Leboeuf urges Man United to sign PSG's Zaire-Emery as Carrick's midfield expertise cited

Frank Leboeuf has urged Manchester United to make PSG midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery their next summer signing, pointing to Michael Carrick’s influence as a key reason the move could succeed for the 20-year-old.

United are actively strengthening their midfield this window and are close to finalising a £35 million deal for Atalanta’s Ederson. But the club want multiple additions, and Leboeuf — a World Cup winner with France — believes Zaire-Emery fits the profile.

“I think that would be a great signing for Manchester United, but he will need players around him to succeed,” Leboeuf told CBS. “I’m very fond of Michael Carrick and the job he did for Manchester United, and he was playing in the position of Zaire-Emery. So I’m pretty sure he would give him great advice to improve. It could be a great move for him.”

Leboeuf was candid about the uncertainties surrounding the player, however. “Zaire-Emery is a warrior. He’s going to sacrifice himself for the team he plays for. That’s for sure. Will he be ready? I’m not sure yet. He had a strange season. He finished it well, but he struggled for the first six months. That’s why he didn’t play most games. Maybe because he was wondering if he should stay or not.”

Zaire-Emery, who turns 21 this year, carries Champions League-winning experience but faces significant competition for minutes at the Parc des Princes, which could make him open to a move.

United’s midfield overhaul has already seen Casemiro depart Old Trafford after the club chose not to renew his contract. The Brazilian had rediscovered form under Carrick but was deemed surplus to requirements. Manuel Ugarte is another midfielder the club are prepared to sell, deepening the need for reinforcements.

Kobbie Mainoo, by contrast, has thrived since Carrick’s arrival, re-establishing himself as a first-team regular. United have also been linked with Premier League midfielders Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, and Sandro Tonali as they look to reshape the engine room ahead of next season.