Michael Carrick hints Man United could target left winger

Interim manager Michael Carrick has indicated the Red Devils may sign a new left winger as they rebuild their attacking options this summer.

Historically many successful Manchester United sides have been built around wingers who thrilled fans across the globe. George Best, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo are regarded among some of the club’s greatest players. Others such as Steve Coppell, Gordon Hill, Willie Morgan and Andrei Kanchelskis also made a significant impact. Even Eddie Colman, the Busby Babe nicknamed snake hips for his ability to change direction at top speed, embodied that creative spirit.

United began last season with five experienced wide players. Between them, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Amad Diallo cost the club GBP173 million. Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho both came through the youth ranks, although the latter had a brief spell at Atletico Madrid before joining as a 16-year-old in 2020.

Sancho is currently on loan at Aston Villa after spending last season at Chelsea. His contract is set to expire in the summer and a permanent exit looks likely. Antony left for Real Betis in a GBP21.65 million deal last September. Garnacho joined Chelsea for GBP40 million. Rashford, who prefers the left side, spent time on loan at Barcelona, where talks continue over activating a GBP26 million option to buy.

Carrick opens door to new signing

This leaves Amad as the only orthodox wide player available to Carrick, although he has also used Patrick Dorgu in a more offensive role. Asked if left wing specifically was an area that might need addressing, Carrick replied that the club was always looking at the balance of the team and the squad to give the utmost flexibility.

“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,” he said. Pressed again, the 44-year-old added: “Quite possibly.”

Carrick insisted the situation was not a huge concern at the moment. “We can still be dangerous,” said the manager. Matheus Cunha has played that role and caused big problems when deployed wide. He is tough to stop one-on-one.

Cunha, however, is happiest drifting inside or playing in deeper positions. In the junior ranks, Gibraltar international James Scanlon was virtually an ever-present in the Premier League two side before joining Swindon on loan. England Under-20 international Shea Lacey made an impact in early substitute appearances but prefers the right side and has featured only once since January.

Few supporters would claim United were wrong to move on from Sancho or Antony. The thinning of wide options at a time when the club is controlling its budget highlights an historical weakness in recruitment strategy. United were prepared to sanction a GBP65 million move for Antoine Semenyo in January but the player chose Manchester City.

They are now among several top clubs linked with RB Leipzig’s 19-year-old Ivory Coast international Yan Diomande, who is likely to cost around GBP70 million if he moves in the summer. Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon has also been mentioned, although confirmation of firm interest remains unclear.

Midfield overhaul takes precedence

The situation is complicated by the need to bring in at least one, and possibly two, central midfield players. Casemiro is leaving at the end of the season and Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte has made only three substitute appearances under Carrick.

No changes can be made until the transfer window opens. Carrick must make the best of his present options. “We’re always thinking of that perfect scenario of mixing players together and connections and seeing how it suits on the pitch,” he said. “There’s different ways of doing it and we have really good options across the front line.”

For millions of Manchester United supporters worldwide, from passionate fans in Africa and South America to dedicated followers in Southeast Asia, restoring classic width and excitement is about reconnecting with the club’s DNA. As the summer approaches, all eyes will be on whether Carrick’s hints translate into concrete action and bring a dynamic new left winger to Old Trafford.

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