Former Manchester United right-back Antonio Valencia has urged Michael Carrick and Co. to sign Chelsea's Moises Caicedo this summer to complement Kobbie Mainoo in their midfield. Additionally, Valencia also wants the Red Devils to sign Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) centre-back Willian Pacho to bolster their squad ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Manchester United will target strengthening their midfield this summer following Casemiro's departure and Manuel Ugarte's expected exit. While they recently confirmed the signing of Atalanta star Ederson for £35 million, the Red Devils are eyeing more options, including Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes, and Carlos Baleba.
However, Valencia wants his former side to go down a different route and sign Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo. He told Hajper (via METRO):
"For me, I would love Moises Caicedo to come and play alongside Mainoo at Manchester United. They could form an incredible partnership. Mainoo could play a little freer, with Caicedo more central. I think it would be an impressive partnership."
He added:
"Moises has incredible intensity. He plays the 90 minutes at the same rhythm. He does not get tired, he is physically strong, he has good technique and a good shot. He attacks well and defends well. If you put him alongside a player like Mainoo, who has a good touch in midfield, I think it would be a fantastic partnership. I would love Moises to come to Manchester United."
After witnessing Pacho help PSG win the Ligue 1 title and the Champions League last season, Valencia continued:
"For me, I would bring in two players right now. They are young, they have been improving, and they could play for Manchester United for 10 years. One would be Pacho, the left-sided centre-back. He is tall, fast, good in the air and has good vision. And then Moises Caicedo."
Since joining Chelsea for a reported fee of £100 million in the summer of 2023, Caicedo has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. The Ecuador international has helped the Blues win two trophies to date - the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League.
"Now it is important to keep competing with the big teams" - Valencia provides verdict on what Manchester United need to do to become title contenders
In the interview above, Antonio Valencia also provided his insight into what Manchester United need to do to become genuine title contenders under their new permanent manager, Michael Carrick. He reckons his former side need to make three or four 'top' signings to take the next step.
He said:
"Michael Carrick has been a very intelligent coach. He has been building something, and it has not been easy. Now we are back in the Champions League. We had spent a long time away from that competition, so now it is important to keep competing with the big teams. If United get three or four top signings I think they will start well. This club likes winning trophies so hopefully this summer they can make big signings and compete again like they did in the old days."
The Red Devils have been unable to win the Premier League title for over a decade since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. They last challenged during the 2020-21 season, finishing second under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
However, they made positive progress under Carrick last season, finishing third in the league table, qualifying for the Champions League once again.