Man Utd information: Michael Carrick’s £43m first switch almost full as personal texts despatched

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a signing, as newly-confirmed manager Michael Carrick plots a summer rebuild at Old Trafford

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As the Premier League season nears its conclusion, Manchester United have received an encouraging update on the transfer front.

Michael Carrick’s squad will wrap up their campaign with a trip to Brighton on Sunday, having already clinched third place in the Premier League. The fixture will come just two days after it was announced Carrick has inked a permanent deal to stay on as United manager.

The former caretaker boss would relish nothing more than marking the occasion with one last victory on the south coast before the summer break. Bruno Fernandes also has an extra incentive to shine at the Amex Stadium, as he is just one assist shy of the Premier League’s all-time record. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.

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United close to securing first summer signing

Having confirmed his commitment to United, Carrick looks set to make his first move in the summer transfer market, reports the Mirror.

This follows a report from SportItalia suggesting United are on the brink of signing Atalanta midfielder Ederson in a £43million deal.

The Brazilian is expected to step into the shoes of his fellow countryman Casemiro, who is nearing a switch to Inter Miami. With only one year remaining on his contract in Italy, it’s thought Ederson’s price tag has been significantly reduced.

United have had several transactions with Atalanta in recent years, beginning with the acquisition of Amad Diallo back in 2021. Two years on, they signed striker Rasmus Hojlund in a deal worth up to £72m, although the flop has since transferred to Napoli.

According to SportItalia, the Ederson deal is “almost closed” following months of rumours connecting the two parties. However, he would merely represent the first step as United embark on another overhaul this summer.

It’s understood midfield is a particular area of focus for United heading into this summer. Nevertheless, the signing of Ederson would be a significant achievement, with the hope being that his arrival can replicate Casemiro’s potent synergy alongside Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo during the latter part of the 2025/26 season.

Pep reveals Ferguson praise

Ahead of Pep Guardiola’s farewell match for United’s rivals Manchester City at home against Aston Villa, Sir Alex Ferguson reached out to congratulate the Citizens boss.

The Catalan has confirmed his exit from the helm after a decade of triumph, which began only a few years after Ferguson retired from football in 2013.

Ferguson’s United faced Guardiola’s Barcelona in two Champions League finals back in 2009 and 2011. The Premier League giants were soundly defeated on both occasions but clearly, the two managers built a healthy respect for one another.

After claiming 16 major honours at the Etihad, Guardiola has been suggested as a contender to Ferguson’s unofficial status as the Premier League’s finest-ever manager.

Irrespective of where one stands in that debate, though, the Scot offered tribute to his former rival with a personal note in recent days.

“I know I had incredible success during my time as the manager and it is nice to be there,” said Guardiola ahead of Sunday’s clash against Villa.

“”One of the biggest, biggest compliments I had, I got a message from Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday, two days ago, and that made me so happy.

“He is the greatest in this country. The tenure, the time, and for many, many reasons. I’m happy that Sir Alex Ferguson, the greatest could [see]…

“I’m pretty sure [to] Sir Alex we are not the ‘noisy neighbours’ [anymore], we are the ‘neighbours’. Just ‘the neighbours’. And I’m happy that he has been watching.”