Here’s how Man Utd might have looked if INEOS had followed Michael Carrick’s four transfer suggestions.
Michael Carrick recently pointed out Elliot Anderson, Lewis Hall, and two other players as possible signings for Manchester United in the summer transfer window.
After the club had its worst Premier League start in 40 years, Carrick was let go on Thursday morning, less than six months after he was made the permanent manager. Carrick had helped United qualify for the Champions League during a successful interim period last season. But instead of getting support in the transfer market, the team ended up with gaps in several positions, including left-back.
They did bring in three midfielders—Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans, and Andrey Santos—but Carrick had also recommended other midfielders like Elliot Anderson. Anderson was linked to United, but the club seemed put off by his high price. Manchester City eventually paid £116 million for the England international.
Carrick also suggested three more players he thought United needed. According to journalist Henry Winter, Lewis Hall, Morgan Rogers, and Mateus Fernandes were on his list too. Winter said, “Sir Jim Ratcliffe will one day have to explain why Manchester United didn’t follow Michael Carrick’s advice to sign these four players—Elliot Anderson, Lewis Hall, Morgan Rogers, and Mateus Fernandes. Was it because of debt payments? Or did they think the fees were too high?”
United took a more careful approach in the summer. Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox wanted to avoid past transfer mistakes and focus on getting value for money instead of spending big on single players. Not selling players didn’t help either, but other teams like Tottenham and Chelsea were willing to pay higher fees. In the end, that cautious approach has caused problems.
Winter added, “There was a time when Manchester United would go for the best players, even if it cost a lot. That needs to change. Mauricio Pochettino will expect Ratcliffe and Jason Wilcox to be more ambitious in the transfer market—something more fitting for a club like United. Carrick knew the challenge the club faced last summer and wanted them to buy the right players. But they didn’t.”
Mauricio Pochettino, former Tottenham and Chelsea manager, is close to becoming the new Manchester United head coach. He has reached a verbal agreement with the club and now they need to pay the $10 million (£7.4m) compensation clause in his contract with the US men’s national team.
Even though he signed a new deal with USMNT in August, Pochettino has said how much he misses England. Earlier this year, speaking to L’Equipe, he said, “I miss the football scene in England. I love the country, its culture, and especially the football culture. For anyone with a competitive spirit who wants to challenge themselves, it’s the perfect place. You always have to give your best.”