lawless

Michael Carrick Includes Shock Man Utd Player in First Training Session

Michael Carrick will take charge of Manchester United for the remainder of the 25/26 season.

Michael Carrick has included a shock player for his first training session as Manchester United boss.

After days of speculation, it was confirmed on Tuesday evening that Carrick had been appointed United head coach for the remainder of the 25/26 season.

Speaking on the back of getting the role ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Carrick said: "Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour.

"I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club, which we know that this group is more than capable of producing."

Prior to his appointment, it was reported that Solskjaer was also involved in the process, but the club opted for the Englishman.

Carrick's first match in charge will be Saturday's derby clash against Manchester City at Old Trafford.

Michael Carrick has been hired by Manchester United. Image: Getty

Ahead of the weekend, the 44-year-old has taken charge of his first training session at the club's Carrington base.

It has now been claimed that a surprise player was included in the session.

According to journalist Nathan Salt, Habeeb Ogunneye was part of the training group.

He wrote on social media: "Habeeb Ogunneye part of the training group today for Michael Carrick’s first session. Been recalled by Newport County after minutes dwindled and his options being explored for another loan.

"Jack and Tyler Fletcher in first team group, along with Amad and Mbeumo."

Habeeb Ogunneye has returned to Manchester United. Image: Getty

Taking to their official website, United also confirmed Ogunneye's return, along with Joe Hugill.

The statement read: "Two Manchester United youngsters have returned to Carrington, after being recalled from their loan spells.

"Joe Hugill and Habeeb Ogunneye are back in the fold, following their time away this season."

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Ruben Amorim 'In Training Ground Confrontation' With Man Utd Player Before Sack

Amorim squared up to the player at Carrington.

Ruben Amorim was involved in a training ground confrontation with one of his players, just weeks before being sacked by Manchester United.

The 40-year-old departed his role as United's head coach on Monday morning, 420 days after being appointed by the club following an impressive spell at Sporting that featured five major trophies.

Back in October, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe insisted he would not make a "knee-jerk reaction" on Amorim. "Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years," he said.

But after tensions between United's head coach and Jason Wilcox, the club's director of football, came to a head in a meeting about tactics and transfers on Friday, the writing was on the wall.

On Monday morning, Amorim was informed of his dismissal after United's leadership team "reluctantly decided" it was the right time to make a change.

Amorim pictured in United training in December. Image credit: Getty

As has become customary following a managerial dismissal at United, The Athletic have published a detailed report on how Ruben Amorim’s reign at Old Trafford 'ended in turmoil and toxicity'.

One of the standout takeaways from the piece involves Lisandro Martinez, who is said to have squared up to his manager during a training session in December.

The incident reportedly happened around games against Crystal Palace and West Ham, with Martinez of the belief that he was ready to start following a lengthy period on the sidelines through injury.

Martinez felt Amorim was 'overlooking him', so the Argentine made his feelings known in an 'intense' manner.

However, it appears Amorim responded positively to Martinez's approach. The defender made substitute appearances against Palace and West Ham but was handed a start in their Boxing Day win over Newcastle.

Amorim was involved in a training ground confrontation with Lisandro Martinez. Image credit: Getty

The Portuguese head coach is believed to have admired Martinez's energy.

“I think he is a guy with a lot of character," Amorim said about the defender following their 1-0 over Newcastle. "He is really good on the ball. And with the quality that he has – he played in the World Cup, won the World Cup – he is used to that stress.”

“He showed today that he is a top player," Amorim added. "And sometimes people talk about the way you defend the box because he’s a small guy. But today he did really well against the team that you just have tall players.”