Manchester United are set for a busy summer transfer window with Bruno Fernandes playing the role of ‘agent’ as he was spotted having a lengthy conversation with a transfer target
Manchester United can concentrate fully on next season after Michael Carrick was confirmed as permanent manager. The former midfielder has been handed a two-year contract following his success in guiding United to a creditable third-place finish and, crucially, securing Champions League qualification.
Carrick faces a busy summer as he seeks to mould the squad in his vision. Bolstering the team is essential if United are to compete with Arsenal and Manchester City next season, while departures will be required to generate funds.
Midfield represents an obvious area requiring attention, particularly with Casemiro departing the club after Sunday’s final-day victory at Brighton, while questions remain over Manuel Ugarte’s Old Trafford future. As the summer overhaul begins, the Daily Star Sport brings you a round-up of the latest United news…
‘Agent Fernandes’
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A fascinating encounter, which hints at potential developments, has emerged. After the final whistle at Brighton, Bruno Fernandes was seen engaged in a lengthy discussion with Carlos Baleba, a midfielder who has been strongly linked with United.
Initially, Fernandes simply placed his arm around the Cameroonian and appeared ready to walk away. However, he then returned for an extended conversation with Baleba, sparking curiosity amongst United supporters. Some suggested it appeared like “more than just a handshake,” while others labelled him “agent Fernandes.”
Baleba was eager to secure a switch to Old Trafford last summer, but Brighton’s £100million price tag put them off. Since then, Baleba has struggled to hit top form, with Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler acknowledging that speculation linking him with a move to United had adversely affected him. He could now be available for a reduced fee.
The 22-year-old was also seen chatting to United players in the tunnel following the match, including Joshua Zirkzee, while he called out to Patrick Dorgu, who was conducting an interview. At the conclusion of Dorgu’s media duties, he was asked about Baleba shouting his name and whether he would fancy playing alongside him at United next season. He grinned and replied: “No comment!”
Ugarte addresses future
Baleba could feasibly take Ugarte’s place, with United willing to offload the midfielder this summer. The Uruguayan’s switch to Old Trafford has failed to materialise as hoped, and now presents an ideal moment for United to minimise their losses.
Ugarte has openly acknowledged a frustrating campaign, confessing to journalists upon his return home ahead of the World Cup: “This year wasn’t the best at Manchester United.”
Regarding what lies ahead, the 25-year-old confessed he was “open to whatever comes.” He added: “I’m not thinking about what will happen next because when you finish your career, the best thing is to play in a World Cup with your country. I want to enjoy it and push myself to the limit.
“Manchester United is one of the best clubs in the world. The World Cup is going to be crucial in determining everything. I’m open to whatever comes.
“This year wasn’t great in every sense, but I learned a lot mentally. I was surrounded by good people, and I’m trying to take the positives from it. We’ll see what happens at the World Cup. Whatever happens, I think it will be good.”