# Carrick era: Midfield rebuild and transfer volatility > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/manchester-united-balances-a-longterm-player-contract-with-a-contested-managerial-succession-during- > Updated: 2026-08-19T22:30:31.000Z. Sources: 165. Developments: 49. Michael Carrick has been confirmed as Manchester United’s permanent head coach on a two-year contract running to 2028. After an interim spell that saw the club secure a third-place Premier League finish and Champions League qualification, Carrick has focused on a significant midfield rebuild following the departure of Casemiro. This rebuilding effort has been marked by significant volatility. A long-running pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Éderson, initially valued at approximately £35–40 million, collapsed twice due to medical concerns regarding a knee issue. Despite United’s attempts to renegotiate or finalize the deal, Éderson ultimately signed a five-year contract extension with Atalanta through 2031, later stating, “I honestly don’t know what happened... The tests went well, I don’t know what changed.” To address the midfield void, United has secured Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans, while also completing the £70 million signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle. The club continues to monitor Alex Scott from Bournemouth, though a bidding war involving Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool has seen Bournemouth maintain a high valuation of around £80 million. Other targets include Carlos Baleba and Aurelien Tchouaméni. Off-field, the club is managing the uncertain future of Marcus Rashford, who is returning from a loan at Barcelona, and exploring tactical shifts for Mason Mount in a deeper role. The squad is also adjusting to the departure of Manuel Ugarte due to injury and the exit of Andre Onana on loan to Trabzonspor. ## Claims - Chelsea are exploring a move to sign Danny Welbeck from Brighton. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Danny Welbeck is 35 years old and has one year left on his Brighton contract. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Welbeck scored 13 Premier League goals in 37 appearances last season. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Welbeck has scored 51 goals in 201 matches for Brighton since joining in 2020. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Xabi Alonso values Welbeck’s experience and leadership for Chelsea. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Chelsea’s interest in Welbeck reflects a shift toward signing experienced players rather than focusing on under‑25 talent. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Talks are early‑stage and optimistic, but no formal offer for Welbeck has been reported. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Chelsea’s forward line includes several players whose futures are under review (Liam Delap, Emmanuel Emegha, Marc Guiu, Nicolas Jackson). (corroborated by 11 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-19: Ederson addresses failed Manchester United transfer Atalanta midfielder Ederson has expressed confusion over his failed £38m transfer to Manchester United, denying reports that a failed medical was the cause. United is now targeting Brighton's Carlos Baleba. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ederson-addresses-failed-manchester-united-transfer ### 2026-08-17: Chelsea targets Alex Scott to replace Enzo Fernández Chelsea is targeting Bournemouth's Alex Scott as a replacement for Enzo Fernández, amid ongoing transfer speculation involving Manchester City and a high valuation for the Argentine midfielder. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chelsea-targets-alex-scott-to-replace-enzo-fernndez ### 2026-07-31: Chelsea readies £70m offer for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott Chelsea is set to make a £70 million bid for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott after a rejected £64 million offer, with the club valuing him at £80 million and other Premier League sides also interested. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chelsea-readies-70m-offer-for-bournemouth-midfielder-alex-scott ### 2026-07-25: Manchester United's £35m Ederson transfer collapses, prompting Atalanta rebuttal Manchester United and Atalanta's £35 m Ederson transfer collapsed after a medical issue; Atalanta posted fitness videos to rebut, while United signed other midfielders. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-uniteds-35m-ederson-transfer-collapses-prompting-atalanta-rebuttal ### 2026-07-21: Alex Scott transfer saga: Bournemouth reject Chelsea bid as Premier League clubs compete Bournemouth reject Chelsea’s £64‑£75m bid for Alex Scott, who has turned down a new contract and is linked with several Premier League clubs, keeping his summer future uncertain. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alex-scott-declines-contract-renewal-at-bournemouth ### 2026-07-17: Ederson signs new five‑year deal with Atalanta after failed Manchester United transfer Éderson’s £35‑38 m move to Manchester United fell through after a knee concern; he then signed a five‑year contract with Atalanta, staying until 2031. