Manchester United are a club who appear to be on the up under the guidance of Michael Carrick, with the temporary manager giving the fans a reason to be positive after the Ruben Amorim era.
The 44-year-old has taken charge of five Premier League matches to date, subsequently remaining unbeaten and putting the club firmly in the race for a Champions League spot.
It remains to be seen if the former player will be handed the job on a permanent basis, but he’s certainly doing his chances no harm, given the recent upturn in form.
He’s gone back to basics with the Red Devils, operating with a 4-2-3-1 system, which has allowed the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo to thrive at the heart of the side.
However, despite the form of the aforementioned duo in recent matches, the INEOS ierarchy appear to be identifying possible additions ahead of the summer to help any new boss in the 2025/26 season.
Man Utd make £20m star their top target this summer
Over recent months, Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton has emerged as a possible target for United, in an attempt to bolster the central midfield department.
The Red Devils have previously held talks with the Eagles over a possible deal for the England international, who has made 23 league appearances this season.
However, any deal could cost the hierarchy a pretty penny in the near future, as Oliver Glasner’s side have slapped a reported £80m price tag on the 22-year-old’s head.
As a result, other options are currently being considered ahead of the summer window, with Club Brugge star Aleksandar Stankovic also being considered at present.
According to TEAMtalk, the Red Devils are accelerating their interest in the Serbian for the upcoming window, after catching the eye in Belgium over the last few months.
The report also states that the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur remain interested, which could lead to a huge transfer battle between the aforementioned clubs in the summer.
However, it’s unclear how much a deal for the 20-year-old could cost the INEOS regime, with former side Inter Milan currently having a £20m buy-back clause ahead of the off-season.
Why Stankovic would be better than Wharton & Anderson
In an attempt to improve the midfield department, United have also been just one of the clubs touted with a potential move to land Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.
The 23-year-old has been one of the division’s shining lights throughout 2025/26, subsequently playing every minute of the season – despite featuring under three different managers.
As a result of his importance to the Reds, owner Evangelos Marinakis has slapped a £100m asking price on the 23-year-old, who has become an England regular this season.
Man Utd’s most expensive signings of all time
A number of their additions haven’t lived up to expectations.
However, a cheaper deal could be on the cards in the coming months, with Forest facing the prospect of a return to the Championship if they fail to pick up key points in the coming weeks.
The transfer battle for his signature could include multiple Premier League clubs, but a deal for Stankovic could well prove to be a better addition for United.
As part of the Red Devils’ current midfield pairing behind Fernandes, Mainoo has nailed his place back in the starting eleven, subsequently featuring as more of a box-to-box option.
His star performances have highlighted the need for a deep-lying anchor to sit in front of the backline and dictate the play – something which the Brugge star has done superbly in 2025/26.
The 20-year-old’s stats from the ongoing campaign highlight his superb ball-winning and progressive nature – two assets which could make him perfect for United.
Stankovic, who’s been “exceptional” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has won 1.4 tackles per 90 this campaign, along with 4.5 ball recoveries made per 90 this campaign.
Such figures showcase his ability to sit deep and regain the ball for his side, with such a component to his game making him the perfect addition at Old Trafford.
|
Aleksandar Stankovic – stats in 2025/26 |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
23 |
|
Goals & assists |
5 |
|
Pass accuracy |
88% |
|
Chances created |
1.2 |
|
Tackles made |
1.4 |
|
Ball recoveries |
4.5 |
|
Ground duels won |
4.7 |
|
Aerial success |
62% |
He’s also dominated the opposition in key moments, as seen by his tally of 4.7 duels won and a 62% aerial success rate, which only reaffirms his ball-winning capabilities.
However, in possession, Stankovic has also massively impressed, subsequently completing 88% of the passes he’s attempted and creating 1.2 chances per 90.
The aforementioned numbers could play perfectly into the hands of Mainoo, with the youngster having the platform to reach the next level alongside the Serbian star.
Whilst big names such as Anderson and Wharton would no doubt appeal to the fans, a move for the Brugge star could be a cheaper yet more effective solution this summer.
At just 20, he has bags of time to develop into the perfect deep-lying midfield, which in turn would massively bolster the club’s title credentials in the years ahead.
Given the interest from elsewhere in England’s top-flight, the hierarchy must ensure they act quickly to secure his services and avoid missing out on a top talent to a divisional rival.
Carrick can end Mbeumo experiment by unleashing Man Utd’s “Foden regen”
Tuesday’s draw showcased why Man Utd’s attacking unit might need a tweak under Michael Carrick.