Former England striker Emile Heskey believes Manchester United could be just one signing away from becoming Premier League title contenders.
Confidence is high at Old Trafford that the glory days could be returning after the promising start to Michael Carrick’s managerial reign.
United looked destined to once again miss out on the Champions League last season until Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim and guided the Red Devils to a third-place finish.
Despite his positive impact, Carrick made it clear to Old Trafford bosses that summer reinforcements were needed, with several areas of the pitch requiring strengthening.
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Manchester United spent around £85m to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea, but Carrick wants one more midfielder to join his squad following Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s serious injury.
Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and France World Cup star Manu Kone have all been linked but Heskey believes Carrick should launch a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Fernandez, who helped Argentina reach the World Cup final before being sent off in the defeat to Spain, has made it clear he wants to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
A dream move to Real Madrid looks increasingly unlikely – despite Jose Mourinho endorsing the transfer – due to Chelsea’s huge asking price, which stands at a staggering £120m.
Few other clubs have expressed interest in Fernandez given his asking price but Heskey says he would strengthen Manchester United and turn them into title challengers.
United have not won the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 and finished behind local rivals Manchester City and current champions Arsenal last season.
‘Midfield is an area that Manchester United can definitely improve, and Enzo Fernandez would help,’ Heskey told BoyleSports, who offer the latest Premier League odds.
‘With Casemiro leaving earlier in the summer, they need to replace that presence. He had a very good end to the season and will be missed.
‘I think Enzo Fernandez could be the one to come in and replace him. And if they get him, I can see them as title challengers.
‘They’ve always had the players, Manchester United, but the systems played by previous managers haven’t always suited them.
‘If they get the system right, there’s no reason they shouldn’t be challenging Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool for the title.’
As well as targeting another midfielder, Manchester United are also keen to sign a new left-back to provide cover and competition for the injury-prone Luke Shaw.
Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall has emerged as Carrick’s top target for that position but the Red Devils also admire Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Manchester United face newly-promoted Hull City in their Premier League opener on August 22.
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