Michael Carrick urges Manchester United to plan carefully for January transfer window

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick says the club must prepare thoroughly for the upcoming winter transfer window in order to make the most of the opportunity available to strengthen his squad.

The need for further recruitment has become a subject of debate after defender Lisandro Martinez questioned whether United had done enough to improve the team during the summer. Those comments came amid an inconsistent start to the season for the Red Devils.

Speaking to English broadcaster Sky Sports, Carrick said the club would approach the next transfer period with careful planning.

“When the next transfer window arrives, we need to plan well to get the maximum benefit from it,” he said.

Carrick acknowledged that it was too early to know exactly how circumstances would develop by the time the window opens, but said United would assess the situation closely.

“We do not know precisely what things will look like at that stage, but there is certainly an opportunity because the transfer window will be open,” he added.

“So we will give it a great deal of attention and try to come out of that period in a stronger position, whatever way that is achieved.”

Manchester United spent £163m during the summer transfer window, bringing in Yuri Tielemans, Andre Santos and Carlos Baleba.

Reports have since suggested that the club need to recruit a left-back and a defender to strengthen their options for the second half of the season.

Carrick’s side are preparing for a much-anticipated meeting with Leeds United in the seventh round of the Premier League.

United currently sit 13th in the table with six points from six matches. Their record so far consists of one victory, three draws and two defeats.