Man Utd transfer latest: PGMOL apologise over Forest goal, Mourinho eyes Rashford, and Carrick deal imminent
Bruno Fernandes equalled the Premier League assists record in a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest, but attention is already turning to a summer overhaul with midfield the standout priority.
Bruno Fernandes equalled the Premier League record for assists in a season as Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 on Sunday afternoon. But with just one game to go, attention inside the club is rapidly shifting to the summer transfer window.
Confirmation of Michael Carrick becoming the permanent head coach is expected shortly, with negotiations having wrapped up quickly after United's football leadership group recommended him for the role.
Who is leaving United this summer?
Casemiro has departed after his final home appearance, while Manuel Ugarte is also expected to move on, leaving midfield as the standout priority.
Who is United's top transfer target?
Elliot Anderson at Nottingham Forest remains the number one midfield target, though he is now attracting strong interest from Manchester City. United also continue to be linked with Sandro Tonali at Newcastle.
Despite making several attacking additions last summer, the club is still being linked with targets at the top end of the pitch as well.
What is the Mourinho/Rashford twist?
Marcus Rashford's proposed move to Barcelona could be hijacked by former United manager Jose Mourinho, who reportedly wants to sign the forward for Real Madrid.
Barcelona have a £26 million purchase option in their loan agreement, with a deadline of June 15 to trigger it. But there are indications from Spain that the La Liga champions are reluctant to pay the agreed fee and may look to renegotiate.
Spanish publication Sport now claims Mourinho, whose appointment at the Bernabeu is described as an "open secret," will look to bring the 28-year-old to Real. Mourinho coached Rashford during his time at Old Trafford between 2016 and 2018.
What happened with the PGMOL apology?
United have been told that Matheus Cunha's goal against Forest should not have counted. Referee boss Howard Webb has contacted Nottingham Forest to apologise after Bryan Mbeumo handled the ball in the build-up to the 54th-minute goal.
Diogo Dalot's cross bounced up and hit Mbeumo's arm before he managed to get a shot off. The effort was blocked by a Forest defender, with Cunha pouncing on the loose ball to score. Referee Michael Salisbury was sent to the monitor but went against VAR's ruling and allowed the goal to stand. The decision has since been criticised by pundits.
What are pundits saying about Carrick?
Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker both agreed that United need to bolster Carrick's squad for the Champions League. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer said: "I think he deserved the contract, it was just a matter of the length of contract really. I'm pleased he's got two years with a one-year option."
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is leaving Manchester United this summer?
- Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, and Rasmus Hojlund are confirmed to be leaving the club. Midfielder Manuel Ugarte is also expected to depart during the transfer window.
- Will Michael Carrick become the permanent manager?
- Yes, negotiations have reportedly concluded, and Michael Carrick is expected to be officially announced as the permanent head coach shortly.
- Who are Manchester United targeting in the transfer window?
- The club is reportedly interested in Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali, though they face competition from Manchester City for both players.