Man Utd’s dream attack: Fernandes replacement signs in £128m transfer spree | Football | Sport
Bruno Fernandes has proved to be Manchester United’s most important player. (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United are poised to overhaul their squad in the summer transfer window. Michael Carrick’s side have clinched a Champions League spot, but the head coach will recognise reinforcements are necessary to help his team fulfil their ultimate ambitions.
The 44-year-old has put pen to paper on a two-year contract as United boss following his impressive interim period. After the Premier League season concluded on Sunday, his focus will now shift to the transfer window. Bringing in midfielders is the club’s top priority after Casemiro confirmed his intention to leave at the end of his contract.
The Brazil captain proved vital under Carrick, enjoying his best-ever goalscoring campaign, and finding his successor will be essential.
United could also be searching for a left winger as they look to enhance their attacking options. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes delivered another outstanding season but the club can start preparing for his eventual exit. Here, Express Sport examines how United’s attack could shape up following a dream transfer window.
Ederson is edging closer to a switch to Old Trafford and could become Carrick’s first acquisition. United are in discussions over a £38million transaction for the Atalanta midfielder, who is entering the final year of his contract.
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The 26-year-old was an unused substitute in the Serie A side’s final fixture of the campaign, with his manager revealing that Ederson was on the verge of departing the club. Yet while he would strengthen United’s midfield options, he is not regarded as the direct successor to Casemiro.
Rather, the Brazil international would compete with Kobbie Mainoo for a place in the starting XI and also offer backup in defensive midfield. It has been widely reported that United are considering several Premier League talents to fill the Casemiro-shaped void in Carrick’s squad next term.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson would be an ideal fit, while also introducing additional energy at the heart of midfield. Manchester City are believed to be frontrunners for his signature, though United will be hoping to pip their rivals in a blockbuster transfer tussle.
Morgan Rogers would help strengthen United’s squad (Image: Getty Images)
Confirmation of Pep Guardiola‘s exit may aid United’s prospects as the club confronts the end of an era, prompting Anderson to weigh up his alternatives. United’s new midfield partnership will be tasked with providing support and protection for Fernandes.
The captain continues to improve ahead of his eighth Premier League season at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, United cannot continue being excessively dependent on the 31-year-old if they aspire to compete across multiple competitions and mount a challenge for the game’s most prestigious honours.
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A high-profile acquisition of Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers could address two crucial weaknesses in United’s attacking play. The forward has been indispensable for Unai Emery’s outfit, but Villa may look to capitalise on their prized asset to fund a squad overhaul. He could command a fee of around £90m.
United are in the market for a new left winger, and the England international could thrive out wide under Carrick, leapfrogging Matheus Cunha in the process. Furthermore, Rogers would serve as a natural successor to Fernandes in attacking midfield when the time arrives, affording his replacement a greater opportunity to settle at Old Trafford.
On the opposite flank, competition for a starting berth will be fierce. Bryan Mbeumo and Amad will battle it out throughout the season, with that rivalry likely to bring out the very best in both players.
Up front, Benjamin Sesko is poised to establish himself as the focal point of United’s attack after impressing Carrick. The 22-year-old has already shown his worth under the new United manager and looks set for a standout campaign next season.
United’s dream attack: Anderson, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rogers; Sesko.
