Michael Carrick has been advised to sanction a significant clear-out at Manchester United this summer while bringing in 'three or four' new signings, with former player Chris Waddle urging the manager to offload flop Joshua Zirkzee and target Chelsea star Cole Palmer.
Carrick's First Transfer Window
Carrick is preparing for his first transfer window as Old Trafford boss after being appointed as United's new manager on a two-year contract. The 44-year-old, who enjoyed a productive spell at United as a player, took interim charge after Ruben Amorim's sacking in January. Carrick's return was only expected to be temporary, but he delivered Champions League football and a third-place finish in the Premier League with an impressive run of results.
The ex-England midfielder will hope to bolster his squad this summer, with at least one new midfielder set to be signed ahead of Casemiro's departure. However, Waddle believes there are 'another five or six players' United should sell, starting with Zirkzee.
Zirkzee's Struggles
Zirkzee has endured two disappointing seasons at the Theatre of Dreams, scoring just five league goals and starting only five games all season. The £36.5 million signing has failed to live up to expectations, and Waddle has urged Carrick to move him on.
'Looking at Manchester United, Casemiro is going, they've got to get rid of Joshua Zirkzee, Rasmus Hojlund has to be moved on,' Waddle told BoyleSports. 'There's another five or six players they need to get off the wage bill to allow Carrick to bring in players that he thinks will do the job.'
Cole Palmer Target
Waddle says United will only succeed next season if they enjoy a successful transfer window and sign players 'like Cole Palmer.' Palmer has been linked with a move away from struggling Chelsea in recent months and is reportedly open to joining United, the club he supported growing up.
'If that frees up the money to go and get people like Cole Palmer and get them really working on the ball and doing what we know they can do in possession, then he could become a great player again,' Waddle added.
Waddle's Concerns
Waddle praised Carrick for improving the team's mentality but expressed concerns about squad depth and control. 'I like Michael Carrick and I think he's done a good job, but my one concern is that I don't think he has got the players and needs to make some acquisitions this summer,' he said. 'He's got them working for each other again, but there are a few aging players, and when I watch their games, they never look in control of teams.'
Carrick's United finished the 2025-26 season with a 3-0 win over Brighton, with goals from Patrick Dorgu, Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes. 'We've finished strong,' Carrick said. 'We had a real focus that it wasn't the end of the season, it was the next stage. Good mentality, good attitude and some top quality in our performance.'
The summer transfer window opens on June 15 and closes on August 31.
