Man Utd Ready to Splash £80m on Newcastle's Gordon as Winger Shortage Becomes Critical

Manchester United are gearing up to launch an ambitious summer swoop for Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon, with the club's hierarchy ready to table a major offer for the explosive winger.

The Red Devils have already lodged preliminary enquiries for Gordon, and sources indicate that an £80million bid is now firmly on the table. Interim manager Michael Carrick is understood to be the driving force behind the pursuit, with INEOS backing a blockbuster move for the 25-year-old former Everton flyer.

United's winger situation has reached critical levels. The absence of Antony, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho from the current squad has left Carrick desperately short of attacking options on the flanks. With Alejandro Garnacho's exit to Chelsea last summer adding to the shortage, the need for fresh wide talent has become impossible to ignore.

Currently, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo represent the club's only recognised right-wing options. Carrick has already signalled publicly that a left-winger is high on the summer shopping list, telling BBC Sport: "I think you're always looking at the balance of the team and the squad to give you the utmost flexibility, so it's definitely something to look at, for sure." When pressed further, he added: "Quite possibly."

Despite his interim status—a position he holds only until the end of this season—Carrick is clearly eager to make a permanent impression. The former England midfielder is determined to shape the squad he hopes to manage on a permanent basis.

Gordon has become United's prime target, though the England international's pace and attacking prowess have attracted suitors elsewhere. Liverpool are circling, with Arsenal also monitoring the situation. Jamie Carragher has previously praised Gordon's "frightening" pace, highlighting just what the Newcastle man brings to the table.

Newcastle, however, are not falling over themselves to sell. The Magpies value their winger at £95million and have no intention of facilitating a summer exit. Still, as the old saying goes, everyone has their price—and United appear ready to test Newcastle's resolve.