Manchester United’s winter looks awkward from both ends of the pitch. The captain’s market value is being talked down in public, and the striker they are being pointed towards has not started a Ligue 1 game this season.
Cascarino’s verdict was the blunt one. Writing for TeamTalk, the former Republic of Ireland forward flipped the question of what Fernandes is worth back on United.
“How many Manchester United players do you think you would get £60million for?”
The 32-year-old captain’s current contract runs until 2027, and the club reconfirmed him as skipper for the season in October. Cascarino’s point to TeamTalk was that no English top-flight rival would match that valuation for a player of his age, however important he has been to United over his years at Old Trafford.
Read also: Matty Cash suspension hands Emery a problem before Villa’s trip to Old Trafford
Mendes starts shopping Balogun around
The counterweight is a striker whose own stock is slipping. Jorge Mendes has begun working on options for Folarin Balogun in the January window, with United one of several Premier League sides pitched the chance to sign the 25-year-old US international.
Leeds United and Newcastle United are also among the clubs offered the deal. Crystal Palace, Everton, Nottingham Forest and Juventus have been sounded out as well.
The timing is not accidental. Balogun has made four Ligue 1 appearances this season, all off the bench, and was left out of Monaco’s European squad, with Paris Brunner preferred as first-choice striker. A summer move to Everton broke down late over medical concerns.
United 17th and a head coach under review
The club receiving the pitch is in no shape to be picky. Head coach Michael Carrick will stay in charge for Tuesday’s Champions League tie against Roma after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Chelsea, which left United on seven points and 17th in the Premier League. They have gone nine matches without a win and are in their worst start to a league season since 1988.
Read also: US court reinstates Sunday Ticket lawsuit: What it means for NFL fans worldwide
Carrick’s position will be reviewed again during the November international break, after a trip to Aston Villa, with Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann cited as replacement candidates.
“We’ve got to move forward and win matches, it’s as simple as that,” Carrick said after the Chelsea game.
With fitness concerns around Benjamin Sesko, United do need a striker. United visit Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, after Tuesday’s meeting with Roma at Old Trafford.
Read also: Kimi Antonelli break down in tears as he became F1 world champion
