Wilcox making it his mission to sign £60m star for Man Utd

After securing a third-placed finish in the Premier League under Michael Carrick this term, many Manchester United supporters will be hoping it’s the start of a very successful managerial tenure.

The 44-year-old only suffered two defeats in his 17 games at the helm – the type of record which would have secured the title had he been in charge from the start of August.

However, next campaign will be where Carrick is judged most, with the new manager having the pressure of being the club’s full-time manager to contend with.

The pending arrival of Ederson is an example of the investment the hierarchy are willing to make this summer, but it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down any time soon.

Numerous other top-level targets continue to be pursued by the board, with Technical Director Jason Wilcox at the forefront of the efforts to land new talent at Old Trafford.

Man Utd targeting move to land £60m target this summer

Ederson’s arrival will see the first of multiple central midfielders join United this summer, but other areas of the squad are also expected to be bolstered in the months ahead.

Porto winger William Gomes has been mentioned as one attacking target, with talks already being held with the player’s representatives in the last couple of weeks.

The Brazilian is also said to have admirers from fellow Premier League side Arsenal, which could lead to a transfer battle for the £52m-rated star this summer.

However, the defensive department is also said to be the subject of investment this window, as Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall has once again been touted with a move to join Carrick’s men.

According to TEAMtalk, talks have already been held to secure the Englishman’s signature, but Eddie Howe’s men are reluctant to offload the youngster this window.

The report also states that Wilcox is personally driving the move to land the 21-year-old, as he attempts to add needed depth in full-back areas.

The Magpies have slapped a £60m price tag on Hall’s head to prevent any interest, but it appears as though the Red Devils could be willing to match the asking price.

Why Hall would be Carrick’s answer to Elliot Anderson at United

In an attempt to bolster the United ranks this summer, Carrick’s side have already been linked with a move to land Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.

The Red Devils have been closely monitoring the Englishman’s progress in recent months, which could see them make a potential move in the near future.

However, Manchester City have also stormed into the race and now appear to be the favourites to secure the 23-year-old’s signature during the upcoming window.

Carrick’s men are said to be put off by the current £115m asking price for the midfielder, which could see them turn to alternative targets during the summer.

Whilst Hall may not be a central midfielder, he could become United’s own version of Anderson should he make the move to join Carrick’s men in the months ahead.

He would emulate his compatriot in leaving the Magpies to join another Premier League outfit and potentially take his career to the next level away from St James’ Park.

His stats from the recent campaign showcase his phenomenal ability at both ends of the pitch, which could make him the perfect long-term solution to United’s left-back issues.

Hall, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by journalist Jordan Cronin, completed 85% of the passes he attempted, whilst also creating a staggering 1.3 chances per 90.

Both of the aforementioned tallies rank him in the top 20% of all full-backs in Europe and highlights his incredible ability to create carnage within the attacking third.

However, without the ball, the youngster was just as impressive throughout 2025/26, subsequently winning 6.5 ground duels and making 2.3 tackles per 90.

Other tallies, such as 5.3 ball recoveries and 7.2 defensive contributions per 90, also showcase his all-round quality, with the full-back demonstrating talent way beyond his tender years.

At £60m, it would be yet another sizeable deal for United, but it’s a move that could secure the club a top-level for many years to come – not to mention in a problem position too.

Missing out on Anderson would be a bitter blow for the Red Devils – especially to their rivals – but a move for Hall could provide the club with their own version of the £115m star.