- Manchester United eye up Morgan Rogers
- Englishman played under Michael Carrick at Middlebrough
- Could cost upwards of £100 million
Manchester United are reportedly now monitoring Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers. The Englishman can play as an attacking midfielder or on the left wing.
Rogers would likely be utilised on the left flank were he to arrive at United, given the importance of Bruno Fernandes. But with the Red Devils captain’s contract running out in a year—with an option to extend for one more—the Villans man could also present a long-term replacement for the Portuguese captain.
At just 23 years of age—turning 24 in July—the Englishman has already established himself as one of the finest players in the league, winning the 2024/25 PFA Young Player of the Year.
That, however, means United are not alone in their interest. Suitors across Europe, including Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool, are all keeping close tabs on the midfielder.
Rogers to United?
Manchester United are now ‘tracking Rogers’ and he is ‘appreciated by both Michael Carrick and Jason Wilcox’, per Ben Jacobs of talkSPORT. The former Manchester City youngster is likely to leave Villa this summer even if they qualify for the Champions League.
Carrick and Rogers already have a history together. In the 2023/24 season, he joined a Carrick-managed Middlesbrough for a reported £1.5 million from City.
Straight away, the pair built a strong relationship. He spent just one season at Middlesbrough, making 33 appearances and scoring seven goals.
Rogers also impressed in their run to the EFL Cup semi-finals, scoring five goals along the way—making him the club’s all-time top scorer in the competition.
Carrick on Rogers
Prior to Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa, Carrick was asked about his former player.
“It is fantastic for him to see Morgan going on to do so well and for a good period of time. He had the initial signing in the January, and I wasn’t really sure how it was going to go, it was a big step for him, he hadn’t played for an awful long time at Middlesbrough so I felt he could have done with a little bit more.
“But as soon as he had gone to Aston Villa, he took huge steps and become a major, major part of their team and part of the England team so that is how well he has done.
“You could always see what he was possibly going to be capable of and the potential in terms of his attributes, the way he carries the ball, he can play off his left foot, play off his right foot, create and score goals and really good athletically, so there were a lot of things there when we took him to start with.
“But to see him go on and have such an impact would be probably more than I would have expected or probably more than Morgan himself would have expected. It is great to see though. I enjoy seeing him do so well. To come up against him is a different story. Nevertheless, he is a good person, great to work with so I am delighted he has done so well.”
Reunion?
A reunion between the manager and his former Boro player might be desired. But whilst Rogers is an extremely exciting talent, it is unlikely that United will pursue him.
With a reported £100 million asking fee, that figure simply looks too steep. Had INEOS not needed to replace a departing Casemiro, a move for Rogers could have been on the cards.
The club are already preparing to spend close to £100 million on a more defensive-minded midfielder; it is unlikely there will be much left behind the sofa cushions. Another central midfielder is also a possibility and that only further casts doubts over a move for Roegers.
