Manchester United have made a good start to what promises to be a hectic summer. As most of the football world focuses on the World Cup, feverish preparations are continuing behind the scenes ahead of a big season.
Midfield Priority
Michael Carrick is keen to strengthen his options as he prepares to add Champions League football to the schedule. Midfield is a priority following Casemiro's departure, and progress has already been made, with United striking a deal to sign Atalanta's Ederson. Further midfield additions are expected. United are interested in Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, who has attracted two offers from Manchester City. The 23-year-old is poised to feature prominently for England at the World Cup as the tug-of-war for his signature intensifies. A more realistic option is Portugal star Mateus Fernandes, who is available following West Ham's relegation to the Championship.
United 'Keen' on Casado
United are keen on Marcus Rashford's Barcelona teammate Marc Casado, according to reports in Spain. As the Catalans continue to dally on whether to trigger their option to turn Rashford's loan into a permanent deal, United are said to be tracking the midfielder. Casado was wanted by Chelsea last summer but decided to stay and fight for his place at Barca. However, after playing a bit-part role under Hansi Flick, he is keen to leave. Mundo Deportivo claims United, plus clubs in Spain including Atletico Madrid, and the Middle East, are interested in the 22-year-old Spain star. He would be a cheaper option than Mateus Fernandes, who has a price tag of around £80m. Casado, who has two years left on his contract, could be available for less than half that amount.
Valencia's Carrick Plea
Former Old Trafford favourite Antonio Valencia has issued a come-and-get-me plea to Carrick. Valencia, who played alongside Carrick during his decade at United, is currently working at the World Cup as a pundit for Telemundo Deportes. When asked about whether he would like to join Carrick, the 40-year-old, who left United in 2019, said: 'Yes, I would go back. Manchester United is a club that gave me so much. My family was very happy there. I would work for Manchester United in any role, out of passion. It is a club I love a lot. I think everything they are doing is going well. But if they called me, I would go running.' Valencia took the time to congratulate his friend when he was appointed permanently. He said: 'I sent him a message wishing him success. Carrick is someone I respect and care about a lot. I wished him success as a coach, and I think it has gone well for him. Things have worked out, and it makes me happy that he is going into another season on the bench.'
