Carrick Wants Man Utd to Land Aston Villa's Rogers in Record-Breaking Deal

Michael Carrick has made his ambitions clear to Jason Wilcox: he wants Manchester United to land Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers this summer, and a deal looks considerably more feasible than one might initially assume.

The interim manager has impressed in his temporary role at Old Trafford, and expectations suggest he'll be confirmed as the club's next permanent boss. With that likely appointment on the horizon, Carrick is already mapping out his transfer blueprint.

While the Red Devils will undoubtedly invest in at least two fresh central midfielders before next season, the left wing position deserves equal attention. Respected publications including The Times and Telegraph have recently confirmed United sits among a cluster of elite suitors tracking Rogers' availability.

Villa would rather keep their 23-year-old England star, but financial realities paint a different picture. Navigating UEFA regulations and avoiding potential breaches means the Midlands club may be forced into difficult decisions. A significant departure could provide the breathing room needed to fund their own summer business.

"While Villa maintain they are not actively looking to sell, there is an awareness of financial pressures linked to UEFA regulations," according to insider analysis. "A major outgoing could ease those concerns heading into the summer window, even if it is not the preferred outcome."

Carrick has reportedly pushed United to move swiftly, directing his recommendation towards director of football Wilcox. The manager's previous connection to Rogers during their time together at Middlesbrough strengthens the appeal—Rogers knows Carrick backs him completely.

The financial hurdle is substantial. Villa are demanding maximum compensation and ideally want to surpass the £100m Manchester City paid for Jack Grealish. That figure would represent a club record for the Birmingham side. Complicating matters is a 20 per cent sell-on clause owed to Middlesbrough from any profit generated.

Such a fee would also shatter United's transfer record. Paul Pogba's 2016 return remains their biggest outlay at £89.3m.

Chelsea and Arsenal are also monitoring the situation, though United's recent spending power has rarely gone unrewarded in the market.