Man Utd information: £93m Casemiro switch replacements accessible as ‘contract to be signed’

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on naming Michael Carrick as permanent manager and eying up big transfers to replace Casemiro in midfield

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Having sealed their return to the Champions League, Manchester United are moving closer to confirming Michael Carrick as their next permanent boss.

The 44 year old has surpassed the expectations of many since taking over for the remainder of the campaign in January, following the chaotic and acrimonious end to Ruben Amorim’s disastrous spell. United have explored alternative candidates, but Carrick has consistently been viewed as the leading contender for the position and has earned support from numerous squad members, former players and legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The ex-Middlesbrough boss has overseen a notable upturn, with Champions League qualification already wrapped up. Now, with two Premier League matches left – at home against Nottingham Forest on Sunday and Brighton away – United are well-placed to clinch a respectable third-place finish. It looks set to be a busy summer, with both arrivals and departures expected as Carrick begins to stamp his own identity on the squad. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.

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Contract caution

Mikael Silvestre has advised United to learn from past errors by not offering Carrick a lengthy contract, reports the Mirror.

The ex-Old Trafford defender supports the idea of Carrick taking on the role full-time, but suggests he should be given no more than a two-year deal.

The Frenchman is conscious of the compensation the club has had to fork out for a series of dismissed managers. Speaking to Betpack, Silvestre said: “It doesn’t make sense to give long contracts to managers because they stay 15 months to two years most of the time.

“You had Pep [Guardiola], had [Jurgen] Klopp, [Mikel] Arteta [who stay at clubs long term] but other than that, there is a big turnover.

“You should start with a short contract, not a long one, and then see how it goes because there is so much fragility. You even have transfers of coaches now.

“Ruben Amorim was under contract at Sporting, so a contract doesn’t really mean a lot. It’s expensive when you have to sack. Ruben was expensive. Erik ten Hag’s contract and then you let him go, so it’s better to start with the smaller one and then increase it if everything goes well.”

Budget-friendly Casemiro replacements

United have been quoted figures exceeding £100m for some of their summer midfield targets.

However, two quality midfielders who could step into the shoes of the departing Casemiro are likely to be available for less than half that sum.

United are reportedly keen to secure a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who could be put up for sale by the Italian club for around £43million this summer. Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi is anticipating interest in the 26-year-old.

According to Tutto Mercato, he stated: “I think it’s unlikely that teams will make a move before the end of the season. Interest in our players is normal, but we’ll evaluate them at the right time with great serenity and calm.”

The Serie A side are open to selling with the intention of reinvesting and infusing some youth into their ageing midfield.

Meanwhile, another option is West Ham standout Mateus Fernandes – but they could face a fight with Arsenal for his signature.

Fernandes, 21, has impressed for the Hammers this season – even as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side battle against relegation. He left Southampton for East London last summer as part of a deal that could eventually be worth £42m.

And he could be up for grabs again if the Hammers do drop down to the Championship – with his price tag said to be as low as £50m if West Ham don’t survive the drop.