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The January transfer window is poised to shut on Monday evening, and Manchester United remain linked with a flurry of 11th-hour deals. Interim boss Michael Carrick is yet to secure any new arrivals this month, though several potential transactions are being mooted. Thus far, all the movement at Old Trafford has centred on exits.

Nevertheless, with the side beginning to flourish under Carrick's stewardship, this could prove the ideal moment to strengthen the squad and build on this upward trajectory. Earlier this month, it emerged that Casemiro would be departing the club at the end of the campaign.

Whilst this exit won't materialise until the summer, it may be prudent to begin preparations now. Several players are thought to be under consideration to plug this void, both in the immediate and longer term.

Here, Express Sport examines all this and more as United's final chance to conduct business this season rapidly approaches its deadline.

Five youth exits

As previously noted, this month has predominantly witnessed departures from United. Five in total, with a cohort of talented youngsters moving on, either permanently or on temporary deals.

Most recently, defender Rhys Bennett has departed for Fleetwood Town, whilst striker Joe Hugill has also made a permanent exit after signing with Kilmarnock. Earlier in January, Sam Mather concluded his lengthy tenure at the club and was permitted to terminate his contract, joining Turkish outfit Kayserispor on a free transfer.

Regarding temporary departures, Toby Collyer has been loaned out again and joined Hull City after his brief stint at West Brom was cut short. This follows left-back Harry Amass' earlier departure this month to Norwich City on loan, with several more similar arrangements potentially in the pipeline today.

Casado speculation

Considering how deep we are into the January transfer window, most prospective deals will carry some element of uncertainty. However, United remain amongst that exclusive group of clubs that cannot be ruled out of pulling off something remarkable before the deadline.

A pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado would epitomise precisely that. The 22-year-old defensive midfielder has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford this month and is reportedly also drawing interest from Spanish rivals Atletico Madrid.

Casado has previously been praised as one of the most impressive talents to emerge from La Masia in recent years. But whilst he's been a regular fixture in Hansi Flick's midfield setup this season, he potentially lacks the guaranteed starting berth he desires at the Camp Nou.

With Casemiro poised to leave, United are about to lose their most dependable presence in the heart of midfield. Casado, still at the beginning of his career, would be a marked departure from the Brazilian, but his signing could free up substantial funds from the wage bill to strengthen elsewhere in the squad.

Casado's Barcelona contract runs until summer 2028 and reports indicate his deal contains a release clause thought to be in the region of £87m. A late transfer would still come at considerable expense as Barcelona are unlikely to sanction any departure without first securing a replacement, though Marcus Rashford could potentially smooth negotiations if he joins them permanently.

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Neves opportunity

The chance to land another prospective target for the midfield void, former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, appears to be slipping away.

The Portuguese international has been touted for a Premier League comeback this month following several campaigns in Saudi Arabia, and United require someone of his quality.

Newcastle had emerged as a possible alternative landing spot for the midfielder amid claims that Neves was preparing to exit Al-Hilal. However, it now appears increasingly probable that he will pen fresh terms in Saudi Arabia.

Neves could have proved the perfect midfield addition for Carrick, whether this month or during the summer window.

Approaching his 29th birthday, he ticks the right boxes age-wise, boasts considerable Premier League experience and matches the blueprint United seek in a holding midfielder.

The opportunity hasn't entirely vanished, and United may yet table an offer attractive enough to persuade both him and Al-Hilal to strike a deal. Nevertheless, it appears one of the club's finest prospects in the January market has largely passed them by.