Michael Carrick has urged Manchester United to prioritise the signing of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer as he embarks on a major squad rebuild following his new contract.
Carrick's Vision for the Squad
After guiding Manchester United to a third-place finish in the Premier League and securing Champions League qualification, Carrick officially signed a two-year contract at Old Trafford on Friday. The former midfielder now has his sights set on strengthening the squad, with midfield reinforcements at the top of his list.
With Casemiro departing and doubts surrounding Manuel Ugarte's future, Kobbie Mainoo is currently Carrick's only senior midfield option. The club is targeting at least two new midfielders, with a third potentially arriving if Ugarte leaves.
Transfer Targets
Manchester United are reportedly in talks to sign Ederson from Atalanta in a £45 million deal. Atalanta's head coach has confirmed the midfielder is in negotiations with 'a major club'. However, reports in Italy suggest Tonali has moved to the top of United's list of targets, with the club 'confident' of agreeing a deal.
The Newcastle star has been linked with a move away from St James' Park since January, when he was offered to Arsenal late in the winter window. Newcastle's disappointing season, where they missed out on European qualification, has heightened speculation over his departure.
Transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that United have decided to focus on Tonali, claiming he is the player Carrick has specifically requested for this summer's rebuild. The report states Tonali could cost up to €100 million (£86 million).
Champions League Ambitions
Having exited the Carabao Cup and FA Cup at the first hurdles this season, United's sole focus has been on the Premier League, ending their campaign away to Brighton on Sunday. A return to the Champions League demands a bigger and better squad next season, with Carrick targeting trophies after restoring stability to the club.
'It's good to make steps, good to get in the Champions League, good to finish third, but [I want] to make this place better,' Carrick said. 'I must admit on Sunday in the stadium it felt a little bit different. There was a real togetherness and kind of enjoyment from everyone and that was powerful for me. Supporting Manchester United and looking forward to what can happen should always be like that. That's the drive [to win trophies] and for us to reward the fans would be pretty special.'
