If Manchester United fail to qualify for the Champions League, they will need to borrow money to sign players, but the available limit is only £55 million! Carrick faces a heavy responsibility.

Manchester United was one of the eight clubs that did not spend money in the January transfer window. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's team opted to stay inactive in January and plan for summer moves, which makes sense given Ruben Amorim's £250 million spending spree before the season began without European competition, leaving limited flexibility for transfers. Acting during the season would affect the summer transfer period.

Many believe Manchester United didn't spend in January, but that is incorrect because dismissing Amorim was a significant expense; he and his coaching staff received €12 million in severance pay. Reportedly, the Portuguese coach might release a statement after the season ends to share his story with the club.

In fact, one of Amorim’s final remarks before his dismissal was that the club would not make signings in the winter window, which contributed to his fallout with the management. Now, new manager Carrick must take on the challenge of securing Champions League qualification with the current squad. He has started well, with United currently fourth in the league and 14 Premier League games remaining, placing the Red Devils in a strong position to fight for a Champions League spot.

However, Manchester United must maintain their form. Carrick’s former teammate Solskjær once began his interim tenure with eight straight wins but ultimately missed out on the Champions League. Professional football is fast-changing, and the situation can shift dramatically, especially in this chaotic Premier League season where the outcome remains uncertain.

The Red Devils nearly made signings in the winter window. In early January, the club showed interest in triggering Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo’s £65 million release clause. Unfortunately, by the time Carrick took charge, United had already accepted they would miss out on him.

One reason Semenyo refused Manchester United was that he had been turned down in the summer. At that time, Amorim and sporting director Jason Wilcox dined with the Ghanaian winger before promptly signing Brentford’s Mbeumo instead!

So this time, 26-year-old Semenyo decided to return the favor. His agent negotiated with United’s team and then informed him of a preference to join Manchester City. Carrick was powerless; when asked if plans changed after discussions with Wilcox, Carrick cryptically replied, "You’re all smart people."

By the end of January, Manchester United had another chance to strengthen the squad, this time in midfield. But the outcome was similar. Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that United declined the opportunity to sign Nigerian defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi from Beşiktaş.

Romano explained: "I can confirm that former Leicester City midfielder Ndidi was indeed recommended to Manchester United. It was a low-cost signing opportunity, and the player was very eager to join, but United immediately rejected it and did not pursue further."

The United hierarchy felt that although the cost might be low, it still represented an expense. With only 14 games left, Casemiro and Cody Gakpo were deemed sufficient, so signing Ndidi or another midfielder was unnecessary. Naturally, this involved some risk because it could directly affect their chances of returning to the Champions League.

According to Juejin.com, Manchester United will have funds to spend in the summer window. However, the exact amount depends on multiple factors, the most important being whether they qualify for the Champions League. The over £50 million income from the Champions League would significantly ease financial pressures.

If they miss out, Manchester United will likely have to borrow heavily to make major signings again, tapping into revolving credit facilities—essentially a bank overdraft. Last summer, much of the club’s £215 million spending was funded this way. According to the latest figures, United have borrowed £295 million, with a total credit limit of £350 million, leaving just £55 million borrowing capacity remaining.