INEOS hold talks over signing “magic” £62m Cunha upgrade for Man Utd

Manchester United are into the Champions League again (Olé, Olé).

It’s been a long road, but Michael Carrick has led his team back into the big time, with Sunday’s 3-2 victory over Liverpool in the Premier League confirming their elite status.

Only months ago, who could have seen this coming? Ruben Amorim had been sacked after a wretched tenure, and caretaker manager Darren Fletcher then oversaw a bleak FA Cup third round defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford.

In six fewer matches this season, Carrick has eclipsed his predecessor’s points tally. The performances, more importantly, have been leagues above the Portuguese’s efforts, and Carrick has surely staked a strong claim for the permanent appointment come summer.

INEOS need to get it sorted, with the Red Devils in need of a number of summer signings.

Man Utd in talks to sign world-class forward

Manchester United have made remarkable progress over the past several months, but there’s no question about the need for reinforcements this summer.

Would it be fair to say that the Old Trafford side are somewhat reliant on Bruno Fernandes’ brilliance? The Portuguese Magnifico will be 32 at the start of next season, and United need more creativity behind the focal frontman.

The likes of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have been effective outlets throughout the campaign, but neither has yet proved themselves ready to step up and star as the main man.

For that reason, INEOS need to aim for the stars this summer and sign an elite wide forward.

Well, according to TEAMtalk, that man could be Bradley Barcola, who has been the subject of recent interest from a host of Premier League outfits as talks over a fresh deal in Paris continue to stall.

The left-sided forward doesn’t always start on the left flank of Luis Enrique’s superteam, but he’s still only 23, one of the most exciting forwards in the world. His contract situation means that he could be available for an affordable £62m figure.

A resolution is not imminent, but Barcola’s camp are holding preliminary talks with potential suitors, of which there are many, including Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and even Real Madrid. That said, United’s newfound form and ticket into the Champions League could hold sway in any effort to bring him over to the Premier League.

Why Barcola could be United’s star forward

Fernandes is the definitive superstar of the post-Fergie era at Manchester United, someone who has carried his stumbling team through the boglands and out onto the green.

But he’s getting on a bit, and won’t maintain his ludicrous level forever. Ergo, Barcola’s signature must be a priority for Jason Wilcox and co.

Someone like Cunha has made a difference in United’s attack this season, but he’s still left a lot to be desired, scoring nine goals and providing two assists across 31 Premier League matches. He is less potent than he was last season as Wolves’ main man, though he is no less combative.

Cunha does need to kick on, though, and while he scored against Liverpool, some competition on the left wing would be a good thing for him.

Like Cunha, Barcola is dynamic and versatile, but he is also showing more threat in key areas, evidenced by several incredible displays in the Champions League this year.

This lad is the real deal. Fast and furious down the left, he stands at 6 feet tall yet belies his height with incredible balance and poise and grace.

Despite limited starting chances, Barcola remains a significant threat. In Ligue 1, he has scored ten goals and created ten big chances across 18 starts, said by journalist Harry Diamonds to have “magic star dust” in his boots.

In that, he shares something special with Cunha, but he might just develop into an upgrade on the Brazil international, already hailed as “one of the best wingers in the world” by Como scout Ben Mattinson.

Manchester United have come on leaps and bounds under Carrick’s wing, but do not be fooled, this is a team that requires investment.

If they succeed in adding Barcola to the ranks, they might land a future superstar, someone who would outstrip the likes of Cunha and Mbeumo.