Carrick's Transfer Challenge: United Pursue PSG's Ibrahim Mbaye
Manchester United are braced for a frantic finish to the transfer window, and Michael Carrick is in no mood to pretend otherwise.
With a Champions League return looming next season and expectations rising after last year’s third-place finish, the United boss has made it clear: this squad is not ready yet. Not in his eyes.
United’s only major business so far came a month ago, when Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans arrived to spearhead a midfield rebuild, joined by experienced goalkeeper Karl Darlow and a clutch of younger prospects. Since then, the market has gone quiet at Old Trafford. Too quiet for Carrick’s liking.
“We want more, we need more”
Carrick has parked any ambiguity about his stance. He wants reinforcements, and he wants them now.
“We want more, we need more, we keep looking for how we can do that,” he said, underlining the urgency behind the scenes. “Money’s money, I get that.
“We feel like we have to be pushing for everything we’re involved in, while being realistic of what the recent history’s looked like over a period of time.
“For now, we’ve got to make the most of it, but we’ve got to push every boundary we can to be able to win again, basically. That’s the challenge.”
It is a blunt assessment from a manager who knows the demands that come with fighting on multiple fronts. The Premier League, domestic cups, the Champions League – they all ask the same question: how deep is your squad?
Right now, Carrick clearly believes United are still short.
Ibrahim Mbaye: door opens for United
One name has begun to circle more loudly around Old Trafford: Ibrahim Mbaye.
The 18-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger has been tracked by several clubs, with United among those monitoring his situation. At PSG, Mbaye faces a crowded route to regular first-team football, blocked by a stacked forward line and the usual pressure on the French champions to field established stars.
United’s interest has been given a subtle but significant lift. Liverpool, who are reshaping their attack after Mohamed Salah’s departure, have reportedly stepped back from the race for Mbaye. The Merseyside club are now said to be focusing on a move for his PSG teammate Bradley Barcola instead.
The sticking point for Liverpool? Mbaye’s £42.7m price tag. That figure has reportedly cooled their enthusiasm, leaving United with a clearer run at the teenager if they decide to move.
For Carrick, it all feeds into a wider picture. A squad that has taken steps forward, but not yet enough. A club back in the Champions League, but still chasing the depth and quality needed to stay there.
United know what the challenge looks like. Their manager has just spelled it out. The next few weeks will show how seriously the club are prepared to meet it.
