Manchester United are preparing a summer move for Aston Villa and England attacker Morgan Rogers, with the club's hierarchy aligned on pursuing the 23-year-old. According to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, speaking to The United Stand, United are among a group of elite clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain, showing serious interest, with a potential fee expected to be in the region of £80 million or more.
Interim manager Michael Carrick and director of football Jason Wilcox are reportedly united in their admiration for the player, providing significant internal momentum for a deal. Carrick briefly managed Rogers during his time at Middlesbrough and remains a firm admirer, while Wilcox was involved in the player's development during their shared time at Manchester City's academy. This shared history is seen as a potential advantage should United formalize their interest.
The interest comes amid a belief that Aston Villa are open to a sale to balance their books, regardless of whether they secure Champions League qualification. Sources close to the situation indicate that while Rogers has an excellent relationship with manager Unai Emery and the club, Villa's financial model may necessitate a major sale, with the creative midfielder viewed as a prime candidate. Rogers contributed 12 goals and nine assists in 49 appearances this season, establishing himself as a key figure in Villa's attack.
For Manchester United, Rogers is viewed as a versatile forward who could primarily operate from the left wing, an area of need, while also providing cover and a potential long-term successor to Bruno Fernandes in the number ten role. The player himself is said to have no strong preference between the two positions, being comfortable on the left or centrally but less so on the right flank. United's transfer strategy this summer is understood to prioritize a new defensive midfielder, but a versatile attacker like Rogers is a high-priority secondary objective.
The competition for his signature remains fierce, with several Premier League rivals in the mix. However, reported cooling of interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich, who are focusing on other targets like Yan Diomande and Anthony Gordon, may have slightly cleared the field. The final decision may also be influenced by United's managerial situation; if Carrick secures the permanent job, his pre-existing relationship with Rogers could prove decisive in any negotiation.
