Man Utd set for ‘four or five’ transfers in Champions League verdict | Football | Sport
Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker both feels that Manchester United must strengthen Michael Carrick’s squad ahead of their return to Champions League football next season. United have been linked with a number of high-profile targets, such as Sandro Tonali, Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton, as the club map out their future without Casemiro.
The Brazilian is set to depart Old Trafford this summer, with Tyrell Malacia also expected to follow. United are well aware they must find a replacement for the former Real Madrid midfielder and will require greater squad depth as they prepare to re-enter European competition.
Newcastle United legend Shearer believes the Reds may need as many as four or five new additions to truly kick on under Carrick’s permanent stewardship next term. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer said: “I think he (Carrick) deserved the contract, it was just a matter of the length of contract really. I’m pleased he’s got two years with a one-year option.
“They asked him to come in and do a job, and he’s done that really, really well. They wanted Champions League football and he’s got that.
“Forget about one game a week, or they didn’t have Europe or whatever, he was asked to do a job and he’s done that really, really well. So, for me he deserved that contract.
“Now, I guess they’ll go out and try and sign another four or five players to help them next season. It’ll be a lot tougher with the Champions League and they have to go out and sign some players.
“Add some quality to the team and squad. I’m pleased he’s got the chance to do that.”
Lineker said: “Of course they would have benefitted from the fact they were only in one competition and that was the Premier League. It is an advantage and it will be more difficult next season.
“You look at the overall squad and it’s probably not got enough depth. But at least you can look at them and say there’s an 11 that is a very competitive side.
“They’ve got some excellent footballers, they’re going to miss Casemiro, there’s no doubt about that. I think he’s been excellent for them. Bruno [Fernandes] is just a joyous footballer to watch.”
United are widely anticipated to overhaul their midfield, with up to three new recruits tipped to make their way to Old Trafford over the summer.
The club are additionally being linked with a fresh left-back and a reserve striker, with Carrick already having played an active role in transfer discussions ahead of the upcoming window.
