Celtic midfielder linked to Manchester United

Michael Carrick’s Manchester United would have been kicking themselves as they left Bournemouth with just a point extra to add to their tally for the 2025/26 campaign.

In a match that ended 2-2, the Red Devils took charge in the 61st minute but the Cherries were quick to respond through Ryan Christie six minutes later.

United’s one-goal advantage was then re-earned via a James Hill own goal but Eli Junior scored the fourth – and final – goal of the match in the 81st minute.

As things stand, Carrick and his men sit third in the Premier League table and, after Liverpool and Chelsea lost on Sunday, picking up a point on the south coast looks much more impressive.

Although things are going rather well under Carrick (he’s lost just once in his second spell in the dugout), there are clear issues that need to be addressed in the summer months.

That is irrespective of whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS decide that Carrick is the man for the job on a full-time basis.

One key area that is especially in need of reinforcements is the centre of the park and that is especially the case with Casemiro leaving in the summer.

Kobbie Mainoo looks set to put pen to paper on a new deal, which is terrific news, but he’ll need somebody to partner him in the engine room.

Sandro Tonali and Andrey Santos have both been mooted as potential options but a much cheaper alternative would be Celtic’s Benjamin Nygren.

And according to Sportbladet, Nygren – a 24-year-old Sweden international who joined the Scottish giants in summer 2025 – is among those admired by the Red Devils.

Having joined from FC Nordjalland, Nygren signed a five-year deal on arrival and it would be tricky to lure him away from Scotland – but interest from United could entice him to move.

What is so brilliant about the 2001-born star is the fact that he is so versatile. This season alone, Transfermarkt insists that he’s played in central midfield, on both flanks, at centre-forward and as Celtic’s No.10.

Across all competitions, he’s notched 26 goal involvements (19 goals and seven assists) in 48 outings and looked like he could be on the move sooner rather than later.

Speaking to Sportbladet, Benjamin Nygren has delved deeper into his career-best season north of the border. “It’s been a really good season for me personally,” he said.

“The best of my career and I feel like I’ve got exactly the role I wanted at Celtic. I can be creative from my position in midfield, create a lot going forward and individually it’s been a good season.”

In terms of being linked with big clubs such as Manchester United, he remained coy about his situation by saying, “It’s really just fun and a sign that you’ve done something good. I’m always humble, I’m always working hard to get better every day and I really enjoy Celtic.

“But like every other footballer, I have a dream to get as far as possible with my football and play in the biggest leagues.”