Nicky Butt has expressed caution over Manchester United's potential signing of Crysencio Summerville, describing the winger as 'explosive' but warning he may be too 'inconsistent' to make a significant impact under Michael Carrick.
With Champions League football returning to Old Trafford next season, United are in need of reinforcements to compete on multiple fronts. Rebuilding the midfield is Carrick's top priority, with Ederson already signed from Atalanta. However, more additions are needed, especially with Casemiro gone and Manuel Ugarte surplus to requirements. Players like Aurelien Tchouameni, Elliot Anderson, and Matheus Fernandes have been linked with the Red Devils.
Fernandes is not the only West Ham star on Carrick's shortlist, as winger Crysencio Summerville has emerged as a surprise target. Summerville recorded seven goals and five assists in 34 games last season and scored a stunning goal as the Netherlands began their World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against Japan. Reports suggest the 24-year-old will cost around £50 million, a fee that could fluctuate based on West Ham's Premier League relegation and Summerville's World Cup form.
United legend Butt believes the move could be beneficial if the price is right but warns that Summerville has yet to prove he can perform at the elite level consistently. 'He's an explosive player, he's good to watch, but I don't think he's consistent enough,' the Class of 92 alumni said. 'However, the money shouldn't be a lot to get him, and United have to build a squad. It can't be all about going and getting the superstar signings.'
'Summerville was brilliant for the Netherlands in the first game, so he could potentially start every week for Man United. I'm looking at him thinking he's got to get a lot more consistent to get to the next level,' Butt added. 'But I'd still definitely look at signing a player like him. We've got to build the squad, the bench has got to be stronger. When you play a team and see their starting 11 but then they've got another four that can come on and make a difference, that's massive.'
'When United played Leeds at Old Trafford last season and they got beat, the players on the bench and around the squad weren't good enough. When they're all fit they're really good but they still need to build the squad so I'd be going for some players like that as well.'
United lack depth on the left flank, where Summerville predominantly plays. Carrick's current options are Matheus Cunha, who is more naturally a centre-forward, and Patrick Dorgu, who has been converted from left-back. The Red Devils will begin the 2026/27 Premier League season with a trip to newly-promoted Hull City on August 22.
Nicky Butt was speaking exclusively to Paddy Power.
