Manchester United are determined to back Michael Carrick in the transfer market despite their recent struggles, with the Red Devils now reportedly eyeing a major move to strengthen their attacking options.
Man Utd prepare for Leeds as pressure mounts
Carrick has come under increasing pressure following a run of five matches without a win in all competitions, with United’s recent defeat to Atletico Madrid only adding to the scrutiny surrounding his position.
The fallout from that game has also created further problems for the manager, with Lisandro Martinez publicly questioning the team’s performances, while uncertainty surrounding the future of highly-rated youngster JJ Gabriel has provided another unwanted distraction.
Carrick himself has acknowledged that results must improve ahead of Sunday’s tricky trip to Leeds, although he insists the focus should remain on the club rather than his own future.
“I don’t need results. We all need results. It’s not about me.
“Manchester United is bigger than an individual, so please, I don’t go into every day thinking about me.
“It’s not about any individual player; it’s about this football club and its history.”
Man Utd still backing Michael Carrick despite sack rumours
A number of high-profile managers have emerged as potential replacements for Carrick, including Antonio Conte, Fabian Hurzeler, Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann, but Manchester United are not currently planning a change in the dugout.
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Hurzeler has an admirer within the club’s hierarchy, while Conte’s willingness to take a job midway through the season has also been discussed internally, but United are not actively pursuing any of those options.
“Manchester United, as of today, are not negotiating with any other coach in general because Man United are still backing and trusting Michael Carrick,” he said.
Rather than making another managerial change, United could instead look to strengthen Carrick’s squad, with a potential €80m move for a new striker now emerging.
Man Utd eyeing Troy Parrott move to replace Benjamin Sesko
According to reports relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester United have a serious interest in former Tottenham Hotspur striker Troy Parrott.
The Red Devils have reportedly sent scouts to monitor the Republic of Ireland international, who joined Betis for around €20m during the summer after a phenomenal season for AZ Alkmaar.
However, a deal would not come cheaply. Parrott is understood to have an €80m (£69m) release clause in his contract, and Betis would point directly to that number in any negotiations.
Parrott scored 31 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 appearances in the Netherlands last season, and his potential arrival could also have implications for Benjamin Sesko.
Sesko was signed to lead the line at Old Trafford, but the report claims his injury problems have forced United back into the market for a new number nine.
The Slovenia star has missed over 100 days of action in a little over a year since joining the club due to knee and shin injuries, and Carrick’s vague latest update has done little to quell fears of another lengthy spell on the sidelines.
“Ben is kind of still undergoing a couple of checks before we update on timelines. We’re just trying to be clear with what that looks like. He’s still a little bit further away, but when we know, we’ll let you know.”
Parrott, 24, is slightly older than the 23 year-old Red Devils star, but his consistency and end product over the last 18 months suggests he could provide an upgrade on a player who has started five league matches in a row just once since the beginning of last season.
Source: www.footballfancast.com
