Having secured their return to the Champions League, Manchester United are edging closer to confirming Michael Carrick as their next permanent manager. The 44-year-old has exceeded expectations since stepping in for the remainder of the season in January, following the turbulent conclusion to Ruben Amorim's troubled tenure.
Contract Caution
Mikael Silvestre has urged United to avoid past mistakes by not giving Carrick a long-term contract. The former defender favours Carrick getting the job full-time but believes he should be given no more than a two-year deal. Mindful of compensation paid to sacked bosses, Silvestre told Betpack: "It doesn't make sense to give long contracts to managers because they stay 15 months to two years most of the time. You had Pep, Klopp, Arteta who stay long term, but other than that, there is a big turnover. You should start with a short contract, not a long one, and then see how it goes because there is so much fragility."
Cut-Price Casemiro Replacement
United have been quoted upwards of £100m for some midfield targets, but one quality alternative to fill the void left by departing Casemiro could be available for less than half that amount. United are reportedly determined to secure a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who could be made available for around £43 million this summer. Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi expects interest in the 26-year-old and said: "I think it's unlikely that teams will move before the end of the season. Interest in our players is normal, but we'll evaluate at the right time with serenity and calm." The Serie A side are open to selling to reinvest and inject youth into their ageing midfield.
With two Premier League fixtures remaining—a home clash against Nottingham Forest and a trip to Brighton—United are on course for a solid third-place finish ahead of Liverpool and Aston Villa. It promises to be an eventful summer at Old Trafford, with both incomings and outgoings anticipated as Carrick sets about putting his own mark on the squad.
