Manchester United target Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers as Carrick pushes for deal
Manchester United have identified Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers as a primary summer transfer target, with interim manager Michael Carrick reportedly urging the club to secure a deal. The pursuit signals United's intent to add attacking firepower ahead of a crucial rebuilding phase under new ownership.
According to reports from FootballTransfers, Carrick is a strong admirer of the 23-year-old and has advocated for the move as the club looks to finalize its strategy ahead of the summer window. While no official bid has been confirmed, the interest is considered serious, with Rogers viewed as a player who fits the profile of a dynamic, versatile attacker capable of operating across the front line.
Rogers joined Aston Villa from Manchester City in January 2024 for a fee reported to be around £8 million, with add-ons potentially raising the total to £15 million. After a slow start, he has developed into a key figure under Unai Emery, making 47 appearances last season and contributing 11 goals and 12 assists. His blend of physicality, technical skill, and eye for goal has made him one of the Premier League's emerging talents.
For Manchester United, the move aligns with a shift towards recruiting younger, high-potential players with resale value. The club's new minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has emphasized a data-driven approach to recruitment, and Rogers's profile and recent productivity make him a logical target. His ability to play as a central striker, second striker, or wide forward would provide tactical flexibility for whoever is appointed as the permanent manager.
From Aston Villa's perspective, retaining Rogers will be a priority given his importance to Emery's system and their upcoming Champions League campaign. Any deal would likely require a fee significantly above the £15 million they committed, potentially testing United's willingness to invest heavily in a player with just over 18 months of consistent top-flight performance. The situation is complicated by Villa's own need to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules, which could make a substantial offer difficult to refuse.
In other transfer news, Bayern Munich director Max Eberl has told Liverpool there is "no chance" of Michael Olise leaving the club this summer, according to the same source. This dashes hopes at Anfield of securing the French winger as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah. Meanwhile, Arsenal could consider offers for highly-rated youngster Ethan Nwaneri, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the club's stance, and Tottenham are linked with a move for Liverpool's Andy Robertson as a potential first signing for expected new manager Roberto De Zerbi.
The focus at Old Trafford, however, remains on securing Rogers. His potential acquisition represents a statement of intent for United's new era, aiming to blend immediate impact with long-term project value. The coming weeks will determine if Villa's resolve can be tested and if United can translate their interest into a formal agreement.