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-midfielder-ederson-signs-new-deal-with-atalanta-after-manchester-united-transfer-stalls ### 2026-07-17: Manchester United confirms Michael Carrick will stay as head coach Manchester United extended Michael Carrick’s contract as head coach until 2028 after leading the team to Champions League qualification; former players such as Silvestre, Rooney and Valencia voiced support for 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-confirms-michael-carrick-will-stay-as-head-coach ### 2026-07-14: Mason Mount's future at Manchester United uncertain as Newcastle and Aston Villa express interest Mason Mount's future at Manchester United is uncertain as Newcastle United and Aston Villa show interest amid United's midfield overhaul. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mason-mounts-future-at-manchester-united-uncertain-as-newcastle-and-aston-villa-express-interest ### 2026-07-12: Atalanta moves to extend Ederson and Scamacca contracts as Juventus eyes midfielder Juventus targets Atalanta’s Ederson, but a €50 m price tag and medical issue block the move. Atalanta plans four‑year extensions for Ederson and Scamacca, securing them to 2030 with club options. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/atalanta-moves-to-extend-ederson-and-scamacca-contracts-as-juventus-eyes-midfielder ### 2026-07-12: Manchester United eye deeper role for Mason Mount as midfield rebuild stalls Manchester United plan to use Mason Mount in a deeper role under Michael Carrick as failed transfers and injuries leave a midfield crisis, with new signings targeted. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-eye-deeper-role-for-mason-mount-as-midfield-rebuild-stalls ### 2026-07-11: Manchester United's transfer setbacks draw interest from Chelsea and Atalanta Manchester United’s transfer plans stall as a deal for Andrey Santos is confirmed, Ederson’s move collapses over medical concerns, and Chelsea targets Danilo and Diogo Costa. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-uniteds-transfer-setbacks-draw-interest-from-chelsea-and-atalanta ### 2026-07-10: Manchester United's Ederson deal collapses over medical concerns Manchester United stopped a €45 m transfer for Atalanta’s Brazilian midfielder Éderson after a medical revealed a knee issue; United consider renegotiation while Atalanta prepare a contract renewal, and other Q 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/atalantas-ederson-transfer-to-manchester-united-falls-through-club-mulls-renewal ### 2026-07-08: Manchester United finalize £70m Gordon signing and confirm Ederson arrival Manchester United sign Anthony Gordon for £70 m and confirm Ederson's £35 m arrival, while Marcus Rashford plans to depart after the World Cup. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-finalize-70m-gordon-signing-and-confirm-ederson-arrival ### 2026-07-08: Manchester United cancels €45m Ederson transfer amid medical concerns Manchester United pulled out of a €45 m deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson after medical concerns, leaving the player at Atalanta and prompting United to target other midfielders. 25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-uniteds-45m-ederson-transfer-hangs-on-medical ### 2026-07-07: Manchester United manager Michael Carrick vows team can compete for top honors Manchester United’s Michael Carrick, now permanent manager, says the squad can beat top Premier League sides and will chase major trophies, while stressing needed signings. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-manager-michael-carrick-vows-team-can-compete-for-top-honors ### 2026-07-04: Manchester United Near Completion of Ederson Transfer After Medical Delay Manchester United’s £35‑£39 million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson is on track, pending a second medical after the World Cup; rumors of collapse have been denied. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-near-35m-ederson-transfer-after-medical-clearance-pending ### 2026-07-04: Manchester United intensifies chase for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott Manchester United are targeting Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who rejected a contract renewal, to bolster a midfield weakened by Casemiro’s exit and Ugarte’s injury. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alex-scott-linked-with-manchester-united-arsenal-and-chelsea ### 2026-07-03: Manchester United targets midfield reinforcements as summer transfer window unfolds Manchester United are targeting Aurelien Tchouameni, Alex Scott and Crysencio Summerville, have agreed a £35 m Ederson deal, and plan a season‑long loan for Andre Onana. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-targets-midfield-reinforcements-as-summer-transfer-window-unfolds ### 2026-07-02: Manchester United eyes summer signings as Carrick confirmed as permanent manager Manchester United, under permanent manager Michael Carrick, plan summer signings including Ederson, Rafael Leão and others, while goalkeeper Dermot Mee signs a new deal. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-eyes-summer-signings-as-carrick-confirmed-as-permanent-manager ### 2026-06-30: Bournemouth blocks £75m Arsenal bid for midfielder Alex Scott Bournemouth reject Arsenal's £75 m bid for Alex Scott, keeping the midfielder amid interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and other top clubs. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bournemouth-blocks-75m-arsenal-bid-for-midfielder-alex-scott ### 2026-06-29: Chelsea joins race for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott Chelsea is competing with Manchester United and Arsenal to sign Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, while also targeting right‑back Marco Palestra as Xabi Alonso prepares for his first season. