Man Utd plotting transfer overhaul as Michael Carrick closes in on permanent role

[p]Sources indicate [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/carrick-michael/phM8NElP/"]Carrick[/a] has earned the trust and respect of key figures at Old Trafford after impressing internally, with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox viewing him as the right man to lead the club into next season.[/p][p]The timing is important as [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/manchester-united/ppjDR086/"]United[/a] believe clarity over the managerial situation will strengthen their position in the transfer market, allowing potential signings to know exactly who they will be working under before the window officially opens next month.[/p][p]And Carrick’s first major influence will come in midfield.[/p][p][b]It has long been understood that United wanted to strengthen centrally this summer, but there is a growing possibility they attempt to sign as many as three midfielders.[/b][/p][p]The scale of the rebuild reflects both departures and dissatisfaction with the current balance of the squad.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/casemiro/Ukeq3c0b/"]Casemiro[/a] is leaving the club, while [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/ugarte-manuel/IksYqIr8/"]Manuel Ugarte[/a] is also available on the market, leaving [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/mainoo-kobbie/nBy3DbC3/"]Kobbie Mainoo[/a] as one of the few long-term midfield certainties heading into next season. There is some fear that [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/fernandes-bruno/GYvAMDm2/"]Bruno Fernandes[/a] will be the subject of transfer attention again, but they fully intend to hold onto him.[/p][p]Carrick has had limited flexibility at times this campaign and United’s hierarchy see the midfield as the most important area to address if they are to become competitive again.[/p][embed guid="00fc6226-05fa-4fe8-b88d-c55ea3399540" url="https://x.com/SkySportsPL/status/2054503809917788509" social-type="twitter" /][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/brighton/2XrRecc3/"]Brighton[/a]’s [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/baleba-carlos/UwTdoLQl/"]Carlos Baleba[/a] is emerging as one of the standout names under discussion inside the club. United are now expected to test Brighton’s resolve over the Cameroon international, although they remain reluctant to meet the £100 million valuation that has been attached to the player.[/p][p][b]Champions League qualification has improved United’s spending power and optimism around recruitment, but there is still a determination internally to avoid repeating previous mistakes in the market by overpaying for individual targets.[/b][/p][p]Instead, the preference is to spread resources across multiple signings and improve overall depth and athleticism.[/p][p]That thinking explains why United’s interest in [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/atalanta/8C9JjMXu/"]Atalanta[/a] midfielder [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/ederson/fqEsbNyA/"]Ederson[/a] remains strong.[/p][p]The Brazilian’s profile is admired by recruitment staff and there is a genuine possibility United attempt to sign both Ederson and Baleba during the same window if valuations become achievable.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/real-madrid/W8mj7MDD/"]Real Madrid[/a] midfielder [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/tchouameni-aurelien/QkiZum3e/"]Aurelien Tchouameni[/a] is another player United intend to explore, though sources suggest the club will only pursue a deal if there is a realistic opening. There is little appetite for a drawn-out pursuit with low chances of success.[/p][p][b]One alternative option generating intrigue is [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/west-ham/Cxq57r8g/"]West Ham[/a]’s [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/fernandes-mateus/rFdshPHI/"]Mateus Fernandes[/a], who is viewed as a player capable of improving squad depth while also offering proven Premier League-level quality.[/b][/p][p]Carrick’s expected appointment represents more than a sentimental choice from United.[/p][p]At 44, the former Premier League-winning midfielder is already being given significant influence over recruitment planning, particularly in the centre of the pitch.[/p][p]United are now pushing to formalise his position quickly, ensuring there are solid foundations in place before what is shaping up to be one of the club’s most important transfer windows in recent years.[/p][image alt="Dean Jones" id="0f685dd0-10a2-43d8-9966-361f00f7203c" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="2d4db01f-614f-4f58-862b-89d634e536d5" original-width="1200" original-height="380" /]