Manchester United's Transfer Window Under Michael Carrick
Manchester United’s frantic final month of the window is under way, and Michael Carrick has already torn into the spine of his squad.
Five new faces are in. More calls are being made.
Carrick’s rebuild takes shape
United’s summer business has centred on the middle of the pitch and the long-term future of the goalkeeping department.
Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos headline the midfield overhaul, giving Carrick a blend of experience and energy that his side lacked last season. Behind them, the club have moved to secure the present and the future in goal.
Karl Darlow has arrived as seasoned cover for Senne Lammens, who made the No.1 shirt his own last term. Alongside him, young keeper Kit Margetson and highly rated winger Tynan Thompson have been snapped up as part of a clear plan to stockpile talent for the years ahead.
It has not been a quiet summer for the men in gloves. Andre Onana has gone back out on loan to Trabzonspor, while Altay Bayindir and Radek Vitek are both being linked with moves away. For a position that looked settled, the churn has been striking.
And United have still been looking.
Agent reveals United move for World Cup standout
Orlando Gill, the San Lorenzo goalkeeper who impressed for Paraguay at this summer’s World Cup, has emerged as one of the more intriguing names on United’s radar.
His agent, Mario Jara, has confirmed that the club made an approach.
“We are in talks with English clubs as well as clubs in Germany,” Jara told DSports Radio. “There were enquiries with Manchester United. We only received two concrete offers. We are currently in the negotiation phase.
“The sale is close, the time is right. We have to handle it very carefully because there are many things involved. It's ideal for him to take a step up in quality. He's prepared and capable of playing in any league, without a doubt.
“We're trying to finalise it as quickly as possible for everyone's benefit. It would be very important for San Lorenzo; hopefully, it will come to fruition.”
United, though, are now unlikely to move for the 26-year-old after bringing in Darlow. The door may have opened, but it seems to be closing just as quickly, with Gill expected to take his next step elsewhere in Europe.
Conceicao on the radar as Juventus juggle the books
While the goalkeeping picture has been busy, the most eye-catching potential move sits higher up the pitch.
United have been credited with serious interest in Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao, with the Italian club ready to sacrifice the 23-year-old to fund their own reshuffle.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports that both United and Liverpool have made enquiries for Conceicao, who featured 42 times for Juve last season. The Italian side have set an asking price in the region of £34m to £42m.
The trigger for that stance is clear. Juventus are bringing in Bayer Leverkusen prospect Kerim Alajbegovic and need to balance the books. Conceicao, one of their most saleable assets, has been pushed towards the exit.
A move to the Premier League is described as likely. The question is where he lands.
For United, a deal at that price would be a statement that the rebuild under Carrick is not just about shoring up the spine, but sharpening the attack as well. With the window closing on September 1, and Juventus ready to deal, the next few weeks will show whether Old Trafford turns interest into action or watches a £42m talent light up England in another shirt.
