Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has praised a transfer target for the Red Devils as Michael Carrick’s astonishing run of wins could unlock a £200m summer budget
Manchester United are basking in a fresh wave of optimism as the club’s winning run continues.
Michael Carrick secured his fourth consecutive victory as his team defeated Tottenham at the weekend. United held onto their top-four position thanks to strikes from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford. The possibility of Champions League football returning now appears increasingly realistic for the Red Devils.
They also closed to within three points of Aston Villa in third spot. Away from the action, club skipper Bruno Fernandes has stoked rumours about a rumoured transfer target ahead of the summer window. Here’s a roundup of the latest stories emerging from Old Trafford.
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Bruno Fernandes endorses transfer move
Fernandes was instrumental in United’s triumph over Spurs, but he wasn’t the only Premier League star to earn praise at the weekend.
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer netted a first-half hat-trick against Wolves, and his performance captured the Portuguese playmaker’s eye, reports the Mirror.
Palmer was touted for a switch to United during the recent transfer window. On social media, Fernandes backed United’s alleged target by responding to the Chelsea ace’s Instagram post: “What a player.”
The England international, 23, has struggled with injuries this campaign, though his hat-trick brought his goal tally to seven in 14 league appearances.
Former Manchester City ace Palmer, who has a contract running until 2033, has responded to recent speculation surrounding his future.
Speaking after the match, he commented: “Everyone loves to chat s***, don’t they? I don’t pay attention to it. You see things but I feel like I come from a strong place anyway, so I don’t pay attention to it.”
Transfer war chest boost
United are completely concentrated on achieving Champions League qualification, which would significantly affect the club’s summer transfer war chest.
Unlike their competitors, Carrick’s team are free from European obligations and will aim to exploit this advantage during the remaining 13 matches of the campaign.
Teamtalk has claimed securing a spot in Europe’s elite club competition would provide access to a £200million summer transfer kitty. United are reportedly prioritising a midfield overhaul following last year’s attacking revamp.
The club have been previously connected with elite midfielders including Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace ace Adam Wharton. Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson has also been mentioned as a potential Old Trafford target.
A vacancy will emerge in the centre of the pitch as Casemiro is expected to depart United when the season concludes. Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo has flourished since Carrick took charge as interim manager.