Manchester United’s rise to prominence under Michael Carrick in recent months has been nothing short of astonishing, but next season will be the one in which the 44-year-old will be judged the most.
He has signed a two-year deal at Old Trafford after an impressive temporary spell and will hope he can lead the Red Devils to Premier League glory once again.
Carrick will take charge of the club’s return to the Champions League, but the real focus will be on the club’s place in England’s top flight.
Despite his immediate influence at the Theater of Dreams, the new boss will undoubtedly need reinforcements to aid his quest for success over the summer period.
A number of players have already been named to the shortlist, with a number of potential additions likely to be added when the tournament opens next Monday.
Man United to make offer to sign Premier League star this summer
Various areas of Manchester United’s senior ranks are set to strengthen over the summer, but none more so than their central midfield department.
Ederson has already reached a full agreement to move to Old Trafford, but West Ham United star Matheus Fernandes has emerged as another transfer target.
It has been reported in recent days that the Red Devils are already in talks with the player’s agent, but the £85 million asking price could be a sticking point.
Other areas of the pitch are also currently being considered, with Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero also potentially joining Carrick’s team.
United are said to be very keen on signing the Argentine defender and are preparing to make an offer, according to journalist Gaston Eddur.
It is also reported that Roberto De Zerbi’s side could demand up to £70m to sell the 28-year-old, who played in 23 league games last season.
The player has said he wants to leave the north London side this term, but it is unclear whether he will accept a move to Manchester amid growing interest from Italy and Spain.
Why Romero will be the next United captain after Fernandes
With United struggling in the Premier League in recent seasons, there have been calls for a leader to step into the bat, and Bruno Fernandes has done just that on a number of occasions.
The Portugal international has been wearing the armband in recent months and his performances on the pitch have certainly highlighted how he leads by example.
This season he has provided a division-breaking 21 assists in the Premier League and has undoubtedly played a huge role in the club’s bid to qualify for the Champions League.
Manchester United – PL 25/26 assists | |
|---|---|
player | assist |
Bruno Fernandes | twenty one |
patrick dorug | 4 |
Amad Diallo | 3 |
Diogo Dalot | 3 |
Brian Mbeumo | 3 |
Casemiro | 2 |
Matheus Cunha | 2 |
harry maguire | 2 |
Coby Mainu | 2 |
The 31-year-old has certainly developed into one of the Red Devils’ greatest attacking talents in history, but it remains to be seen how long he will remain at Old Trafford.
He was the subject of an eye-watering £200m offer from Saudi Arabia last summer and the club need to find a long-term solution to the current situation.
Bruno’s role as captain would leave room for another player at Old Trafford if he were to leave, but Romero would be a perfect fit for the role if he completes his own transfer.
The Argentine has worn the armband for Spurs in recent years, but has often been questioned due to his reckless style of play and poor discipline in the Premier League.
But United fans need only think back to the days of Roy Keane. The Irishman was undoubtedly a top-level talent and leader, but he was often involved in strange hot-tempered situations.
Romero’s statistics in his recent campaign in north London highlight his talent, and fans will have to keep an eye on his recent disciplinary record.
The centre-back was able to win an astonishing 7.5 out of 90 ground games this season, and has since ranked in the top 1% of all players in the Premier League.
These stats, along with his 2.8 tackles and 3.5 aerial duels won in 90 games, demonstrate his incredible defensive ability, something Carrick is definitely coveting.
Spending £70m on Romero is a huge investment for INEOS this summer, but it’s a deal that could give the team the talent they need in the backline.
His leadership qualities will prove crucial in the Red Devils’ pursuit of success, while also providing the necessary options to take up the armband should Bruno leave.
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