Manchester United Eye World Cup Star Midfielder, Former Favourite Sends Carrick a Come-and-Get-Me Message
Michael Carrick has been officially appointed as Manchester United's new permanent manager.
Manchester United have started strongly in what promises to be a busy summer.
While much of the football world focuses on the World Cup, preparations behind the scenes are in full swing ahead of a critical season. Michael Carrick is keen to strengthen his squad as they prepare to add Champions League fixtures to their schedule. The midfield is a primary area for reinforcement following Casemiro's departure, and progress has already been made, with United finalising a deal to bring in Atalanta's Ederson.
More midfield additions are anticipated. United have expressed interest in Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, who has received two bids from Manchester City. The 23-year-old is expected to play a key role for England at the World Cup as the competition intensifies. Here is a round-up of the latest developments from Old Trafford.
(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
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United 'Interested' in Casado
According to reports from Spain, United are interested in defensive midfielder Marc Casado, a Barcelona teammate of Marcus Rashford.
As the Catalan club continues to deliberate over whether to make Rashford's loan move permanent, United are reportedly monitoring the midfielder, according to the Mirror.
Casado was on Chelsea's radar last summer but opted to stay and compete for his place at Barcelona. However, after a limited role under Hansi Flick, he is now seeking a move.
Marc Casado is a target for Manchester United (Image: Pedro Salado, Getty Images)
Mundo Deportivo claims United, along with clubs in Spain, including Atletico Madrid, and the Middle East, are interested in the 22-year-old Spain international.
He would represent a more cost-effective option compared to Mateus Fernandes, who carries a price tag of around £80m.
Casado, who has two years remaining on his contract, could potentially be secured for less than half that amount.
Valencia's Plea to Carrick
Antonio Valencia during a Manchester United Foundation charity match (Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
Former Old Trafford favourite Antonio Valencia has issued a come-and-get-me plea to Carrick.
Valencia, who played alongside Carrick during his decade at United, is currently working at the World Cup as a pundit for Telemundo Deportes.
When asked whether he would be interested in reuniting with Carrick, the 40-year-old, who left United in 2019, said: "Yes, I would go back. Manchester United is a club that gave me so much.
"My family was very happy there. I would work for Manchester United in any role, out of passion. It is a club I love a lot. I think everything they are doing is going well. But if they called me, I would go running."
Valencia took the chance to congratulate his friend when he was given the permanent role. He said: "I sent him a message wishing him success. Carrick is someone I respect and care about a lot.
"I wished him success as a coach, and I think it has gone well for him. Things have worked out, and it makes me happy that he is going into another season on the bench."