Manchester United’s main priority this summer is undoubtedly strengthening their midfield, but INEOS must approach the summer transfer window with an open mind.
A return to the Champions League next season will be a new challenge for Michael Carrick, which will run parallel to his quest for success in the Premier League.
However, the return to Europe in 2026/27 will place an additional burden on Old Trafford’s senior team, highlighting the need for further reinforcements.
More than £200 million was invested in the attacking department last summer, but the Red Devils need key depth to be competitive in all aspects throughout next term.
As a result, INEOS will also need to focus on acquiring positive new signings who can compete for a starting role and provide the necessary strength in depth.
Manchester United make call to sign £50m attacker this summer
With academy graduate Marcus Rashford expected to leave United this summer, the need for attacking depth at Old Trafford has never been greater.
AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has already been named as one of the transfer targets, with the Portugal international saying he would like to move to the Premier League.
Arsenal are also said to be interested in signing the 26-year-old, who could be available for as little as £40m over the course of his tenure.
However, the Red Devils are currently exploring other attacking options, with West Ham United winger Crisencio Somerville a major player to consider.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed interest in the £50m Dutch winger in recent days, and also addressed the rumors in one of his latest transfer livestreams.
He said this on Sunday night. “A player like Somerville can’t play in the second division. It’s a matter of when Somerville will leave West Ham in the summer transfer window.”
“Man United have already called his agent to make sure he understands the situation and he is on their list. There are other clubs in the Premier League who are also interested and PSG are among them.”
Why Fernandes likes United’s Somerville
West Ham star Matheus Fernandes has quickly emerged as the club’s number one option this summer as part of United’s search for a new central midfielder.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson was once seen as a top target for the Red Devils, but interest in signing the 23-year-old has cooled with his current transfer valuation at £120m.
As a result, the Portugal international has become one of Carrick’s transfer targets, with Tottenham Hotspur also said to be currently monitoring the 21-year-old.
Matheus Fernandes – PL statistics (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (per 90 people) | tally |
games played | 34 |
goals and assists | 6 |
Pass accuracy | 87% |
Dribbling completed | 60% |
The tackle I made | 3.1 |
won a duel | 5.9 |
Number of balls collected | 5.4 |
Number of intercepts | 1.1 |
The player himself is said to be interested in a move to Old Trafford within this period, but the transfer fee could reach around £85 million, making him one of the club’s most expensive signings.
However, INEOS will be signing a star player with a proven track record in the Premier League, and a player who can be the backbone of the Red Devils’ midfield for at least the next decade.
Fernandes’ move could also rekindle his partnership with Somerville at Old Trafford, after they played together last season despite West Ham’s relegation.
The aforementioned pair netted a combined two goals for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side last season, and their move will ensure a smooth transition to life in Manchester.
Somerville himself showed serious quality despite his club finishing bottom of the table, going on to score five goals and provide two assists in England’s top flight.
The Dutchman has continued his impressive form into the ongoing World Cup in the United States, as evidenced by his two goals and one assist in just 115 minutes.
The winger, dubbed “sensational” by former coach Andrew Taylor, also achieved a 67% dribble success rate during such appearances, a figure higher than 80% of players in the competition.
His quality in the forward area is further underlined by his 1.6 shots on target per 90, and Fernandes could once again feature alongside the forwards and break his own assist tally.
Spending £50m on Somerville during this period may be seen as a risk by many United fans, but his talent at this World Cup proves his ability to deliver on the biggest stage.
United’s return to the Champions League next season increases the need for top-level talent to join the club, and a move for the Dutchman would certainly provide Carrick with the necessary player qualities.
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