As Manchester United inch closer to a return to Europe’s elite competition, the euphoria at Old Trafford is tempered by thoughts of the future. A tough 2-1 win over Brentford brings them closer to European glory but behind the sprawling billboards, eyes and ears are fixed on the next summer, and the next stage of the rebuilding project.
The Brentford victory filled the air with excitement. The crowd erupted as Casemiro made his exit after yet another strong performance. The experienced midfielder netted his third straight home goal and again demonstrated the quality and leadership that has seen him become a supporter’s favourite. The stadium rang with bouts of “one more year” but all the signs indicate his time at Manchester United is drawing to a close.
First, it was a big game. United are now just two points shy of securing their first qualification for the Champions League in two years. They are ranked second with only four games to play and could only fall away from the top four in the most spectacular of implosions. This is not what was expected of the team early in the season, let alone after the January change of coach.
Michael Carrick, temporarily appointed to replace Ruben Amorim, has done a good job. Early in the season, people thought United could well be relegated. But now they have found stability, order and belief. This has led to a huge debate within the club do we commit to Carrick?
But the issue of the club’s general manager is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. Summer will be a hiring season with the most important hiring decision being to replace Casemiro. The Brazilian’s been goals, stability and experience but at 34 the club knows it needs to replace him to maintain midfield quality and energy.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has become a “hot” prospect. However, sources close to Old Trafford suggest the club will become more financial over the coming years. United do not want to be generous, even to Forest. If transfer prices go over value the club will look elsewhere.
That’s not how it used to be. In previous windows, United has tended to negotiate for long periods, fail to secure first choice targets and then go into a panic late in the day. This summer, the intention is to be quicker, more efficient and have options. The signing of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha last year are seen at the club as successful “fast-track” signings.
Manchester United also realise they need more quality players. A return to Champions League football means there could be more matches to play. Illnesses this season highlighted deficiencies in some areas. Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw have been prone to injury, while others like Noussair Mazraoui will play more next year.
There is also hope for the prospects. Ayden Heaven has performed well in defence, while Matthijs de Ligt is expected to have more of an impact after returning from injury. Whether alongside new midfielders, the club is thought to be looking for a left-winger to add to balance and artistic licence in attack.
Finally, it’s the squad’s call. The argument for Carrick is getting stronger by the game. He has brought a calmness, respect in the locker room and United to the Champions League. The opponent would be missing one man, but he could be replaced with a more famous name. The history books show that allure is not everything at United.
Other candidates like Luis Enrique or Julien Nagelsmann would be too costly or hard to attract. Other high profile coaches such as Andoni Iraola are well credited but step up in class to Manchester United and they are under new pressure.
In the meantime, it is all about the wins. The Champions League would provide money, respectability and momentum. But after the season comes the season’s aftermath. Manchester United needs to choose a project leader, a successor to Casemiro and who will help them get back to the top.
Reaching the Champions League seems certain to happen. But for United, the return to the biggest stage might just be the start of the summer of their lives.
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