Bruno wins FWA, Sunderland trip, and a busy summer taking shape

Bruno Fernandes: FWA Player of the Year

Bruno Fernandes has been named Football Writers' Association Player of the Year. It's a massive individual honour and, honestly, well deserved after the season he's put together (5).

The timing matters too. United are in talks with Fernandes about a new contract and want to get a deal done before the World Cup (11). Carrick has been clear he wants to keep him — "we don't talk about Bruno leaving" (14). Nothing is signed yet, so watch this space.

Sunderland away: what you need to know

United travel to Sunderland in the Premier League. Champions League football is already secured after beating Liverpool 3–2 at Old Trafford (7), so the pressure is off — but Carrick will still want three points.

Sesko is back from injury and available, though not guaranteed to start (7). One unnamed key player has not trained with the group and is very doubtful for the trip — Carrick said "we'll have to see" at the press conference (9).

Transfer radar: three names to track

United are looking at three players this summer. Strahinja Pavlovic, the 6'4" Serbian centre-back at AC Milan, is on the radar — a £43m bid is reportedly what it would take (6). He's been compared to Vidic, which will mean something to older fans.

Orkun Kökçü is another target. United are reportedly willing to spend 60 million euros to bring the Beşiktaş midfielder in as a rotational option (3). Separately, Brighton's Ferdi Kadıoğlu has also landed on United's list (4).

Finally, Karim Coulibaly at Werder Bremen. United have edged ahead of Juventus for the young winger, described as versatile and "incredibly fast" (13).

U21s reach PL2 final

The Under-21s beat Manchester City 4–3 to reach the Premier League 2 final. Carrick was watching in the stands. Shea Lacey caught the eye, but a midfielder was the key figure on the night according to player ratings (16).

Sources

  • 3. mynet.com — Orkun Kökçü'den tarihi imza kapıda! Beşiktaş rekor kırabilir
  • 4. mynet.com — Ferdi Kadıoğlu dünya devine transfer oluyor! Hem de 60 milyon Euro
  • 5. thepeoplesperson.com — Official: Fernandes' incredible season rewarded with "the most prestigious individual award"
  • 6. thepeoplesperson.com — United make surprise move for 6'4" defensive beast compared to Nemanja Vidic, £43m bid to seal the deal - report
  • 7. strettynews.com — Man Utd predicted XI vs Sunderland as Red ‘monster’ makes return from injury
  • 9. thepeoplesperson.com — "We'll have to see": Carrick admits key player hasn't trained with the group, is very doubtful for Sunderland
  • 11. fotbolldirekt.se — Uppgifter: United i samtal med Fernandes om nytt kontrakt
  • 13. thepeoplesperson.com — United edge ahead of Serie A giants in the race for "incredibly fast" wonderkid who has the whole of Europe mesmerised - report
  • 14. news.google.com — We don’t talk about Bruno leaving Man United – Carrick so keen to keep Fernandes - Belfast Telegraph
  • 16. thepeoplesperson.com — Shea Lacey impressed vs City but this midfielder was key to sending United U21s to the PL2 finals in front of Carrick