Man Utd news: Michael Carrick told he'll win £80m battle as decision made on ex-Real Madrid ace
Man Utd news: Michael Carrick told he'll win £80m battle as decision made on ex-Real Madrid ace Manchester United's midfield rebuild may not be complete Manchester United signed three new midfielders this summer in their attempts to transform their engine room. Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba were recruited from Aston Villa, Chelsea and Brighton to mark much-needed reinforcements for Michael Carrick, with United now competing on all four fronts this season. However, a fourth addition has been touted for next season by a former Premier League star, which would see the Red Devils get the better of their biggest rivals. United failed to bring in a defender during the window, despite the frailties their backline showed last season. A decision has reportedly been made on signing an ex-Real Madrid star, who would offer Carrick an extra option in defence. Mirror Football takes a look at the latest stories coming out of Old Trafford... Adam Wharton race Crystal Palace managed to hold onto Adam Wharton this summer, but the England star won't stay at Selhurst Park for long, according to ex-Chelsea star John Obi Mikel. The 22-year-old has attracted numerous suitors due to his impressive performances in his nearly three-year stint in south London. FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page Wharton has been linked with moves to Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool over the past year, but Obi Mikel believes it's the Red Devils that will win the race for his signature next season. Speaking during a live Q&A with AFTV’s Robbie Lyle broadcast on The Obi One Podcast, the former Nigeria international said: "I love him! I love Adam Wharton, I’m a big, big fan. I think he's going to go places, though, I think next season he will leave Crystal Palace. I think they want to keep him for one more season, and I see him going to Manchester United next season." David Alaba decision Long gone are the days where United would target big-name players past their prime. Signing the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Edinson Cavani and the return of Cristiano Ronaldo is a strategy the club haven't followed for a number of years. With an onus on signing young players with extremely high potential, a move for free agent star David Alaba has been ruled out for Carrick's side, according to the Manchester Evening News. United correspondent Tyrone Marshall was engaged in a Q&A with United fans, where he was asked why the club were not considering moves for Alaba and fellow former Real Madrid stars, Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal. Sky's Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts. This introductory offer saves £384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions. He answered: "From what I have been told, United aren’t looking at the free agent market. Many of these players available are past their best; Ramos and Carvajal certainly fit that description. Others have been released because their games have regressed, such as Alaba." "Essentially, they are free agents for a reason, but they are also players who in the past have been paid very handsomely. They don’t fit the recruitment model that Ineos have introduced at Old Trafford." Join our MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.