Manchester United sit 18th in the Premier League after 10 matches, and the November international break now looks like Michael Carrick‘s deadline. One win, five draws and four defeats make this their worst league start in 40 years, and after the chaotic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa, the hierarchy is widely expected to dismiss him during the pause. That shapes Manchester United transfer news, because any January signing must suit a manager who may not be there.
The problems start up front. United have scored 14, conceded 19 and won none of their last eight league games. Matheus Cunha leads the line without consistent goals, and although his link-up play and ball-striking impressed in the 3-2 Champions League win over Roma, he lacks a pure number nine’s finishing edge. Joshua Zirkzee prefers dropping deep to facilitate, which has left possession sterile.
Benjamin Šeško should have solved that, but a severe shin injury has sidelined him for most of the season, and he won’t be fully fit before the year ends. The summer offered no cover. INEOS and the recruitment team bought midfielders Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, then sold Rasmus Højlund to Napoli for about £51.3m.
Latest Manchester United transfer news from Brazil
CaughtOffside, citing TEAMtalk, reports United are exploring a move for Palmeiras striker Vitor Roque, as Šeško’s injury bites. The 21-year-old rebuilt his reputation after leaving Barcelona for Brazil in January 2025, attracting Tottenham, Chelsea and Everton. His agent confirmed European interest, while Palmeiras value him at £42m.
Roque brings explosive box movement, intense pressing and sharp transition finishing, but hold-up play against physical low blocks remains unrefined, a flaw Barcelona exposed.
At the same time, this high-volume shooter needs structured service. Carrick’s vertical system suits his pressing and speed, yet deep defences and poor chance creation could revive those struggles. Carrick’s likely exit adds doubt, because Mauricio Pochettino may inherit him.
Should Manchester United pay £42m for this striker?
United need a goalscorer in January, but they should pass on Roque at £42m. With Šeško injured and Højlund gone, defences squeeze the midfield because nothing stretches the backline, and Cunha and Zirkzee can’t fix an 18th-place crisis. A physical box presence is urgent.
Roque is wrong for three reasons. First, timing: spending £42m on a player scouted for Carrick’s setup, days before his likely exit, is administrative negligence, so a new manager should choose his archetype.
Second, risk: Roque is 21 and unproven in England, and United can’t afford another development project in a relegation battle, so they need a plug-and-play goalscorer with verified experience in physical European leagues. Third, price: £42m for a player who struggled under European scrutiny a year ago misuses money needed to repair a broken backline and secure a definitive number nine who guarantees instant output.
