Bruno Fernandes has proven to be Manchester United’s most important player. (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United are poised to completely revamp their squad in the summer transfer window. Michael Carrick’s side have qualified for the Champions League, but the head coach will be aware the team needs reinforcements to achieve their ultimate ambitions.
The 44-year-old has penned a two-year deal as United manager after an excellent interim period. After the Premier League season concludes on Sunday, his focus will turn to the transfer market. Signing the midfielder has become the club’s top priority after Casemiro confirmed his intention to leave the club when his contract expires.
The Brazilian captain has played a key role under Carrick and is the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, making it essential to find his successor.
United could also be looking for a left winger to strengthen their attacking options. Bruno Fernandes, on the other hand, had another excellent season, but the club could now start preparing for his eventual departure. Express Sport looks at how United’s attack will shape up after a dream transfer window.
Ederson is inching closer to a move to Old Trafford and could become Carrick’s first signing. United are in talks to sign the Atalanta midfielder, who is in the final year of his contract, for a fee of £38 million.
Express sports on FB! Get all the best sports news and more on our Facebook page
The 26-year-old was an unused substitute in the final Serie A game of the season, but the manager revealed Ederson is on the verge of leaving the club. However, although he would strengthen United’s midfield options, he is not seen as a direct successor to Casemiro.
Rather, the Brazil international will compete with Coby Mainu for a place in the starting XI and also provide backup in the defensive midfield. It is widely reported that United are considering several Premier League talents to fill a Casemiro-shaped hole in Carrick’s side next season.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson would be the ideal player, while also bringing further energy to the heart of midfield. Manchester City are believed to be the frontrunners to sign him, but United will be keen to take on their rivals in a major transfer battle.
Morgan Rodgers will help strengthen United’s squad (Image: Getty Images)
The confirmation of Josep Guardiola’s departure could help United’s prospects as the club faces the end of an era, prompting Anderson to consider alternatives. United’s new midfield partnership will be tasked with supporting and protecting Fernandes.
The captain continues to develop in his eighth Premier League season at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, United cannot continue to rely too heavily on the 31-year-old if they aim to compete in multiple competitions and challenge for the game’s most prestigious honours.
World Cup Legends: The stars of soccer’s biggest tournament in history – buy the special edition now
The high-profile signing of Aston Villa star Morgan Rodgers could address two key weaknesses in United’s attacking play. The forward is an integral part of Unai Emery’s side, but Villa may be looking to use a valuable asset to fund a revamp of their squad. He could command a fee of around £90m.
United are in the market for a new left-winger, with the England international potentially playing wide under Carrick and leapfrogging Matheus Cunha in the process. Furthermore, Rodgers would serve as Fernandes’ natural successor in attacking midfield when the time comes, giving his replacement a great chance of settling down at Old Trafford.
On the other side, the competition for a starting spot will be fierce. Brian Mbeumo and Amad will continue to battle throughout the season, and their rivalry will bring out the best in both players.
Up front Benjamin Sesco is poised to establish himself at the heart of United’s attack after impressing with Carrick. The 22-year-old has already shown his worth under United’s new manager and looks set to have an outstanding season next season.
United’s dream attack: Anderson, Mynu. Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rodgers. Sesco.
