Michael Carrick’s permanent appointment signals a massive midfield overhaul, with the Red Devils frontrunning a high-stakes pursuit for West Ham’s breakout star to partner Bruno Fernandes.
Despite still having one game remaining in the 2025/26 Premier League season, Manchester United have secured third place and have today announced the permanent appointment of Michael Carrick as First Team Manager.
The decision comes as no shock, given the improvement in form since his arrival, and now that the managerial situation has been given clarity, the club can start to look ahead to a busy summer transfer window. With both Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte expected to leave the club, rebuilding the midfield is the clear priority.
United have been linked to an array of midfield options, and the market seems to be full of opportunities. It has been reported by various outlets that United will aim to sign three midfield players to bolster their squad and accompany Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.
Atalanta's Ederson has been linked in the last few days, as well as Elliot Anderson, Aurelien Tchouameni and Sandro Tonali. Another realistic option could be Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United, who currently sit 18th in the table heading into the final day of the Premier League season.
United favourites in Fernandes race
Manchester United's interest in Mateus Fernandes has been well-documented over the last number of months. His consistent performances in a poor West Ham side have made him an interesting option for many clubs this summer, as his situation could easily change if the Hammers face the drop.
West Ham only signed Fernandes last summer from Southampton after they were relegated to the Championship. The club spent £40 million on the Portuguese last year, so could demand a high fee, potentially up to £80 million, with four years still remaining on his contract.
According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United are frontrunners in the race to sign Fernandes, ahead of the likes of PSG, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea. TEAMtalk also states that Fernandes would view the move to Old Trafford as a "major step up".
Mateus Fernandes also graduated from the Sporting CP academy before making the switch to England. Rumours suggest the 21-year-old idolises Bruno Fernandes and has a strong personal relationship with the Manchester United captain.
Who will be United's midfield overhaul?
With a new manager at the helm and Champions League football secured, Manchester United have the potential to have an exciting summer transfer window. There are many issues still to fix in the squad before fans can expect a truly competitive team, but transforming the midfield is essential if the club want to be successful next season.
Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are expected to stay at the club for the foreseeable future, with Mainoo recently signing a new contract and Fernandes potentially doing the same. However, Casemiro has said his goodbyes and Manuel Ugarte will need to be replaced. This means United need three new midfielders.
It has been suggested by many journalists that United's midfield rebuild has a budget of around £150 million, and Mateus Fernandes would be seen as an ideal target. With West Ham potentially facing relegation, it could mean that his large price tag could drop significantly.
Casemiro has been integral to United's success this season with his consistent performances and goal scoring from midfield. The 34-year-old has brought lots of valuable experience to the team, which will be missed, so it is important that United replace that with an established and experienced player as well as young prodigies, like Fernandes.
