After Ruben Amorim’s sacking from Manchester United last week, the hierarchy’s focus has undoubtedly been on finding someone to take the reins at Old Trafford.
Darren Fletcher has taken control of the Red Devils’ last two outings, but it appears as though the Scotsman is set to return to his under-18 role this week.
It’s been reported that former player Michael Carrick is set to be appointed as the club’s temporary manager until the end of the campaign, after a deal was agreed this week.
The 44-year-old will no doubt be tasked with securing Champions League football come the end of the campaign, with the side out of all other domestic competitions.
If he is to achieve such a feat at Old Trafford, the hierarchy may look to invest in the first-team squad, with numerous areas in desperate need of investment.
Man Utd consider bid to land big-money European talent
With the news of Carrick’s pending appointment, work has already been conducted to land numerous targets, including Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, who’s once again emerged on their radar.
The Portuguese international could be set for a move back to Europe this window, with a £20m price tag currently being mooted for any interested party this window.
However, the biggest issue with any move for the 28-year-old is that he could potentially cost the Red Devils a small fortune, given his reported £300k-per-week wages.
He’s not the only option being considered by the hierarchy at present, with Juventus star Kenan Yildiz currently being monitored ahead of a potential switch to Old Trafford.
According to Calcio Mercato, the Red Devils have registered the Turkish international as a possible target should Bruno Fernandes make a move to Saudi Arabia in the near future.
It also states that the Juve star is hugely admired behind the scenes at Old Trafford at present, after scoring seven times and notching four assists in 19 league appearances this season.
However, any deal would likely be a club-record move for the attacking midfielder, with previous reports mooting a figure of £78m for any possible transfer.
Why Yildiz would be Carrick’s own Pogba at United
Spending big money on new players from Juventus hasn’t been alien to United in recent years, as seen with the club-record move to land Paul Pogba back in the summer of 2016.
The Frenchman spent six years in Manchester for his second spell at Old Trafford, amassing over 225 appearances and often catching the eye with his tally of 39 goals and 51 assists.
The midfielder often popped up with countless moments of magic during his time as a Red Devil, as seen by his remarkable double 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 registered four assists during the triumph at Old Trafford.
Pogba has undoubtedly been one of the most technically gifted players to play 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, subsequently doing so for a staggering fee – which would be one of the biggest in their history.
The Turkish international has also gained a reputation in recent years for being a superb technical talent, with his underlying stats showcasing his skillset.
Yildiz, who’s been dubbed “generational” by writer Cetin Cem Yilmaz, has completed 4.1 progressive passes and 5.8 progressive carries per 90 in Serie A this campaign.
Such numbers showcase the youngster’s ability to get the ball into attacking areas whenever possible, something which could benefit those ahead of him at Old Trafford.
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Kenan Yildiz – Serie A stats (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
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Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
19 |
|
Goals & assists |
11 |
|
Pass accuracy |
77% |
|
Progressive passes |
4.1 |
|
Progressive carries |
5.8 |
|
Successful take-ons |
1.9 |
|
Shots on target |
43% |
|
Key passes |
2.2 |
|
Crosses completed |
4.1 |
|
Stats via FBref |
|
He’s also completed 1.9 successful take-ons per 90 in Italy this season, along with 2.2 key passes per 90 – further reaffirming his creativity with the ball at his feet.
Yildiz has also added an end product to his incredible runs this campaign, as seen 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% passes completed, showcase his ability to create carnage, which is something United have lacked in recent months.
£78m would be yet another huge investment from the Red Devils hierarchy, but it’s one that could set the club up for success in the years ahead under the next permanent manager.
If he can reach the levels produced by Pogba, he will no doubt make himself a fan-favourite at the Theatre of Dreams, with Carrick potentially getting himself a superb talent in his own quest for success.
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