Vitek wants out, INEOS face goalkeeper dilemma
Radek Vitek has told the club he definitely wants to leave this summer. The highly-rated goalkeeper is coming off a brilliant season and does not want to be stuck as deputy to Senne Lammens. Simon Stone reports a loan is the most likely outcome, but a sale generating pure profit cannot be ruled out (1). With Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir already in the first-team picture and Lammens arriving, something has to give.
Ederson deal moves closer after unofficial medical
Atalanta midfielder Ederson has already undergone an unofficial medical ahead of a €45m move to Old Trafford, per Fabrizio Romano (2) (3). The Brazilian would be Michael Carrick's first signing and the replacement for the departed Casemiro. Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini described him as "an extraordinary player, one cut out for teams at the very highest level" (2). Expect this one to move fast.
United ready to break record for Tonali
Your club is prepared to smash its transfer record to land Sandro Tonali from Newcastle for €115m, over £89m (3). Arsenal and Manchester City are also interested, but reports say Tonali prefers a move to United. Carrick and Jason Wilcox clearly want to rebuild the midfield from the ground up, with Tonali and Ederson potentially arriving in the same window.
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Fernandes contract talks shelved despite expiring deal
Bruno Fernandes just won the FWA Footballer of the Year award and set a new Premier League assists record, yet contract negotiations have been put on hold (5). His current deal expires next summer, meaning he can sign a pre-contract with foreign clubs in January. With Fernandes scoring a cracking goal for Portugal in a 2–0 win over Chile this weekend, the silence from the club is starting to feel reckless.
Rashford return on the cards as Barcelona stall
Barcelona are refusing to meet the £26m asking price for Marcus Rashford, meaning he could return to Old Trafford this summer (6). Mick Brown reports that Carrick is "keen to rebuild any bridges which have been burnt" and sees an opening for Rashford on the left wing. He started for England alongside Kobbie Mainoo in a friendly against New Zealand, which won't hurt his case.
Leao available for £43m, but character concerns flagged
AC Milan forward Rafael Leao is available for £43m, but multiple Italian voices are warning United to think twice. Paolo De Paola claims a group within Milan "led by Leao" undermined the coach this season (4). On his day, Leao is unplayable. The question is whether you get that version often enough to justify the risk to the dressing room.
De Ligt returns to yet another new manager
Matthijs de Ligt has played under 10 different managers in 11 professional seasons, spanning Ajax, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and now United (7). He returns from injury next term and will be crucial to any defensive stability. Carrick needs to be the manager who finally breaks that cycle.
Fan reactions
The mood among fans this morning is split between excitement over Bruno Fernandes continuing his red-hot form for Portugal and anxiety about the contract situation back home. Rashford and Mainoo starting together for England has sparked plenty of debate about whether Carrick can unlock that partnership at club level next season. Meanwhile, Sporting CP fans naming Bruno their best player of the 21st century has a few Reds wondering aloud why contract talks are gathering dust. Read the full thread.
