Exclusive: Man United work on forward signing after Michael Carrick talks

Man United are exploring a move to sign a new left-winger in this month’s transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

New interim manager Michael Carrick and the club’s recruitment team, led by Jason Wilcox, are scouring the market for suitable loan options.

A left-winger has emerged as the priority position for the new United boss following talks with Wilcox in the wake of his arrival this week.

Former Man United manager Ruben Amorim held talks at the end of last month with Antoine Semenyo, before he decided to join Man City in a £65million deal.

Michael Carrick sets sights on new left-winger

Amorim’s insistence on playing his 3-4-3 system with inverted wide players means the squad was stripped bare of out-and-out wingers under his guidance.

Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, both right-sided players, are the only natural wide options in the squad as things stand, which is seen as a major problem by Carrick.

Matheus Cunha started on the left wing during Man United’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup, but is not seen as a long-term option in that position.

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As a result, the Red Devils transfer team are now accelerating plans to land a new signing, preferably on loan given their financial situation, before the window closes.

Meanwhile, any suggestions Marcus Rashford could return from his loan spell at Barcelona have been dismissed as he has no plans to return to Old Trafford.

Who will be the next permanent Man United manager?

Carrick was appointed as Amorim’s immediate successor this week, but only on a short-term deal, with no plans as things stand for him to stay on at the end of the season.

Instead, Football Insider revealed on 11 January that Man United are lining up a “top-class” manager to become their next permanent boss.

Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva are among the Premier League managers linked with the role, while big-name bosses from abroad are also being linked.

Football Insider revealed on 11 January that Julian Nagelsmann is an option for Man United, with Christopher Vivell pushing for his appointment.

While they remain in search of a new permanent boss, United are keen to keep their powder dry if they can help it in the mid-season window.

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