Man Utd news: Fernandes talks to transfer target as Tottenham force hand | Football | Sport
Bruno Fernandes is helping Manchester United in more ways than one. (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United can now concentrate fully on next season after Michael Carrick was confirmed as permanent manager. The former midfielder has been handed a two-year contract following his success in steering United to a respectable third-place finish and, crucially, a return to Champions League football.
Carrick faces quite a task this summer as he seeks to rebuild the squad in his own vision. Strengthening the team is essential if United are to mount a challenge against Arsenal and Manchester City next season, while departures will be required to generate funds.
Midfield is an obvious area requiring reinforcement, particularly after Casemiro’s departure from the club following Sunday’s final-day victory at Brighton, while questions remain over Manuel Ugarte’s Old Trafford future.
As the summer reconstruction begins, Express Sport brings you a round-up of the latest United news…
A fascinating moment has surfaced, hinting at what might lie ahead. After the final whistle at Brighton, Bruno Fernandes was seen in a lengthy discussion with Carlos Baleba, a midfielder strongly linked with United.
Initially, Fernandes simply placed his arm around the Cameroonian and appeared ready to move on. However, he then returned for a more extended conversation with Baleba, sparking speculation amongst United supporters.
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Some suggested it appeared like “more than just a handshake,” while others labelled him “Agent Fernandes.” Baleba was eager to make the switch to Old Trafford last summer, but Brighton’s £100million asking price dampened their enthusiasm.
Since then, Baleba has struggled to reach his previous heights, with Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler acknowledging that speculation linking him with a transfer to United had adversely affected him. He could now be obtained for a reduced sum.
The 22-year-old was also seen conversing with United players in the tunnel following the match, including Joshua Zirkzee, while he called out to Patrick Dorgu, who was conducting an interview.
At the end of Dorgu’s discussion with journalists, he was questioned about Baleba calling his name and whether he would welcome the prospect of playing alongside him at United next term. He grinned and responded: “No comment!”
However, Tottenham may end up forcing United’s hand as The Independent claim that they are keen to reunite Baleba with ex-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi this summer.
Bruno Fernandes speaking to Carlos Baleba (Image: Sky Sports)
Baleba could feasibly replace Ugarte, who United are willing to offload this summer. The Uruguayan’s transfer to Old Trafford hasn’t proved successful and now would represent an ideal moment for United to minimise their losses.
Ugarte, by his own acknowledgement, has endured a frustrating campaign, telling reporters upon returning to his homeland ahead of the World Cup: “This year wasn’t the best at Manchester United.”
Regarding what lies ahead, the 25-year-old confessed he was “open to whatever comes.” He added: “I’m not thinking about what will happen next because when you finish your career, the best thing is to play in a World Cup with your country. I want to enjoy it and push myself to the limit.
“Manchester United is one of the best clubs in the world. The World Cup is going to be crucial in determining everything. I’m open to whatever comes.
“This year wasn’t great in every sense, but I learned a lot mentally. I was surrounded by good people, and I’m trying to take the positives from it. We’ll see what happens at the World Cup. Whatever happens, I think it will be good.”
