Since Ruben Amorim was sacked by Manchester United last week, the focus of the leadership team has undoubtedly been on finding someone to take over the reins at Old Trafford.
Darren Fletcher has been in charge of the Red Devils’ last two games, but the Scot looks set to return to an Under-18 role this week.
It is reported that a deal was agreed this week, with former player Michael Carrick set to take over as interim manager until the end of the season.
The 44-year-old will undoubtedly miss out on any other domestic competition and will be tasked with qualifying for the Champions League at the end of the season.
If he is to achieve such feats at Old Trafford, the bosses may consider investing in the first-team squad, and there are a number of areas in dire need of investment.
Manchester United considering bid for big money from Europe
Work is already underway to bring in a number of targets, including Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, who is back in the spotlight following news of Carrick’s pending appointment.
The Portugal international could be set to return to Europe this term, with a £20m price tag currently being mooted for interested parties in this period.
However, the biggest issue with the 28-year-old’s move is that it could cost the Red Devils a small amount of money, given his reported £300,000-a-week wage.
He is not the only option currently being considered by the bosses, with Juventus star Kenan Yildiz also being monitored ahead of a potential move to Old Trafford.
According to Calcio Mercato, the Red Devils have registered the Turkish international as a possible target should Bruno Fernandes move to Saudi Arabia in the near future.
He added that the Juve star, who has scored seven goals and provided four assists in 19 league games this season, is currently being highly praised behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
However, any deal is likely to be a club record for the attacking midfielder, with previous reports mooting a figure of £78m for a potential move.
Why Yildiz becomes Carrick’s Pogba at United
It is not unusual for United to spend huge amounts of money on new players from Juventus, as seen in the club record signing of Paul Pogba in the summer of 2016.
The Frenchman spent six years in Manchester, his second spell at Old Trafford, making over 225 appearances and often attracting attention with his 39 goals and 51 assists.
The midfielder frequently produced countless moments of magic during his time with the Red Devils, exemplified by his incredible double against local rivals Manchester City.
One of his best games was undoubtedly against Leeds United on the opening day of the 2021/22 season, where he provided four assists during the win at Old Trafford.
Pogba is arguably one of the most technically gifted players to have played for the club in recent years, and Carrick has a chance to repeat the type of deal he did with Yildiz.
He could follow in the Frenchman’s footsteps and join United from the Italian giants for a staggering transfer fee that would be the club’s biggest ever.
The Turkish international has also gained a reputation for having great technical talent in recent years, and his fundamental statistics demonstrate that skill set.
Dubbed “of a generation” by author Cetin Cem Yilmaz, Yildiz completed 4.1 progressive passes and 5.8 progressive carries per 90 in Serie A this season.
Figures like these show the youngster’s ability to get the ball into attacking areas whenever possible and could be a boon to those ahead of him at Old Trafford.
Kenan Yildiz – Serie A Statistics (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | tally |
games played | 19 |
goals and assists | 11 |
Pass accuracy | 77% |
progressive path | 4.1 |
progressive carry | 5.8 |
successful take-up | 1.9 |
shot on target | 43% |
key pass | 2.2 |
completed cross | 4.1 |
Statistics by FBref | |
He has also further reaffirmed his creativity with the ball at his feet, completing 1.9 take-ons per 90 and 2.2 key passes per 90 in Italy this season.
Yildiz is adding to his incredible run this season, as evidenced by his seven goals and 43% shooting accuracy so far.
Other figures such as his 4.1 successful crosses and 77% pass success rate also demonstrate his ability to create the carnage that United have lacked in recent months.
The £78m is another huge investment from the Red Devils hierarchy, but one that could set the club up for success over the next few years under the next permanent manager.
If he can reach the level that Pogba has produced, he will undoubtedly become a fan favorite at Theater of Dreams, and Carrick could potentially acquire a great talent of his own in search of success.
Manchester United already want to sign Carrick’s ‘world class’ £20m Baleva upgrade
Manchester United appear to have identified a player who could strengthen manager Michael Carrick’s squad.
