Carlo Ancelotti may have just given Manchester United a transfer boost, with the Real Madrid manager guaranteeing that no new centre-half will be brought in during the January transfer window.

Many of the defenders apparently on Manchester United’s radar have recently been prominently connected with Real Madrid. Consider Giorgio Scalvini, Antonio Silva of Benfica, and, in particular, Goncalo Inacio of Sporting Lisbon.

So when David Alaba tore his ACL, joining Eder Militao on the sidelines, it appeared as if Manchester United’s January had just gotten a whole lot tougher.

The statements made by Ancelotti just two days into the transfer window may have been music to Man United’s ears, with the veteran manager admitting that neither Inacio, Scalvini, or Silva are currently being considered by the Spanish giants.

Real Madrid clears the way for Goncalo Inacio to join Manchester United

“At the moment, we are not considering signing a centre-back (despite the fact) that we are missing two important centre-backs,” Ancelotti tells The Athletic.

“We have two others in whom we have great faith.” In an emergency, (Aurelien) Tchouameni and Dani Carvajal can perform admirably.

“I repeat; yes, we are not going to sign (a centre-back).”

Inacio has been connected with the most frequent mid-season exit of the three, with Fabrizio Romano telling GiveMeSport that United have repeatedly sent scouts to watch the Portugal international in action.

United’s January spending was constrained

The presence of a £52 million release clause in his Sporting Lisbon contract means that Man United could potentially complete a deal without having to prepare for weeks of tough negotiating, though the FFP-restricted Red Devils will likely have to raise funds first before considering investing such a sum in a centre-half this month.

Donny van de Beek has already left, although on a loan basis. Jadon Sancho might return to Borussia Dortmund, but on a similar terms. Former Real Madrid teammates Casemiro and Raphael Varane may be United’s greatest hope for immediate riches, with both players seeking interest from Saudi Arabia.

Varane has made no significant moves

After Ancelotti’s words, it should go without saying that if Manchester United does sell Raphael Varane, it will not be to his previous club Real Madrid.

Varane’s prospective return to Real Madrid was speculated on ESPN, with the defender unlikely to sign a contract extension with Manchester United. However, it will not happen during current transfer window.