Manchester United round-up as Michael Carrick prepares for a crucial summer
Casemiro needs replacing this summer(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Having secured their return to the Champions League, Manchester United are edging closer to confirming Michael Carrick as their next permanent manager. The 44-year-old has exceeded the expectations of many since stepping in for the remainder of the season in January, following the turbulent and bitter conclusion to Ruben Amorim’s troubled tenure.
United have considered alternative options, but Carrick has long been regarded as the frontrunner for the role and has received backing from several members of the squad, ex-players and Sir Alex Ferguson. The former Middlesbrough manager has led a marked improvement in mood and results, with Champions League qualification secured with three matches to spare.
With two Premier League fixtures remaining – a home clash against Nottingham Forest on Sunday and a trip to Brighton – United are also on course to wrap up a solid third-place finish ahead of Liverpool and Aston Villa.
It promises to be an eventful summer at Old Trafford, with both incomings and outgoings anticipated as Carrick sets about putting his own mark on the squad. Here’s a round-up of the latest United news…
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Contract caution
Mikael Silvestre has urged United to avoid the mistakes of the past by not giving Carrick a long-term contract. The former Old Trafford defender is in favour of Carrick getting the job full-time but believes she should be given no more than a two-year deal.
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The Frenchman is mindful of the compensation the club has to pay out to a succession of sacked bosses. Silvestre told Betpack: “It doesn’t make sense to give long contracts to managers because they stay 15 months to two years most of the time. You had Pep [Guardiola], had [Jurgen] Klopp, [Mikel] Arteta [who stay at clubs long term] but other than that, there is a big turnover.
“You should start with a short contract, not a long one, and then see how it goes because there is so much fragility. You even have transfers of coaches now.
“Ruben Amorim was under contract at Sporting, so a contract doesn’t really mean a lot. It’s expensive when you have to sack. Ruben was expensive. Erik ten Hag’s contract and then you let him go, so it’s better to start with the smaller one and then increase it if everything goes well.”
Michael Carrick looks set to be appointed permanently(Image: Getty Images)
Cut-price Casemiro replacement
United have been quoted upwards of £100m for some of their summer midfield targets. However, one quality middleman, who could fill the void left by the departing Casemiro, is likely to be available for less than half that amount,
United are reportedly determined to secure a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who could be made available by the Italian club for around £43million this summer. Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi is expecting interest in the 26-year-old.
United are said to be keen on Ederson(Image: Mondadori Portfolio, Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)
Per Tutto Mercato, he said: “I think it’s unlikely that teams will make a move before the end of the season. Interest in our players is normal, but we’ll evaluate them at the right time with great serenity and calm.”
The Serie A side are open to selling with a view to reinvesting and injecting some youth into their ageing midfield.
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