Manchester United suddenly seeks to loan a mysterious former Premier League midfielder! Maguire stays, Carrick refuses to sell in the winter window

Manchester United was considered unlikely to sell or buy players this winter, yet transfer rumors continue. Transfer specialist Ben Jacobs stated that within the last 24 hours, the club engaged in talks with a "secret midfielder," aiming to bring him on loan until the season concludes. The player's identity has not been disclosed, only that he has Premier League experience and is currently with a club outside England.

Two players previously linked with the Red Devils, Conor Gallagher and Ruben Neves, naturally fit this description, but Gallagher has already joined Tottenham, and Neves is unlikely to be loaned out, ruling them both out. Another figure in recent Manchester United transfer talks — Ruben Loftus-Cheek — might be a possibility.

Loftus-Cheek, who plays for AC Milan, left Chelsea in 2023 for £15 million and has been capped 11 times by England. This season, he has struggled to secure a starting spot at Milan, featuring only eight times in Serie A. Seeking more consistent game time, he is open to a move. Milan is also willing to let him leave on loan, provided there is an option to buy.

The English media outlet "TEAMtalk" reported that intermediaries have recommended Loftus-Cheek to several Premier League clubs. However, he will turn 30 this month, leans more towards attacking than defensive roles, and is not exactly the player Manchester United urgently needs. According to reports, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Brentford, Everton, Fulham, and Sunderland are more likely destinations for him.

Jacobs explained: "In the last 24 hours, Manchester United indeed contacted a secret midfielder. Hopefully, I can reveal more details in the coming days. This shows that United has not completely stopped their dealings and is at least negotiating with a midfielder, considering a short-term loan. However, whether this deal will materialize remains uncertain. I cannot disclose the player's name yet, but he has Premier League experience and currently plays outside England. That's all I can report for now; this might not progress any further."

He added: "The player I mentioned is not Ruben Neves; this player is currently playing in Europe, not in Saudi Arabia. United’s inquiry might be a show of support for Carrick, but if nothing comes of it, it wouldn’t be surprising."

Manchester United’s recruitment has faced criticism from fans, especially compared to their Saturday rivals Manchester City. Guardiola’s team has already signed winger Antoine Semenyo for £65 million, beating out United in the race. On Friday, the "Citizens" also secured England international center-back Marc Guehi for an initial £20 million, potentially rising to £30 million. Fortunately for United, Guehi missed the player registration deadline for this round of the league and won’t be available against them.

The British newspaper The Sun reported that Manchester United has rejected transfer offers for Maguire from several Serie A clubs, with manager Carrick clearly stating that the 32-year-old center-back will not be allowed to leave.

Carrick’s assistant Steve Holland holds Maguire in high regard; the two worked together for eight years in the England national team, forging a close relationship. Another member of the coaching staff, Travis Binnion, is also familiar with Maguire, having first worked with him at age 14 in Sheffield United’s youth system.

However, this could mean Maguire will leave on a free transfer this summer, with Italian clubs like the Milan giants and Roma competing to sign him. Maguire began contract renewal talks with United in October last year, but progress has stalled. The club demands a significant wage cut from his £190,000 weekly salary, and there are no guarantees on future playing time, especially after Ruben Amolin’s three-center-back system was abandoned.

Kobe Meno and Joshua Zirkzee are also expected to stay at Manchester United, although the latter wants to join Roma in Serie A, but the club has not agreed. Young player Toby Collyer might be allowed to go out on loan again; according to the Manchester Evening News, Hull City in the Championship is expected to complete his signing early next week.

This 22-year-old English midfielder spent the first half of the season on loan at West Bromwich Albion but had limited opportunities and suffered multiple injuries. After the January transfer window opened, Manchester United recalled him.