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chelsea-joins-race-for-bournemouth-midfielder-alex-scott ### 2026-06-27: Marcus Rashford's United future uncertain amid Barcelona interest and Tottenham link Manchester United aims to sell Marcus Rashford after Barcelona declined a permanent deal; Tottenham interest wanes as Rashford refuses another Premier League move, while Barcelona and other clubs remain in the, 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-considers-bringing-marcus-rashford-back-to-old-trafford ### 2026-06-27: Manchester United targets multiple signings as Carrick reshapes squad Manchester United manager Michael Carrick pursues several signings—including Ederson, Mateus Fernandes, and young Colombian Orozco—while a swap deal for Trent Alexander‑Arnold with Real Madrid is also being mo­ 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-targets-multiple-signings-as-carrick-reshapes-squad ### 2026-06-26: Manchester United leads chase for midfield targets Alex Scott and Aurelien Tchouameni Manchester United become front‑runner for Bournemouth’s Alex Scott after Arsenal quit, while Real Madrid set a €120 million price for Aurelien Tchouameni, testing United’s transfer budget. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-leads-chase-for-midfield-targets-alex-scott-and-aurelien-tchouameni ### 2026-06-24: Alex Scott Draws £60 million Interest from Manchester United and Arsenal Manchester United and Arsenal are eyeing Bournemouth’s 22‑year‑old midfielder Alex Scott, with a possible £60 million fee amid broader midfield rebuilding efforts. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alex-scott-draws-60-million-interest-from-manchester-united-and-arsenal ### 2026-06-21: Manchester United signs Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta Brazilian midfielder Ederson confirms his €45 m move to Manchester United, signing a contract to 2030 as the club’s first major summer signing and Casemiro replacement. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-signs-brazilian-midfielder-ederson-from-atalanta ### 2026-06-19: Manchester United Close to Signing Atalanta Midfielder Ederson Ederson’s transfer to Manchester United is nearly complete, with a €40‑45 m deal agreed and personal terms settled; he joins United’s midfield rebuild after Casemiro’s exit. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-eyes-elliot-anderson-signing-as-claudio-echeverris-future-remains-unsettled ### 2026-06-14: Manchester United weighs Marcus Rashford return under new manager Michael Carrick Manchester United, led by new boss Michael Carrick, are weighing a Marcus Rashford return after his Barcelona loan while also targeting midfield signings such as Elliot Anderson and Marc Casado. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-weighs-marcus-rashford-return-under-new-manager-michael-carrick ### 2026-06-14: Manchester United completes €45‑million signing of Brazilian midfielder Ederson Manchester United have signed Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta for €45 million, with a medical in New York; it’s coach Michael Carrick’s first signing and fan‑token markets barely reacted. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-completes-45million-signing-of-brazilian-midfielder-ederson ### 2026-06-11: Liverpool and Manchester United target Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott in summer transfer battle Liverpool plans a £160 million double signing from Bournemouth, while Manchester United readies an £80 million bid for midfielder Alex Scott, sparking a transfer showdown. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/liverpool-and-manchester-united-target-bournemouth-midfielder-alex-scott-in-summer-transfer-battle ### 2026-06-11: Alex Scott draws interest from PSG, Arsenal and Manchester United Alex Scott, Bournemouth’s 22‑year‑old midfielder, is targeted by PSG with an £80 m offer and also linked to Arsenal and Manchester United, while his club resists selling. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alex-scott-draws-interest-from-psg-arsenal-and-manchester-united ### 2026-06-10: Manchester United names Michael Carrick as permanent manager and eyes new signings Michael Carrick is confirmed as Manchester United’s permanent manager; United, fresh from a third‑place finish, target signings like Robert Lewandowski and consider Marcus Rashford’s return. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-names-michael-carrick-as-permanent-manager-and-eyes-new-signings ### 2026-06-10: Brazil calls up midfielder Ederson for World Cup as Manchester United deal closes Midfielder Ederson joined Brazil’s World Cup squad, trained in New Jersey and is set to sign with Manchester United in a €47 million deal after the tournament. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-calls-up-midfielder-ederson-for-world-cup-as-manchester-united-deal-closes ### 2026-06-09: Alex Scott's £80m move sparks Premier League bidding war Bournemouth value Alex Scott at £80 m as Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United pursue the midfielder, with Liverpool’s new boss Iraola eyed as a potential first signing. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alex-scotts-80m-move-sparks-premier-league-bidding-war ### 2026-06-08: Manchester United eyes Alex Scott as midfield boost follows Ederson signing Manchester United signed Ederson and are now pursuing Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott as a cost‑effective midfield addition. