Manchester United have had a quiet January transfer window in 2026 but there have been huge success stories in recent years.
Having invested heavily in the squad in the summer, it seems Ineos are happy to wait out the January transfer window and go again at the end of the season.
It is yet to be seen whether Michael Carrick will remain in charge following his hugely successful start as interim head coach, or whether a new permanent appointment will be made.
How many wins in a row will Michael Carrick make it now?
Three wins from three… it's a perfect start!
Either way, Ineos will have to back the new full-time head coach with signings. It was something that Jose Mourinho was critical of during his time at Old Trafford.
Years after Mourinho was sacked by United, he almost came back and stung the Red Devils by signing Bruno Fernandes for rivals Tottenham.
Jose Mourinho almost ruined Bruno Fernandes move to Man United
Fernandes joined United in January 2020 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s management, and he has proven to be the best signing made by the club in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
In terms of United’s best-ever January signings, Fernandes ranks right at the top in terms of the impact he has had on the club.
However, things almost ended up very differently if Mourinho got his way.
We are calling it now… Bruno Fernandes should win Premier League Player of the Season 2025/26
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Fernandes almost joined Tottenham in the summer of 2019 before his move collapsed late on.
Reflecting on his failed move, Fernandes said: “The story started in the summer, Tottenham were interested in me. I met with Mourinho and all. It didn’t happen, Sporting wouldn’t sell me. President Varandes made me very sad. We talked later because the English market closed.”
Ironically, Tottenham bid €65m (£56m) for Fernandes but had their offer rejected, despite it being more than the £47m United paid for Fernandes just a few months later.
Man United must repay Bruno Fernandes loyalty
When the offer arrived from United in 2020, Fernandes said it was the “club of his dreams”, and he has given everything to the Red Devils ever since.
In the summer of 2025, Fernandes rejected a move to Saudi Arabia, turning down an eye-watering amount of money to stay put at Old Trafford.
Fernandes has been critical of United chiefs, claiming that he felt unwanted by the hierarchy.
But the reality is that he is adored by everyone at Old Trafford, and he is more than deserving of a new contract that reflects his importance to this football club.
At 31 years old, Fernandes is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon, and what he offers on and off the pitch is priceless.
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