Manchester United are preparing for a busy summer transfer window as early preparations for next season begin. Michael Carrick’s side will focus on strengthening their squad and aim to build upon their third-place finish in the Premier League.
Midfield priority after Casemiro departure
Casemiro’s departure has made midfield a priority, with United looking to add more than one player in that department. Atalanta star Ederson is nearing a move to Old Trafford as the club’s recruitment plans take shape.
Kobbie Mainoo has enjoyed a resurgence under Carrick and will likely keep his place under the permanent manager. The 44-year-old coach has spoken about the England star’s importance and outlined his role within the squad.
Marcus Rashford's potential return
Marcus Rashford continues to be linked with a return to United following his Barcelona loan spell. Former United assistant coach Rene Meulensteen believes Rashford could be given a chance to prove himself under Carrick.
Barcelona can sign the forward permanently for £26 million, but that clause has not been triggered. Meulensteen suggested that talks with Carrick may lead to a surprise return, with Rashford having last played for the Red Devils in December 2024.
“There is a route back for Marcus Rashford because Michael Carrick knows him,” Meulensteen told BOYLE Sports. “I think there is a really important conversation to be had, no two ways about it.”
He added: “Maybe it has been good for him to move away for a while, just to have a look at it and look back at Manchester United from the outside in. Because it will also have given him the opportunity to realise how much Man United actually means to him.”
“Because he knows Michael and Michael knows him, I think it's definitely a good conversation that they should have. And then obviously, it all depends on what exactly the expectations are from both parties.”
Carrick's transfer stance
Carrick has insisted that any defensive midfield signings will not be solely based on how well they could play alongside Mainoo. The 21-year-old formed an impressive partnership with Casemiro, but Carrick explained that finding a partner for Mainoo should not dictate recruitment plans.
“I mean, there's a balance,” the United boss said. “There's a balance as a football club, because you're not necessarily, whenever it is, bringing a player in just to play with one player.”
“I think it's about fitting the squad, the balance of the squad, being able to cope with playing here in different competitions for so many games. So it's not necessarily... I'm talking quite broad here in general. With any player, you're not just bringing them just to play with one player, but certainly there's a dynamic and there's a balance that needs to be had.”
He added: “The beauty about Kobbie is that he can do so many things well, and I think he's proven that, and he's evolved so much in the four or five months that I've seen his progress. And that's him.”
“I'm not taking the credit for that. He's done that himself, but I think he's shown that he can do so many things. So it makes bringing players in to play with a player like Kobbie a little bit easier when he can adapt himself, and I think he's adapted over time.”
