Man Utd could be in the market for a talented centre-back this summer - if Newcastle United don’t get there firstplaceholder image
Man Utd could be in the market for a talented centre-back this summer - if Newcastle United don’t get there first | Getty Images/ Canva
Man Utd could be in the market for a talented centre-back this summer - if Newcastle United don’t get there first
Manchester United are entering yet another new era after abandoning the Ruben Amorim project less than three months after telling supporters that he had another few years left to prove himself in the dugout at Old Trafford.
It’s far from the first eye-catching decision the club has made in a relatively short period of time under Jim Ratcliffe’s stewardship, and for the foreseeable it seems the club are going back to its roots and the supposed ‘Man Utd DNA’ by hiring a proven winner from the Alex Ferguson days in former midfielder Michael Carrick.
Carrick, who was sacked from his position as Middlesbrough boss at the end of last season, spent 12 years of his playing career at Old Trafford and remained at Carrington after his retirement to work as a coach under both Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with the latter ironically being his main competition for the current interim manager gig.
The 44-year-old, who also starred for West Ham and Tottenham, is expected to assemble an experienced coaching team consisting of Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans, Travis Binnion and former England assistant Steve Holland, as Darren Fletcher returns to Under-18 duty. BBC Sport reports that a 4-2-3-1 system is likely to be deployed as he steps into the role until the end of the season until a long-term successor to Amorim is appointed.
Michael Carrick’s first signing could be £22m defender
Despite already having Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven as centre-backs, it’s claimed United will delve into the market to bring in another defender in January.
Caught Offside reports that Tarik Muharemović, an emerging defender from Sassuolo, is a top target for the club and someone that scouts have watched on a regular basis throughout the season.
The same outlet says RB Leipzig have made an opening offer of around €25 million (£22m) to sign the defender, signalling the seriousness of their intent, although it’s far from a formality that he’ll move to the Red Bull Arena at this stage amid United’s long-standing interest in the 22-year-old.
Why Muharemović is in such high-demand amid Newcastle United competition
The Red Devils have kept two clean sheets all season, with those coming against Sunderland and Newcastle United. The Magpies are thought to be their main Premier League competition for Muharemović, in what has the potential to become yet another major transfer saga between the two ambitious clubs.
Muharemović is admired by the Old Trafford club due to the consistency of his performances for Sassuolo and his potential to grow into a top European defender. He played 30 times across all competitions last term and chipped in with two goals for The Black and Greens as they won promotion as Serie B champions, while boasting the third best defensive record in the league.
The Bosnia & Herzegovina international has played 18 times across all competitions this term, adapting well to a higher level of football and continuing to be goal threat with two goals and as many assists in the top-flight.
Sassuolo are reluctant to sell in January. CEO Giovanni Carnevali has acknowledged that “there have been contacts but no official offers yet” despite reports to the contrary. Carnevali also stressed that the club’s valuation will increase depending on which clubs come forward, which is something United, who have made mistakes in the market in the past, will need to be mindful of.
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