Manchester United spent £39 million to sign Evan Ndicka during Michael Carrick's time in charge.
Manchester United are expected to submit a formal offer for AS Roma center-back Evan Ndicka in an effort to strengthen their defense and overtake Tottenham in the race to sign the French star.
Manchester United are stepping up their plans to sign center-back Evan Ndicka from AS Roma for an estimated £39 million. This move demonstrates the Old Trafford club's determination to strengthen their defense and gives them an advantage over direct rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who have been closely following the French star since last summer's transfer window.
The personnel revolution under Michael Carrick
Since taking over the team in January, manager Michael Carrick has orchestrated a spectacular resurgence at Old Trafford. Under the English strategist's leadership, Manchester United have won 7 and lost only 1 of their last 10 Premier League matches.
This rise propelled the Red Devils to third place in the league table, opening up a great opportunity for a return to the Champions League. Legend David Beckham believes this change brings more reassurance to fans than at any other time in the past decade. This consistency in performance is the foundation upon which INEOS Group has confidently invested in quality targets like Evan Ndicka.
Why Evan Ndicka became a priority target
Evan Ndicka, 26, is considered one of the most consistent center-backs in Serie A. The Frenchman's greatest strengths are his enduring physical fitness and intelligent play. Last season, he was the only non-goalkeeper player for AS Roma to play every minute in the domestic league.
Having a left-footed center-back like Ndicka would give Michael Carrick more tactical options, especially in supporting or rotating Lisandro Martinez. Former manager Claudio Ranieri once praised Ndicka as a true "warrior" with extraordinary form, something Manchester United desperately needs to build a solid central defensive foundation.
Financial pressure from AS Roma
Notably, Manchester United holds a significant advantage as AS Roma is forced to sell players before June 30th to meet UEFA's financial regulations. A price of £39 million is considered reasonable for a center-back in the prime of his career like Ndicka.
Besides strengthening their defense, Manchester United's scouting department is also targeting high-value midfielders such as Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United (valued at around £100 million) or Bruno Guimaraes. However, the top priority in the short term remains completing the Ndicka deal to stabilize the squad for the new season.
Despite facing competition from Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Liverpool, Manchester United is currently considered an attractive destination thanks to its resurgence under Michael Carrick. If successful, this would be a major blow to Tottenham's ambitions and a testament to the financial strength and new vision of the Old Trafford club.