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-eyes-alex-scott-as-midfield-boost-follows-ederson-signing ### 2026-06-07: Manchester United's Ederson transfer delayed by Brazil World Cup call-up Manchester United's £35 m signing of Ederson is delayed as Brazil summons him for the World Cup after defender Wesley's injury. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-uniteds-ederson-transfer-delayed-by-brazil-world-cup-call-up ### 2026-06-06: Manchester United completes €45m signing of Brazilian midfielder Ederson Manchester United have completed the €45 million transfer of Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta, with all documents signed and the deal confirmed by Fabrizio Romano. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-completes-45m-signing-of-brazilian-midfielder-ederson ### 2026-06-05: Manchester United secure Ederson signing as Carrick launches summer overhaul Manchester United have sealed midfielder Ederson from Atalanta for €45 m, the first signing of Michael Carrick’s tenure, as the club also eyes multiple other summer targets. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-gears-up-for-active-summer-transfer-window-under-new-manager ### 2026-06-02: Manchester United complete Ederson signing from Atalanta under Carrick Manchester United have signed Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta for £35 million, the first deal under Michael Carrick, to replace departing Casemiro and boost the midfield. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-sign-brazilian-midfielder-ederson-from-atalanta-for-45-million ### 2026-05-31: Manchester United sign Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta Manchester United have signed Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta for about £35 million, with add‑ons up to £40 million, on a four‑year deal as part of a midfield rebuild. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-faces-midfield-gap-as-casemiro-leaves ### 2026-05-30: Manchester United eyes midfield overhaul as Carrick named permanent manager Michael Carrick is appointed permanent manager of Manchester United, with the club hunting a Casemiro replacement and nearing a £38 m deal for midfielder Ederson; assistant Steve Holland is praised as a key aid 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-uniteds-steve-holland-hailed-as-coaching-genius-behind-michael-carrick ### 2026-05-24: Manchester United seal 3-0 win over Brighton to clinch third place under manager Michael Carrick Manchester United beat Brighton 3-0 to finish third in the Premier League, with new manager Michael Carrick confirming his role and Bruno Fernandes breaking the assist record. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-seal-3-0-win-over-brighton-to-clinch-third-place-under-manager-michael-carrick ### 2026-05-20: Manchester United appoint Michael Carring permanent head coach Manchester United have made Michael Carrick permanent head coach on a two‑year deal until 2028 after his interim spell led the club to a third‑place finish and Champions League qualification. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-appoints-michael-carrick-as-permanent-head-coach ### 2026-05-18: Manchester United appoints Michael Carrick as permanent manager Manchester United confirm Michael Carrick as permanent manager and plan staff and transfer moves ahead of next season. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-appoints-michael-carrick-as-permanent-manager ### 2026-05-12: Michael Carrick Near Permanent Manchester United Job as Andoni Iraola Leaves Bournemouth Michael Carrick poised to become Manchester United’s permanent manager while Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola departs and is ruled out of the United job. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michael-carrick-near-permanent-manchester-united-job-as-andoni-iraola-leaves-bournemouth ### 2026-05-07: Manchester United debates Julian Nagelsmann versus Michael Carrick for permanent manager United weigh German coach Julian Nagelsmann and interim boss Michael Carrick as permanent manager. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-debates-julian-nagelsmann-versus-michael-carrick-for-permanent-manager ### 2026-05-07: Manchester United to face Sunderland at Stadium of Light in Premier League showdown United travel to Sunderland with Carrick’s job on the line; legends split on outcome, and ex‑loanee Amad returns. 24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-to-face-sunderland-at-stadium-of-light-in-premier-league-showdown ### 2026-05-02: Manchester United's Amad Diallo defended by Carrick before Liverpool clash Diallo, a young Manchester United winger with few first-team appearances, is defended by Carrick ahead of a Liverpool clash. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-uniteds-amad-diallo-defended-by-carrick-before-liverpool-clash ### 2026-05-01: Manchester United weighs Carrick appointment as club seeks stability Debate over Michael Carrick's permanent appointment at Manchester United, with Carragher urging confirmation and insiders deeming it a gamble. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-weighs-carrick-appointment-as-club-seeks-stability --- Cite as: Carrick era: Midfield rebuild and transfer volatility. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/manchester-united-balances-a-longterm-player-contract-with-a-contested-managerial-succession-during-