With seven matches remaining, Michael Carrick’s Manchester United is in a good position to finish in the top three of the Premier League this season.
This isn’t guaranteed, as Chelsea, Liverpool, and Aston Villa are all facing difficulties.
Since taking over from Ruben Amorim, Carrick has made significant improvements during his interim period, but it’s unclear if he will be appointed full-time.
Choosing Carrick might be wise since he understands the dynamics at Old Trafford, but a trophy-focused manager like Luis Enrique could bring a new direction to the club.
Regardless of the outcome, Carrick will be appreciated for his contributions, especially if he gets the team back into European competition.
Whether or not they achieve Champions League qualification for the 2026/27 season, it’s evident that new midfield players are needed.
Casemiro’s experience will be missed next season, and Kobbie Mainoo – who is close to a new contract – will require a long-term partner.
Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United are on Manchester United’s radar, but both would come at a high cost.
A more affordable option could be Orkun Kokcu from Besiktas, who is currently on loan from Benfica but will transfer to the Turkish club permanently in the summer.
Reports indicate that scouts from Old Trafford were present to watch the 25-year-old during Besiktas’ 2-1 victory over Kasimpasa.
Representatives from Tottenham Hotspur were also there, and Inter Milan is reportedly interested as well.
At just 25 years old, Inter sees Kokcu as a potential long-term solution in midfield.
However, the chance to play for Manchester United, a major global club, could be appealing for him.
A potential hurdle is Besiktas’ position. After his permanent move, they won’t consider offers below €50 million due to his significance to the team.
This season, he has achieved 15 goal involvements (seven goals and eight assists) across competitions, showcasing his offensive capabilities.
What stands out about the Feyenoord youth product is his versatility in midfield: he excels in tight spaces, provides leadership, and has exceptional passing skills.
While he might not be at the top of Manchester United’s summer wish list, he remains a solid option at a lower cost compared to Guimaraes and Tonali.