Alan Shearer
January 2026
Shearer argues Amorim’s refusal to move away from a back-three system contributed to failure, with Carrick’s immediate switch to a 4-2-3-1 framed as proof the squad fits a different setup. The criticism focuses on tactical rigidity and lack of adaptation, contrasting it with Carrick’s rapid results and more conventional structure.
Patrick Dorgu
January 2026
Dorgu is reported to have a significant hamstring injury and could miss roughly 10 weeks, a major blow after scoring against Arsenal and thriving under Carrick. Carrick initially suggested it might be cramp, but follow-up checks indicate muscular damage. The report emphasizes his role change from wing-back to left-winger in a 4-2-3-1 and his direct impact in wins over City and Arsenal.
Bruno Fernandes
January 2026
Reports say Fernandes wants around £400,000 per week to stay and will delay committing until United confirm the next permanent manager, with his frustration aimed at club operations and instability. The claim is United may need to break their wage structure, and Casemiro’s departure is framed as a potential budget release. Other clubs are positioned to move if Fernandes signals he is open to leaving.
Cole Palmer
January 2026
Reports claim Palmer is homesick in London and would be open to joining Manchester United in the summer, but Chelsea view him as untouchable and Rosenior insists he is happy at the club. The report frames the interest around Palmer wanting a return to Manchester, while his season has been disrupted by a groin issue and he was omitted from the matchday squad versus Palace. Chelsea still have strong leverage due to his output since 2023.
Mohamed Salah
January 2026
Salah’s latest league start ended in defeat, leaving him on the losing side in seven of his last eight Premier League starts, matching a negative Liverpool record previously associated with Kuyt. Salah returned from the Africa Cup of Nations and started immediately, but Liverpool lost again as their domestic form continued to slide, worsening pressure on Slot’s title defence.
Bukayo Saka
January 2026
KSI said Saka is Arsenal’s most important player and argued Gyokeres still improves the team despite modest scoring numbers since his move. He claimed Gyokeres functions as a “magnet” that draws defenders and creates space for Saka, Trossard, and Odegaard, so Arsenal look better with him on the pitch.
Matheus Cunha
January 2026
Cunha may be at risk of retrospective discipline after appearing to shout explicit language directly into a TV camera following his winning goal. Reports say the language was clearly heard on broadcast and commentators issued an apology for bad language. FA rules allow action for abusive or insulting language or gestures, including retroactive punishment when incidents are caught on camera.
Patrick Vieira
January 2026
Vieira said Arsenal showed questionable mental strength and lacked leaders in a damaging 3-2 home loss to Manchester United, also criticising Saka and Trossard for not creating enough danger. Arsenal’s January league form included a win over Bournemouth then draws with Liverpool and Nottingham Forest before losing to United. Vieira said the team needs someone to lift spirit, increase energy, and take more risks to match their quality.
Harry Maguire
January 2026
Maguire praised Carrick for bringing fresh energy after United followed up a 2-0 derby win over Manchester City with a 3-2 victory over Arsenal, giving Carrick six points from six. United’s goals came from Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu, and a late winner by Cunha. Arsenal suffered their first home league defeat of the season and their lead at the top was cut to four points. Carrick said the group is still building and needs to add layers in coming weeks.
Ricardo Pepi
January 2026
Fulham have reportedly submitted a new $38 million bid for Pepi after a previous $35 million offer was rejected, with PSV still indicating they want to keep the striker despite Pepi recently suffering an arm injury. Pepi has been tracked by Premier League clubs for some time. A prior $20.7 million bid last season collapsed after a knee injury ended hopes of a January 2025 move. PSV have so far resisted selling.
