Michael Carrick: Manchester United could be active on deadline day, says interim manager

Michael Carrick has not ruled out adding Manchester United to his squad before Monday’s transfer deadline.

Former United coach Ruben Amorim said last month that he expected to bring in someone during the transfer window.

However, the club’s refusal to transfer the £65m it was willing to spend on long-term target Antoine Semenyu – who has opted to join Manchester City from Bournemouth – has been a source of frustration for the Portuguese.

United have been linked with a number of central midfielders, including former Wolves captain Ruben Neves who now plays in Saudi Arabia for Al Hilal.

After Carrick confirmed that left-back Patrick Dorjo would be out for “several weeks” due to injury, there were suggestions that the club might look to cover the Danish international’s absence.

Interim boss Carrick was coy when asked specifically about the club’s stance while speaking at a press conference to preview Sunday’s Premier League clash with Fulham.

But he left the door open to get things done.

“Never say never,” Carrick said. “A lot can happen and situations can come up.

“Sometimes it’s under our control, sometimes it’s not. I’m very calm. We showed what we are capable of as a team.”

Joshua Zirkzee remains the center of attention as it remains to be seen whether he will return to Italy, with Juventus considering a move for the former Bologna striker who cost United £36.5m 18 months ago.

Zirkzee has recovered from a minor injury and is available for the match against Fulham.

“Josh has just been trying to work on his fitness,” Carrick said. “It was great to have him train with the group the first time and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Carrick accepts that the question of Bruno Fernandes’ future is “a little bit on the agenda”, and the United captain is set to evaluate his plans at the end of the season.

However, Carrick said this situation would be addressed “in the future”.