Michael Carrick asks Man Utd to say no to offers for important player as Real Madrid shows interest
Michael Carrick has asked Manchester United not to sell one of his key players this summer, despite interest from Real Madrid, according to reports.
Under Carrick’s interim management, United have already secured a spot in next season’s Champions League with a third-place finish guaranteed before the final Premier League match. Sky Sports said on Sunday that Carrick has agreed to become the permanent head coach with a two-year deal, although the club hasn’t officially announced it yet. They might wait until Sunday’s game against Brighton to make it official.
Thanks to their strong form this season with Carrick in charge, United are already planning ahead for a busy transfer window. They’ve been linked with players like David Affengruber from Elche and Jarrod Bowen from West Ham, but their main midfield target, Elliot Anderson, looks more likely to join Manchester City from Nottingham Forest.
At the same time, United are focusing on players leaving the club. Carrick is especially keen to keep right-back Diogo Dalot, despite interest from Real Madrid.
Dalot has faced criticism from some fans over the years for his defensive skills, but he’s been an important player under Carrick. Originally playing wing-back under Ruben Amorim, Dalot switched back to right-back when Carrick took over and moved to a four-defender setup. Since then, he’s started almost every Premier League match.
It’s reported that Jose Mourinho, who originally signed Dalot for United, is interested in bringing him to Real Madrid, where Mourinho is expected to have a second spell as coach after the Spanish season ends. Real’s current right-back Dani Carvajal is leaving this summer, and Dalot’s ability to play in multiple positions could be useful for them, especially with left-back Ferland Mendy injured and doubts around Fran Garcia’s future.
Despite this interest, Carrick has made it clear he wants Dalot to stay at United. Dalot still has two years left on his contract, and the club is open to talks about extending it. Carrick’s opinion holds a lot of weight at the club as he prepares for his first full transfer window as head coach.