How Manchester United's midfield could shape up for Michael Carrick's first full season in charge
Ederson during a Serie A match.
Ederson is set to become Manchester United's first signing of the summer(Image: Mondadori Portfolio, Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick will have a mouthwatering midfield next season if Manchester United can land their top targets.
Strengthening the middle of the pitch is a priority ahead of Carrick's first full season in charge. Casemiro has left following the expiry of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte, who has had a disappointing time at Old Trafford, could be heading for the exit door too.
Numerous middlemen have been linked with United. A move for Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni has been mooted, while Elliot Anderson is hugely admired, although the Nottingham Forest midfielder is reportedly favouring a move to Manchester City. His price tag of at least £100million may also have prompted the club to look elsewhere.
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United are already close to completing their first signing of the summer in Atalanta midfielder Ederson for a fee worth around £38m. But the midfield shopping won't end there.
United have been linked with Newcastle's Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes of West Ham. The former would be the more expensive option - around £87m - as the Italian is contracted to the Magpies until 2030.
Fernandes, who United were interested in last summer, is definitely available following the Hammers' relegation to the Championship. The 21-year-old could be snared for around £60m and given his age, price tag and existing relationship with international colleague Bruno, he looks to be a prime option.
Sandro Tonali has been linked with a move to Manchester United
Sandro Tonali has been linked with a move to United(Image: Getty Images)
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If Tonali and Fernandes follow Ederson through the door, on top of Kobbie Mainoo re-establishing himself and signing a new contract, Carrick would have an array of quality midfield options.
Carrick has generally preferred a 4-2-3-1 formation, with two deeper-lying midfielders behind Bruno Fernandes, meaning he wouldn't be able to cram Ederson, Mainoo, Tonali and Fernandes into the same side. However, given the demands of the Premier League and the return to the Champions League, strength in depth will be vital.
Any combination of that quartet would be the envy of most sides. Fernandes can also act as No. 10 cover for namesake Bruno thanks to his versatility, potentially opening the door for Mason Mount to also depart with Ugarte after another injury-hit campaign for the former England international.
It is shaping up to be a busy summer for United, whose resurgence under Carrick over the second half of last season has strengthened their financial position. United recently released financial results for the nine months to March 31, which showed an operating profit of £37.7m, compared with a £3.2m loss the previous year. That is despite paying out £16.7m in compensation after sacking Ruben Amorim.
Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United
Mateus Fernandes is set to leave West Ham(Image: Tiego Grenho/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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United chief executive Omar Berrada said: "We feel very positive about the club's progress this season and the continuing positive impact of our business transformation initiatives.
"Finishing third in the Premier League and securing qualification to next season's UEFA Champions League is testament to our men’s team's improved form on the pitch. Michael Carrick has done an excellent job in the 17 games he has overseen and we are delighted that he will continue as head coach."
That faith in Carrick is set to be underlined with significant backing in the transfer market, especially in the hunt for fresh midfield options.