'Fully aware' - Michael Carrick names 'important position' Manchester United must fix this summer
Man Utd already know what they need to do in the summer transfer window.
Michael Carrick is well aware of how 'important' it will be to sign a defensive midfielder this summer, even if he is not in charge at Manchester United.
Carrick has enjoyed an unbeaten start to his life as head coach and will hope to return to winning ways when his side travels to face Everton on Monday night. The 44-year-old has put himself in a strong position to be named the permanent successor to Ruben Amorim, though United insist they will not be swayed by emotion and will select the best overall candidate for the job at the end of the season.
A midfield refresh is on the cards, regardless of who the next head coach will be, with the priority to find a long-term replacement for Casemiro. The Brazil international will depart as a free agent at the end of the campaign and Carrick knows it is crucial United find an adequate replacement in the transfer window.
United must sign defensive midfielder
Manchester United will refresh their midfield at the end of the season, with two additions expected in that position. The most important will be a defensive midfielder, as United aim to find a replacement to former Real Madrid star Casemiro. The 34-year-old has enjoyed a rejuvenated role in the starting line up this season and Michael Carrick knows it will be difficult to replace him this summer.
"Cas has been fantastic since I came really, and on and off the pitch. Experience is a great thing if you use it in the right way, and again, I think over time, being a senior player here is almost the responsibility of the example, and helping the younger players, helping the rest of the boys, and passing on your experiences in a positive way. He's been top since I came, in so many ways, and he's been a pleasure to work with. I look forward to continuing to work with him for a few months yet."
When quizzed on the challenge of replacing Casemiro in the summer, Carrick added: "Yeah, well, listen, it's an important position, I think.
"I'm not being biased, obviously, as being in midfield, but I think it is an important position to try and tie everything together, and you're connected to the whole team, and that's sometimes emotionally, a little bit mentally, and showing that composure and understanding of the game a little bit, and Cas has had a big influence within the group on that, so something we're fully aware of moving forward for sure.”
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