Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a deal for Michael Carrick and a transfer value has been set after one of the “biggest mistakes”
Manchester United concluded their campaign on a positive note after a revival under Michael Carrick guaranteed their Champions League qualification for next season.
The Englishman landed the role permanently following his remarkable transformation. Matters have continued to improve for United since Carrick took over from Ruben Amorim, with a 3-0 triumph against Brighton on Sunday capping what ultimately proved to be a good season despite the lack of silverware. The club secured third place in the Premier League spearheaded by the form of assist king captain Bruno Fernandes.
Carrick has now been handed the reins and is gearing up for his maiden summer transfer window as manager. The club are aware they will lose midfield cornerstone Casemiro when his contract expires. But there appears to have been progress regarding a fresh midfield acquisition. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
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Verbal agreement reached
With Casemiro poised to leave and Manuel Ugarte’s future in doubt, talkSPORT reports United are moving swiftly to land a midfield talent before the transfer window opens.
A report claims a complete verbal agreement has been struck with Atalanta star Ederson, 26, regarding a potential five-year contract.
Discussions between the two clubs are allegedly ongoing with £43million the suggested fee for the 6ft Brazilian defensive midfielder.
Ederson, not to be confused with the former Manchester City goalkeeper of the same name, may not be the sole midfield addition United make this summer, should they manage to get this transfer across the line.
It has been reported that the club are pursuing at least one other player to occupy the middle of the park for Carrick, with Elliot Anderson identified as an expensive but perfect target.
The Nottingham Forest and England midfielder, 23, is expected to command a fee approaching £100m.
Scott McTominay price tag set
On the topic of midfielders, Scott McTominay continues to shine in Italy following his £26m move to Napoli from United in 2024. He has claimed the Super Cup this season, alongside his Serie A title from last campaign.
The Scotsman, who will be vital to his nation at the World Cup this summer, has also helped Napoli secure Champions League football and a former Italy star believes his transfer value has rocketed.
World Cup winner Marco Materazzi said: “I love Scott McTominay. When he established himself as a young player at United, I told my son he would become one of the best in the world. And now he is. He is an incredible box-to-box player.
“I still don’t understand how Manchester United could sell him for so little. In my opinion, he’s worth £70m, but he left for £26m. Is this one of the biggest transfer mistakes in history? I definitely think so.”
McTominay’s outstanding form has even led Napoli to initiate discussions over an enhanced contract extension until 2030, a step up from his existing deal which is set to expire in 2028. Reports suggest that he is likely to agree to this extension.