Ruben Amorim’s departure from Manchester United has opened the door for much-needed change at Old Trafford, with Michael Carrick set to take his place on a temporary basis.
The aforementioned appointment certainly had the desired effect on the Premier League, as the 44-year-old won 12 of 17 matches during his tenure.
As a result, the Red Devils secured a spot in the Champions League next season and then had the opportunity to play against Europe’s elite again.
Carrick’s efforts at the Theater of Dreams have been rewarded with a two-year deal, but it will be important that he continues to build on his impressive form if he is to return to the club’s glory days.
There is no doubt that the bosses will be keeping a close eye on potential reinforcements this summer, with the squad needing to strengthen in a number of key areas to give Carrick any chance of success in a permanent role.
£40m superstar wants to join Manchester United this summer
Midfield is one of the areas expected to be strengthened this summer, with Atalanta star Ederson among the players who could join Man United in the coming months.
It is reported that personal terms have already been agreed with the Brazilian, but a transfer fee still needs to be agreed between the two clubs before the transfer can be completed.
The 26-year-old’s signature is tipped for a fee in the region of £35m, but the asking price is not an issue and there is a good chance that a deal could be completed within the next few weeks.
The attacking department is another area that could be strengthened during the off-season, with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao emerging as a transfer target.
According to Football Italia, the Portugal international is keen to join Carrick’s side this summer and is expected to leave Serie A.
Coach Fabrizio Romano also admitted that the player himself wants to leave Milan in the next period, with Fenerbahce and Galatasaray also remaining.
The 26-year-old, who finished the 2025/26 season with 13 goals and assists in all competitions, is being mooted for a transfer fee of nearly £40 million.
Why Bruno Fernandes loves Leo at Manchester United
There is no denying that without the influence of midfielder Bruno Fernandes in recent months, United would not have enjoyed the success this season under Carrick.
The Portuguese international enjoyed arguably the best season of his career, going on to provide 21 assists in the Premier League, the most by a player since the Premier League was founded in 1992.
His five assists in his last seven games for the Red Devils has enabled the 31-year-old to achieve such a feat while maintaining his role as an influential figure at Old Trafford.
Premier League Most Assists (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
player | tally |
Bruno Fernandes | twenty one |
Rayan Cherki | 12 |
Jarrod Bowen | 11 |
erling haaland | 8 |
james garner | 7 |
Dominik Szoboszlai | 7 |
mohamed salah | 7 |
harry wilson | 7 |
Bruno will no doubt be at the center of Carrick’s plans for the 2026-27 season, and he will be hoping the attacking midfielder can repeat that feat next season.
Leo’s move could give him the opportunity to increase his assist numbers from this season, as it could further strengthen the bond the pair have built on the international stage.
The 26-year-old has proven himself to be a top-level player within the final third over the past few seasons, as he has scored in double figures in each of the last five seasons.
There’s no denying that Bruno could break his own record-breaking assist tally if he replicates those numbers when he moves to Old Trafford.
The AC Milan star has also attracted attention for his incredible ball-carrying ability this term, going on to record 1.3 successful dribbles per 90 in Serie A.
Said figure is higher than 91% of other attackers in Italy’s top flight, and Leo has the chance to return the favor to his compatriot in the attacking area.
His record of creating 0.5 big chances per 90 this season proves his own creativity in the final third, which could also take some of the weight off Fernandes’ shoulders.
In today’s market, £40 million is a bargain for a player of Leo’s quality, and it’s great business and could enable United to reach the next level.
His success at the top level has been proven over the years and his direct nature allows him to add a new level of depth to the club’s already excellent attacking department.
The partnership between the forward and Bruno could also be a big factor in success, as the pair have the chance to write their name in the club’s history for the 2026/27 season and beyond forever.
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