Manchester United news as preparations for Michael Carrick's first full season in charge move up a gear
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has been dubbed an 'agent'(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Image)
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Manchester United can put full focus on next season after Michael Carrick was sworn in as permanent boss. The former midfielder has been rewarded with a two-year deal after leading United to a respectable third-place finish and, most importantly, a return to Champions League football.
Carrick has quite a to-do this summer as he looks to reshape the squad in his image. Strengthening the squad is a must if United are to challenge Arsenal and Manchester City next season, while exits will be necessary to free up funds.
Midfield is an obvious area in need of attention, especially with Casemiro leaving the club following Sunday's final-day win at Brighton, while there are doubts over Manuel Ugarte's Old Trafford future.
'Agent Fernandes'
An intriguing exchange, which offers a hint of what might be to come, has emerged. Following the final whistle at Brighton, Bruno Fernandes was spotted in deep conversation with Carlos Baleba, a midfielder who has been heavily linked with United.
At first, Fernandes just put his arm around the Cameroonian and looked set to walk away. However, he then stepped in for a longer chat with Baleba, provoking intrigue among United fans. Some said it looked like "more than just a handshake," while others dubbed him "agent Fernandes."
Baleba was keen to move to Old Trafford last summer, but Brighton's £100million valuation cooled their interest. Since then, Baleba has not been at his best, with Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler admitting that reports linking him with a move to United had negatively impacted him. He could now be available for a lower fee.
The 22-year-old was also spotted talking to United players in the tunnel after the game, including Joshua Zirkzee, while he shouted to Patrick Dorgu, who was being interviewed. At the end of Dorgu's interview with reporters, he was asked about Baleba shouting his name and whether he would like to play alongside him at United next season. He smiled and said: "No comment!"
Bruno Fernandes speaking to Carlos Baleba
Bruno Fernandes speaking to Carlos Baleba(Image: Sky Sports)
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Ugarte addresses future
Baleba could conceivably replace Ugarte, who United are open to selling this summer. The Uruguayan's move to Old Trafford hasn't worked out and now would be an opportune time for United to cut their losses.
Ugarte, by his own admission, has had a disappointing season, telling reporters upon return to his homeland ahead of the World Cup: "This year wasn't the best at Manchester United."
On what the future holds, the 25-year-old admitted he was "open to whatever comes." He said: "I'm not thinking about what will happen next because when you finish your career, the best thing is to play in a World Cup with your country. I want to enjoy it and push myself to the limit.
Manuel Ugarte of Manchester United in action during a first team training session on April 08, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland.
Manuel Ugarte could be on his way out the door(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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"Manchester United is one of the best clubs in the world. The World Cup is going to be crucial in determining everything. I'm open to whatever comes.
"This year wasn't great in every sense, but I learned a lot mentally. I was surrounded by good people, and I'm trying to take the positives from it. We'll see what happens at the World Cup. Whatever happens, I think it will be good."
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