Michael Carrick has well and truly put himself in contention to become the head coach of Manchester United permanently. The English tactician returned to Old Trafford in early January and replaced Ruben Amorim following the Portuguese’s sacking.
Nobody envisioned the remarkable turnaround he’s overseen since heading back to the dugout with the Reds. A 2-1 comeback win against Crystal Palace on Sunday means his side have now won six and drawn one of seven games.
A return to the Champions League is on the horizon, and United are expected to be busy in the summer transfer window. Carrick’s comments on one of the club’s priorities suggest he has been consulted and is thus INEOS’ man moving forward.
Carrick teases a new winger
Carrick spoke ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Newcastle United tonight (March 4th). He was asked whether the Reds need cover on the left wing amid Patrick Dorgu’s injury.
The 44-year-old told reporters:
“We’re always looking at the balance of the team and the squad, to give you the most flexibility. So it’s definitely something to look at, for sure. I think the way Matheus [Cunha] can play that, at times. Amad can do that, at times, he came on at West Ham and played off the left.”
Dorgu is sidelined with a hamstring injury and had been Carrick’s preferred left-winger at the start of his second spell as caretaker coach. Matheus Cunha has since started off the left but doesn’t have viable backup despite Amad’s versatility.
Carrick added:
“There are different ways of doing it with the balance of the squad. We’ve got really good options across the frontline and can change things in games. We have done quite a lot actually, sometimes small things and sometimes bigger things. But Matheus, when he plays outside, one-v-one, is tough to stop.”
Carrick’s comments could be interpreted as him suggesting he’s in support of the club moving for a new left-winger in the summer. That decision will be made by INEOS but there’s a growing feeling that they are now making plans for the future with the Englishman remaining in charge.
Potential options
Manchester United have already been linked with attackers ahead of the summer transfer window which is normal. The latest name to be talked up for an Old Trafford switch is Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Mateus Mane.
The 18-year-old English winger has flourished at Molineux this season, catching the eye for the Premier League’s rock-bottom team. He has appeared 19 times, posting two goals and as many assists.
Reports claim that United have held ‘initial talks’ over a possible move for the Wolves starlet. There is growing interest in him from other clubs, so they might need to be swift.
Other options include Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, who will face the Reds tonight. The English winger hasn’t enjoyed the best of seasons, but is on the club’s radar.
Gordon has registered three goals and two assists in 22 league outings. His club will reportedly demand an astronomical fee to part ways with the 25-year-old.
Yan Diomande is another of Europe’s most highly-rated young wingers who has caught the eye at RB Leipzig. United did business with the Germans last summer after signing Benjamin Sesko for £74m.
Whether their good relationship could help aid a potential deal for the 19-year-old remains to be seen. The Ivorian has bagged nine goals and six assists in 23 Bundesliga games this season.
