Michael Carrick eyes a dynamic midfield rebuild, pivoting toward West Ham’s £80 million star to provide the technical silk and Premier League experience missing in United’s engine room.
Manchester United look set to press ahead with their second transfer of the summer as Michael Carrick looks to rebuild his midfield following several summer departures.
Casemiro's contract is set to expire at the end of this month, with the Brazilian international due to leave, while fellow midfielder Manuel Ugarte is also being linked with. a move away.
The club have already agreed one transfer, signing Ederson from Atalanta for £35 million, although the deal will not be complete until he undergoes his full medical and signs his contract once Brazil's World Cup finishes.
While Elliot Anderson has been a top priority for United across the last six months, Manchester City's recent bid of £121 million for the player has seen the Reds distance themselves from any form of bidding war for the England international.
United confident of signing Fernandes
In recent weeks, Roundtable have reported that United have been engaging in talks with West Ham surrounding 21-year-old midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
Fernandes has long been a target not just for United, but also for Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain, although the club have always believed that Fernandes would pick them over the rest.
According to TimesSport, United are becoming increasingly confident that they will land the player, who West Ham continue to claim could go for as much as £80 million this summer.
The report also adds that United are set to beat Arsenal to the talented Portuguese player, with the London club not willing to compete with United for the transfer.
Why is Carrick signing Fernandes?
Reports in the last few days have claimed that Carrick is looking to build a midfield at United that's similar to PSG's mould of Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz and Joao Neves – three fluid players who all work as a unit.
While United already have Bruno Fernandes, who is a brilliant creator, and Kobbie Mainoo, who is fantastic in tight spaces, they are missing a third dynamic midfielder who can provide legs.
Fernandinho has two seasons of Premier League experience with Southampton and West Ham, and at 21, already has over 100 league appearances under his belt, showing a clear high level of experience for his age.
While Ederson is a player who will provide a robust physical presence that will provide dominance, Fernandes will give United the ability to be silky and all-action in the middle of the park, handing Carrick fantastic options.
