Carrick's United Keep Door Ajar for Neves Swoop Despite January Spending Freeze

Michael Carrick's appointment as interim manager hasn't shifted Manchester United's transfer philosophy, with the club maintaining their preference to preserve resources for a major summer overhaul rather than splash cash this month.

Yet reports suggest the Red Devils are keeping tabs on Al Hilal's Ruben Neves, with the Saudi Pro League outfit willing to discuss a deal in the region of £20 million for the Portuguese international.

United moved swiftly after dismissing Ruben Amorim last week, installing Carrick as caretaker before confirming his appointment as interim boss through to the season's end on Tuesday. INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe will oversee the hunt for a permanent replacement come summer, having already identified their top targets.

The managerial shuffle hasn't altered the club's transfer blueprint. Carrick hasn't lobbied his new employers for additional reinforcements, and the hierarchy remain steadfast in their commitment to a summer spending spree rather than January business. That's partly down to the significant investment already deployed—nearly £200 million across three attacking signings last summer—and the expected returns of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo this week.

The tension between Amorim and his bosses, particularly director of football Jason Wilcox, centred on precisely this question. Amorim fancied bolstering his attacking options, eyeing Jean-Philippe Mateta and Danny Welbeck at Brighton. United weren't having it, and that disagreement formed one thread in the tapestry leading to his exit.

The club's summer agenda remains crystal clear: central defensive midfield is the priority. Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Joao Gomes sit atop their wish list, with the possibility of recruiting two operators for that position.

That doesn't mean United will completely shut the shop in January. Should a long-established target become available at the right valuation, they'll pounce. Neves fits that profile—a midfielder capable of operating in that defensive anchor role he's perfected in the Saudi Pro League.

However, convincing Al Hilal to part with him presents complications. Beyond the £20 million asking price lies the matter of his wages, which sit comfortably at Saudi levels. The Saudi club show little appetite for letting him depart, and with his contract running until June, they retain significant leverage.

Neves would represent a solid fit for United's requirements, yet whether the logistics and the club's own reluctance to derail their summer plans will align remains questionable.