'/%3e%3cdefs%3e%3clinearGradient%20id='prefix__paint0_linear_4737_37157'%20x1='3.018'%20y1='23.6'%20x2='44.925'%20y2='24.977'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3e%3cstop%20stop-color='%231CB7FF'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='.502'%20stop-color='%232FF58B'/%3e%3c/linearGradient%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Michael Carrick tells Man Utd board which midfielder he wants this summer
May 23 2026 10:38 · By Tony Mogan · 81 Reads
Carrick signed a two-year contract at Old Trafford this week (Picture: Getty Images)
Michael Carrick is eager for Manchester United to sign Sandro Tonali for their midfield rebuild this summer.
After guiding United to a third place finish and securing Champions League qualification, Carrick officially signed a two-year contract at Old Trafford on Friday.
Plans to rebuild the squad are already underway with bolstering their options in the middle of the park a top priority.
With Casemiro leaving and doubts over Manuel Ugarte ’s future, it leaves Kobbie Mainoo as Carrick’s only senior midfield option. United want at least two new midfielders – possibly a third should Ugarte leave.
United are reportedly in talks to sign Ederson from Atalanta in a £45million deal with the Serie A side’s head coach confirming the midfielder is in negotiations with ‘a major club.’
Reports in Italy have also claimed this week that Tonali has moved to the top of United’s list of targets with the club ‘confident’ of agreeing a deal.
The Newcastle United star has been linked with a move away from St James’ Park since January when he was offered to Arsenal late in in the winter window.
Tonali on United’s list of targets (Picture: News Images/NurPhoto/Shutterstock)
Newcastle’s disappointing season where they missed out on European qualification has heightened speculation he could leave.
Transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports decide have decided to focus on Tonali, claiming he is the player Carrick has specifically requested for this summer’s rebuild.
The report states Tonali could cost up to €100million (£86m).
United are also in talks to sign Ederson (Picture: Getty)
Having exited the Carabao Cup and FA Cup at the first hurdles this season, United’s sole focus has been on the Premier League this season, ending their campaign away to Brighton on Sunday.
But a return to the Champions League will demand a bigger and better squad next season with Carrick targeting trophies next season having restored some stability to the club.
‘It’s good to make steps, good to get in the Champions League, good to finish third, but [I want] to make this place better,’ Carrick said.