Following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal at Manchester United last week, the hierarchy have undoubtedly been focused on finding a replacement to take the reins at Old Trafford.
Darren Fletcher has taken control of the Red Devils’ last two outings, but it appears the Scot is set to return to his Under-18 role this week.
It has been reported that former player Michael Carrick is set to be named temporary manager of the club until the end of the campaign, after a deal was agreed this week.
The 44-year-old will undoubtedly be tasked with securing Champions League football at the end of the campaign, with the team locked out of all other domestic competitions.
If he is to achieve such a feat at Old Trafford, the hierarchy could look to invest in the first team, with many areas in desperate need of investment.
Man Utd considering bid to sign big-money European talent
With the announcement of Carrick’s imminent appointment, work has already been carried out to land numerous targets, including Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, who has once again emerged on their radar.
The Portugal international could be set to return to Europe this window, with a £20 million price tag currently on offer to any interested party this window.
However, the biggest problem with any move for the 28-year-old is that it could potentially cost the Red Devils a small fortune, given his £300,000-a-week salary.
He is not the only option being considered by the hierarchy at the moment, with Juventus star Kenan Yildiz currently being monitored ahead of a possible move to Old Trafford.
According to Calcio Mercato, the Red Devils have registered the Turkish international as a possible target if Bruno Fernandes moves to Saudi Arabia soon.
It also says the Juve star is currently hugely admired behind the scenes at Old Trafford, having scored seven times and notched four assists in 19 league appearances this season.
However, any deal would likely be a club record for the attacking midfielder, with previous reports putting a figure of £78 million for any possible transfer.
Why Yildiz would be Carrick’s Pogba at United
Spending big money on new Juventus players has been no stranger to United in recent years, as evidenced by the club’s record move to land Paul Pogba in the summer of 2016.
The Frenchman spent six years in Manchester in his second spell at Old Trafford, making over 225 appearances and often attracting attention with his tally of 39 goals and 51 assists.
The midfielder has often enjoyed countless magical moments during his Red Devil tenure, as evidenced by his remarkable brace against local rivals Manchester City.
One of his best games undoubtedly came against Leeds United on the opening day of the 2021/22 campaign, where he recorded four assists in the triumph at Old Trafford.
Pogba has undoubtedly been one of the most technically gifted players for the club in recent years, with Carrick having the chance to replicate such a deal with Yildiz.
He could follow in the Frenchman’s footsteps by joining United from the Italian giants, which would then do so for a whopping fee, which would be one of the highest in their history.
The Turkey international has also gained a reputation as a superb technical talent in recent years, with his underlying statistics showcasing his skills.
Yildiz, dubbed ‘generational’ by writer Cetin Cem Yilmaz, has made 4.1 progressive passes and 5.8 progressive runs per 90 in Serie A this campaign.
Such numbers demonstrate the youngster’s ability to bring the ball into attacking areas whenever possible, which could benefit those ahead of him at Old Trafford.
|
Kenan Yildiz – Serie A Statistics (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (by 90) |
Scoring |
|
Games played |
19 |
|
Goals and assists |
11 |
|
Success accuracy |
77% |
|
Progressive passes |
4.1 |
|
Progressive ports |
5.8 |
|
Successful positions taken |
1.9 |
|
Shots on target |
43% |
|
Key passes |
2.2 |
|
Completed crosses |
4.1 |
|
Statistics via FBref |
|
He has also made 1.9 assists per 90 in Italy this season, as well as 2.2 key passes per 90, reaffirming his creativity with the ball at his feet.
Yildiz has also added an end product to his incredible runs this campaign, as evidenced by his tally of seven goals and a 43% shot on target accuracy rate to date.
Other numbers, such as 4.1 crosses completed and 77% of completed passes, show his ability to create carnage, something United have lacked in recent months.
£78m would be another huge investment from the Red Devils’ hierarchy, but it’s one that could set the club up for success in the years to come under the next permanent manager.
If he can reach the levels produced by Pogba, he will undoubtedly become a fan favorite at the Theater of Dreams, with Carrick potentially boasting a superb talent in his own quest for success.
Man Utd already want to sign ‘world-class’ £20m Baleba upgrade for Carrick
Manchester United appear to have identified a player who could improve Michael Carrick’s side.
