A lot can change in nine months in professional football, and Manchester United are a prime example of how quickly things can change on the pitch.
August’s Carabao Cup defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town was undoubtedly a low point for Ruben Amorim and marked the beginning of the end of his time as manager at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick’s temporary appointment has brought a feel-good factor back to Manchester, but few would have expected him to have such an incredible impact in the role.
The 44-year-old led the Red Devils to a third-place finish in 2025/26 after losing just two of their 17 Premier League games.
He then made an immediate impact and earned a permanent two-year contract, but Carrick could demand a large permanent deal to reach the next level.
Manchester United open contract talks for £52m attacker this summer
Even though the main area of improvement this summer has been in the midfield department, INEOS have started work to achieve multiple attacking objectives.
Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has emerged as one of the transfer targets, with the Serbian set to leave the Italian giants on a free transfer this summer.
The Red Devils are not the only players currently in the market for a centre-forward, with Newcastle United also said to be interested in signing him during this period.
Blachowicz is not the only attacker currently being targeted by Carrick and his ranks, with Porto winger William Gomez also being targeted for the summer.
According to Globo Esporte via Sport Witness, United have already been in contact with the player’s agent about a possible move.
The report also states that current Premier League champions Arsenal have also been in touch to clarify a move to secure the 20-year-old.
A transfer fee of around 60 million euros (about £52 million) has been mooted for the Brazilian, but it is unclear how much Carrick’s side would be prepared to pay to secure his contract.
Why Gomez is an upgrade over Mbeumo for United
United have been no strangers to big spending in the transfer market in recent seasons, as evidenced by their £250m spending in last summer’s transfer window.
Winger Brian Mbeumo arrived from Brentford for a reported £71 million, no doubt with the hope of contributing in the final third for the Red Devils.
The Cameroonian had a successful debut season in Manchester, scoring 11 goals in the Premier League and finishing the season jointly with Benjamin Sesco at the top of the scoring list.
The 26-year-old is often used in a variety of roles, including offside on the right or as a central striker, but it is unclear how much of a starting role he will play in 2026/27.
Manchester United’s 2025/26 PL top scorer | |
|---|---|
player | the goal |
1) Brian Mbeumo | 11 |
2) Benjamin Sesco | 11 |
3) Mateus Cunha | 10 |
4) Bruno Fernandes | 9 |
5) Casemiro | 9 |
6) Patrick Dorg | 4 |
The signing of Gomez this summer means yet another right-winger will join Old Trafford, which could mean Mbeumo’s minutes will be reduced in the coming months.
Carrick’s squad definitely needs strength in depth and the Brazilian could make the move and establish himself as a regular starter under the 44-year-old.
His stats in recent campaigns in Portugal highlight his quality in attacking areas, many of which exceed those produced by Mbeumo at Old Trafford.
Described by one Brazilian journalist as a “world-class” talent, Gomez has scored more goals (13) than the Cameroonian in all competitions this season.
The aforementioned stats show his clinical nature in front of goal, which could give Carrick more of the attacking threat he is looking for in this period.
The Porto star’s 1.7 successful dribbles per 90 is also better than Mbeumo, perhaps making him a better ball carrier in the forward areas of the pitch.
His goal-scoring ability proves his talent for adding to the end result to his incredible runs, but his chance-making is also far above the level of United’s current stars.
Throughout the 2025/26 season, Gomez managed to create more big chances per 90, and his score of 0.46 placed him in the top 12% of all attackers in Europe this term.
The step up from La Liga to the Premier League may be difficult, but the Porto star has consistently proven his quality in the forward areas.
Mbemo may have to get used to reduced minutes in his preferred right-wing role, as his skillset is perfect for United’s current squad and he could join this summer.
Cunha’s stunning repeat: Manchester United likely to sign £80m star
With the signing of Ederson already confirmed, Manchester United have now shifted their focus to their next signing, Matheus Cunha.
