Manchester United are reportedly planning life after Michael Carrick and want to replace the veteran midfielder with Jorginho next season.
Manchester United might have lost the title to Manchester City this season, but are planning on rebuilding their squad well ahead of next season with Jorginho a prime midfield target. According to The Sun, manager, Jose Mourinho has pencilled in the Italian midfielder to replace the retiring Michael Carrick for next season.
Carrick has been at the heart of Manchester United’s midfield for well over a decade, and when he finally hangs up his boots at the end of the season, Italian midfielder Jorginho is earmarked to replace the veteran midfielder. Jorginho has been a star performer for Napoli this season as the Italian side fight for the Serie A title with Juventus.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s problems in midfield have been well documented, with Mourinho’s alleged rift with star man Paul Pogba a subject of widespread reports. And, there is a feeling a change might be needed in the area. But, it is not Pogba’s position that the Red Devils are looking at, but Carrick’s.
Carrick’s loss would mean Manchester United lack a top quality distributor in the middle of the park to help the attacks and control the midfield. Toni Kroos is thought to be United’s primary target in that area, but there are plenty of doubts about the German joining the Premier League giants in the summer.
Kroos has a contract with Real Madrid until 2022, which he signed in 2016, and has been one of their top performers as the Spanish side won back-to-back Champions League titles. While the German is rumoured to be on the transfer list for Real Madrid, there could be complications in his pursuit.
That leaves Jorginho as a viable target to pursue for Manchester United, who are impressed by his performances this season. The player would not be cheap, as Napoli would demand a significant sum for their star midfielder. If he is signed, United will have less uncertainty surrounding their midfield with even Marouane Fellaini reportedly set to leave on a free transfer.
If Manchester United are to sign Jorginho, they need to act fast on their initial interest from January, as Premier League rivals in Manchester City and other clubs are also in the hunt for the Italy international.
Jorginho’s addition will be good news for Manchester United as the midfielder brings a lot of quality to the team, which would the team could lack after Carrick departs, and it now remains to be seen if they indeed succeed in securing his services.
