Sully Talkz Exclusive: Michael Carrick loves Mateus Fernandes this summer, while the West Ham United midfielder sees Old Trafford as his dream move, and his very open to a transfer.
Manchester United's midfield hunt appears to be the priority for Director of Football Jason Wilcox this summer, especially after Casemiro's final game against Nottingham Forest.
Michael Carrick has confirmed that the midfielder will not play against Brighton and Hove Albion, describing it as "the right time" to move on.
In the summer, United will be desperate to replace Casemiro in the right fashion, or they will leave themselves in a poor position in their first season back in the Champions League since 2023/24.
Manuel Ugarte has also been linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer, making it even more crucial that United get their recruitment right.
Last summer's signings of Senne Lammens, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško have all impressed this season, but United must do this again, and that will not be easy.
Sources: Mateus Fernandes sees United as dream move
One midfielder to be continually linked with Manchester United for this summer is West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes, who could be set for back-to-back relegations after suffering demotion with Southampton last season.
Roundtable understands that Fernandes sees the opportunity to join United as his dream move and is said to be very open to joining, with personal terms not expected to be an issue.
As for United, they believe that a move to Old Trafford is Fernandes' priority, based on conversations they have had with representatives of the player.
However, Fernandes is high on United's shortlist of central midfielders and is rated highly internally by the scouting department and Michael Carrick himself.
As previously reported, Roundtable understands that Carrick will have a larger say in transfers than Rúben Amorim, and he is believed to love the West Ham midfielder and would welcome his signing.
Alongside Carrick's fondness for the player, United have been tracking the Portuguese since last season.
Any deal United may wish to complete for Fernandes would be dependent on West Ham's asking price, and he will only be an option should they be relegated.
How many midfielders do United need this summer?
With United eyeing both Fernandes and Ederson, the question has to be asked: How many midfielders do United need this summer?
Casemiro's departure will leave a big hole in the side, especially with his nine goals this campaign, so a high-profile replacement will be needed. If Manuel Ugarte leaves, too, that's already two midfielders.
Kobbie Mainoo currently has no recognised backup, with Mason Mount able to fill in, but not naturally in the position. Perhaps with a return to the Champions League, United should target another midfielder.
That would be three new additions for the engine room next season. Some would argue that could be too many, but United have fallen short due to injury in the past, and Michael Carrick will not want that to happen again.
