Casado targeted and Valencia eyes return as United push on with summer rebuild

Manchester United are weighing up a move for Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado as Michael Carrick looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the club’s return to Champions League football this season.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that United are among several clubs tracking Casado, 22, who is also attracting interest from Atletico Madrid and clubs in the Middle East. The Spain international rejected Chelsea’s advances last summer, choosing to stay and fight for his place at Barcelona, but limited game time under Hansi Flick has prompted a rethink. With two years remaining on his contract, Casado is expected to be available for less than half the reported £80m asking price of primary midfield target Mateus Fernandes, the Portugal international who has become available following West Ham’s relegation to the Championship.

United have already made early progress in the window, agreeing a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, and are also understood to be interested in Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson — a target shared by Manchester City.

Meanwhile, former United right-back Antonio Valencia has made a public appeal to Carrick to bring him back to Old Trafford in a coaching or backroom capacity. Valencia, who spent a decade at the club alongside Carrick and departed in 2019, is currently working as a pundit at the World Cup.

“Yes, I would go back. Manchester United is a club that gave me so much,” the 40-year-old said when asked whether he would welcome a reunion. “My family was very happy there. I would work for Manchester United in any role, out of passion. It is a club I love a lot. But if they called me, I would go running.”

Valencia also took the opportunity to congratulate Carrick on his permanent appointment as manager. “I sent him a message wishing him success. Carrick is someone I respect and care about a lot. I wished him success as a coach, and I think it has gone well for him.”

With Champions League football returning to Old Trafford and further midfield reinforcements expected, United’s summer is shaping up to be one of the more active in recent years.