Carrick's Credentials Endorsed as United Eyes £155m Midfield Overhaul

Amad Diallo has thrown his weight behind Michael Carrick to land the Manchester United job permanently, insisting the interim boss has earned the confidence of the dressing room.

Carrick was handed the reins following Ruben Amorim's sacking earlier in the campaign and has made a compelling case for himself. His record reads seven wins, two draws and one defeat across ten matches—a run that's hauled United into third place and within touching distance of Champions League football.

"He's the right man," Diallo declared. "He's been great, done so much for the team, and he knows the club inside out. We're really happy with what he's doing. His relationship with every player is very good, and sometimes you need a manager like this to bring the club where it belongs. From my perspective, he's the right man for the job."

The winger was keen to stress that the playing staff recognise the decision ultimately rests elsewhere, though their backing carries weight in Old Trafford's corridors of power.

Former United midfielder Nicky Butt has also backed Carrick's appointment, arguing there's a dearth of alternatives worth considering. Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Butt posed a simple question: if not Carrick, then who?

"There's nobody jumping out as 'the man,'" Butt explained. "Nagelsmann, Tuchel's committed to England, and I don't think Ancelotti would come. Michael knows the club, he's doing well, and the people above him will like working with him. He won't cause headaches like a Mourinho might. He's the easy choice."

Behind the scenes, United are preparing an ambitious midfield reshaping. According to reports, the club is eyeing Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and West Ham's Matheus Fernandes—a combined operation potentially worth £155m or beyond.

Bruno Fernandes is believed to have personally identified Fernandes as a long-term successor, though the 21-year-old isn't an immediate priority. Manchester City's sporting director Hugo Viana is also keen on the Brazilian, signalling fierce competition ahead.

Anderson remains on the radar despite Forest's asking price of £100m to £120m, with City again circling. Aston Villa's Amadou Onana has also been considered, though the Belgian midfielder rejected United's advances back in 2024 when leaving Everton—a decision that could be revisited should circumstances align.