There were no Odion Ighalo-style last-minute surprises in the transfer market. Manchester UnitedThe January transfer window has proven to be particularly quiet for players at Old Trafford.

With Ruben Amorim’s permanent successor yet to be confirmed, the Ineos regime will wait until the summer to confirm their main targets, especially with the fate of next season’s Champions League still to be decided.

A key factor in the lack of business in recent weeks has been United’s early exit from the FA Cup, which combined with a lack of European competition has left little need for Michael Carrick Only one game per week will be rotated for the remainder of the season.

This is a team game but, barring injury or suspension, the starting XI is likely to see little change over the coming weeks and months, with quite a few fates already decided heading into the summer transfer window.

Every Manchester United player who could leave this summer

The upcoming summer of uncertainty has already had a clear outcome, with Casemiro announcing his imminent departure when his contract expires in June.

Ineos may think they have signed a replacement for the Brazilian, although patience with their South American compatriot is waning, Manuel UgarteThe Red Devils’ performance dropped significantly when the 24-year-old was on the pitch.

In fact, as journalist Samuel Luckhurst reports, United have conceded 24 goals this season when the Uruguayan, signed for 2024, is on the pitch. Not surprisingly associated with exports at the end of the event.

It would be surprising that Ugarte remains at the club through the 2026/27 season, although there is still hope that Harry Maguire will be extended, with the Englishman currently heading towards free agency with six months left on his own contract.

The 32-year-old has started in all three wins under Michael Carrick and, when fit and full of firepower, remains an important figure in the side and has been a key figure under Amorim, scoring crucial goals against the likes of Leicester City, Lyon and Liverpool in 2025.

Bruno Fernandes, who has also lost the captaincy, has also joked that he will have conversations about his future after the upcoming World Cup, but thankfully the 31-year-old still has 18 months left on his contract, which alleviates some of the uncertainty.

Even if the Portugal star does choose to leave this summer, he will remain a central figure under Michael Carrick between now and then, although that is now the case for everyone at the Theater of Dreams.

The Manchester United star should not start again under Michael Carrick

In addition to the above, there is of course United’s loan squad who are also likely to find permanent homes next season, namely Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Rasmus Hoylund, while peripheral names such as Tyrell Malacia and Artay Bayindil may also find themselves taking on more prominent roles elsewhere.

The same could also be said for one of the higher-profile players in the first team, in the form of Joshua ZikzeIt will be difficult for the Dutchman to even start another game between now and the end of the season.

To his credit, the 24-year-old fought his way back into action on a night against Newcastle United in December 2024 and was met with a chorus of jeers after just 30 minutes, although his somewhat cult status could not protect him from the sack.

The fleet-footed striker signed from Bologna for £36.5m 18 months ago and has since scored just nine goals, only five of which have come in the Premier League, and provided just four assists in his 65 appearances in total.

Whether as a pure goalscorer or creator, it’s hard to see what the former Bayern Munich man really has to offer, with his deft touch and dribbling ability often overshadowed by a lack of mobility and pace.

While he has been plagued by injuries in recent weeks, it is worth noting that he has started just one of the past ten league games, even pulling out at half-time against bottom side Wolves for tactical reasons.

There is much to like about the six-times capped Netherlands international, although he has almost been reduced to a cheerleader role, looking almost as happy as Benjamin Cesko after Slovenia’s win last time out.

Zirkzee enjoyed a memorable debut against Fulham in August 2024, but has fallen further as Cescó himself now competes with Brian Mbemo and Matheus Cunha for a starting spot.

Amad is set to start on the right with Mason Mount as the backup number ten behind Fernandes, Zirkzee has no rhyme or reason to start over and INEOS may have missed a trick send him to rome before the deadline.

With such a short playing time expected, his market value will only fall further, and transfer market He is thought to be worth just €25m (£21m) now, even less than the aforementioned Ugarte, who is worth, say, €30m (£26m).

Perhaps, on a different team or in a different era, the lovable Zirkzee might have blossomed, but now entering his second season in Manchester, there’s little to suggest he deserves a third stint.

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