Manchester United transfer news as Michael Carrick rejoins the club ahead of this weekend’s Manchester derby
Michael Carrick is getting his feet under the table after becoming Manchester United’s latest interim boss. Carrick got the nod ahead of fellow Old Trafford favourite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to take charge until the end of the season following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.
Carrick has landed in the hotseat in the middle of a transfer window, which looks like being a quiet one for United. That isn’t to say feverish work isn’t going on behind the scenes at Carrington, despite the fact that we don’t know who will be leading the club into next season.
Midfield is an obvious area in need of attention, with the likes of Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson on the club’s wishlist. Realistically, none of those players will be available this month. However, groundwork will be laid, fans will hope, to ensure the club is in the best possible position to strengthen in the summer window.
Champions League qualification would help on that front and despite a chaotic campaign so far, a top four or five finish isn’t out of the question. Here’s a round-up of the latest United transfer news…
Fernandes fear
It’s not just potential signings United will be thinking about but departures too. It will be necessary to move on some under-performing players to make room for quality additions.
However, United will be desperate to keep one of their few reliable performers, Bruno Fernandes, happy amid suggestions the captain is growing restless as the club lurches from one crisis to another.
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The Portuguese star had the chance to move to the Saudi Pro League last summer but decided to stay put, declaring that he still wanted to “play at the highest level and compete for major titles.” However, with United out of both cup competitions and the title race, Fernandes is likely to be getting itchy feet again.
The i Paper reports that there is “general fear” around the club that Fernandes may “had enough” and will look to move this summer. Having had a close relationship with Amorim, his countryman’s sacking may have pushed the 31-year-old closer to the exit door himself.
Fernandes has 18 months left on his United deal with the option of a further 12 months, meaning this summer could be crunch time for his future at the club. Bayern Munich are reportedly among the clubs monitoring the situation.
Midfielder’s come-and-get-me plea
Given United’s struggles, enticing a quality midfielder to the club may be easier said than done this summer. However, one middleman has made it clear he would relish a move to Old Trafford.
Frank Onyeka, who has played a part in Brentford’s excellent season under Keith Andrews, had openly admitted he would welcome a move to Old Trafford. It should be noted that he was put on the spot by a fan during the Africa Cup of Nations.
When asked if he would like to play for United, Onyeka cheerily answered: “Of course I want to play for Manchester United!”
A move to Old Trafford looks unlikely, given he has made just nine appearances for the Bees this season. For now, Onyeka is focused on AFCON glory in Morocco after helping Nigeria to the semi-finals, where they will face the host nation.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
