A Manchester United transfer target’s recent “dream” comments has piled the pressure onto head coach Michael Carrick.
Manchester United have looked like a club reborn since Michael Carrick took charge of the club. He replaced interim coach Darren Fletcher, who led United against Burnley and Brighton and Hove Albion in the days after Rúben Amorim’s sacking.
Since his return to the dugout, Carrick has led United into six games and won five, with just one draw away to West Ham United. The last game – an away trip to the Hill Dickinson – was close to another stalemate, but Benjamin Šeško saved the day, once again.
The Slovenian centre-forward, who joined United for over £70 million in the summer, has netted late winners or equalisers against Fulham, West Ham and Everton under Carrick.
It’s not just Šeško who seems to be happier with Carrick at the helm, though. In fact, the majority of the United squad seems in favour of the former England international, begging the question: could he be the full-time head coach Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox are looking for?
Perhaps. Perhaps not. What is certain, though, is that Carrick must qualify for the Champions League with a top-four finish in the Premier League if he wants to throw his name into the hat of managerial contention. That goal has become even more paramount after the recent comments of a Manchester United transfer target.
Bidon names Champions League as dream
In October, United were reportedly weighing up a £10 million move for Corinthians midfielder Breno Bidon, who had also caught the eye of PSV, Napoli and Al-Ahli, as per SportsWitness. The 21-year-old is now also being scouted by Arsenal and Chelsea, so United must act quickly if they want to secure his services.
As well as speed, United must also qualify for the Champions League if they want to sign Bidon this summer. In a recent interview with TNT Sports, the midfielder spoke of his “dream” to play in the competition.
“I do dream about playing in Europe. It has been a dream since I was a kid – to play in Europe, to play in the Champions League, to play, like I said, in a World Cup,” he said.”
“It has been a dream since I was young. I do have that desire. I do not know when the moment will come, but I do have that desire to play abroad.”
Carrick will be feeling the pressure to help United back into Europe’s elite competition, especially after Bidon’s comments.
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Where would Bidon play for United?
United’s need for a central midfielder is well known, especially with Casemiro leaving the club at the end of the season. While director of football Jason Wilcox will be looking for an experienced head to replace him, Bidon could also be an option.
The young Brazilian began his professional career as a defensive midfielder and has since begun to play in a more expansive role in central midfield, similar to Kobbie Mainoo.
With United set to return to Europe next season, Bidon could play a second-fiddle role as either a box-to-box player, when Mainoo needs a rest, or as a true defensive midfielder, behind another new signing.
As for the high-profile midfield signing, United are said to have narrowed their options to a five-man list, including Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba.
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