Manchester United are in the Champions League again (me, me).
It’s been a long road, but Michael Carrick has led his side back to the big stage and cemented their place among the elite with a 3-2 win over Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.
Who could have predicted this would happen just a few months ago? Ruben Amorim was sacked after a disastrous tenure and interim manager Darren Fletcher oversaw a disastrous FA Cup third round defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford.
Premier League Man United (25/26) | ||
|---|---|---|
Amorim | # | carrick |
20 | match | 14 |
8 | victory | 10 |
7 | draw | 2 |
5 | loss | 2 |
31 | point | 32 |
1.55 | PPM | 2.29 |
In six fewer games this season, Carrick has scored more points than his predecessor. More importantly, his performance far exceeded the Portuguese’s efforts and Carrick will undoubtedly make a strong case for his permanent appointment next summer.
INEOS needs to sort things out, as the Red Devils need a number of signings in the summer.
Manchester United in contract talks with world-class forward
Manchester United have made impressive progress in recent months, but there is no question they need reinforcements this summer.
Could it be said that the Old Trafford side relies to some extent on the talent of Bruno Fernandes? The Portuguese Magnifico will be 32 at the start of next season, so United need more creativity behind their central frontman.
The likes of Matheus Cunha and Brian Mbeumo have provided effective outlets throughout the campaign, but neither has yet proven they are ready to step up and play a starring role.
To achieve this, INEOS needs to sign an elite wide forward with the aim of becoming a star this summer.
Now, according to TEAMtalk, that man could be Bradley Barcola, who has recently attracted interest from a number of Premier League teams as negotiations over a new contract in Paris continue to stall.
The left-sided forward may not always start on the left side of Luis Enrique’s superteam, but he is still only 23 and one of the most exciting forwards in the world. His contract situation means he could be available for an affordable £62m.
Although a resolution is not imminent, Barcola’s camp is in preliminary talks with potential suitors, including Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and even Real Madrid. That said, United’s newfound form and Champions League ticket could be influential in any effort to take him to the Premier League.
Why Barcola could be United’s star forward
Fernandes was the definitive superstar of the post-Fergie era at Manchester United, the man who guided a stumbling team from the swamp to the green.
But he’s slowly getting better, and I don’t think he’ll stay at that ridiculous level forever. So signing Barcola has to be a priority for Jason Wilcox and co.
Players like Cunha have revolutionized United’s attack this season, but with nine goals and two assists in 31 Premier League games, there is still a lot to be desired. As a main player for the Wolves, he is less capable than last season, but his fighting ability is still intact.
But Cunha needs to kick, and although he scored against Liverpool, competition on the left will be good for him.
Like Cunha, Barcola is dynamic and versatile, but has shown even more of a threat in key areas, as evidenced by his incredible performances in this year’s Champions League.
Bradley Barcola’s career by position | ||
|---|---|---|
position | app | Goal + Assist |
left wing | 113 | 32 + 32 |
right wing | 35 | 6+15 |
center forward | twenty two | 9+2 |
This young man is the real deal. Fast and ferocious on the left, he is six feet tall but belies his height with incredible balance, poise and grace.
Although his opportunities for a starting role are limited, Barcola remains a major threat. He has scored 10 goals and created 10 big chances in 18 Ligue 1 starts, leading journalist Harry Diamonds to describe him as having “magical stardust” in his boots.
He shares something special with Cunha in that regard, but could develop into an upgrade for the Brazil international, who has already been hailed as “one of the best wingers in the world” by Como scout Ben Mattinson.
Manchester United have made great strides under Carrick, but don’t be fooled. This is a team that needs investment.
If they are successful in bringing Barcola into the fold, they could have a future superstar ahead of the likes of Cunha and Mbeumo.
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