Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Manchester United remain keen to strengthen at full-back this summer, and Djed Spence has repeatedly been reported as a target.
Despite being one of the best full-backs in the Premier League at times over the past couple of seasons, Djed Spence’s World Cup campaign for England is fresh in the memory as a driving force behind the current perception of him.
Spence was England’s surprise star, and with his future at Tottenham questioned, alongside being a Manchester United fan, many began to assume that he could emerge as a transfer option this summer.
In 2022, Spence spoke about his dream of playing for United, and this summer, it has become a possibility. But the move would be a challenge for Michael Carrick.
SOCCER: JUL 18 FIFA World Cup 26 Bronze Final - France v England
Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Getty Images
Djed Spence signing would test Michael Carrick’s squad handling
Spence has been linked with United this week as his exit from Spurs continues to be expected.
There are plenty of reasons to sign Spence this summer. He is probably an upgrade on Luke Shaw on the left, while his versatility allows him to also compete with Diogo Dalot on the right.
But throughout his career, there have been consistent issues raised regarding Spence’s attitude, with the defender falling out with countless managers.
Carrick is a great man-manager, which is a good start towards being able to handle Spence within this United squad.
But not only is Carrick excellent at handling his players, but he is also uniquely positioned to understand the breakout of Spence, which is a major advantage to get the best from Spence.
Carrick came through at Tottenham before joining United, which is an identical path to the one Spence is aiming to go on this summer if Ineos makes a move.
Additionally, Carrick was the manager at Middlesbrough just after Spence ended up being bombed out for his supposed attitude problems. Due to this, Carrick should have a good idea of where things went wrong for Spence, having been able to ask those at the club what happened.
One interesting note is that Spence’s issues were initially under Neil Warnock, with other players painted with the same brush under Warnock, being Chuba Akpom, who went on to become a star for Carrick’s Boro side.
Despite all the reasons Spence would like Carrick, it would be the biggest test yet of his abilities to manage difficult players.
Getty Images
How much would Spence cost Manchester United?
With Lewis Hall proving too expensive for United this summer, according to the reports, Spence would be considerably cheaper than the Newcastle star.
It has been claimed that Spence would cost around £35m this summer, with Liverpool also interested in signing him.
United could absolutely afford Spence, and he would be a useful player to have in the squad. However, with Noussair Mazraoui, he probably isn’t quite what is needed.