After the temporary appointment of Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager, very few supporters would have anticipated the immediate success he would endure in the role.
The 44-year-old has already led the Red Devils to wins over local rivals Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League, subsequently strengthening their top-four ambitions.
He’s been tasked with filling the void at Old Trafford until the end of the current campaign, but there’s no doubt he could be handed the role on a permanent basis should he impress the hierarchy.
Michael-Carrick
The former first-team player has maintained an unbeaten record during his two spells in temporary charge, with the manager undoubtedly staking his claim for a long-term contract.
Given his recent success, there’s no reason why the board won’t back him in the transfer market, with numerous players already appearing on their shortlist at present.
Man Utd want move £75m Premier League star
In recent months, United have targeted reinforcements at the heart of the side, with a new midfielder certainly on the agenda for the immediate and long-term future.
Adam Wharton is one player who has been considered in recent weeks, with the Crystal Palace star expected to depart Selhurst Park during the summer transfer window.
England's Adam Wharton reacts
It’s been reported that contact has been made with Oliver Glasner’s side over a possible move for the Englishman, who could be available for a fee in the region of £65m during the summer.
Wharton isn’t the only Premier League option currently in their sights at present, with Everton star Iliman Ndiaye another player being considered at Old Trafford.
According to one Spanish outlet, the Red Devils have made the Senegalese international their top target, after registering four goals and two assists in 2025/26.
The report states that the player is seen as a potential option to overhaul the attacking department in Manchester, but any deal would cost a pretty penny.
Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye
It further confirms that a move could cost in the region of £75m in the near future, with David Moyes’ side desperately wanting to keep hold of their star player.
Why Ndiaye would be Carrick’s next Mbeumo at United
During the recent summer transfer window, United spent big on improving the frontline, subsequently resulting in a £71m deal to land Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.
Bryan Mbeumo for Manchester United
Such a deal was seen as a massive overpay at the time, with the Cameroonian international scoring 20 league goals for the first time in his career prior to the big-money switch.
However, the 26-year-old has hit the ground running at Old Trafford, as seen by his tally of nine goals in his first 19 outings across all competitions to date.
He’s arguably been the star man so far under Carrick, as seen by his tally of two goals in the two matches overseen by the temporary manager in recent weeks.
Despite the levels achieved by Mbeumo, the hierarchy could look to strengthen the frontline further, with a move for Ndiaye allowing the club to secure the services of another top talent.
Mbeumo-Man-City-Arsenal
The 25-year-old would follow in the footsteps of the Cameroonian, in joining for a pretty penny from a club below them in the Premier League - subsequently helping transform the Red Devils’ fortunes.
His tally of six combined goals and assists is impressive enough, with his underlying stats from this campaign further showcasing the talent he possesses in the final third.
Ndiaye, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by former boss Ruben Amorim, has placed 55% of his shots on target this campaign, whilst posting 0.8 shots on target per 90.
Such numbers showcase his impressive ability in front of goal, with the winger able to constantly provide the goods upon any move to Old Trafford in the near future.
Illiman Ndiaye - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Shot on target accuracy
Shots on target
Chances created
Successful dribbles
Big chances created
Touches in the opposition box
Stats via FotMob
Alongside his goalscoring ability, his creativity has also caught the eye - as demonstrated by his tally of 1.2 chances created per 90 in the Premier League this season.
0.4 of the chances he’s created per 90 have been defined as big chances, which could allow Mbeumo to improve his goalscoring tallies in Manchester further.
Ndiaye
Ndiaye’s talents in possession are nothing short of breathtaking, with his tally of 2.3 successful dribbles per 90 ranking him in the top 15% of all players in the division.
Other numbers, such as 3.5 touches in the opposition box per 90 and his 49% dribble success rate, reaffirm his talent with the ball at his feet - which could make him a superb addition for the Red Devils.
£75m would be yet another statement of intent from the hierarchy in the near future, but it’s one that could certainly set the club up for success in England’s top-flight.
Should he follow in the footsteps of Mbeumo at Old Trafford, such a deal would be worth every penny, with the Everton star needing to be pursued massively in the months ahead.
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A new Michael Carrick-esque midfielder needs to be on the agenda at Manchester United.