Michael Carrick will become the new Manchester United caretaker head coachplaceholder image
Michael Carrick will become the new Manchester United caretaker head coach | Getty Images
Man United need to start again and a creative swap deal could be a solution for Michael Carrick’s midfield.
Manchester United continue to lurch from one problem to another with the decision to sign a system manager in Ruben Amorim never being one that ever looked like succeeding.
Some players didn’t buy into his philosophy, the infamous ‘Bomb Squad’ now being scattered across Europe with United now having a team that, if anything, looks weaker than the one that Amorim inherited. The last time Michael Carrick was in charge, his forward line was made up of Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo. It would take a brave observer to suggest or argue that the current Red Devils attack is more dangerous than that one was at the time.
Man United eye midfield reinforcements
One area that was Amorim’s Achilles’ heel was midfield. There were too many gaps, too many spaces to play through and, for United, not enough legs. For a system that relied on having just two midfielders, they needed to be energetic, dynamic, powerful, and capable of both protecting the defence as well as supporting the attack. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are many things, and world class in their pomp, but they have been hung out to dry by a manager who refused to budge.
It would be a surprise if Kobbie Mainoo isn’t reinstated on a more regular basis, but with Carrick favouring a 4-2-3-1 formation, he could do with someone alongside him who is a natural defensive duel winner capable of regaining possession. United have been linked with Alex Scott of Bournemouth who does just that. He does the donkey work so that those with flair and the ability to make a difference, have the energy to do this that. Imagine how much carnage Fernandes could cause if he wasn’t having to track back into his own box too.
Bournemouth might not want to lose Scott, however, if they were offered a like for like replacement, they might be tempted. It just hasn’t happened at Old Trafford for Manuel Ugarte, but at 24, he has plenty of time on his side and a fresh start at a club with less pressure could be the perfect environment. There would be less scrutiny on his performances and he would be freed up to concentrate on his job. It would also save Jason Wilcox from having to find a buyer.
Fabrizio Romano on Man United-linked midfielders
Several midfielders have been mentioned as possible options for United with transfer supremo Fabrizio Romano explaining what the latest is with some of those being considered: “Official now, Conor Gallagher has joined Tottenham Hotspur from Atletico Madrid, which is important for a midfielder who was available on the market,” Romano told his YouTube channel.
“Aston Villa had a verbal agreement with Atletico but they could not agree terms with the player, and Gallagher decided to go to Tottenham. Spurs will pay €40 million to Atletico Madrid, so it is a very good signing for Tottenham. Now, the name to watch is Joao Gomes from Wolves. He has been on Manchester United’s list for a long time, but never in the top positions. Players like Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba are higher in their plans for 2026. Joao Gomes has always been one of the names on the list, but not top three.
“Atletico Madrid are now considering a move for Joao Gomes because they want a midfielder and they appreciate him a lot. They have a good relationship with his agent and there is movement around the player. Napoli are also interested for the summer, but nothing is agreed or advanced. Atletico want to try now if they can convince Wolves. Wolves are in a difficult position in the Premier League table, so it will not be easy, but there is clear movement around Joao Gomes and Atletico are pushing.”
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