- Morgan Rogers has been put forward to Manchester United officials
- Michael Carrick previously worked with player at Middlesbrough
- Number of clubs interested in Villa man
In order to remain competitive for next season, Manchester United must be active in the summer transfer market.
The calibre of arrivals that the club can attract is boosted by Champions League football, which is within reach for the Reds. Michael Carrick‘s side need just two points from their final four fixtures to mathematically qualify for the group phase.
The hard work has already started behind the scenes, with the Manchester United head coach involved in recruitment meetings despite his future at the club being unclear.
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Manchester United ‘Serious’ About Morgan Rogers
GIVEMESPORT’s Ben Jacobs appeared on the latest episode of The United Stand to discuss the latest transfer news around Manchester United.
Speaking on the YouTube channel, Jacobs mentioned that the interim boss “has put names forward” for next season, which includes Morgan Rogers. The Aston Villa midfielder previously worked under Carrick at Middlesbrough, starring in the Championship. Rogers joined the Premier League outfit for an initial £8m fee in 2024.
The journalist added that the 44 year-old has “given his perspective and due diligence on Morgan Rogers”, given his history managing the player. Additionally, United’s technical director Jason Wilcox also helped develop Rogers during their time at Manchester City.
Last summer, Liverpool wer einterested in acquiring the player. However, interest in the midfielder has cooled off, yet the price tage remains the same. Jacobs said: “The price is still going to be £80m or more, and that was the case last year.”
Rogers signed a new deal with the club until 2031 earlier this season. This indicates that the relationship between the player, manager Unai Emery and the club is quite healthy. However, Jacobs claimed that Aston Villa are open to cashing in on the player at the “right age and time” to balance their books and “aggressively” reinvest into the squad ahead of potential Champions League football to come.
Price Tag May Cool Interest
While Rogers’ versatility is a major asset, Manchester United reportedly view him as “more of a left-sided option, as they have plenty of tens”, according to Jacobs. The interchangebale nature of the player does fit in with the current profiles at United.
Moreover, it is a huge bonus that Rogers does not have a favoured side. Jacobs noted, “I’m told by people close to the player that he doesn’t have a favoured position” and that Rogers ultimately sees the “ten or left wing as very equal” in terms of his impact. While he is notably less comfortable on the right, United’s depth with Bryan Mbuemo and Amad there makes that a non-issue.
However, the £80m price tag creates a significant barrier. United aren’t necessarily hunting for a starting left winger, given they bought Matheus Cunha last summer. Instead, they require a deputy for a 60+ game season. Similarly, the “ten” role is firmly occupied now that Bruno Fernandes is expected to stay.
Currently, United seem to sit in the same boat as Liverpool. Rogers is a player they admire, but he isn’t a top priority. He would be an excellent addition for any PL team, but United cannot afford to waste capital. Unless significant departures raise funds for a luxury signing, it is no secret that most of the summer budget will be going towards a replacement for Casemiro.
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