Manchester United round-up ahead of a potential summer of upheaval at Old Trafford
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to see major overhaul at Old Trafford this summer(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
As Manchester United push for a Champions League berth, long-term strategies are being devised at Old Trafford.
The foremost priority remains securing a permanent manager, with Michael Carrick having impressed during his tenure as interim boss. Nevertheless, there is also a compelling argument for United to recruit an established elite-level manager.
The squad, while showing improvement from this point last season, requires further strengthening, with the midfield identified as a key area of focus. United will additionally seek to offload players with no future at the club, irrespective of who takes the managerial reins.
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On the pitch, following their triumph at Chelsea, United are preparing to face Brentford on Monday night. Here’s a round-up of the latest news from the club…
United exodus
The number of United departures could reach 13 this summer as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS prepare for a sweeping overhaul. Several prominent names are heading for the exit door, including Casemiro, who will leave when his contract expires.
United are also eager to part ways with Marcus Rashford, who commands £300,000 per week in wages. Barcelona retain the option to sign Rashford permanently for £26million, though reports indicate their appetite for completing the transfer has cooled.
Casemiro could be followed out the door by a host of other players(Image: James Gill – Danehouse, Getty Images)
Other players currently on loan, including Rasmus Hojlund, Jadon Sancho and Andre Onana, are expected to cut their ties with United. The potential departures don’t stop there, with Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, Tyrell Malacia and goalkeepers Radek Vitek and Altay Bayindir possibly seeking moves elsewhere. Several academy graduates could also leave, including Tyler Fredricson, Toby Collyer and Dan Gore.
Carrick supported
Teddy Sheringham would be dismayed if Carrick isn’t appointed to the role permanently this summer. The interim head coach has salvaged the situation following Ruben Amorim’s tenure, steering United to the verge of Champions League qualification.
Sheringham, a member of the 1999 Treble-winning side, told talkSPORT: “It just shows you what can be done if you’ve got the right approach. If you get on the right wavelength with players, things turn around very, very quickly.
Michael Carrick’s future is uncertain(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
“He’s had that reaction from him and they’ve gone on from there. I’d be very disappointed in Man United if they didn’t give Michael Carrick the job. I think he’s been fantastic since he’s gone in there.”
While United’s hierarchy have been left impressed by Carrick’s efforts, no definitive decision will be reached until the campaign concludes, with Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann emerging as a potential target.
Antony’s joy
Antony has described his exit from United as the best decision of his life as he flourishes at his current club. The 26-year-old was in the so-called ‘bomb squad’ at United.
Last summer, he completed a permanent switch to Real Betis, where he’d enjoyed a productive loan during the latter half of last season. Although United absorbed a substantial financial loss on a player they acquired from Ajax for approximately £80million, his exit was regarded as beneficial for all concerned.
Antony is loving life in Spain(Image: Getty Images)
The Brazilian is capitalising on his new beginning, as evidenced by this season’s performances, having contributed 13 goals and nine assists. Antony told ESPN Brazil: “It was one of the best decisions of my life to stay at Betis.
“I am very happy. My family weighed heavily in the decision. Seeing them happy is important. It makes things lighter on the pitch when the family is well.”
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.