Man Utd information: Michael Carrick’s switch hopes dashed as membership proprietor refused to do deal
Manchester United had an underwhelming transfer window as Michael Carrick was denied targets and ended up short in key positions in his squad
Michael Carrick wanted to add more quality and depth to his Manchester United squad
Manchester United’s summer transfer window is over with Michael Carrick left no doubt rueing what might have been.
After taking over from the hapless Ruben Amorim and guiding the Premier League giants to an unexpected third placed finish and back into the Champions League, Carrick oversaw a revamp of United’s squad including their midfield, following the exit of veteran midfielder Casemiro.
Andrey Santos was the initial arrival, joining from Chelsea for £50million. Youri Tielemans’ £35m Aston Villa release clause was triggered following the free transfer of former Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow. And the club finally bagged long-term target Carlos Baleba from Brighton for £70m. Yet more midfielders, a new left-back and another striker option all failed to materialise. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick had an underwhelming transfer window at Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick’s transfer wish
Speaking shortly before the deadline, Carrick was questioned about further potential arrivals, , reports the Mirror.
He confessed: “You’re always looking for more if you can do something else and make the most of the situation.”
But United failed to conduct any further business, meaning this desire for additional reinforcements went unfulfilled. Nevertheless, Carrick appears reasonably satisfied with United’s transfer activity overall.
“At the moment, the group’s in a good place, and they want to fight for each other, which is important,” he added.
“I think the situation that we’re in, I think the business that we’ve managed to do, I’m pleased with. I think we’re a better group, a better squad, potentially a better team.”
Leicester City owner’s intervention
Manchester United made a deadline day attempt to sign Leicester City midfielder Louis Page. (Image: Plumb Images, Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
One deal the club appeared to be striving to complete was the signing of young Leicester City midfielder Louis Page.
The 18-year-old was crowned the EFL Championship Apprentice of the Season last term and became a target for United.
The club even made a late push near the deadline to secure his services, with a package worth around £15m reportedly tabled. However, Leicester’s owner, Aiyawatt ‘Khun Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha, determined Page was not available for transfer.
“The owner was here today [and] we sat in the office and received a very big offer from Manchester United,” Leicester manager Russell Martin said on Tuesday.
“Myself, Jon [Rudkin], James [McCarron] and the owner, Khun Top, sat in [the office] and he said no. So whatever’s going on with the noise around the club and all that stuff, he was strong.
“He wanted the player to stay and be part of us. It would have been so easy for him to sell Louis and take a lot of money. But he didn’t. It’s a brilliant thing for us.
“Louis, you can see the level of quality and potential he possesses is amazing. He’s really helped us since coming into the team. I’m really grateful that he’s still here.”
