Michael Carrick’s appointment as interim manager has clearly revitalised Manchester United. The club now sit third in the Premier League, in stark contrast to their results and performances under former manager Ruben Amorim.
To build on this good form, the Red Devils need to bolster their squad for next season. Speaking to MyBettingSites.co.uk, former Manchester United defender Paul Parker shared his thoughts on potential signings who can move the needle at Old Trafford.
Cole Palmer is not the player he was
With Chelsea currently in a state of flux, questions have been raised as to whether Manchester United should attempt to lure Palmer away from London. The Chelsea star’s future has become a central talking point as the Blues struggle to find their footing following the departure of Enzo Maresca.
Parker, who also played for Chelsea, remains intrigued by the prospect of Palmer returning to Manchester but insists the manager’s preference, whoever that may be, must come first.
“Obviously, I have seen that Palmer has been linked with a move away from Chelsea. If he ever were to be mentioned with Man United, we would have to see if the manager wants him first and foremost.”
While Palmer was previously the undisputed talisman at Stamford Bridge, Parker notes that the player’s impact has waned significantly in recent months.
“He is a very good player and he was carrying Chelsea in the beginning of the season, but then everything changed. Palmer changed as well and he isn’t the player he was. Since Maresca got sacked, he hasn’t been anywhere near the player he was.”
Despite these concerns, the former England international believes the current environment at Chelsea might make a move to Old Trafford a logical step for the player, even if his current form is lacking.
“Actually, I can see him coming to Manchester United, because with the way Chelsea is being run, I would imagine that he wants to leave. I like the idea of it, but he hasn’t been good lately.”
The former England international also cast doubt on recent public statements made by Palmer regarding his happiness in London, suggesting that the reality behind the scenes may be very different.
“He has a lot of injuries and it seems like he doesn’t enjoy playing at Chelsea, but it is an interesting one. I saw an interview where he said he is happy at Chelsea and asked why he should leave, but you have to remember that we are talking about Cole Palmer here.”
“The way he talks, did anyone really believe what he said? Are you that silly to believe what he said was true? He is going to say exactly what people want to hear. He is never going to be controversial and say he wants to leave. That could cause issues.”
Murillo’s a better option than Micky van de Ven
Defensive stability remains a primary concern for Manchester United, particularly with Matthijs de Ligt continuing to struggle with a persistent back injury. This has led the club to monitor Nottingham Forest’s Murillo and Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven as potential solutions. Parker is candid about his preferences, naming Murillo as a standout candidate for the role.
“I like Murillo a lot, I think he is a fantastic defender. He is strong, he is tenacious and he is very quick. He is extremely solid as well and good with the ball. He is definitely a player I would bring in at the club.”
In contrast, the Englishman offered a scathing assessment of van de Ven, suggesting that the Dutch defender’s reputation has suffered during Tottenham’s recent struggles.
“When Van de Ven arrived at Tottenham, I liked him, but he has changed. I am not sure you can trust him as a defender. I think we have to question his attitude as well and I think every single sporting director in the Premier League is questioning his attitude as well.”
“Is he a leader? I don’t think so. He hasn’t stepped up in the crisis Tottenham has gone through. He is not helping his teammates and I don’t think he is taking enough responsibility on the pitch and in the dressing room.”
“He gets himself out of trouble with his pace, but why is he always in trouble? Is it his brain? I don’t think he is a clever player and he is being saved by his pace rather than his starting position, which is questionable.”
Ultimately, Parker believes that Murillo is the more viable option of the two, specifically noting how the Brazilian could aid the development of United’s young prospect, Ayden Heaven.
“They have to sign a centre-half, but I would never urge the club to sign him. I would pick Murillo. I would trust him much more and I think he could help Heaven improve as well.”
Five must-buy signings in the summer
Beyond the centre-back position, Parker argues that Manchester United require a significant overhaul to become true title contenders. He insists that five specific additions are needed to improve the core of the starting line-up.
“I think Man United at least need to make five signings to improve the starting eleven. In an ideal world it would be more, but five is probably realistic. The first I want to point out is Murillo because of what I said about him before.”
The full-back positions are highlighted as areas of particular weakness. The former right back suggests that Muñoz from Crystal Palace would provide a necessary upgrade on the right flank over current options like Noussair Mazraoui.
“Another one I would like at Man United is Daniel Muñoz from Crystal Palace. I really like him as a right back and he can play both as a wingback and a normal fullback. I think he is a better version of Mazraoui. Fullbacks need an upgrade and he could be the upgrade on the right hand side.”
On the left side, the decline and injury record of Luke Shaw has prompted Parker to look towards West Ham’s left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf. He believes the Senegalese defender’s crossing ability would be a major asset, especially for a striker like Benjamin Šeško.
“The left fullback is a weakness as well and they definitely need an upgrade from Luke Shaw. I would look at El Hadji Malick Diouf from West Ham. I think he is incredible and he is so much more dynamic than Luke Shaw. He is one of the best crossers I have seen in the Premier League in recent times.”
“Sesko would benefit a lot from his crosses. He knocks them in early and he can cross from everywhere on the pitch. He can defend as well and he is running all the time. I love watching him play and he would improve the team a lot.”
To round out the recruitment drive, Parker identifies Barco and Baleba as high-potential targets who could bolster both the defence and the midfield.
“I like Valentin Barco as well and he would improve both the fullback and the midfield, but I would like to see him in the midfield.”
“I really like Carlos Baleba as well and the price tag for him is not as expensive as it would have been one year ago.”
While an offensive reinforcement is still on the wishlist, Parker concludes that these five primary defensive and midfield upgrades must be the priority.
“They need an attacking player as well, but these are five players I would love to see at the club”
