Éderson is done at £38m from Atalanta. That is the defensive midfield base sorted, or at least the start of it. What Carrick still needs is more quality in wide areas, a left back who plays like one, and competition across the front line. The World Cup started almost two weeks ago and United are already busy in the transfer market looking for their next signing, with players from West Ham in the spotlight.
The World Cup betting odds South Africa heading into the tournament had England and Portugal among the favourites, and that matters here because the names United most want are spread across both squads. Here is who to track through the group stage.
Mateus Fernandes, Portugal: The Priority
This is the one that has moved fastest. Sky Sports confirmed on June 12 that United are preparing an opening bid for Fernandes after West Ham’s relegation. The 21-year-old midfielder signed for the Hammers from Southampton for £38m last summer and immediately looked like a player operating above his surroundings. Three goals and six assists in 29 Premier League appearances, a Sofascore season rating of 6.9, and the kind of press resistance that Carrick’s midfield has been missing.
West Ham want £80m. United are unlikely to open at that. The leverage here is obvious: West Ham are in the Championship next season and Fernandes has signed with an agent who has already communicated that United are his first choice ahead of Man City, Chelsea and Newcastle. Bruno Fernandes has reportedly recommended him directly. Portugal’s group stage run will either push the fee up further or, if Fernandes struggles, give United a window to negotiate.
Crysencio Summerville, Netherlands: The Surprise Entry
Nobody had this one coming six days ago. Summerville scored in the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Japan in their tournament opener and United launched an inquiry within 24 hours. The 24-year-old winger spent the season at West Ham, also relegated, and his future is equally uncertain.
The situation is connected to Rashford’s. United will not move for a direct winger replacement until that situation is resolved. But Sky Sports News reports him high on the shortlist, and if he continues in this form through the group stage the enquiry will become something more serious. United need pace and directness on the left. Summerville offers both.
Elliot Anderson, England: The Expensive One
Anderson is in Tuchel’s England squad competing with Kobbie Mainoo for a midfield starting spot alongside Declan Rice. He made 35 appearances for Nottingham Forest this season, chipping in with five goals and seven assists from central midfield. At 23 he is the profile United want but the valuation, with Man City also seriously interested, is going to be significant.
England faced Croatia on June 17 and will play Ghana on June 23. They will face Panama on June 27. Three games where Anderson will use to cement himself as a starter and that will further entrench his expensive valuation.
Nathaniel Brown, Germany: The Left Back Solution
Left back remains the position where United are most exposed and Brown is the name that keeps coming up. The 22-year-old Frankfurt full-back has attracted Arsenal and Bayern as well as United, which tells you everything about the level he has reached this season. He can play on either flank and is attack-minded enough to push high in Carrick’s system.
