Nicky Butt rates Manchester United’s pursuit of a World Cup star but fears he may be too ‘inconsistent’ to have a big impact in Michael Carrick’s team.
With Champions League football returning to Old Trafford next season, United need plenty of reinforcements if they are to compete on multiple fronts.
Rebuilding the midfield is Carrick’s top priority, with Ederson already signed from Atalanta, but more is needed especially with Casemiro gone and Manuel Ugarte surplus to requirements.
The likes of Aurelien Tchouameni, Elliot Anderson and Matheus Fernandes have been linked with the Red Devils.
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However, Fernandes is not the only West Ham star on Carrick’s shortlist, with winger Crysencio Summerville emerging as a surprise target.
Summerville recorded seven goals and five assists in 34 games last season, and scored a stunner as the Netherlands began their World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw with Japan.
Reports suggest the 24-year-old will cost around £50million, a fee that could fluctuate based on the Irons’ relegation from the Premier League and the forward’s form at the World Cup.
United legend Butt believes the move could be good if the price is right but warns Carrick that Summerville is yet to demonstrate he can play at the elite level.
‘He’s an explosive player, he’s good to watch, but I don’t think he’s consistent enough,’ the Class of 92 alumni said.
‘However, the money shouldn’t be a lot to get him, and United have to build a squad. It can’t be all about going and getting the superstar signings.
‘Summerville was brilliant for the Netherlands in the first game, so he could potentially start every week for Man United. I’m looking at him thinking he’s got to get a lot more consistent to get to the next level.
‘But I’d still definitely look at signing a player like him. We’ve got to build the squad, the bench has got to be stronger. When you play a team and see their starting 11 but then they’ve got another four that can come on and make a difference, that’s massive.
‘When United played Leeds at Old Trafford last season and they got beat, the players on the bench and around the squad weren’t good enough. When they’re all fit they’re really good but they still need to build the squad so I’d be going for some players like that as well.’
United do lack depth on the left-flank where Summerville predominately plays. Carrick’s current options are Matheus Cunha, who is more naturally a centre-forward, and Patrick Dorgu, who has been converted from left-back.
The Red Devils will begin the 2026/27 Premier League season with a trip tonewly-promoted Hull City on August 22.
Nicky Butt was speaking exclusively to Paddy Power.
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