Manchester United parted ways with manager Ruben Amorim in January. However, under interim manager Michael Carrick, the club swiftly revitalized its performance, securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League and finishing in third place.
Additional reasons for optimism exist as well. Notable summer acquisitions, including attackers Matheus Cunha and Brian Mbeumo, goalkeeper Senne Ramens, and to a lesser degree, striker Benjamin Sesko, have made significant contributions. Midfielder Koby Mainu, who was overlooked during Amorim’s tenure, has emerged as a vital player under Carrick and has been awarded a new contract. Despite ongoing questions surrounding ownership—particularly regarding the Glazers and Jim Ratcliffe, who remain unpopular among fans—there is a palpable sense of cautious hope surrounding the club’s current trajectory.
Nevertheless, substantial work lies ahead, with lingering issues from the previous administration profoundly impacting the team’s operations. Here’s our perspective on how clubs should tackle these challenges.
This article is the second in this year’s ‘Keep or Dump’ series, focusing on pressing concerns for Premier League and major European clubs during the summer transfer window, with additional insights on Liverpool available elsewhere.
Future of Manager Michael Carrick and His Prospects
As Carrick’s interim contract is set to expire at season’s end, sporting director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada have reportedly advocated for making his role permanent. But are they making the right choice?
United initially sought a manager with a proven track record in the Premier League and Champions League, combined with tactical prowess in high-stakes matches. Yet, the choice of Carrick raises questions, as he lacks the requisite experience.
Mark asserts that Carrick stands as the most realistic candidate based on his successful stint leading the team to the Champions League while embodying the club’s values. Although he has concerns regarding Carrick’s long-term fit, the interim management alongside assistant coach Steve Holland has yielded positive results.
In contrast, Gab challenges the narrow criteria used in the managerial search, noting that merely nine managers have clinched tournaments in the past decade. An analysis of potential candidates reveals limited options that meet United’s original requirements, suggesting that a broader search might have been more beneficial.
While the club characterized the managerial search as “exhaustive,” questions remain about how exhaustive it truly was, particularly given the restrictions on conversations with managers under contract. Carrick may be a viable option, but a more thoughtful decision would enhance confidence in the appointment.
Contract Decisions Loom: Key Players Facing Uncertainty
Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Altai Baindir, and Luke Shaw all have contracts expiring in June 2027; however, only Shaw lacks a club extension option through 2028. What concerns should United address on this front?
Mark emphasizes the need to prioritize Fernandes, the team’s standout player, whose performance shows no signs of decline. Despite his advancing age, a new contract seems warranted.
Conversely, Baindir needs to be released, as he falls short as a backup goalkeeper. For the other players, their contracts should only be extended if they demonstrate their worth during the upcoming season—especially Maguire and Shaw, whose consistency has been a running theme.
Gab echoes Mark’s sentiments regarding the treatment of Fernandes, asserting that the club is under no threat of losing him. With options for contract extensions and his evident loyalty to the club, there is little urgency in pursuing immediate negotiations.
Assessing the Future of Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot
Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot currently have contracts through 2028 that include options for further extensions until 2029. Should United take any further action regarding their contracts?
Dalot has made noticeable improvements, yet the long timeline until 2029 means there’s no immediate rush for contract discussions. Mount, while talented and well-liked, has faced significant fitness challenges, complicating his future with the club as he occupies a position already filled by Fernandes. Although moving Mount may seem sensible, his high salary and transfer fee create a financial hurdle for the club.
Marcus Rashford’s Future Remains Uncertain
Marcus Rashford enjoyed a successful loan spell at Barcelona, where they are reportedly hesitant to meet the €30 million fee required for a permanent transfer. Should United proactively seek alternatives?
In light of current circumstances, United must confront the reality that they have little leverage around Rashford’s future. The challenge lies in navigating both his substantial salary and the feelings he harbors about returning to Old Trafford.
Mark believes Rashford’s recent performances have caught the eye of major clubs like Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, while Gab suggests that interest in him is waning as he approaches his 29th birthday, complicating a potential transfer due to financial constraints.
Andre Onana’s Role and Future at the Club
Goalkeeper Andre Onana has had a commendable season with Trabzonspor, yet United reportedly waived any loan fees while covering his full salary. With two years remaining on his contract, what might his future hold?
Mark expresses skepticism regarding any potential transfer for Onana, projecting that his valuation falls below £20 million, prompting the club to consider another loan arrangement. Alternatively, Gab believes even a cut-down fee of £12 million to £15 million might be a strategic move to offload his salary and amortization from the books.
Strengthening the Midfield: Key Areas of Focus
With Casemiro departing following his best season at the club, and limited contributions anticipated from newcomers Ugarte and Mount, the state of United’s midfield looks precarious. How can they rectify this deficit?
Midfield has emerged as a critical area for improvement as United gears up for a more demanding schedule next season. A minimum of two quality additions is necessary to strengthen competition within the squad.
Addressing gaps in the midfield will require a considerable financial commitment. Should Mount leave, securing a suitable replacement who can effectively complement Koby Mainu while also filling the void left by Casemiro will be paramount.
Financial Maneuvering and Transfer Strategy for the Upcoming Season
Following Napoli’s Champions League participation, a clause to make Rasmus Højlund’s transfer permanent was triggered, potentially adding around €44 million to United’s finances. Additionally, with various players potentially leaving, United could secure over €100 million through sales. What challenges does this present for the upcoming season?
Historically, clubs have had to contend with a ‘United Tax’ for players due to previous mismanagement, unnecessarily inflating transfer fees. Such strategies cannot persist if United intends to rejuvenate its squad effectively.
In reality, the team needs addressing in multiple positions, including central midfielders, a backup goalkeeper, and possibly additional defensive players, to gear up for next season’s challenges. Given that a financially astute summer is ahead, the club must blend its financial strategies with a thorough review of its roster needs.
