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Manchester United have held internal talks about multiple midfielders this month, but remain focused on doing major work to their squad in the summer instead, after drawing up a shortlist comprising at least seven players. The Red Devils have discussed utilising the January transfer window to provide Michael Carrick with extra tools in his bid to secure Champions League qualification.

Yet United are planning 'major surgery' this summer, according to Mail Sport, which they are concentrating their focus and finances on. Everton midfielder James Garner, a product of the United youth academy who made seven first-team appearances at Old Trafford, was one player discussed by INEOS and the recruitment staff before he recently signed a new contract with the Toffees. That means he is off the agenda. But other January options have also been considered, including Wolves' Joao Gomes and Bournemouth's Tyler Adams. Two former Premier League midfielders - Wilfred Ndidi, who used to play for Leicester City and is now at Besiktas, and also Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, who previously captained Wolves - have also been talked about.

But while United clearly like those four players, they have three higher-profile names on their shortlist for the summer. Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson is a dream target while Carlos Baleba from Brighton is another United really like. Crystal Palace pass-master Adam Wharton is the third primary target.

That means any last-minute January deals are unlikely with United instead looking to make early progress to sign at least one of that trio. The Premier League giants last week confirmed that Casemiro will leave upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the season.

On top of that, there are concerns about captain Bruno Fernandes' future while Manuel Ugarte could be moved on. There is hope Kobbie Mainoo will be convinced to sign a new contract at Old Trafford, though, having been reinstated to the starting line-up under Carrick.

ESPN reported earlier in the month that Carrick was told he would have to work with the squad he's got and that short-term signings are not on the agenda. The 44-year-old former midfielder has certainly made a strong start, with two wins from two against Manchester City and Arsenal.

And his former team-mate Gary Neville says he's been "absolutely blown away" by the team's performances and now expects them to qualify for next season's Champions League. He told Sky Sports: "The magic seems to have returned to the club momentarily, the feeling of how to play with the aggression, with the risk, with the great goals, with the attacking of speed, the counter-attack. It feels right.

"I think one thing that this last week has told us, no matter where it leads to, is that is the way Manchester United have to play, because it's just felt right watching them. Now that might not lead to Champions League football this season, it might be that they go and get beat by Fulham next week.

"Who knows what's going to happen? I don't think they will by the way, I think they'll finish in the Champions League [places] now. I genuinely believe there is a feeling that they are better than what they've shown.

"And they've proved it in these last two games, they have really proved that they can get compact, they can stay together, be aggressive in their shape, can spring out of that shape and play good football and counter-attack and hurt teams, and they can score great goals and get bodies in the box. It's been thrilling to watch these last two matches, it really has, and it's a remarkable turnaround."