Manchester United reportedly rejected an enquiry for one of their current fringe squad members as Michael Carrick contiunes is plight for Champions League football.
Manchester United experienced a notably quiet winter transfer window in 2026, with no major signings or departures involving Michael Carrick’s first-team group.
The club did arrange several loan moves for Academy players on deadline day to help their youngsters gain senior experience, but any significant decisions regarding the men’s senior squad were pushed back to the summer.
A key update in January was confirmation that Casemiro will leave when his contract expires at the end of the season, underscoring the need for United to strengthen their midfield options in the next transfer window.
At the same time, uncertainty over who will be leading the side in the 2026/27 season means the club are still working through and refining their plans for the summer market.
United rejected post-deadline approach for Bayındır
The Premier League winter window closed on Monday, 2 February, but others, such as the Turkish Super Lig, did not close until Friday, 6 February.
According to TeamTalk, Turkish giants Besiktas stepped up a ‘frantic search’ to secure a goalkeeper before the January deadline, with one of the names on their list being Altay Bayındır.
The United shot-stopper, who former boss Rúben Amorim once hailed as “unbelievable,” started United’s first six Premier League fixtures of the season, but once 23-year-old Senne Lammens made his debut, the Turkish international has not had a stitch of the pitch.
According to the report, the Istanbul club enquired about the 27-year-old on their Friday deadline day, but United made it clear that they were not in a position to lose Bayındır.
If the Turk had left, it would have meant 39-year-old Tom Heaton would have been the back-up option to Lammens, with highly-rated youth goalkeeper Radek Vitek still on loan at Bristol City. Although Bayındır is unlikely to be used by Carrick, he is still needed as a backup option.
Bayındır one of seven possible departures
While Casemiro is the only player currently confirmed to be leaving the club this summer, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho, both of whom are out of contract at the end of the season, are expected to leave once their deals at United expire.
At the same time, Bayındır is also expected to depart in the summer. It has been reported previously that the Turkish internationals are looking to return to their home countries this summer.
Manuel Ugarte is another name who is likely to leave in the summer. According to multiple reports, United are keen to upgrade on the Uruguayan amid his poor form, and are looking to bring in at least two midfielders.
Heaton is currently expected to retire once his contract expires at the end of the season, while Harry Maguire is yet to be offered a new contract.
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