Man United Set for Transfer Overhaul as Michael Carrick Nears Permanent Manager Role

Man Utd plan major midfield revamp as Carrick’s appointment looms

Manchester United are preparing a major summer rebuild under expected permanent manager Michael Carrick. The club plans to overhaul midfield with targets including Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Atalanta’s Ederson, and West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, while Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte look set to depart.

Champions League qualification boosts United’s budget as they eye Baleba, Ederson and Tchouameni...

Manchester United look set to make Michael Carrick their permanent manager, with the ex-midfielder already heavily involved in planning a significant squad overhaul this summer.

According to sources, Carrick has won over senior figures at Old Trafford, including CEO Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox, who see him as the right choice to take charge next season after being impressed by his work behind the scenes.

United see resolving the manager question quickly as key to their transfer strategy, believing it gives them an edge in the market if targets know who they’ll be working under before the window opens next month.

Carrick is expected to have an immediate say on reshaping the midfield.  

Strengthening the center of the pitch has been on United’s agenda for months, and there’s now a strong chance they move for up to three midfielders.  

The extent of the planned overhaul reflects both players leaving and the club’s concerns over how the current squad is balanced.

Casemiro is set to depart, and Manuel Ugarte could also be sold, which would leave Kobbie Mainoo as one of the only midfielders considered a long-term fixture for next season. United are aware Bruno Fernandes may attract offers again, but the plan is to keep him at the club.

Carrick has had little room to maneuver at times this season, and United’s leadership view midfield as the priority position to fix if they want to be competitive again.

Brighton’s Carlos Baleba is one of the midfielders gaining real traction in United’s internal discussions. The club is likely to test Brighton’s stance on the Cameroon international, but they’re unwilling to pay the £100m asking price currently set for him.

United’s return to the Champions League has given them more financial flexibility and boosted confidence in the transfer market, though there’s a clear push to avoid past errors by overpaying for single players.

The plan now is to distribute funds across several signings to boost squad depth and athleticism.

That’s why Atalanta’s Ederson remains high on United’s list.  

Recruiters rate the Brazilian highly, and if asking prices drop, there’s a real chance United go for both Ederson and Baleba in the same window.

Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni is also on United’s radar, but only if a feasible deal emerges. The club has no interest in chasing a transfer that looks unlikely to materialize.

BREAKING: Manchester United are ready to open talks with Michael Carrick over continuing as head coach beyond the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/OGZsSlqP2x

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 13, 2026

Another name drawing interest is West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, seen as someone who could strengthen squad depth while bringing proven Premier League experience.

Bringing Carrick in as manager is about more than nostalgia for United.

At 44, the former title-winning midfielder is already playing a key role in recruitment plans, especially when it comes to reshaping the midfield.

United want to confirm his position soon so they have a clear structure in place ahead of what looks like one of their most pivotal transfer windows in years.