Man United held ‘fresh and good’ talks to sign £43m star Carrick on Friday

Manchester United could ‘quickly’ sign Michael Carrick in the summer after ‘fresh and positive’ talks on Friday.

It’s been quite a week at Old Trafford.

On Friday, United confirmed what had felt inevitable for months: Carrick is their permanent manager.

The former midfielder, who took over on an interim basis in January following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, has signed a two-year contract until 2028 after impressing in the second half of the season.

11 wins from 16 Premier League games, Champions League qualification secured, and a third-place finish that no one expected when he walked through the door.

The team described his appointment as a natural progression, and the numbers made their decision.

Now the focus shifts to recruitment.

Carrick’s first full summer window as United manager is set to be a busy one, and early signs suggest INEOS are ready to back him.

They have been heavily linked with Atalanta’s Brazilian midfielder Ederson, and now TalkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs has provided another update which suggests the deal is gaining momentum.

Man United held talks with ‘new and better’ Ederson on Friday

According to Jacobs, United held a new and positive meeting with Atalanta on Friday, with progress being made and talks described as “heated.”

Talks over a valuation are ongoing, with the Serie A club wanting between £39m and £45m for the 26-year-old.

Jacobs added that things could go fast from here.

Ederson has been one of the most consistent players in Italian football since joining Atalanta from Salernitana in July 2022.

The midfielder has made 41 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three goals in a deep-lying role that emphasizes ball recovery, tactical direction and distribution under pressure.

His contract at the Gewiss Stadium runs until June 2027, giving Atalanta room to improve – but with one year to go, the window for a transfer fee is fast closing.

The Brazilian has been on United’s radar for some time.

Reports linking him to Old Trafford first surfaced about a year ago, with United and Man City reportedly interested. Liverpool also explored the possibility of signing him as one of Arne Slot’s targets early last summer before the trail went cold.

Now, with Carrick installed permanently and with a clear vision of how he wants United to play, the pursuit has been renewed with real intent.

Carrick’s United were built on power, pressing and control of the pitch – qualities that Ederson brings. The Brazilian’s ability to close down the pitch, win the ball back and play in transition has quickly fitted into a system that has produced impressive results since January.

Adding him alongside Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo would give Carrick one of the strongest and most versatile midfield teams in the Premier League.

He would also come in to fill the void left by the departing Casemiro.

The gap between Atalanta’s asking price and what United are willing to pay is not publicly known, but Jacobs’ description of the talks as “good and heated” suggests the two clubs are not separated.

With Champions League football assured and a permanent manager now in place, United are in a strong position to attract more talent than they have had in a long time.