Michael Carrick hopes Coby Mainu can get some support. (Image: Getty)
Michael Carrick could have a formidable midfield at his disposal next season if Manchester United can secure their main target. Strengthening the center of the pitch remains a key priority ahead of Carrick’s first full season in charge. Casemiro will leave the club when his contract expires, but Manuel Ugarte, who has had a disappointing time at Old Trafford, may also be shown the door.
A number of central midfielders have been linked with a move to United. Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchoameny has been touted, with Elliot Anderson also wanted, but the Nottingham Forest midfielder is reportedly leaning towards a move to Manchester City. His asking price of at least £100m may also have prompted the club to cast their net elsewhere.
United are already close to signing Atalanta’s first midfielder Ederson this summer for a fee of around £38 million. However, the momentum of acquiring midfield talent is unlikely to stop.
United are rumored to be interested in signing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle and Matheus Fernandes from West Ham. The former would be a big-ticket option worth around £87m and would keep the Italian at the Magpies until 2030.
Fernandes, who United were targeting last summer, is certain to be available after the Hammers fell to the Championship. The 21-year-old could be available for around £60 million and appears to be an ideal target given his age, reputation and existing rapport with international team-mate Bruno.
Express sports on FB! Get all the best sports news and more on our Facebook page
If Tonali and Fernandes follow Ederson and Koby Mainu reinvents himself and sets new terms, Carrick will have plenty of quality midfield options.
Carrick usually favors a 4-2-3-1 system with two deep midfielders behind Bruno Fernandes, meaning he cannot squeeze Ederson, Mainu, Tonali and Fernandes into the same starting XI. Still, given the rigors of restarting the Premier League and Champions League, depth in the squad could prove essential.
Ederson will join from Atalanta. (Image: Getty Images)
The combination from this quartet would be the envy of most clubs. Fernandes could also serve as a No. 10 backup to namesake Bruno, paving the way for Mason Mount to leave the club along with Ugarte after another injury-plagued season for the former England international.
It is shaping up to be a busy summer for United, whose financial position has been strengthened by their resurgence under Carrick in the second half of last season.
United Airlines recently released its financial results for the nine months to March 31, revealing an operating profit of £37.7 million, compared to a loss of £3.2 million in the same period last year. This was despite paying £16.7m in compensation following the sacking of manager Ruben Amorim.
World Cup Legends: The stars of soccer’s biggest tournament in history – buy the special edition now
United CEO Omar Berrada said: “We are very positive about the club’s progress this season and the continued positive impact of our business transformation initiatives.
“Finishing third in the Premier League and qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League is evidence of the men’s team’s improved form on the pitch. Michael Carrick has done an excellent job in the 17 games he has managed and we are delighted that he will continue as head coach.”
That confidence in Carrick is expected to be strengthened by significant investment in the transfer market, particularly in pursuit of new midfield reinforcements.
Our community members may receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our privacy policy
