Manchester United plans to invest £200 million to strengthen their defensive midfield this year, potentially signing up to four players, with Carrick offering his advice! The defensive midfielder has once again put himself forward.

According to the UK’s talkSPORT radio, Manchester United aims to sign two out of Elliott Anderson, Adam Walton, and Carlos Baleba during the summer transfer window, allocating over £200 million for these deals. Each of these target players is valued between £80 million and £100 million.

As interim coach Ralf Rangnick once described it as a "major heart surgery," Manchester United has long recognized the need for a complete midfield overhaul. Although Ruben Amorim pushed hard for midfield reinforcements last summer, the club’s focus was on strengthening the attack, and financial constraints forced them to abandon midfield signings.

This year, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos management team, especially sporting director Jason Wilcox and transfer chief Christopher Vivell, face immense pressure to flawlessly rebuild the midfield. Missing out on the Champions League this season has reduced revenue, leaving no room for error at the club.

Regarding the winter transfer window, Manchester United has yet to make a final decision. The 29-year-old former Leicester City defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has once again offered himself to the Red Devils. Despite the club previously rejecting his agent’s approach, the Nigerian international is eager to return to the Premier League and continues to push for a chance.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed: "Manchester United have again been offered the possibility of loaning Ndidi, but no progress has been made so far. The club is assessing the midfield transfer market opportunities and may act in the final week if possible. It’s not guaranteed, but United will analyze the situation in the coming days."

After Sunday’s away match against Arsenal, Manchester United’s next game won’t be until February, giving them a week to weigh up whether to make a last-minute signing. Obviously, although manager Carrick doesn’t have transfer decision power, he will provide input, especially on midfield signings. At 44, Carrick was a key defensive midfielder for the Red Devils during his playing days.

When asked at this week’s pre-match press conference if he would discuss midfield reinforcements with the club’s board, Carrick responded: "My role definitely requires that. Whatever decisions are made for the club’s future, whatever the topic, I will fully commit to fulfilling my responsibilities."

Carrick explained: "As a former midfielder, I naturally have that inclination. But aside from that, given my current position, I will undoubtedly be an important part of future discussions. We must ensure the team takes the right steps in its ongoing development and prepares properly. I will be involved in an appropriate manner."

It is reported that Manchester United will focus on signing players with Premier League experience to avoid issues with adaptation. Over the past 20 years, the club’s investment in defensive midfielders has been limited; since 2006, only £218 million has been spent, including on Carrick himself. However, more than half of that sum was spent on Casemiro and Ugarte.

British media state that Casemiro might move on a free transfer to MLS side LA Galaxy, while Ugarte, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain for £52 million, has yet to meet expectations.

Among former Manchester United key defensive midfielders, Carrick is now head coach, Matic still plays for Lyon in Ligue 1, Schneiderlin serves as sporting director at Strasbourg, and Owen Hargreaves works as a commentator for TNT Sports.

The UK’s Daily Mail reports that if Ugarte transfers this summer, and considering the futures of Bruno Fernandes and Cody Meno, in an extreme scenario, Manchester United could sign up to four new midfielders! However, realistically, two or three is more likely. Regardless of numbers, for a club that has long neglected midfield issues, this revival could be decisive.