The January transfer window has officially slammed shut, and for Manchester United, it proved to be a notably subdued period in terms of first-team activity. While Premier League rivals engaged in last-minute dealings, the Red Devils focused their attention internally, with interim head coach Michael Carrick opting to work with his existing squad rather than seek reinforcements.
A Window of Youth Movement and Internal Focus
Despite the lack of high-profile arrivals, the month was far from uneventful at Old Trafford. The departure of Ruben Amorim at the turn of January paved the way for Michael Carrick to step into the interim head coach role for the remainder of the season. Carrick, 44, has immediately made his mark, overseeing three consecutive victories against Manchester City, Arsenal, and Fulham.
"Carrick's immediate impact has shifted the narrative from potential signings to on-pitch results," observed one club insider. This strategic focus meant the winter window was primarily about managing the squad's periphery, with a significant number of youth players departing either permanently or on loan.
Permanent Exits for Three Academy Graduates
The club sanctioned permanent moves for three players who had come through the famed academy system:
- Sam Mather: The 21-year-old winger, at United since the age of seven, joined Turkish Super Lig side Kayserispor on a free transfer on January 17. A shrewd clause ensures United will receive 20% of any future sale.
- Joe Hugill: The 22-year-old striker moved to Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock for an undisclosed fee, having failed to break into the first team after joining in 2020.
- Rhys Bennett: The defender completed a permanent switch to Fleetwood Town, having spent the 2024/25 season on loan with the club.
Five More Depart on Loan Deals
Further trimming of the development squads saw five more young talents secure temporary moves to gain valuable senior experience:
- Harry Amass: The 18-year-old left-back joined Norwich City but suffered a serious training injury shortly after.
- Toby Collyer: The 22-year-old defensive midfielder moved from West Bromwich Albion to Hull City for the rest of the campaign.
- Ethan Wheatley: The 20-year-old striker will spend the remainder of the season with Bradford City.
- James Scanlon: In a last-minute deal, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder joined Swindon Town just a minute before the deadline.
- Gabriele Biancheri: The 19-year-old forward secured his first loan move, joining Rotherham United until the summer.
Malacia's Deadline Day Frustration
The most significant first-team story to emerge from the window's final hours involved Dutch defender Tyrell Malacia. Reports indicate the 26-year-old full-back was left fuming after director of football Jason Wilcox reportedly blocked a deadline day move to Turkey.
Malacia, who has made just one Premier League appearance this season, was reportedly set to board a flight before the move was halted. However, Mirror Football understands that no formal deal or travel arrangements had been agreed between the player and any club in the preceding weeks.
This decision may have been influenced by a recent injury to fellow full-back Patrick Dorgu, who is expected to be sidelined for up to ten weeks. This development could see Malacia reintegrated into Carrick's plans for the crucial final months of the season, a twist of fate that changes the complexion of his immediate future at the club.
As the dust settles on a window defined by outgoings rather than incomings, Manchester United's faith in Michael Carrick's current squad and their long-term strategy for youth development remains the prevailing narrative at Old Trafford.
