Manchester United face a major concern ahead of the summer transfer window which Michael Carrick or anyone else can not solve on their own
If Manchester United needed a reminder of how critical a new midfielder will be this summer – they got it on Saturday at Sunderland. The Reds laboured in a dismal 0-0 draw which saw their three-match winning streak end.
Champions League football may have been secured for the first time in three years, but Michael Carrick will be well aware of the task that lies ahead of him if he gets the job on a permanent basis. Without the injured Casemiro, United’s interim head coach chose to play Mason Mount out of position in a deeper midfield role.
It didn’t work as the Black Cats ran rings around an unconvincing setup. The Reds have a dismal record without their Brazilian midfielder, with three losses and a draw when he is not involved this season. They were fortunate that it wasn’t four losses on Saturday.
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It’s why his summer departure is such a concern at Old Trafford. While many accept that, despite his impressive performances since Carrick took over in January, it is the right time for him to go – how will the Reds fill such a crucial position? They probably need two world-class players with the extra burden of European football next term.
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Manuel Ugarte appears almost certain to leave as well. The Uruguayan was another injury absentee at the Stadium of Light, but even if fully fit, he may not have played on Saturday.
Ugarte’s time at M16 since arriving from Sporting two summers ago has been nothing short of a disaster. It was hoped that the appointment of his former manager, Ruben Amorim, would lead to an uptick in form, but not even that worked before the Portuguese was sacked.
United should have a healthy transfer budget to call upon with the added Champions League finances and the likely departures of Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Ugarte.
But competition for signings will be fierce and Manchester City are reportedly a more likely destination for Elliot Anderson – one of the Reds’ top targets.
Carlos Baleba has been linked since last summer, but his form dipped when the season began and he has not warranted the £100million price tag Brighton have slapped on him last year.
Talk over Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton has gone quiet, while recent reports over Aurelien Tchouameni’s behaviour at Real Madrid may raise questions over him for Ineos.
West Ham star Mateus Fernandes has been mentioned and the Hammers’ possible relegation could make him an easier target for United. Can he make the step up to become a regular starter in the Reds’ midfield, though?
It’s such a tricky conundrum for the club’s hierarchy, yet one they must solve once a permanent manager is appointed. Carrick or whoever else is in charge will face an uphill battle next season if United don’t get it right.
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