7M - Manchester United Eye Midfield Reinforcements Under Michael Carrick

It would be a fitting coincidence if Manchester United's first signing under new permanent head coach Michael Carrick is a central midfielder. While official updates are scarce, the club is expected to wrap up a 35 million pound deal for Atalanta's Brazilian midfielder Ederson shortly. This move would push United's total spending on central midfielders to nearly 580 million pounds since Carrick joined the club as a player in 2006.

Midfield recruitment is a top priority for United this summer. Veteran Casemiro is leaving as his contract expires on June 30, while Manuel Ugarte faces an uncertain future after failing to feature in recent matches. This leaves Kobbie Mainoo as the only other experienced central midfielder in the first team. Although highly rated academy graduates Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, and Jacob Devaney will feature in pre-season matches starting July 18 against Wrexham in Helsinki, they are unlikely to be regular starters next season.

Consequently, United are scanning the transfer market. Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson is their primary target, but he is heavily linked with Manchester City. United are reluctant to enter a bidding war or match Forest's rumored 120 million pound asking price.

Alternative options include Mateus Fernandes from relegated West Ham and Brighton's Carlos Baleba, though Brighton owner Tony Bloom is known for tough negotiations. Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Tyler Adams are also under consideration, alongside Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni, should he become available following recent management changes in Spain.