Carrick Pushes United to Target Rogers as Rebuild Talks Intensify

Manchester United’s interim boss Michael Carrick has personally recommended Aston Villa winger Morgan Rogers as a priority summer signing, TEAMtalk understands, injecting early momentum into the club’s forthcoming squad overhaul.

Carrick, who stepped into the hot seat in January after Ruben Amorim’s departure and remains in contention for the permanent role, worked closely with Rogers during their shared spell at Middlesbrough and has since relayed a glowing assessment to United director of football Jason Wilcox. The 22-year-old’s direct style and versatility across the forward line have been highlighted as ideal attributes to refresh an attack that has laboured for consistency this season.

Villa, mindful of both home-grown talent rules and their own European ambitions, are braced for formal offers and are understood to be demanding a club-record fee before even entertaining negotiations. United’s hierarchy, wary of repeating past overspending, have yet to lodge a bid but are weighing up an approach that would satisfy both Financial Sustainability regulations and Carrick’s on-pitch blueprint.

The development comes as United attempt to finalise a wider rebuild strategy, with several senior stars facing uncertain futures. Carrick’s endorsement of Rogers is viewed internally as a statement of intent: recruit young, British core players capable of pressing aggressively and transitioning quickly—traits the interim coach believes have slipped from United’s DNA.

Elsewhere, Newcastle have informed suitors that any pursuit of midfielder Sandro Tonali must be declared early in the window, with the Magpies setting a £100 million valuation and refusing to countenance a protracted saga. Arsenal and Manchester City have joined United in monitoring the Italian, though formal declarations of interest are yet to materialise.

United are also monitoring Bournemouth’s outgoing defender Marcos Senesi, while keeping positive dialogue with captain Bruno Fernandes, who is attracting persistent interest from the Saudi Pro League. Sources close to the player suggest Champions League qualification could prove pivotal in persuading Fernandes to extend his stay beyond 2025.

With the summer window looming, Carrick’s early intervention on Rogers signals a desire to shape United’s business swiftly should he land the managerial role on a permanent basis.