Man United need to cut their cloth accordingly in the transfer market this summer and they could bag themselves a bargain as they look to overhaul their midfield.
Carrick needs to sign at least two midfielders
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Whoever Manchester United bring in to replace Casemiro will undoubtedly be the marquee Old Trafford signing of the summer.
A fee of around £100million is mooted to be required as United look to fill the chasm left in their midfield by the five-time Champions League winner, with Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Aurelien Tchouameni among those under consideration. Yet the players who arrive alongside United's new No.6 will prove to be just as important next season.
With plenty of extra games set to be added to United's schedule next term, better squad depth is a necessity. It's no surprise United are looking to sign at least two central midfielders - possibly even three - despite only one departure being confirmed.
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Moving Manuel Ugarte on without suffering a loss under Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) will be a tough ask, but it's within the best interests of both the player and United to part ways if a club comes knocking.
Atalanta star Ederson is on United's radar as they look to bolster their options in the middle of the pitch, with a £38m move close. Any further midfield additions will need to be secured for a relatively low fee.
After suffering play-off final heartbreak at the weekend, Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney is expected to leave his boyhood club this summer. Boro had planned for life without Hackney last summer after they accepted a £20m bid for the midfielder, only for him to snub a move to Ipswich for one last shot at promotion with Middlesbrough. As he left the Wembley pitch in tears on Sunday, there was an acceptance that would be his final game for Boro.
Now a year further into his contract - which has just 12 months left to run - Boro know their bargaining power is weaker than when they accepted a £20m offer last summer.
Michael Carrick worked with Hackney during his time on Teesside, with the midfielder central to Carrick's push for promotion. The United manager spoke effusively of Hackney's attitude, referencing his ability to step up a level when required.
"There is a level of talent out there in and around football and sometimes it might not be that different player to player, but levels can be jumped, or not, if your head is not in the right place and you don’t go about your business in the right way and treat your profession with respect," he said back in 2024.
"Hayden certainly does that. He’s been exemplary really since I’ve been here and I really enjoy working with him. He’s desperate for more, desperate to learn, and he’s a real credit to his family, to himself and to the club."
Having never played at a level higher than the Championship, reservations over whether Hackney could make the step up would be understandable. But Carrick has already recognised Hackney's ability to go about things "in the right way" when looking to make the jump, and his talent cannot be questioned.
At just 23, Hackney's best years are clearly ahead of him, a key part of any deal sanctioned by Ineos since they took over football operations at Old Trafford.
It's difficult to find a reason why United shouldn't make a move.