Online Reporter
A JOURNALIST brought Michael Carrick’s post-match press conference to an end at Sunderland with a polite “thank you”.
Everyone had seen and heard enough after a drab draw that would have sent you to sleep on the sofa if you had Match of the Day on.
Manchester United’s participation in the Champions League next season and their near-guarantee of third place means we have seen enough this season. Nottingham Forest on Sunday will double as a farewell to Casemiro and Brighton the following week has the makings of an enjoyable away day for United’s supporters.
But all the relevant decisions on the future have been concluded. United’s power brokers must privately know who their head coach will be next season and Carrick remains the frontrunner.
Of more interest to United supporters is how they will enhance and expand their squad for a minimum 50-game season after 40 games this season. Some naysayers noted after the stalemate at Sunderland that United’s squad isn’t ready for the Champions League. Well, obviously.
United were not in Europe this season, so their playing staff was trimmed for domestic competition. They will exceed expectations by finishing in the top three.
Director of football Jason Wilcox and head of recruitment Christopher Vivell handled their first summer transfer window so well it is United’s best apart from 2007.
The incomings 19 years ago were Nani, Anderson, Owen Hargreaves and Carlos Tevez. United went on to win the Premier League and Champions League. United’s minimum aim next season has to be to genuinely compete in both competitions. They have not challenged for the title since they last won it in 2013 and have made the Champions League quarter-finals twice since their last final appearance in 2011.
Harry Maguire stressed last month that United need signings for the first team and the squad. Nobody at the club would dispute that.
Releasing Casemiro and Jadon Sancho will widen the headroom. United’s pressing matters with outgoings are to find new permanent homes for Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana.
If they also go, that would clear £1.125million from United’s weekly wage bill.
An imposing central midfielder and a dynamic left back would improve the starting XI.
Luke Shaw has had one of his best campaigns and is the only United player who has started in all 36 Premier League games, yet Shaw’s consistency is owed to a lighter workload.
Shaw turns 31 in July and he cannot carry the load next season when United’s midweeks are going to be full again.
Shaw has started a minimum 40 games in only three campaigns when United have had European football. The marquee arrival will be a midfielder, an area United got away with not strengthening last summer. Elliot Anderson would be their dream target but Aurelien Tchouameni is more attainable amid the rancour at Real Madrid.
Kobbie Mainoo is effectively the last man standing in midfield now. Casemiro will be released and United want to sell Manuel Ugarte but accept they may be saddled with him, given his low stock and a steep asking price of £25m.
Two midfield recruits are planned and there would be a third if Ugarte is offloaded. That would provide United with quality and depth in an area that they have had recurring issues dating back to Sir Alex Ferguson’s twilight years in management.
Joshua Zirkzee never was United-class and United require a more senior forward to provide back-up for Benjamin Sesko, who is starting to vindicate his £74m fee.
Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha are now United’s two left-wingers, with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad the options on the right.
Mason Mount, deployed as a ‘destroyer’ at Sunderland, is so versatile he can play in midfield, as the playmaker or on the right.
Mount’s salary will increase to £250,000-a-week with United back in the Champions League.
Those wages for a squad player would make Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s jaw drop but United could maximise Mount with more matches, if he is more available – Sun.
