Manchester United news as Michael Carrick receives conditional backing and one of his players solves a problem
It remains to be seen whether Michael Carrick will be kept on after the summer(Image: Getty)
As Manchester United look to secure a place in the Champions League, long-term plans are being discussed at Old Trafford. The foremost priority is the appointment of a permanent manager, with Michael Carrick in contention following an encouraging stint as interim boss.
However, there are genuine calls for United to pursue a seasoned top-flight manager. The squad, though more capable than this point last season, still requires reinforcement, with the midfield identified as a key area for improvement.
It might be easier to list the central midfielders who haven’t been linked with Old Trafford. Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni is the latest name to be touted as a potential signing. On the pitch, following last weekend’s victory at Chelsea, United are readying themselves to welcome Brentford. Here’s a round-up of the latest news from Old Trafford…
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Carrick backed on one condition
Alan Shearer has urged United to hand Carrick a permanent contract, albeit on a short-term basis. The Newcastle legend has argued that United’s pattern of hiring and sacking managers reflects poorly on the club’s hierarchy, which has been forced to pay off numerous managers since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Appearing on The Rest is Football show alongside Gary Lineker, Shearer called for a fresh approach, saying: “I think that’s such a poor look.” He added: “Under Michael, [they] have definitely improved and it looks as if they’re going to qualify for Champions League. I guess if they do, I’d be for giving him the job.
“Not on a long term basis and they’ll make mistakes as they’ve done last time, but maybe even give him a one-year deal with different incentives in it if he hits different targets.”
Alan Shearer would give Carrick the job, but only on a short-term contract(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Carrick told ‘no’
Matheus Cunha has revealed how he provided the answer to a problem position. The Brazilian primarily featured centrally during his spell at Wolves but is convinced he can prove equally effective in wider areas.
When Carrick suggested United were short of genuine wingers early in his interim tenure, Cunha seized the initiative, demonstrating confidence in his ability and eagerness to contribute to the side. He told TNT Sports: “I know I have these skills to dribble and this is amazing because I spoke to Michael when he arrived.
Matheus Cunha told Carrick he was the answer to a positional problem(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
“He said, ‘Hey, we need one winger, maybe we’ll put Patrick [Dorgu] there because he’s on the left.’ I said to him, ‘No, you can put me there and I will do the things.’
“Now, when there’s training, I dribble more, I have more winger qualities. To get the ball, go one against one, everything like that.
“I played more in the middle at Wolves. To show this kind of skill, I feel like I can adapt well in different positions.”
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