Manchester United have been given a boost for the January transfer window ahead of a pivotal time for under pressure manager Michael Carrick

Manchester United are eyeing a January transfer swoop to bolster Michael Carrick's struggling squad. The Red Devils return to action when they face Tottenham on Saturday.

Carrick knows he needs a win against Roberto De Zerbi's bottom of the table flops to galvanise United's season after a desperately disappointing start to the campaign, which has seen his team pick up just one win in the Premier League against newly-promoted Ipswich and get dumped out of the Carabao Cup at home by Brighton.

United are currently languishing 12th in the table themselves and following the clash with Spurs, there are five additional fixtures across all tournaments, including Champions League journeys to Atletico Madrid and Como. With transfer talk and more, here's all the latest news from Old Trafford.

Gabriel issued caution

Former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley has cautioned JJ Gabriel that he doesn't believe the youngster is prepared for Premier League action.

This follows speculation that limited first-team opportunities are driving the teenager's wish to depart the club, reports the Mirror.

"From the outside, physically I don't think he's ready to be thrown in at the level yet," Bardsley told talkSPORT. "I think from years gone by, you look at players who have physically developed. You have [Wayne] Rooney, for instance, who was ready to go and play at that age.

"Look at the boy at the minute, his abilities are obviously there, he's an outstanding talent and hopefully goes on to be a great player.

"But I think the timing's a bit off, the way things are at the club and the way it came out.

"But I believe it's been orchestrated by agents, parents, and pushing for these things when you're at such a delicate age and you're in a transition into men's football. I think you need to be patient."

Kofane contract talks stall

Manchester United and Arsenal have received a major boost following reports that Christian Kofane has allegedly placed contract discussions on ice.

The Bayer Leverkusen ace was touted for a Premier League switch during the summer window, and now both heavyweights have established contact with the 20-year-old forward's camp.

According to SportBild, this interest has existed for some time. Kofane's existing Leverkusen arrangement expires in 2029, and he has yet to accept enhanced terms that would tie him to the BayArena until 2031.

The Cameroonian remains understood to be receptive to fresh terms, though the proposals don't seem to match his expectations.

The Bundesliga outfit appear prepared to offer him a substantial increase on the wages agreed upon his arrival during Erik ten Hag's short spell, but certain details require finalising, and United or their domestic competitors could still capitalise.

He has 10 goals in 50 outings for the German giants. and is valued at around £60m.