United’s pursuit of “special” English maestro in ruins as Nottingham Forest slams door shut on summer move – report

Manchester United’s summer plans are centred around improving Michael Carrick’s midfield options, with INEOS keen to add at least two more players to the engine room at Old Trafford. A host of names have been linked with making the move, with Atalanta’s Ederson all but confirmed as the first new addition to Carrick’s squad. United CEO Omar Berrada recently confirmed that United will be looking for a mix of Premier League-proven stars as well as talent from further afield, meaning the next signing is likely to come from inside the division. Target ruled out Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has been touted as a possible target for the United hierarchy, but it seems they will have to look elsewhere, with Forest confident of keeping hold of one of their star men. As relayed by Give Me Sport, Forest expect Gibbs-White to stay at the City Ground after committing to a new contract when he looked destined to move last summer. With Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis “blocking” Gibbs-White once more, the 26-year-old might well be left thinking he is now tied to the club for life after the debacle with Tottenham Hotspur this time last year. Given Elliott Anderson is expected to leave Nottingham this summer, Marinakis clearly has no intention of letting both of his star players leave in the same window, and Gibbs-White will be the one staying put. United had both players on their wish list but appear to be behind Manchester City in the race to sign Anderson, and with the fresh developments on Gibbs-White, they look unlikely to be doing any business with the Europa League semi-finalists. Other targets gain more focus Gibbs-White is described as a “special” talent by his manager at the City Ground, Vitor Pereira, and would undoubtedly have added quality to Carrick’s ranks. However, he did feel like an unlikely signing, with United’s focus on other targets appearing to gather pace. Furthermore, the Englishman is more suited to the role Bruno Fernandes currently occupies at Old Trafford, and with the captain expected to stay, that is one area of the pitch United currently appear suitably stocked in. West Ham United’s Matheus Fernandes and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali look the hottest names on the shortlist right now, with INEOS keen to get their business done as early as possible. However, both clubs are holding on for huge fees for the respective players, and it might take some time to strike a deal that suits all parties. With the World Cup expected to hold up certain deals in the coming weeks, it might be a while before United can announce any shiny new signings, but no doubt the head figures will be working tirelessly behind the scenes to arm Carrick with the relevant tools as he heads into his first full season in charge. Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Conner Botterill Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for three years. A lifelong red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology through the Open University. His favourite match attended was the unforgettable night in Paris in 2019 under the guidance of one of his idols, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.